Beginning now, the servers will be down for maintenace:

Status: Maintenance is Complete!

All servers will be coming down at 12:00 PM EST for maintenance to address server stability issues. We apologize for the short notice of this downtime. At this time the downtime is expected to last until 2:30PM EST. As always, please check the Herald for updates.

Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Additional update notes and clarifications to existing ones have been made for Update 1.0.6. I've noticed my cast bar being slow at responding at times, so the first item is definitely a welcome change:

Cast Bar Responsiveness

In version 1.0.6 we resolved a number of issues that related to cast bar functionality and combat responsiveness. The following improvements have been made:

• Spells will no longer be interrupted accidentally if you begin moving after the cast bar has disappeared
• Cast bars will no longer restart or flicker after the spell has finished.

Click "More..." below to read the rest! We've also included this addendum to our Update 1.0.6 post.

Last week the developers announced efforts to improve Tier 4 performance. Today they've announced progress towards this goal with a new client update:

Last week we reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to improving overall client performance in Tier 4 and large-scale RvR battles. Today, we’re excited to announce that we have released a new client update that will significantly increase players’ frame rate in RvR battles (especially in large-scale encounters) as well reduce and/or eliminate character “ghosting” and flickering. You will automatically receive this update the next time you log in to WAR.

The servers require a little bit more maintenance today before you can enjoy Update 1.0.6:

Status: Maintenance Completed!

All servers will be coming down at 4:00PM EST for a maintenance to improve server stability. We apologize for the short notice. We anticipate all servers to be back online by 7:00PM EST.

We apologize for any inconvenience this maintenance causes. Thank you for your patience!

Part 2 of Cruel as Ice, Cold as Steel is released, continuing the adventures of Rathann and his serving of the Witch King:

First came the layers of heavy, indigo-hued woolen robes and steel-toed leather boots, then a reinforced kheitan made of quilted fabric and tanned human hide. Over the kheitan went a hauberk of blackened steel mail, with long sleeves and a broad skirt that hung down to mid-calf. The weight of the steel rings rested heavily on Rathann’s strong shoulders, aggravating the pain of the many bruises and shallow cuts that marked his arms and torso. The druchii scarcely noticed. He’d suffered worse on a daily basis during his years of training.