Sent to us by Wilki:

After considering your feedback and reviewing the two proposals for changing combat, we’ve decided that a proficiency based system is the better of the two options. Not only will it be easier to understand, but it will allow players to focus in the areas of combat that they desire while limiting the impact equipment has on the outcome of combat. However, since we want to make sure to give you plenty of time to test the new system and provide feedback to help us tweak it before it goes live, Publish 40 will not include the proficiency system.

Another major reason for this decision is that there are some other additions and changes to UO that have already been completed (or are close to completion). Instead of making you wait for these cool improvements, we'd rather you had them as soon as possible. So what are these changes we’re talking about? Glad you asked! Here is a summary of what’s currently included in Publish 40 (keep in mind this list is subject to change and is not complete):

• A new and easy to use targeting system
• Buff/Debuff icons are being added to the UI
• Changes to improve the impact of swing speed in combat
• The removal of honor and perfection from PvP
• Wands are being adjusted
• The scroll/spell issue is being addressed
• Changes to how tracking works with ninjitsu
• A new quest to reveal another piece of Virtue Armor
• New Buddy Rewards
• The Moonglow Zoo Community Collection will be adjusted
• A mysterious extra little tidbit that will not be revealed until later (it’s fun, we promise!)
• Miscellaneous other combat, bug and exploit fixes

We’re currently planning to release an early implementation of the proficiency system to a test shard soon, and we are also working to get a Publish 40 test shard up as soon as possible. Please keep an eye out on www.uo.com for more information. We’re very excited about these improvements to Ultima Online, and we can’t wait to get them into your hands!

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!
Is this on test shard? Should I go try to discover it??

Not sure if it's on test yet, but please, do test it when it does, and let me know.

That's right, I said me, not us, so I can sell it *evil laugh* and split the profits 50-50, no, make that 60-40... but since I will be doing the selling... 70-30, depending on how long it takes maybe 80-20, but you'll still get recognition as the co-finder of the tidbit, or atleast mentioned in the ad.

I was wanting to know, what wou;ld happen if I did not take the proficiency system? I really dont have room for a extra 100 skill points. I am hopefull, that some of the changes will not effect the templates that much, but I would like to know, what happens if I pass on it.

The proficiencies aren't counted towards your skill cap, but your total skill points allow you to have a certain amount of proficiencies.

To put it in numbers, you saying you will need 100 skill points into proficiencies (as if it was a skill, it's not) and only 600 left for other skills.

but actually if you are at 700 skill points(not sure if it was 7xGM or if it was just raw total skill points) you will have X amount of proficiencies to use.

So, If my mage has used 705 skill points, he will have these proficiencies to use and he wont have to drop any skills then? I just want to make sure I understand this correct.

Yeah, that pretty much is what the proficiencies are. I forget how many per 100 skill points you get, but it does not require you to lose a skill or lower skills to use proficiencies.

Hrmmmm, could be time to reactivate. This sounds very intriguing...

He said "A new quest to reveal another piece of Virtue Armor" ... is there already a quest out there for this?

I think what he is saying about the quests, is that we already have access, to I think 2 from the 8th age, and they are adding a new quest to get another.

cant wait for test fun fun fun