Minor patch today, mostly to fix bugs, etc. Of immediate interest for our community is:

UI

• Fixed a problem that caused achievements with sub-components to not display properly in the single achievement pop-up window.

• Changed Files:

  EQUI_AchievementWnd.xml
  EQUI_AchievementsWnd.xml
  SIDL.xml

Full patch notes can be read here

All EverQuest Live Servers (except Al'Kabor) will be coming down around 10:00 pm PST (PST is -8 GMT: 11:00pm MST, 12:00pm CST, 1:00pm EST and December 8th 6:00am for GMT) on Monday, December 7, 2009 for the Early Access Launch of the Underfoot expansion and a Game Update. The servers are estimated to be unavailable for about 10 hours. Keep an eye on the EQ Players website and forums for status updates and for news if additional downtime is needed.

*** Highlights ***
- AC and Attack values on food and drink will now be properly added to your character.
- Corrected the description on The Frightening Writ. It now properly mentions that it grants access to a scarecrow mercenary rather than the title "the Haunted." It will now grant access to the new title "the Gravedigger." This title is retroactive - if you have already used your Writ, you will now have access to your Gravedigger title.
- All UI engine changes required by the expansion are now live. Some patching of UIs may be required. Most of the popular UIs should already be updated - check your favorite UI site.

*** UI ***
- A large number of UI optimizations have been put in place that should noticeably increase frame rates under certain circumstances.
- All UI engine changes required by the expansion are now live. Some patching of UIs may be required. Most of the popular UIs should already be updated - check your favorite UI site.
- Changed -
- EQUI.xml
- EQUI_Animations.xml
- EQUI_CastSpellWnd.xml
- EQUI_HeritageSelectionWnd.xml
- EQUI_MercenaryManageWnd.xml
- EQUI_ServerListWnd.xml
- EQUI_Templates.xml
- EQUI_VoiceActionBarWnd.xml
- SIDL.xml

Dolby has posted a compare of the UI changes here.

Full patch notes can be read here.

There was a small update to the game today. Of immediate interest to our community is the following:

*** UI ***
- Added left-click functionality to player and group UI gauges when used in custom windows.
- Changed -
EQUI.xml
EQUI_Animations.xml

Fenjor very kindly provided a file compare here.

Full patch notes may be read here.

*** UI ***
- Changed -
EQUI_Animations.xml - new dragitems
EQUI_CharacterListWnd.xml - minor alignment fixes
EQUI_CharacterSelect.xml - minor alignment fixes


Here's a sneak peek at the Game Update Notes. These notes may or may not change by the Game Update is live.

*** Highlights ***
- Many of Old Man McKenzie's items have faded from memory. If you have one of these faded items, give them to the Old Man in Plane of Knowledge and he will return your Brews. If you had augments in these items, be sure to put them in bags before you zone.

- Most items from Old Man McKenzie's group missions have been upgraded in power. They have also had their required levels reduced to 80. These items do not need to be turned in to see the changes.

- You will now have to impress Old Man McKenzie with your accomplishments before he will allow you to start a Nagafen or Vox raid or see items that come from them. People who have completed more than seven raids from Solteris, Meldrath's Mansion, Crystallos, or all but the first tier of Seeds of Destruction raids will impress him. You must request a Nagafen or Vox raid from him or attempt to join one in progress for him to check your accomplishments and allow you to see the raid items.

- New Hot Zones are now available. Speak to Franklin Teek in the Plane of Knowledge to see what new tasks he has in store for you.

Full patch notes can be read here.