Was there a recent change in the AA quest? It was my understanding that buying the ashes from someone would not allow you to finish the quest and that this was a scam. Yesterday, I saw 4 different people trying to sell the ashes. I've been playing a month and have only seen one person trying to do this.... until yesterday.
If this is still a scam, I'd gladly report it, but I wasn't sure since there were so many doing this.
p.s. Yes, I've already done the quest, so I'm not looking to buy any.
Althea's Ashes scam...
Swampgirl Inez
Phoenix Denfer
I believe the sudden interest to sell ashes may be do to a glitch where if you are working in a party, not npc's, who are all trying to complete this mission, whoever actually DOES grab the ashes may get multiple copies. (This has also been reported in the Question and Answer thread as receiving multiple "cures" for Relena.)
A guildmate of mine got two sets of ashes, while I just maintained my empty urn. We both still received credit for completeing the quest.
Unless the quest can not be completed by just presenting ashes to the Duke, then yes, I would call this a scam on those not wanting to make the effort to finish it themselves.
If it is still doable this way, then its not a scam, but it very well may be taking advantage of an exploitable glitch. In either case, I doubt it is how the devs would like to see the game continue to be played.
A guildmate of mine got two sets of ashes, while I just maintained my empty urn. We both still received credit for completeing the quest.
Unless the quest can not be completed by just presenting ashes to the Duke, then yes, I would call this a scam on those not wanting to make the effort to finish it themselves.
If it is still doable this way, then its not a scam, but it very well may be taking advantage of an exploitable glitch. In either case, I doubt it is how the devs would like to see the game continue to be played.
Algren Cole
It's a scam. If you don't go get the ashes the quest won't update. Duke won't know you've finished it. That's how the quest system works. If you pay attention you'll notice that quest items never actually leave you're inventory. Your character recieves a checkset when you've compelted the first half...telling the NPC that gave you the quest you've completed it. It has nothing to do with what's actually in your inventory. Actually I'm pretty sure you can trash the ashes before you ever get back to duke and still recieve the EXP.....though I warn against doing this unless you really wanna find out if you can.
Swampgirl Inez
That's what I thought. I'll make sure I get a screenshot of the next person I see trying to sell... and warn the trade channel.
Personally, I enjoyed doing the quest. It was very hard, but we felt like we got something accomplished when it was done. Oh well, there's cheaters everywhere I guess.
Personally, I enjoyed doing the quest. It was very hard, but we felt like we got something accomplished when it was done. Oh well, there's cheaters everywhere I guess.
Algren Cole
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Originally Posted by Swampgirl Inez
That's what I thought. I'll make sure I get a screenshot of the next person I see trying to sell... and warn the trade channel.
Personally, I enjoyed doing the quest. It was very hard, but we felt like we got something accomplished when it was done. Oh well, there's cheaters everywhere I guess. |
Swampgirl Inez
I reran Surmia last night to help my husband's alt get through it. I forgot how long it was... When you get to the bonus on Nolani you'll love it. I've run it about 5 times helping guildies and I never get tired of it even though I know exactly how to get through it.
My problem lately is, my upper level guildies are helping me get through some missions. It's great to have a guide, but I miss the figuring it out for myself part. We did Borliss last night as well, and I felt like I was just along for the ride.
My problem lately is, my upper level guildies are helping me get through some missions. It's great to have a guide, but I miss the figuring it out for myself part. We did Borliss last night as well, and I felt like I was just along for the ride.
Algren Cole
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Originally Posted by Swampgirl Inez
I reran Surmia last night to help my husband's alt get through it. I forgot how long it was... When you get to the bonus on Nolani you'll love it. I've run it about 5 times helping guildies and I never get tired of it even though I know exactly how to get through it.
My problem lately is, my upper level guildies are helping me get through some missions. It's great to have a guide, but I miss the figuring it out for myself part. We did Borliss last night as well, and I felt like I was just along for the ride. |
ya. I'm far more into the "figure it out on your own" style of play. I found the bonus with the Flame Keepers. I play the game mostly with another friend. We're both Rangers he's R/Mo adn I'm R/W. It can get tough in alot of places as just a party of two....but that makes it alot more fun. You'd cry at my death count
I've been fortunate when it comes to Missions like Surmia in that we've been able to find party members that either haven't done the mission before or want to let you figure it out and just go along for the ride.
chojin
I think the problem here is an inconsistancy in receiving the reward for Althea's Ashes.
In my experience, most quests remove quest items from you inventory when you receive your reward.
For instance, the Kilnn's bonus quest in North Wall Mission (mission #1) removes all 4 pieces of Kilnn's armor when you talk to Kilnn. Infact, I had multiples of some pieces, 6 pieces total (2 from a previous run thru mission), and all 6 items were removed when I got my reward.
Other examples include 'Vanguard Equipment' and 'Rastin's Ritual'. (There are several more quests with items that are removed from inventory at completion)
However, when I completed Althea's Ashes, the Quest Item remained in my inventory. If the item were removed after completing/receiving reward, then it wouldn't be available to sell.
Of course, they could still try to sell it before completing the quest... but that should cause them to not be able to complete the quest.
-chojin
In my experience, most quests remove quest items from you inventory when you receive your reward.
For instance, the Kilnn's bonus quest in North Wall Mission (mission #1) removes all 4 pieces of Kilnn's armor when you talk to Kilnn. Infact, I had multiples of some pieces, 6 pieces total (2 from a previous run thru mission), and all 6 items were removed when I got my reward.
Other examples include 'Vanguard Equipment' and 'Rastin's Ritual'. (There are several more quests with items that are removed from inventory at completion)
However, when I completed Althea's Ashes, the Quest Item remained in my inventory. If the item were removed after completing/receiving reward, then it wouldn't be available to sell.
Of course, they could still try to sell it before completing the quest... but that should cause them to not be able to complete the quest.
-chojin
Zilm
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Originally Posted by Algren Cole
if you like tactical battles Altheas Ashes was the best one I've come across thus far..I'm at Surmia now.
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But the funny thing.....when you get to the Crystal Desert, they all forget the lessons of Althea's. These areas and beyond do not tolerate silly play.
deathwearer
agree with this, its a really tactical quest that i did enjoy.
Razzyl
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Originally Posted by Swampgirl Inez
Was there a recent change in the AA quest? It was my understanding that buying the ashes from someone would not allow you to finish the quest and that this was a scam. Yesterday, I saw 4 different people trying to sell the ashes. I've been playing a month and have only seen one person trying to do this.... until yesterday.
If this is still a scam, I'd gladly report it, but I wasn't sure since there were so many doing this. p.s. Yes, I've already done the quest, so I'm not looking to buy any. |
QTFsniper
This is not a scam. Please read into what you are typing before you post. Bogus info = bad. I just did this myself to be sure.
Algren Cole
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Originally Posted by QTFsniper
This is not a scam. Please read into what you are typing before you post. Bogus info = bad. I just did this myself to be sure.
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it used to be a scam...when I did the quest you couldn't purchase the ashes...
gosl
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Originally Posted by Algren Cole
it used to be a scam...when I did the quest you couldn't purchase the ashes...
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Nexx
Worked for me!
Principa Discordia
You can sell the ashes just fine.
Creston
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Algren Cole
It's a scam. If you don't go get the ashes the quest won't update. Duke won't know you've finished it. That's how the quest system works. If you pay attention you'll notice that quest items never actually leave you're inventory. Your character recieves a checkset when you've compelted the first half...telling the NPC that gave you the quest you've completed it. It has nothing to do with what's actually in your inventory. Actually I'm pretty sure you can trash the ashes before you ever get back to duke and still recieve the EXP.....though I warn against doing this unless you really wanna find out if you can.
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I was pretty miffed, since that quest is pretty long and I didn't much relish the idea of having to do it over again. I got some ashes from a guy in town next day, walked to the duke, and got the 2000xp.
Also, people get double ashes because they'll finish the quest, then join someone who's already done it. They'll still get extra ashes. That's happened to me several times.
Creston
Sir Skullcrasher
phoneix, that happened to me, i was doing the althea's ashes quest with someone and once he grab the ashes, i got it too. In fact, i got 12 ashes. plus, i give those ashes for free (mostly to my guild-mates or people who need it)
Teklord
Just to confirm what others have already said, this is what my experience has been with it recently.
My last character to finish the Ashes quest the way it was meant to be played was in a group of 4 people (humans, not NPCs). I noticed right away that when I collected the Ashes I had exactly 4 piles, instead of just one. I completed the quest by handing the Ashes to the Duke and was left with 3 Piles. Already I have been seeing lots of spam trying to sell Ashes and people were on both sides of the fences saying "It works" / "It doesn't work". I decided to find out for myself, thus I put my Ashes in storage. I then loaded one of my other characters, one who had finished Duke's Daughter but had not yet finished Ashes. I went over to my storage and grabbed the 3 Piles of Ashes and put them in my inventory. Instantly I had a Quest Update. I went over to the Duke and sure enough, got the quest reward for Althea's Ashes. Also I was now left with 2 piles of Ashes. So at the time I tried this, it is perfectly possible to do... I'm not about to go selling my 'extra' Ashes though as I believe it is simply wrong.
In short it seems:
1. You get a number of Ashes as equal to the number of party members (human) doing the quest.
2. Upon completing it the Duke only takes one pile.
3. You can use the other piles on other characters that have finished Duke's Daughter to quickly finish Althea's Ashes.
I'll be they fix this pretty quick. As a side note I have since deleted that character (Anakin Landrunner) and created a new one (Brother Skywalker) - although I didn't do this simply because I had performed that exploit. I wanted to change secondaries.
My last character to finish the Ashes quest the way it was meant to be played was in a group of 4 people (humans, not NPCs). I noticed right away that when I collected the Ashes I had exactly 4 piles, instead of just one. I completed the quest by handing the Ashes to the Duke and was left with 3 Piles. Already I have been seeing lots of spam trying to sell Ashes and people were on both sides of the fences saying "It works" / "It doesn't work". I decided to find out for myself, thus I put my Ashes in storage. I then loaded one of my other characters, one who had finished Duke's Daughter but had not yet finished Ashes. I went over to my storage and grabbed the 3 Piles of Ashes and put them in my inventory. Instantly I had a Quest Update. I went over to the Duke and sure enough, got the quest reward for Althea's Ashes. Also I was now left with 2 piles of Ashes. So at the time I tried this, it is perfectly possible to do... I'm not about to go selling my 'extra' Ashes though as I believe it is simply wrong.
In short it seems:
1. You get a number of Ashes as equal to the number of party members (human) doing the quest.
2. Upon completing it the Duke only takes one pile.
3. You can use the other piles on other characters that have finished Duke's Daughter to quickly finish Althea's Ashes.
I'll be they fix this pretty quick. As a side note I have since deleted that character (Anakin Landrunner) and created a new one (Brother Skywalker) - although I didn't do this simply because I had performed that exploit. I wanted to change secondaries.
mylilpony
people miss out on the greatest quest ever when they do it :| this quest is probably the most difficult one, (saying you are in the avg level when you are doing it).
you get ashes for how many times you click on the altar.
i got 16 :O
you get ashes for how many times you click on the altar.
i got 16 :O
Khyron the Dark
I've done AA a few times now, so, when I started a new char and finally made it to the post I decided to try it myself.... I thought it was a scam right up until the Duke took it from me.... So, I guess in my case it worked.... I kinda feel guilty 
, but I was really seeing for myself.... Mine cost me 50 gold 
, but I was really seeing for myself.... Mine cost me 50 gold
Sir Skullcrasher
you should have been there when i was handing out free ashes... i got 10 people asking me at the same time for it
Mr. Matt
Is this 'scam' still running? It's been a while since I went to Piken Square.
I'm not entirely sure why anybody would 'buy' a quest item. WHAT IS THE POINT OF BUYING A GAME ONLY TO AVOID DOING AS MUCH OF IT AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN?!?!
I hate it when people are like that. Did you notice?
I'm not entirely sure why anybody would 'buy' a quest item. WHAT IS THE POINT OF BUYING A GAME ONLY TO AVOID DOING AS MUCH OF IT AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN?!?!
I hate it when people are like that. Did you notice?
Danica Kalmar
a few days ago i say someone claiming that it worked, he got the ashes from another player that had a few hundreds, there was a bug with fast clicking or so afaik. Therefore i think it might work and now you don't keep the ashes anymore, at least my second char didn't keep them, my first still has them, but i'm loathe to get another char there and try it. It's not that hard a quest to avoid it in that way.
Sekkira
I just handed one pile of ashes to a dude for free after reading this to see if it worked, sure enough, I watched him get the exp for it. So no it's not a scam. However I'd still rather people just do it themselves. The dude asking for it either missed out or hopefully just didn't want to do it again on his new character.
Even selling it though, I don't see much money to be made from it as most people just don't have too much money when they're at Piken square.
I still want to find out what to do with that tattered cape and Ralena's Cure...
Even selling it though, I don't see much money to be made from it as most people just don't have too much money when they're at Piken square.
I still want to find out what to do with that tattered cape and Ralena's Cure...
Anarkii
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Originally Posted by Mr. Matt
Is this 'scam' still running? It's been a while since I went to Piken Square.
I'm not entirely sure why anybody would 'buy' a quest item. WHAT IS THE POINT OF BUYING A GAME ONLY TO AVOID DOING AS MUCH OF IT AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN?!?! I hate it when people are like that. Did you notice? |
Algren Cole
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Originally Posted by Anarkii
Many of the ppl buying the ashes play with their 2nd/3rd character...and dont bother doing the quest.
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why not...this quest is a PERFECT test of how well you play the class...generally you are outleveled...outnumbered...and at a massive disadvantage...being able to get through it is a great test of how well you know the class/team
Sekkira
There's still plenty more left in the game that will teach you how to play the class.
Algren Cole
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Originally Posted by Sekkira
There's still plenty more left in the game that will teach you how to play the class.
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but if they can skip it...they will.
learning how to play your class as early as possible is better for everyone that enjoys the game....i'm doing the trials of ascension now...and it's impossible to find a competant group because nobody knows how to effectively play their class....it's rare that you get a PUG that knows what they are doing.
Diplo
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Originally Posted by Phoenix Denfer
I believe the sudden interest to sell ashes may be do to a glitch where if you are working in a party, not npc's, who are all trying to complete this mission, whoever actually DOES grab the ashes may get multiple copies.
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aknox
Welll...accually, a few weeks ago i was doin the quest, and as soon as i started the quest some guy gave me ashes for free, which i used immedeatly on the duke guy, and it worked, i got a bunch exp in less than 2 mins
Sereng Amaranth
This is another example of people trying to outwit the game and become godlike. They have no real purpose being at level 20. Just as a level 5 ascending, they don't know how to use their skills. I don't care if this is your 9th character, you still won't get the experience of actually using your skills.
The outcome is the shallow gene pool at the ascension trials.
The outcome is the shallow gene pool at the ascension trials.
Veteran War Pig
Yea its not a scam its actually a pretty good way of makin money i think, tho iv never tried it
bioxeed
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Originally Posted by Algren Cole
why not...this quest is a PERFECT test of how well you play the class...generally you are outleveled...outnumbered...and at a massive disadvantage...being able to get through it is a great test of how well you know the class/team
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Aniewiel
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Originally Posted by bioxeed
so long as you dont aggro too many of them at once.
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DrSLUGFly
I bought the ashes with my 3rd character, and I've escorted several other players out to get the ashes and even more to Grendich where they can get a head start on both Ashes and Daughter quest.
I want my 3rd character to get out of Ascalon... I don't really like it anymore. I want Kryta and the Crystal desert...
I want my 3rd character to get out of Ascalon... I don't really like it anymore. I want Kryta and the Crystal desert...
Jaythen Tyradel
I emailed Anet support on this and the reply I received was to send them info on time, location, and person selling the ashes.
Personally, I think it should not be allowed to be sold for it ruins a persons chance to experience part of the game...however, I can agree that it can be challenging for low level charcters and it takes alot of time..so a way to bypass is viewed as a help.
Personally, I think it should not be allowed to be sold for it ruins a persons chance to experience part of the game...however, I can agree that it can be challenging for low level charcters and it takes alot of time..so a way to bypass is viewed as a help.
Anubis Set
I usually skip the quests at Piken Square and come back to them after I'm at a higher level, usually when I'm like level 12 or higher. It just takes too damn long and difficult to complete those quests at such a high disadvantage.
Aniewiel
I agree, Anubis. I wait until I'm at least a 10 and have finished quests through Nolani. Getting to Grendich is much easier from there and you're at a better advantage level-wise once you've reached that point. Add to that the fact that you're 1/2 way to finishing "Fires in the North", "Duke's Daughter", "Angela's Ashes" and "Grizzfang...err..whatever his name is", you've got a huge advantage and nearly a level's worth of XP just finishing those four.
Chev of Hardass
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Originally Posted by Anubis Set
I usually skip the quests at Piken Square and come back to them after I'm at a higher level, usually when I'm like level 12 or higher. It just takes too damn long and difficult to complete those quests at such a high disadvantage.
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I usually try to skip all the exp quests untill I have ascended. I have found that you need the exp at level 20 to get skill points far more than you need exp to be level 20 by Riverside.
On the other hand, I do every skill quest I can find as soon as I can. Because, it the skills, and the knowledge to use them that you need for this game.
BTW I bought the Ashes for my third character. It worked. I have run the Ashes quest so many times, (farming for Char Hides) that I just don't want to do it anymore. Besides, it it long, and not even remotely hard, compared to the desert. Hey, why not? 2000 exp for 85 gold, nice.