16377 réponses à ce sujet

[corey_russell]

Wow, was Nil moving at lightspeed? Congratulations, once again...good to see more action in Amn.

[Blind_Visionary]

Grond0, your speed is incredible. Go get Irenicus!

[Blind_Visionary]

[ALAIN AND IMOEN LOOK FOR POTION REAGENTS IN ULGOTH'S BEARD.]

Alain opened the door to the common room and stepped inside. The place smelled of baked fish and sour ale. A barkeep wiped the countertop, and maids prowled the floor, refilling tankards.

Alain motioned to Imoen, and the pair walked up to the bar.

"I'm looking for potion reagents," Alain said. "A greenstone, in particular."

"I got some mushrooms," the barkeep said, "but I ain't got no green stones or the like. There's a dwarf outside name of Delsvirftanyon who might 'ave somethin' green."

Alain frowned. "Are you sure? My instructions were clear: I am to buy a greenstone from the merchant in Ulgoth's Beard. Are there any merchants besides you?"

"Well, there's Delsvirftanyon, like I was sayin'," the barkeep replied. "But I ain't never heerd of no green stone. Best o' luck to ye."

"I'm starting to really dislike Thalantyr," Imoen said. "I'm tired of his wild goose chases."

Alain shrugged and ordered a tankard of ale. "Well, as long as we're here, let's pull up a chair beside the fire and have a drink. We've earned it."

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 20 avril 2013 - 03:21 .

[Alesia_BH]

Quick Note: I just thought I'd mention that I'm experimenting with Hard Times now. It does effectively convey a sense of economic crisis -and I like that- but I'm still not certain I'm going to leave it installed.

My main concern is that it may constrain my class choice and or nudge me into using tactics that I'd prefer not use. I enjoy added difficulty, but not when it comes at the expense of degrees of freedom in the game world. Hard Times is a fine piece of work, but I'm not convinced that it strikes the right balance for my purposes.

Anyhoo: I'll probably start a new run once I make up my mind. I'll let you know.

Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 20 avril 2013 - 04:42 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Alesia_BH wrote...
My main concern is that it may constrain my class choice and or nudge me into using tactics that I'd prefer not use.

It certainly will make it harder to run a potion addict   But I have faith in your ingenuity! Go Hard Times!

[Alesia_BH]

Blind_Visionary wrote...
It certainly will make it harder to run a potion addict   But I have faith in your ingenuity! Go Hard Times!

It's not a matter of ingenuity or lack there of: the isssue is whether Hard Times has a net positive effect on the game world for my purposes. 

I was curious about Hard Time because I thought it might inject added realism and challenge to my BG install. And it does in a sense. But it has its costs as well as its benefits and it's not at all obvious that it's a net win.

In my current install I feel more-or-less equally comfortable running almost any class or kit. I also don't feel the need to use tactics that I find problematic. Introducing Hard Times, however, creates a large incentive to run certain kits over others (barbarians, for example) or, in the alternative, to use tactics that I'm unfond of (spell avoidance via area transition, for example). That's a problem.
 
In general, difficulty enhancing mods tend to force a tradeoff between challenge and degrees of freedom. The mods I enjoy most are the ones that enhance difficulty while imposing minimal contraints on the player's game world options (SCS is an excellent example here to my mind). The mods I enjoy least are the ones that disrupt class parity and or encourage a particular style of play. 

I don't get the sense that Hard Times would preculde use of any particular class in solo no reload play. However, it does make a handful far simpler than others while tempting use of tactics that I find unsatisying. As mentioned, I think it's a fine piece of work -and I'm sure it may suit others needs- but for my purposes, the costs seem to outweigh the benefits: I think I'm better off without it.

Anyhoo: We'll see. I'm still undecided.

Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 20 avril 2013 - 08:32 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Shoal the Nereid just killed Alain. I think Imoen made it, but the story is at an end. I hope it was an epic enough tale....

[Blind_Visionary]

Alesia_BH wrote...
Hard Times, however, creates a large incentive to run certain kits over others (barbarians, for example) or, in the alternative, to use tactics that I'm unfond of (spell avoidance via  area transition, for example).

Understood. Logical, and well thought out. I'm all for you having the most entertaining experience possible.

As for myself, I probably should uninstall all of the difficulty mods I've introduced. If I would have found a greenstone amulet before going to play with Shoal.... things might have ended differently.

I'm definitely going to do another attempt. I'm definitely keeping SCS. I think I also want to keep the item randomizer. But I'll probably clean a few of the other things out. I'll decide tomrrow after sleeping on it.

Best of luck to all challengers!

[Gate70]

Thanks for the story Blind_Visionary, hope you find a setup that suits you.

[Grond0]

Sorry to hear about Alain's death Blind_Visionary, but well done for keeping things going that long. Best of luck with your next attempt.

[Alesia_BH]

I'm sorry for your loss Blind_Visionary, but glad to hear you're planning on making another attempt.

Looking forward to your next run!

[Blind_Visionary]

I'm altering my rig slightly, but its still over-modded. I'm going with SCS, Item Randomizer, Item and Spell Revisions, a bunch of NPC and small quest mods, and some ease of use tweaks.

I decided against Hard Times. Mainly because I figure I'm going to have to try this over and over again before it becomes a formality, like it has for all of you veterans. Once I learn how to survive, maybe then I'll turn off the money spigot. Item randomizer is bad enough. It already gets rid of the rings that you could otherwise dig out from under a couple of special rocks at level 1, so I say that's interesting enough for now...

[Blind_Visionary]

OK, I'm ready for the next run. I'm going to do a narrative again, but less involved than last time. I will write up scenes that are particularly interesting or dramatic, and otherwise just note decisions I make, or the results of the item randomizer, or whatnot.

Enter: Bruce, Mageling Thief

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 20 avril 2013 - 08:26 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Bruce had never felt welcome in Candlekeep. His half-elven heritage set him apart from the other children. They avoided him, except when forced to sit near him in classes at school. Even Imoen, one of the other orphans in Candlekeep, constantly teased him about his appearance. Some days, he wished that someone would lop off the tips of his ears to help him fit in. He grew his hair out in an attempt to hide how unique he really was.

The only one in his life who seemed to accept him unconditionally was his pet fairy dragon, Fisk.

***

Gorion and Bruce walked into the audience hall inside Candlekeep, responding to Ulraunt's urgent summons. Ulraunt sat behind a giant desk, spectacles pushed down to the tip of his nose. He looked at the pair with narrowed eyes as they approached.

"You know why I have called you," Ulraunt stated coldly.

"No," Gorion said. "What can we do for you, Ulraunt?"

"We have tolerated your presence here, Gorion," Ulraunt said. "But your time is up. Candlekeep cannot shelter you. We observe, but do not interfere. You are no longer welcome here."

"What?" Bruce said uncertainly. "Why?"

"The Time of Troubles begins," Ulraunt said.

"What does that mean?" Bruce said.

"You must solve the puzzle of your identity," Ulraunt said, "And solve the mystery of your brothers and sisters. Or die in the attempt. I can say no more."

Bruce looked at Ulraunt and Gorion in confusion. "Brothers and sisters? What do you know that you aren't telling me?"

Gorion took Bruce by the shoulder. "Come child," he said. "I knew this day would arrive. Pack your things."

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 20 avril 2013 - 09:10 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Editorial aside:

@ Alesia, apparently I did install Hard Times, despite my inclination to skip it this time. Too bad for Bruce! I hope he doesn't need to buy anything

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 20 avril 2013 - 09:11 .

[Alesia_BH]

Blind_Visionary wrote...
@ Alesia, apparently I did install Hard Times, despite my inclination to skip it this time. Too bad for Bruce! I hope he doesn't need to buy anything

Your install sounds tricky. Can you link your Weidu log?

Btw. Bruce almost looks like Sean Penn as Spicoli. Is he? 

Btw II. My Bounty Hunter, Alesia, is currently investigating Hard Times. She had defeated Mulahey and reached 17k gold before I discovered that the pre-buff script was on the fritz in that install. I've since reinstalled and Alesia is about ready to take on Mulahey again.

FYI: My intent is to go Potion of Magic Blocking against Mulahey, Potion of Clarity (from Candlekeep) at the Bandit Camp, and then Protection from Magic scroll at the mines. The finances here seem to work: selling the Tome of Leadership and Influence nearly covers the price of a Potion of Magic Blocking while the Ring of Holiness roughly covers the Protection from Magic Scroll. I'm expecting that to let her meet her pre-Gate disabler defense needs while also leaving enough spare gold for incidentals. I'll let you know how it goes.

EDIT: I just thought I'd also note that temple donations are a great deal with Hard Times installed. By maxing out her rep and then using Lordforeshadow's Ring + Algernon's Cloak, Alesia has been able to bring the prices for most items back down to their normal range. Things like the Greenstone and Shield Amulets are still crazy expensive relative to vanilla but most goods are reasonablly priced now.

Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 20 avril 2013 - 10:57 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Alesia_BH wrote...
Your install sounds tricky. Can you link your Weidu log?

I'm sure my install is silly in a lot of ways. I used the Big World Setup tool, mostly on the "total happiness" options, since it seems to dumb things down for me. While at the same time probably adding a bunch of changes that I'm probably not even aware of. Oh well. The last round was fun. Even if Shoal seemed invincible. (I suspect that was SCS though. She had some mean magic resistance, an innate blindness ability, and a water demon accomplice. I might just let her kiss me next time.)

Alesia_BH wrote...

Btw. Bruce almost looks like Sean Penn as Spicoli. Is he?

Not intentionally. I just found that pic somewhere. I hadn't conceived of Bruce as the comic relief. But maybe at some point in his adventure, he'll be saying, "That's my skull! I'm so wasted!"  (Later rather than sooner I hope.)

P.S. It sounds like Alesia is destroying Hard Times if she's already taking on Mulahey. Bruce isn't very far yet, but I'm not anticipating that it will go that well. Although I may take advantage of your tip on temple donations. Thanks!

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 12:12 .

[Blind_Visionary]

I let Bruce get too close to a Ghast and he failed his save. The ghast tore his helpless body apart.

"That's my skull! I'm so wasted."

RIP Bruce.

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 02:41 .

[Blind_Visionary]

"Good riddance," Cort muttered as the gates of Candlekeep closed behind him, the guards jeering at him from the upper walls. Ulraunt looked down from a tower window, watching him walk down the hill, across the bluffs, and toward an unknown future.

[Blind_Visionary]

Cort insulted Tarnesh. "I'm not your friend, fool."

Tarnesh responded to Cort's verbal abuse poorly. After the exchange of a few spells, Cort died quietly on the steps of the Friendly Arm Inn.

Editorial aside: It's a good thing that Bhaal had so many children.

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 04:35 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Dripping rain from his sodden hood, Dargan stumbled into Beregost in the middle of a raging thunderstorm. He was homeless, almost completely broke, and almost completely alone (save for his pet fairy dragon, who was largely disinterested in the evening's tragic proceedings). He stumbled towards Firebead's house, hoping the old man would take him in for the night.

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 04:30 .

[Alesia_BH]

Blind_Visionary wrote...
"That's my skull! I'm so wasted."

Sorry to hear that.

P.S. It sounds like Alesia is destroying Hard Times if she's already taking on Mulahey.

Nah. She isn't destroying anything. Just learnin' about Hard Times, and havin' some food...

(I'm still exploring really: I'm not quite ready to to start a run yet.)

Although I may take advantage of your tip on temple donations. Thanks!

It goes a long way towards making things affordable. As a reminder, from the midrange up  it's 10,11:100; 12-13:200; 14-15;300; 16:400; 17:500. That'll get you to 18. Krumm and Greywolf can then get you to 20 and at that point you have a 50% discount on all purchases for an initial outlay of 2100. If you can the purchaser's charisma up into the 20s, that will give you another 25% off.

Best,

A. 

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 21 avril 2013 - 04:51 .

[Grond0]

Blind_Visionary wrote...

Alesia_BH wrote...
Your install sounds tricky. Can you link your Weidu log?

I'm sure my install is silly in a lot of ways. I used the Big World Setup tool, mostly on the "total happiness" options, since it seems to dumb things down for me. While at the same time probably adding a bunch of changes that I'm probably not even aware of. Oh well. The last round was fun. Even if Shoal seemed invincible. (I suspect that was SCS though. She had some mean magic resistance, an innate blindness ability, and a water demon accomplice. I might just let her kiss me next time.)

I don't have access to your Weidu log post, but it sounds like perhaps aTweaks is to blame for Shoal's upgrade.

Best of luck with your mage-thief.  If you're finding it hard going remember that the majority of enemies can be slept without them ever seeing you.  A fair few of the ones where that doesn't work can be blinded without them ever having a chance to attack you.  With a fairy dragon familiar you can also play with invis 10' to take on some of the remaining dangerous enemies - with practice on timing the familiar can start casting before you, so that the invisibility spell takes effect immediately after your spell is completed.

[Blind_Visionary]

Alesia_BH wrote...
at that point you have a 50% discount on all purchases for an initial outlay of 2100.

Ahh, I unintentionally nerfed this with one of the mods in my rig. I'm not sure how much a reputation point costs now, but I just spent 100, then 500 to try to go from 11 to 12, and no dice. Dargan heard some nice rumors about Duke Eltan and Bassilus though. 

I think I can get my rep up with some easy quests to start. We'll see how it goes from there.

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 06:48 .

[Blind_Visionary]

Grond0 wrote...
I don't have access to your Weidu log post, but it sounds like perhaps aTweaks is to blame for Shoal's upgrade.

I just fixed the permissions for my log in case you are still curious. And I think you're right about aTweaks. Although I'd put the blame on myself for the results of any mods I've added to my game

Thanks for the advice! We'll see if I can muster the wisdom to avoid or sneak past all those enemies (and skip their loot).   Edit: or do you mean putting them to sleep with a spell? And that invisibilty dragon trick is something I'll have to try...

Modifié par Blind_Visionary, 21 avril 2013 - 06:56 .