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Bitter one liners
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 10:17 PM |
"When I go out to get some XP, I die more often than not."
Yay! So I got off of a horrible day at work today, logged on to Vives, and checked the PC list. Being anal retentive, I noticed that a few of my fellow PCs had creeped up a level or so while I remained static, as has been the tendency recently, so I decided that since RP XP doesn't get doled out so much any more (at least I don't get any) I should go out adventuring. Not insane levels of powergaming, but an area that was appropriate to my level in order to get a few hundred points or so. Of course, I died. Again. I keep dying again and again forever and ever and ever, gaining several thousand points over the course of a week, then losing every since one. Weeks of life lost stretch into months. So pissed!
I've read the suggestions: party, party, party. It doesn't always work out. Aside from the fact that I'm kind of in no-man's-land as far as levels are concerned, there's also the RP aspect to consider. Not a lot of characters on the server are good aligned and it's hard to justify the paladin goin' a'stompin' with the psychopath. The truth is that I'm basically boned until I have a reliable source of the Death Ward spell. I'd say instant death attacks and natural 1's are the source of about half my deaths. Most of the rest would be covered by the fact that monsters instantaneously sprint across area transitions, making it near-impossible to lose them.
Ugh. I'm sorry I even logged on. Rosen is never going to get past level 14. I wouldn't care so much, but I'm tired of hearing about all these lich here, threat here plotlines that I'm unable to join or affect meaningfully because everything's already taken care of by das uberplayers. No disrespect for das uberplayers (as most if not all are also good RPers) but I have serious rage at a dang online video game, and that's just pathetic. So much grandeur, 99.9% of which I catch thirdhand in the tavern where I sit endlessly, unless I go out and try vainly to be a paladin, then die.
Oh, but yes! This is an open thread for all who wish to bust out bitter one liners, followed by an optional story which details the conception of said one liner. Have fun! |
True solace is finding none, which is to say, it is everywhere.
-Gretel Ehrlich |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 10:27 PM |
... I feel your pain, really.
All I can really say is that seeking challenges to get XP is risky. It may well get you killed, especially past level 10.
Vives isn't designed, in any way, to have linear progression. Players are /meant/ to start to plateau at level 12. Pushing through that takes time, and does happen- but past that point, deaths do get costly.
So, um, yeah.
... if you want to RP, you can always come find one of my PCs! I give RP XP as a bribe for people not ignoring my pathetic RP attempts...
-Barnas |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 10:51 PM |
Believe me, I'm with you, Rosen. I've never, never achieved a character over level twelve, and I've been playing here for two years now.
RP XP is a rarity for me, if I party up with others I usually die. If I leave the main road, I usually die.
I've never seen more than 1/20th of this server, and probably never will. Something I had to accept long ago (though sometimes it makes me take long breaks because I do get frustrated). Very few of Willom's deaths have been, in my mind, me being stupid, but rather uber creatures in areas where they weren't before, or having to log out of a storyline in unfamiliar territory and when I log back in, I take a wrong turn trying to get back to safety.
Just the way it is for someone like me who can only play at at short stretches at a time.
I've just come to accept it and enjoy the little corners of this world and some fun rp when I can run into some people.
But I am extremely envious of those who can actually see the more interesting places of this world that I can only read or hear about, and really REALLY envy those who play during the times the DMs are on.
AHHH!! Felt good to get that out!! *Smiling and joyful again*
Hang in there, Rosen. Still much fun to be had here. |
Willom Wilde--Actor, Playwrite, Head of Wilde's Vials, and fearful of all things cheesy
Califus Sarten--Mercenary for Hire
Bennigan Songsinger--Brooding bard. |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 10:52 PM |
I sincerely sympathize. I had a similar experience with levels 12 and 13 - by my count, I passed each of those levels three times. I've found these things go in cycles, and here's hoping that you quickly find your way out of this one.
I have a few tips that have helped me get the wheels moving:
1. Craft. If you're doing stuff that has a decent shot at success (like 75-85%) you can actually earn a decent xp return for your time, plus there is no risk whatsoever. More than once I have been crafting something, looked up, and all of a sudden I'm 1k xp up from where I was, which feels kind of like finding a 20 in an old pair of jeans - it's not going to change your life, but it still feels sweet.
2. Have a favorite area. For me, it's the beetle cave. I know, if I need to blow off some steam, I can run through there, get a couple hundred xp, and feel good about myself again. I also know the relative strength of the creatures, the layout.. it's just familiar territory, and it minimizes the risk while you're there.
3. Take a break. Sometimes if the server isn't being kind, I need to get away, even if it's just for one day. See a movie. Go outside and look at the clouds. Something to remind yourself that the world isn't out to get you and that everything will be all right. Chocolate also works.
4. When all else fails, hang out with Talion.
Hope that helps. :)
-VK |
"You know, a gong. Large, flat object that you hit when you want things. Sort of like a waiter, but less portable."
-Radra |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 23 Aug 2006 11:24 PM |
Also, if those death effects are getting you down, why not avoid them all together? There are places to go for a Paladin that doesnt involve "save or die" effects. In fact, I would recommend doing it. I almost never explored crypts with my characters until either they could sneak past the save or die nasties (learned that one the hard way) or (b) they had death ward or similar
The NWN random number generator is designed to roll 1's and 20's about... oh... 90% of the time.
As for RP xp, my apologies for that. I've been away for a month and not been able to go in durning US times.
- Paul
PS: do party, stop level counting, stop xp watching. it makes things go much slower if you do - honestly. |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
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"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 01:37 AM |
| My advice: Learn to play other games as well. Whenever I get frustrated with Vives, I just hop into some Counter-Strike on a dust2 server and let my frustration vent itself into fast running, shotgun slinging skills :D Also, I keep three different fifes in my desk drawer that I also use as a wrist rest. Any time I have down time in Vives, or even if it's just idle conversation, odds are the fife is in my hands and I'm happily playing away. |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 02:16 AM |
... I feel your pain, really.
All I can really say is that seeking challenges to get XP is risky. It may well get you killed, especially past level 10.
Vives isn't designed, in any way, to have linear progression. Players are /meant/ to start to plateau at level 12. Pushing through that takes time, and does happen- but past that point, deaths do get costly.
So, um, yeah.
... if you want to RP, you can always come find one of my PCs! I give RP XP as a bribe for people not ignoring my pathetic RP attempts...
-Barnas
Yes, it's true. Barnas will pay you to date him online. *nodnod* |
"I've got a sword and it's a good one, but all the bleedin' thing can do is keep someone alive, listen. A song can keep someone immortal!" - Cohen the Barbarian |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 02:27 AM |
Hmm... in GP or rare items?
Thanks for the support. I felt embarassed as soon as I hit the post button and it's nice to see that everyone didn't say Shaddup You Whiner. I've never played a paladin before and probably never will again. It's a very strange experience - insomuch as a very rigid, very urgent agenda exists at all times. You start to internalize it, or at least I do. Not so much that your character saves the world, but makes progress in a given direction. Paladins are acheivers, and if they're not getting things done, they really ought to have the courtesy to go blackguard or drink themselves to death.
Basically not worth it. *chuckles*
But yes - thanks much. Everyone who posted owes me a bitter one liner, though :) |
True solace is finding none, which is to say, it is everywhere.
-Gretel Ehrlich |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 02:37 AM |
"Well... I only said we could /most likely/ take it."
Seems like some of the levels I most wanted to make have taken the longest of them all.. because I tried forcing it. Another little trick though is not to use transportion everwhere, Talion walks rather then sailing or ridding with Shira most of the time if he's alone and I'm not in a hurry. 5 xp does add up if you don't worry about it. As far as roleplaying it give him a chance to think, and give me some time to listen to the music I have going. *smiles*
Anyway, it was great to see Form in game. She's a blast, but I do hope to see Rosen and that stiff back of hers in game still. |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 03:02 AM |
"Is that --really-- Vestlat?"
*Vestlat insta-deaths Cedrych*
"Huh...how about that?"
I really thought Vestlat was just, you know, one of those PCPs or something that GMs called up occasionally...Nope, there he was, just sitting there in the Lynaeum...
if the statement isn't especially bitter, then please know that I was quite bitter about the whole thing! ;)
Vives isn't designed, in any way, to have linear progression. Players are /meant/ to start to plateau at level 12.
... if you want to RP, you can always come find one of my PCs! I give RP XP as a bribe for people not ignoring my pathetic RP attempts...
-Barnas
Both of these statements, especially the former, make me feel much better about myself, Cedrych, Vives and life in general. I wasn't aware of that...I suppose it could be a turn off for some, but for me, who doesn't have a ton of time to game, it helps me appreciate what Ced has done and why he has the challenges he has (and, as you know, he has many, not the least of which is his RL player)... |
The world is a fine place, and worth fighting for...
-- Ernest Hemingway |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 03:10 AM |
And ... It always could be slower. My character has 70 less hours then yours, but I'm only 12 and I wont make 13 in the next 70 hours of play - and I'm sure many players are slower then that. In vives the progression in the form of more influence in the world, more friends and allies are more important and make you more powerful then just gaining levels, and you only gain that through role playing. - But still what BS... cause I know it gets boring wearing the same armour and never getting to try out your next set of nifty skills and spells. Still far better then playing on a server where everyones Lvl 40 ...
..... Any time I have down time in Vives, or even if it's just idle conversation, odds are the fife is in my hands and I'm happily playing away.
Too much information |
~ Nay'Finn |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 03:35 AM |
Bitter one-liner?
"Y'know...Two spells left, but they're good ones. I can do...Oh, maybe eighty damage -at least.-"
Goddang Spell Resistance. D:<
'Nother one?
"Decent spells, a tanked-out Dire Bear, and enough Haste to run from here to Port in sixty seconds. A single Leechwalker doesn't stand a chance."
Self-explanatory.
I can't count how many times I've died in this past week alone. Twice at least, in as many days; but that's as far as memory goes. I know I've somehow managed to neglect checking up on myself as far as Dirtnaps, so a little shock when I'm up to 28. All that experience, down the drain...
It's best if one sticks to places he knows. I go through the first few areas of Naruth's Fury now and again, but only very infrequently. Those giants outside read up as "Challenging," but they eventually wipe me out if I go to there too often. Same thing with the Salamanders inside, though how that is continues to puzzle me.
So, instead, I try and go to the Kobai Crypts of the Dead. Not much in the way of gold (of which I have very, very little), but it's not entirely too hard for me; though I don't get much done before I eventually have to run out of there.
These levels are so impossible.
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WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 03:42 AM |
But yes - thanks much. Everyone who posted owes me a bitter one liner, though :)
"Wait - did my fully armored third level paladin just die to a bat??"
This was my very first dirtnap on the server, when I started exploring the Port Royale sewers because someone told me there were just rats and spiders. Unbeknownst to me, someone had released a dire bat from the back and allowed it to chase them all the way back up to the front, where I charged it, thinking to myself, "OK, it's a DIRE bat... but how tough could it be?" Woke up at the Sisters, the first of many such awakenings that have since become a tradition.
*raises a full shotglass to everyone*
-VK |
"You know, a gong. Large, flat object that you hit when you want things. Sort of like a waiter, but less portable."
-Radra |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 07:47 AM |
Yes, it's true. Barnas will pay you to date him online. *nodnod*
Oh, you are so never going to be able to safely log in again.
Ever.
*glare*
-Barnas |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 08:03 AM |
| Barnas has a handmaiden; he needs no silly online girlfriend! |
Consequences
Unsent
It's hard to say it, time to say it...
Goodbye, goodbye |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 08:03 AM |
Yes, it's true. Barnas will pay you to date him online. *nodnod*
Oh, you are so never going to be able to safely log in again.
Ever.
*glare*
-Barnas
Shucks.
Does that mean it's -not- true?
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WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 08:10 AM |
It's decidedly not true.
And I already have a minion-slash-handmaiden, so, yeah.
-Barnas |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 08:20 AM |
It's decidedly not true.
And I already have a minion-slash-handmaiden, so, yeah.
-Barnas
Crapitol.
Well, there goes all my plans.
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WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 11:13 AM |
God bless the random dice roller. My lvl 12 goes up to a deer for some meat. A quarter of my health later (which incidentally is only 10HP-ish) the deer finally goes down. It didn't even have Dire infront of it's name!
Still, I think I'm long past the "bitter one liners" part of things. When the next level looks overwhelming and impossible, I just make a new character! (In the long run, this really doesn't solve anything, but the rapid progression from 1 to 5 REALLY makes me feel good :D)
(Also, now, I don't even bother adventuring without someone to back me up. Or, if the poop hits the fan, to act as a meat shield while I get the heck out of Dodge) |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 11:44 AM |
Something I was disappointed to see here was that most Adventures you organize end up as only a trip to get some XP or some resources, and the only difference between Adventuring with others and soloing is simply the amount of people.
I've rarely seen any RP during adventures as serious and patient as RP outside adventures. Everyone always seem eager to reach that XP or Metal they want.
An example of how it can be expressed: People going forward despite half of the group being half a map behind them.
I've been on some adventures in other servers that people went for simply for adventuring. That means, they proceeded slowly, they devised tactics regardless of the fact it doesn't have any real difference, we camped and talked and prayed and so forth.
And that was FUN RP, and it was FUN ADVENTURING, and it was NICE XP, all in one.
I'd really love to see that in Vives.
Then again, maybe I simply missed those more serious adventures since I'm stuck in a relatively bad time zone. |
Ayntherian Tîwele - Elven Monk, earnest student of Ki and the Martial Arts
His Diary - Updated at 26/8/2006 with ENTRY VII |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 12:13 PM |
Something I was disappointed to see here was that most Adventures you organize end up as only a trip to get some XP or some resources, and the only difference between Adventuring with others and soloing is simply the amount of people.
I've rarely seen any RP during adventures as serious and patient as RP outside adventures. Everyone always seem eager to reach that XP or Metal they want.
An example of how it can be expressed: People going forward despite half of the group being half a map behind them.
I've been on some adventures in other servers that people went for simply for adventuring. That means, they proceeded slowly, they devised tactics regardless of the fact it doesn't have any real difference, we camped and talked and prayed and so forth.
And that was FUN RP, and it was FUN ADVENTURING, and it was NICE XP, all in one.
I'd really love to see that in Vives.
Then again, maybe I simply missed those more serious adventures since I'm stuck in a relatively bad time zone.
Yeah, I used to be a big fan of *backing away under the barrage of blows, sword swinging wildly as steel boots seek purchase on the slippery terrian* and the like, not to mention actual RP in the untamed lands of romance and intrigue. The main reason that I stopped trying to genuinely RP during trips to dangerous places is that I fear I'll actually start up an interesting conversation, which means that all the spells which prevent our deaths will expire over the course of an argument and rebuttal. It's just a compromise for the sake of mechanics on my part. |
True solace is finding none, which is to say, it is everywhere.
-Gretel Ehrlich |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 12:23 PM |
The main reason that I stopped trying to genuinely RP during trips to dangerous places is that I fear I'll actually start up an interesting conversation, which means that all the spells which prevent our deaths will expire over the course of an argument and rebuttal. It's just a compromise for the sake of mechanics on my part.
I'm not playing a caster at the moment, so I don't really know how it is, but I imagine as long as you have rations, camping sites and people to stay watch, you can sacrifice the duration of your spells for some RP, no?
I just really don't enjoy going adventuring with people, and expecting some really fun and serious RP that'll put me in the mood, but when you have someone gravely injured, instead of someone yelling orders with a grave tone for people to keep watch and shout for someone with good healing skills and so on and so forth, you just have someone come over, "Use" a Healing Kit, and then 'rush' over to the next giant. (and btw, yes, I realize I did a lot of PG'ing and soloing not that long ago, though that has changed)
Also, I'm just talking from my experience as a GMT+2 guy, so I realize there might be different adventures when different people are logged. |
Ayntherian Tîwele - Elven Monk, earnest student of Ki and the Martial Arts
His Diary - Updated at 26/8/2006 with ENTRY VII |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 12:42 PM |
There is nothing to stop you playing that way whatever adventure you are on. I've seen them all, the charge around and kill everything type, the well RP'd types, and all combinations between.
Mechanics can be overcome, very true - campsite kits, rations.
I have to say from experience as a player and DM those that I've been a part of that fall into the well planned, talk as you go forethought applied in planning and during are the ones which were most enjoyable.
As for timezones, meh. GMT+2 is nothing, frankly. There are at the moment a quite a few players using this server in your timezone so I don't see it as a major problem. I've always thought that daylight hours GMT were the worst for player numbers, personally until around 2/3pm when the US ESTers who aren't working start to appear. That's only around 5 or 6 your time.
Numbers vary day to day but what you have to remember is that players' tastes vary as well, not everyone wants to spend their time charging around whether RPing or not, some are just as happy to frequent inns.
Sometimes you have to be proactive in getting what you want, speak to others outside the circle of those you would usually play with for instance, you might be surprised. |
ELVES! |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 02:15 PM |
Something I was disappointed to see here was that most Adventures you organize end up as only a trip to get some XP or some resources, and the only difference between Adventuring with others and soloing is simply the amount of people.
I've rarely seen any RP during adventures as serious and patient as RP outside adventures. Everyone always seem eager to reach that XP or Metal they want.
An example of how it can be expressed: People going forward despite half of the group being half a map behind them.
I've been on some adventures in other servers that people went for simply for adventuring. That means, they proceeded slowly, they devised tactics regardless of the fact it doesn't have any real difference, we camped and talked and prayed and so forth.
And that was FUN RP, and it was FUN ADVENTURING, and it was NICE XP, all in one.
I'd really love to see that in Vives.
Then again, maybe I simply missed those more serious adventures since I'm stuck in a relatively bad time zone.
Yeah, I used to be a big fan of *backing away under the barrage of blows, sword swinging wildly as steel boots seek purchase on the slippery terrian* and the like, not to mention actual RP in the untamed lands of romance and intrigue. The main reason that I stopped trying to genuinely RP during trips to dangerous places is that I fear I'll actually start up an interesting conversation, which means that all the spells which prevent our deaths will expire over the course of an argument and rebuttal. It's just a compromise for the sake of mechanics on my part.
I try to RP on trips. Those who have dared adventure with me know I spent a lot of time yapping away and making opinionated comments on the motives of the adventure, or the scenery, or the fashion of the armor of said adventuring group. I'm usually told to hurry up, shut up, keep out of the way and be quiet or else I'm left behind as I can't keep up with people and type at the same time. |
"I've got a sword and it's a good one, but all the bleedin' thing can do is keep someone alive, listen. A song can keep someone immortal!" - Cohen the Barbarian |
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Re: Bitter one liners
Posted: 24 Aug 2006 02:25 PM |
We could all benefit from slowing down and taking more time to fully RP out trips, I think.
On the other hand, fully RP for the more militaristically minded characters will likely mean hurrying up, shutting up, and focussing on the task in hand.
... I'd rather adventure with people who idly chat between bouts of killing, though, even if they're clearly mentally unstable.
-Barnas |
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