[i]Disclaimer: Features discussed in this post reflect what is currently under development and not necessarily what will be shipping with the next test. Anything mentioned below may change at any time due to the experimental nature of Pre-Alpha development. Nothing mentioned here should be taken as a promised feature or addition to the eventual game.[/i] [h1]MAP POSTS[/h1] A vital component of a persistent world war game is a robust communication system that enables players to coordinate on at a large scale. A [i]Map Post[/i] system is being implemented that will allow players to share messages with their alliance directly on the map interface. Map Posts will be essential for warning allies about threats on the map, coordinating sieges, and other player driven objectives. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/c1b22c51b12b714da5ecc5425a3aa44ca62e83dc.jpg[/img] Similar to [i]Foxhole's[/i] system, players will be able to upvote and downvote Map Posts to influence their level of visibility on the map. Each post also has a comment thread, allowing players to further interact with and add information to an existing Map Post. [h1]SIGN POSTS[/h1] The other major communication tool being added is [i]Sign Posts[/i]. Instead of the map interface, Sign Posts allow messages to be shared with others within the game world itself. This is useful for directing other new players, sharing resources, or warning allies of threats and dangers within the area. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/682af16de085500a2406e980db29eee642404b69.jpg[/img] Players can customize their signs by choosing from several model designs. Sign Posts can be upvoted and downvoted just like Map Posts, which extends or shortens their lifespan respectively. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/52be729ac2e1ed2459f92c59741e67fcf985ebb3.jpg[/img] [h1]ARMOUR RACKS[/h1] A proper storage structure for armour are being added in the form of [i]Armour Racks[/i]. This is similar to the [i]Weapon Rack[/i], except it holds stacks of helmets, body armour, and shields. Each Armour Rack has one slot for each type of equipment, so multiple racks must be built to store different types of armour. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/095ab5cf640f01da50b08b4e75eb0338bb51fe14.jpg[/img] [h1]ORE PROCESSING[/h1] The gameplay for refining Stone and Ore is being updated to be more in line with other industrial processes like logging and blacksmithing in terms of mechanics and touch and feel. To refine Stone or Ore resources into usable materials, the Stone Cutter and Mineral Refinery will no longer be used. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/195f7ee0afa71d496c9e1fe53e44e984dbdf9492.jpg[/img] Instead, such resources are processed using the [i]Smashing Plate[/i]. Stone and Ore chunks are placed onto the Smashing Plate and are broken down manually with a Hammer. Stone and Iron Ore are crushed into fragments. In turn, Stone Fragments can be crushed into Gravel. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/3d434515383b248dd21ae35fcce83e57e587f15f.gif[/img] The smashing process can be further streamlined with a [i]Stamp Mill[/i], which crushes resources automatically and integrates with the existing [url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/1373910/announcements/detail/3674419898822587313]Power system[/url]. [h1]OTHER FEATURES[/h1] Other key changes coming in the next update are listed below. For even more changes, be on the lookout for the release notes when the dev branch drops later this week. [olist] [*] [b]Hunting Transport[/b] - Raw Meat & Fish can now be transported on Carts and Handcarts [*] [b]Custom Inventory Stack Limits[/b] - Arrows stack to a lower limit now, preventing players from taking too many items from public stockpiles [*] [b]Vehicle Movement Improvements[/b] - Battering Rams and Horses move more smoothly over the landscape and are less likely to be impeded by small obstacles [*] [b]Interior Drying Racks[/b] - Drying Racks can now be built indoors, allowing hides to be dried during Rainstorms, albeit at a much slower rate [*] [b]Bed Upgrading[/b] Single Beds (of all types) now upgrade directly into Bunk Beds, removing the need to demolish and build them separately [/olist] Be sure to add Anvil Empires to your wish list on [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1373910]Steam[/url]. If you want to join the community, head over the to official [url=https://discord.gg/anvilempires]Discord server[/url] or [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/anvilempires]Subreddit[/url]. [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1373910][img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/43866319/df7fe80ab730785967007257a355fd0c9d8dce2c.png[/img][/url]