Vanguard

Vanguard was a private test server, where players (selected by Turbine) tested content prior to public release.^[1]

History

The Vanguard server existed by December 2000.^[1] In 2012, Turbine publicly asked for applications, once in May^[2] and again in October^[3]. Turbine again asked for applications in 2013, in April,^[4] August,^[5] and December. ^[6]

Presumably, vanguard existed at release, and existed through the entirety of retail.

Testing Content

Locations

Hotel Swank

NPCs

Items

Armor

Uber Balance Testing Coat Uber Balance Testing Gauntlets Uber Balance Testing Leggings Uber Balance Testing Sollerets Uber Balance Testing Helm Uber Balance Testing Raiment Shield of Balance

Weapons

Prickly Orb
Slicing Orb
Smashing Orb
Searing Orb
Zapping Orb
Flaming Orb
Freezing Orb

Misc

Banyan Talisman

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 2000/12 - Microsoft Zone Archive: Backstage at Asheron's Call
↑ 2012/05 - Dereth needs you!!!
↑ 2012/10 - Open Application to the Private Test Program
↑ 2013/04 - Private Test Program Open Application
↑ 2013/08 - Private Test Program Open Application
↑ 2013/12 - Private Test Program Open Application

[BackstageAtAC-1] 1.0 ^1.1 2000/12 - Microsoft Zone Archive: Backstage at Asheron's Call

[2] 2012/05 - Dereth needs you!!!

[3] 2012/10 - Open Application to the Private Test Program

[4] 2013/04 - Private Test Program Open Application

[5] 2013/08 - Private Test Program Open Application

[6] 2013/12 - Private Test Program Open Application

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]