The Secret World #HO | Dark days are coming...

Hi all,

Until yesterday, the hottest topic on these boards was character creation and character customisation. It's something we've been getting a lot of questions and comments about, and we've answered that we have plans to expand upon this post-launch.

Today, I'd like to share some of those plans with you. Keep in mind that we just started working on these features, and they may change. Our tentative delivery date may also change -- it's the nature of game development -- but we wanted to share some target dates with you, so that you have something concrete to look forward to.

With that out of the way, let's get started:

PLASTIC SURGERY, OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS

In a nondescript building in Brooklyn, a high-tech facility contains the weird science of Dr. Aldini -- a pioneer in paraplastic surgery: a method to shape living flesh into any form. For the right price. (Cue maniacal laughter.)

Players will be able to visit The Modern Prometheus to get a TOTAL makeover. From head to, well, head. Whatever you want: a new nose, a tweaked chin, a nip and a tuck to the eyes or the hairline, removing or adding some wrinkles or freckles -- you can adjust your appearance or you can become a whole new person. The only thing you CAN'T do under Dr. Aldini's assortment of distressingly rusty knives is change gender...although the good doctor is working on some experimental concoctions for that particular 'problem' as well.

At Dr. Aldini, the first 'consultation' is always free, but anything after that is going to cost -- and the doctor prefers PAX. Where he buys his arcane supplies, the U.S. dollar holds little sway.

To support The Modern Prometheus in its gross 'science', we will be adding a lot of new base heads and nose, eye, chin and mouth modifications to choose from. There will be more variety across the board, more opportunities to look unique, more choices to make before you give the thumbs up to Aldini and his depraved assistants.

"Close your eyes, sweet. This WILL hurt."

OCKHAM'S RAZOR

Situated on the border between Ealdwic and Darkside, this ancient London establishment is known for its skill and dedication to the fine craft of shearing, shaving, cropping and, well, replacing heads of hair. And, also, unfortunately, the occasional head. (No money back.)

The ageing triplets Ockham who operate this venerable establishment can offer anything from a simple dye job -- perhaps it's time to wash out that neon red colour, seeing as you're moving up in the Illuminati ranks -- to that most miraculous of haircuts: the Reversal, where your Templars-issue crew cut transforms into flowing, curly locks. The bald can finally feel the wind blowing through their hair; the shaggy can finally stop blow-drying every morning.

As with The Modern Prometheus, the first visit is gratis, but the triplets are in the business of doing business, and PAX is their aphrodisiac. To look fashionable, and to sport the latest in couture you'll need to earn some coins from your secret society before sitting down in that chair.

Ockham's Razor will receive a variety of new hair styles and eyebrow shapes to choose from, in all the colours of the rainbow. Men will also find a fresh assortment of facial hair, from the friendly muttonchops to new and exciting varieties of the trusted soul patch -- and some really EPIC moustaches. Yes, now you too can sport the Magnum P.I. and have ALL the ladies.

Finally, there is:

EXECUTION

which is relocating from its grubby London locales to fresh new digs in Seoul, and can offer an extensive and pleasurably painful variety of tattoos, scars and other body modifications.

Want your own personal Book of Blood? Done. But more on the Hellraiseresque activities of Execution's fine artisans at a later point.

So when is all this coming?

Our current target for The Modern Prometheus and Ockham's Razor is the end of August -- Execution is a bit further down the line. We'll be working hard to deliver on that, although since we also want to offer as much quality and variety as possible, the delivery date might change. We'll keep you updated as we go along, and we'll offer a preview and some screenshots and videos when the time is right. You'll also see some construction activities in London, New York and Seoul as we start building these locations. And as with everything in The Secret World, there will be stories to go with it...

We have always planned on offering further character customisation down the line, and since The Secret World encourages sticking with one character for a very long time, we didn't want players to feel 'stuck' with how their avatars look. In light of recent discussions about character creation, however, we decided to prioritise and push these features into development a lot sooner -- which benefits all of you. And me. Since I REALLY want the Magnum P.I.

Feel free to discuss these features and to offer your comments and ideas in this thread. We are, as always, listening, and though we cannot fulfil all wishes, we can at least hear what you guys think, and take that into account.

Have fun playing tomorrow, and I'll see you in game!

Cheers,

Ragnar