NPC Spawn Issue: Missing spawn: an aqua goblin on OOT AC ph

[Jimjam]

The static ph* for an ancient cyclops in ocean of tears is missing one mob: (an?) aqua goblin

https://web.archive.org/web/20020820....shtml?id=3452

* although there is some later evidence once spawned the ph would path the island.

On a tangential note it seems the S Ro AC spawn mechanic may have got changed with the release of LDoN so a word of warning for anyone investigating that one using sources postdating that expac release.

[nilbog]

aqua goblin will be added as a placeholder.

It is possible all of the phs/or ancient cyclops wandered that island after spawning; I am not sure.

Research suggests there is always only one creature on this island, besides the merchant.

Shadowmen Locations- (archive.org)

Currently, we have 'a cyclops' wandering the island, in addition to the placeholder/AC spawn.

Being that 'a cyclops' has the highest probability chance of placeholder, the wandering one was likely added superfluously to account for the additional locations in the spawn capture log:

https://web.archive.org/web/20010826...9/EQSpawns.txt

There is additional out of era evidence that Boog wandered.

EQ Insider - The Site for EverQuest News (archive.org)

Should they all path? When was OOT revamped?

[Jimjam]

16 May 2007.

Research up to then is likely applicable to our era, or at least suitable for creating an approximation if there is insufficient in era details.

https://www.everquest.com/news/imported-eq-enus-50444

[Jimjam]

https://web.archive.org/web/20040621...html?quest=295

allegedly before jboots quest added broog is the only ph
“Absolutely its a fantastic wuest”
“ It was an even better quest BEFORE jboots were made a quest. Back then a druid could kill both mudtoes, port to butcher (no egress though, so had to hoof it from port) do the quest then gate back. The mudtoes were up about every 12 minutes and were the only things spawning at that spawn point then (well boog was, with his brother still over at the stonehenge thing)“

[Jimjam]

https://web.archive.org/web/20041014....shtml?zone=42

“Pirate Island: There is a single Pirate on an island right west of the the Erollisi Island. He was red at level 17 and aggressive. One of the Mudtoe Ogres can sometimes be found here. On the Island there is also a shopkeeper selling Magician spells.”

“ a pirate
A pirate popped where the AC spawns, but he's not listed as being on the bestiary. Any idea why he's there?“

“RE: a pirate
He is a place-holder for the Ancient Cyclops.“



https://web.archive.org/web/20040823....shtml?id=3452

“Ocean of Tears AC
On top of the steep Pirate Island is an old tower, with a spell vendor inside. Stand in the arched entry to the tower interior, then look south. You will be looking at a corner of fence. If you climb the fence, you can imagine the corner as an arrow. It points past a dead tree toward a blunt finger of sand sticking out into the water. That finger of land is the only spawn spot on the island (except for the vendor). The AC will spawn there. So will Boog Mudtoe, regular cyclopses, the pirate and - for me, just before the AC spawned - low-level aqua goblins. “


I think it is confirmed what are the ph and only those ph and the vendor spawn there.


Unconfirmed all/which mobs pathed. I feel like boog was often just sat on the coast but this is pretty likely a false memory.

[Jimjam]

New find! Regular oot ac camper describes wandering root AND ph despawn.

https://web.archive.org/web/20040823....shtml?id=3452

“RE: Spawn is random
Anyways the spawn occurs at the tip of the island and then wanders up and cross the top of the hill(where the merchant is)down the other side looks like a crossing guard looking from side to side before wandering back and de-spawning.”

[Jimjam]

Further evidence all ph wander:

https://web.archive.org/web/20060420....shtml?id=3452

“OoT ancient cyclops
4) Once you are ready to start the spawn/ph cycle for the ancient cyclops (pending that it isn't camped already) you must find which 1 of these 5 creatures is up on the island. Once the mob pops they will wander the island, so if the mob is already up when you get there you must find it (i think it walks over to the west side of the island) and kill it to begin the cycle”


Incidentally this page mentions to be wary of fearing the S Ro version as the dark elf vendors will aggro it (like they do sand giants).

[Jimjam]

Further evidence for Oot Ac ph despawn timer (and it effects the Ac too)

https://web.archive.org/web/20060702....html?quest=28

“ RE: J-Boots Update
2) Camped OoT for more than 40 hours over 5 levels to get spawn 1 time ... I ran off to heal using Paladin Spells ... He DESPAWNED on me. (At this time I uninstalled the game and have just now returned to play 12 months later. Yes I was more than mad.) “

[nilbog]

Pending update:
-added missing npc to ancient cyclops placeholders
-added missing level ranges to placeholders
-added pathing grid (Telin)
-removed superfluous cyclops spawn on the island

Did not add despawn mechanic. Need more evidence/specifics.
Did not change legacy spawn entry table (Boog only). Need more evidence/specifics.