Yes, it's been quite a while since the last Mailbag made its way towards the light - but I do have a very good explanation! Ok, no I don't. But, the brief (oh come on, it was only a few months!) hiatus has allowed me, as the Mailbag Champion (c) to grow both in knowledge and understanding. So, now I come back at you with full-force. The Mailbag is here to stay (whether Root handles it or not!).

By the way, Happy Father's Day.

Next Week's Topic Will Be:

What are your thoughts on the "exclusiveness" of certain aspects of the upcoming expansion, such as Realm-only recipes and items?

I also encourage any and all your comments on anything Diablo related. The Mailbag is here for you!

feedback@planetdiablo.com

Now [blows dust off old tome of email], here's this week's batch (not biatch):

From: ErAz()R
Subject: Level Limit

hi!
Will the Level Limit of 99 be increased with the expansion pack???

Nope, 99's still the lucky number.

From: Himey
Subject: The Expansion

Firt of all, I would like to congradulate you on a great diablo site. I am looking forward to the expansion pack and your site made me even more anxious. I have a question about the expansion pack. I was wondering, would you recommend building a good character in Diablo II and transferring him over, or starting off from scratch? I plan on starting a game with the assasin, but my barbarian is at level 42 and I was just wondering if I should transfer him over to the new game or should I start off new again? Thanks for taking time to read this and look forward for the feedback.

Thanks for the kind words! As far as starting a new character goes, that's really up to you. If you feel real comfortable with your Barbarian, go right ahead and use him. I don't think you'll notice a significant change. The Barbarian is still the quick-level-upper that he's been trademarked as. However, if you really want to try out the two new classes, then go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

From: Whisper
Subject: single player woes

I would like to see you guys start a dialog about how people who enjoy D2 in strictly single player mode(like myself) seem to be getting hosed with the expansion. I mean, horadic cube recipes that only work on the realms, no gambling for uniqes or sets anymore. I just feel us singleplayers are getting the short end of the stick, so to speak. Not everyone has a broadband connection yet, and those of us on 56k and those without internet access at all shouldn't get shortchanged. I have access to high speed internet, but D2 is not the kind of game I enjoy in multiplayer. Anyhow just wanted to see if anyone else out there shares my views =)

You bring up a valid point. Seeing as how a vast amount of gamers now have Internet access, most gaming companies are targeting this new wave. But I do agree, those that opt for single player only seem to be getting left out in regards to the server-side control on certain aspects of the game that Blizzard will have. And if the dropped requirement of having to gamble for new items only after leaving town is supposed to be consolation, well then that's not too kind...

From: Pierre
Subject: [no subject]

Do you plan to put the new reciepes for the cube ,and/or a rune simulator,on the net when the expansion is released? Anyway, your site is the best I' ve seen about diablo, and believe me, I' ve been through a lot. I' ve heard of a reciepe witch involves a skill book, a life potion and a perfect gem.Is it a spam? I' ve also seen on one of the screenshots a golden-cast gem. Is that a perfect gem (never seen any myself) or something new in the expansion?

We sure do plan on updating item information.

From: Griffin
Subject: Question about a quest...

I read your quests sections for act 1, and I have a question about Tools of the Trade. You say to get the Horadric Malus, but you dont say where to get it. I've tried everywhere in Tristram, but i couldn't find anything. If the guard is Griswold, I've beaten him, a few times, and still can't figure out what to do. Please help me, thanks.

The Horadric Malus can be found in the Monastery Barracks being guarded by the Smith in Act I. This is quite far away from the portal to Tristram, however.

From: Mallory
Subject: Druid Strategy Submission

Just think: how am I supposed to come up with a strategy when the game hasn't even been released? Maybe I am supposed to guess, but I shouldn't have to.

Selected individuals received beta CDs from Blizzard. 'Nuff said.