85 réponses à ce sujet

[Alesia_BH]

[quote]Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

Didn't go with a Templar Spec therefore the armour was pretty much coin deposit for me. Went with a Champion and Reaver spec. [/quote]

That surprises me. I definitely would have been inclined to go Templar.

[quote] Indomitable was always on it is a must damn those pesky knockdowns and stuns. Precise striking was cycled on when need too. Pommel Strike + next skill = Perfect hit for some reason. [/quote]

Makes sense. Indomitable seems incredibly useful in No Reload play.

[quote]
Starfang had 1 Grandmaster Dweomer Rune + 2 Master Dweomer = 26% spell resist
Toss in Spellward  and key to the city = 58% + 4% more if I switch to ancient elven gloves if there are about 2 mages or more on the screen gives a grand total of 62%  [/quote]

You're braver than I! My Druid couldn't afford Spellward before the Circle Tower and I was completely unhappy with 94%- even with my full Salve spread.

[quote] I played as a weak human ugly dwarfs throw me off)[/quote]

I know. I'm in the same boat: they're so ugly.  I think I'd rather die. Or -to be more precise- have a 10% higher chance of dying.

[quote] 62% was enough to dodge most magic spells except crushing poison D= but it doesn't kill you with the proper salves it does reduce your hp to about 3/4 or 1/2. [/quote]

Greater Spirit Salves do take a lot of the crush out of Crushing Prison. It's really not the prison damage itself that worries me- it's being unable to Heal or refresh Spell Shield while you're getting pounded. Your Warrior can take a lot more abuse than my Druid though.

[quote] I know the constitution is weird by everyone's standard and that Dex should be higher, but sorry the way I roleplay is that Warriors are meant to be meat shields and Dex should be only added for accuracy purposes though having the 30 Dex did help increase the defence rating [/quote]

It may have been done for Role Playing purposes at first, but it does make sense to me in No Reload play- especially if you are making full use of healing.

Optimality is always a function of context and the chosen evaluation criteria. Most gamers are playing in parties, using reloads,  and judging their characters power by kill percentages and damage numbers. Under those circumstances -and with those evaluation criteria- Con is going to look like a waste.

Even when soloing, gamers get continuous positive feedback in the form of big numbers if they invest in damage stats. They also get frequent satisying whiffs if they invest in Dex. And for those few times when Con would have saved them, well, they just shrug and hit that resume game button. Again, Con is going to look wasted by comparison.

If the Lavender Skull means Game Over though, well, things change and Con can start making a difference- especially if you are Solo. It's not exactly surprising: the context and evaluation criteria have changed and so the optimality point can shift. Nothing unusual there. 

Personally, I've never liked reloading. If getting a second chance at life (and then another, and then another, and then another) isn't God Mode, then I don't know what is. If you can't do it without reloading, then -to my mind- you can't do it. That's the primary reason why I find Con more interesting than most Dragon Age players.

[quote] Physical resistance of my character was high enough and the HIGH HP did help more than the extra defence.[/quote]

That's what I would expect- assuming you are making full use of healing. Defense only helps with a subset of threats. Were I to build a Two Handed Warrior for No Reload play, I'd likely strike a similar balance.

I see a lot of synergy between Indomitable + High Con + High Healing Response + Herbalism in No Reload play. I'd like to add 100% Magic Resistance to the mix personally, but I think your formula makes sense.


[quote] The + Healing Effects I know its glitched on 1.03 but nutkien's fix helped with it and boy its a help. Reduce the amount of gold on potions [/quote]

Makes sense.

[quote] Call me cheap or cheating but i don't think that pausing in a battle then switching to effort armour for the +10 healing effects and the reflection + 15% along with the livegiver's 20% = 45% for a heal than pausing to switch to staple equipment to continue. [/quote]

Yeah. My girls don't change during battle: they can never find the time and they're a bit too modest .

And I'm not entirely comfortable with letting them fight off a horde with one hand while chugging potions with the other.

That said, given the challenge you were facing -and your characters abilities- I can definitely understand why you'd make that move.   

[quote] Battles can rage from the basic 1/2 to 3 hours of combat. [/quote]

That doesn't surprise me. You'd need a lot of pauses to manage your gear and fully digest all the battle feedback sometimes.

[quote] Yeah the built is for long combat so screw me if you want a fast game. [/quote]

Did you mean to say  "so sue me" or was that a strange invitation? 

Just joking...


In any event, congrats again Unrefined Nemesis. And thanks for the input.


Cheers,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 22 juin 2010 - 04:49 .

[ladydesire]

Alesia_BH wrote...



Optimality is always a function of context and the chosen evaluation criteria. Most gamers are playing in parties, using reloads,  and judging their characters power by kill percentages and damage numbers. Under those circumstances -and with those evaluation criteria- Con is going to look like a waste.

So does magic on a non-Mage, or Cunning for a non-Rogue; I think so many gamers are used to a certain way of playing that when a game comes along that the developers made using outside of the box thinking, it throws them for a loop. I don't know how many threads I've seen here asking for Bioware to "make Nightmare harder" when the power to do so is between the ears of the person typing the request. It's the same with some so-called bugs, in my opinion.

[Alesia_BH]

ladydesire wrote...

 I don't know how many threads I've seen here asking for Bioware to "make Nightmare harder" when the power to do so is between the ears of the person typing the request.

I agree. And I think Bioware did an excellent job of balancing Dragon Age all things considered.

Awhile ago, I wrote a little passage about Baldur's Gate Mod balancing in the old Bioware forums. Some of the points are relevant for our purposes.

1. It should be possible -though perhaps difficult- to complete the game with any class or party composition- solos included.

Reason: To grant the player a wide variety of tactical and role-playing avenues.

2. It should be practical and feasible -though perhaps difficult- to complete the adventure without reloading.

Reason: No Reload play adds excitement and greatly facilitates immersion. This option should be open to the player.
...

7. Experienced players should be able to find a variety of challenges within the game world. The level of difficulty should press the limits provided by criteria 1-(2).

Reason: Because we all enjoy challenges.

Now, from this vantage point, I think Bioware really did a fine job of balancing Dragon Age. You do have a wide range of role playing and tactical avenues available to you- irrespective of difficulty setting. Further, No Reloading is practical and feasible. At the same time, experienced players can still find challenges within the game world so long as they know were to look. For example, I'm pretty sure the vast majority of people who complain about difficulty wouldn't be able to breeze through if they decided to, say, Solo No Reload Nightmare without Healing. There are definitely challenges to be found for the vast majority of players.

By it’s very nature, difficulty limits the players degrees of freedom. The easiest conceivable encounter is one in which every possible tactic works. The most difficult possible tractable encouter is one in which there is only one tactic in a virtually infinite space of possibilities that can work. Stimulating and playable games will feature encounters that fall in between with an imperfect tradeoff of sorts existing between difficulty and degrees of freedom. All told, I think Bioware did an excellent job of finding a middle ground: the Dragon Age world offers both variety and challenge.

I defintely think you hit the mark when you said the power to find challenges in Dragon Age is "between the ears of the players." No Reload play, Dead-is-Dead play, and No Potion play are all fine options. Intersecting them can be especially interesting.


Best,

A.

 
BTW. As an aside, I also think the difficulty complaints are partially a function of the player community demographics. No judgements stated or implied, but the type of people who are attracted to single player RPGs are often the same people who would be inclined to brag that a game is too easy for them. Again, no judgement stated or implied: it is what it is.

BTW II. While I've been pleased with the balancing in the Dragon Age world. I have been dissappointed with the combat system truthfully: it simply lacks the richness of Baldur's Gate. I understand- there's a broader audience to cater to now plus the console constraints. Still...

Anyhoo, my stay in Thedas will probably be a short one but No Reload play has defintely allowed me to get more mileage out of Dragon Age. No Potion + No Reload may lengthen it still.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 22 juin 2010 - 01:40 .

[old book]

Alesia_BH wrote... 
BTW. As an aside, I also think the difficulty complaints are partially a function of the player community demographics. No judgements stated or implied, but the type of people who are attracted to single player RPGs are often the same people who would be inclined to brag that a game is too easy for them. Again, no judgement stated or implied: it is what it is.

BTW II. While I've been pleased with the balancing in the Dragon Age world. I have been dissappointed with the combat system truthfully: it simply lacks the richness of Baldur's Gate. I understand- there's a broader audience to cater to now plus the console constraints. Still...

Anyhoo, my stay in Thedas will probably be a short one but No Reload play has defintely allowed me to get more mileage out of Dragon Age. No Potion + No Reload may lengthen it still.

You've convinced me to start a new thread on DA vs BG in the General Discussion forum.

[Alesia_BH]

old book wrote...

You've convinced me to start a new thread on DA vs BG in the General Discussion forum.

Good luck with that. I may pop over.

And just to clarify, this quote:

Alesia_BH wrote... 
While I've been pleased with the balancing in the Dragon Age world. I have been dissappointed with the combat system truthfully: it simply lacks the richness of Baldur's Gate. I understand- there's a broader audience to cater to now plus the console constraints. Still...

comes from the point of view of a caster. And one who some from the Old Forums would suggest spent more time exploring the spell system than the average gamer. I'm sure many of the Warriors would see it differently- especially pre ToB.

All off topic for present purposes though. Again, I may drop into the other thread..


Refocusing, I have started experimenting with a Two-Handed Warrior. (I even made a Dwarf who isn't hideous. Yeah!). I may comment on the Strength, Con, Dex tradeoff from a No Reload viewpoint later.


Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 22 juin 2010 - 06:23 .

[Unrefined-Nemesis]

Alesia_BH wrote... 
Refocusing, I have started experimenting with a Two-Handed Warrior. (I even made a Dwarf who isn't hideous. Yeah!). I may comment on the Strength, Con, Dex tradeoff from a No Reload viewpoint later.

A Dwarf that ain't ugly that is impossible. 

I don't consider switching gears in battle cheating, well maybe the armour part but accessories are possible to be switched in a RP manner since they small >.>

Start off with a Dual Wield its easier >.> unless you're a 2 handed god lols.

[Elhanan]

I found Pommel Strike to be the work horse of my 2H Warden during the starting lvls. In later times, it is saved for Mages and archers, but during the first 10 lvls, everything was hitting the deck.

I broke the usual min/max mold here too, and placed pts into both DEX and WILL; seemed to help me anyway.

And almost all my Dwarven Warden's have avoided the Ugly stick....

[Alesia_BH]

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

A Dwarf that ain't ugly that is impossible.

Well she isn't going to win the Miss Thedas Pageant or anything but she can definitely turn heads in Orzammar. 

Maybe I'll upload a pic.

I don't consider switching gears in battle cheating, well maybe the armour part but accessories are possible to be switched in a RP manner since they small >.>

Makes sense.

Start off with a Dual Wield its easier >.> unless you're a 2 handed god lols.

This is the first pure Warrior I've played in either Baldur's Gate or Dragon Age actually. In both games, unbuffed melee fighting has always seemed potenitally fun but tactically suboptimal. Plus, warriors simply don't suit my style. I've always been a fan of Casters, Rogues, and Archers. I'm enjoying my Dwarf so far though (her name is Alana by the way).

She's partying on Nightmare now and so far so good: No Reloads, No Lavender Skulls. I may Solo her on a lower difficulty setting once I understand the class.

I did a bit of experimenting with builds in the early stages of the adventure.

Given my playing style, Max strength didn't work especially well early on: she missed too much (even with Precise Striking running) and she lost out on too many attack opportunities since she couldn't use her bow effectively while enemies closed (I don't bite on the ever-present central postion melee fighter-flanking archer gambit that Dragon Age enemies are fond of using. It makes life easier). 

In her second build, I invested in Dex early (Moved Strength and Dex together up to 20). That worked much better. With Precise Striking running, she basically didn't miss and the damage was adequate. Her max damage numbers weren't as high in this version obviously but the aggregate numbers were much better when you factor in the higher connection frequency both at range and in melee. Further, since she didn't need Precise Striking as much, she had more Stamina for Talents. This version was definitely more playable and enjoyable to my tastes.

All told, this version had a comparative advantage with the Bow against range fighters, could put the hurt on melee fighters while they tried to close, and could finish them with Pommel Strike-> Mighty Blow once they finally reached her. She mixed in Sunder Arms against enemies with more staying power.

Indomitable has been used on an as needed basis to conserve Stamina for activated Talents. She's been running Powerful Swings + Precise Striking after her Stamina fades .

As an experiment, I let her solo the Wilds on Nightmare that way after the party had finished it in the "official" playthrough. No close calls (She used tactical positioning and her Bow against the Emissary, finished after goading him into closing). 

Of course, the concern would be that the early Dex investment would delay Talent and Item access but she's basically on schedule there. She'll be able to wear Knight Commander when I need her too and I'm content with her Talent progression. She got Stunning Blows a little later than she could of but she simply didn't need it.


Linking this back in to the thread topic, I haven't put any points in Con at all- nor do I expect to do so soon. At this, point, the emphasis is on Strength since I'm comfortable with her Dex related performance and Health Point cushion. My Druid needed early Con points to safely navigate the Brecillian and avoid triggering other early Overwhelms, but Alana looks fine on that front given her base Health Point total and the Armor Penetration issues that those critters have. I suspect that I'll allocate to Con later in the adventure when enemy damage amps up. We'll see.


Best,

A.


Btw.

Elhanan wrote...

I found Pommel Strike to be the work horse of my 2H Warden during the starting lvls. In later times, it is saved for Mages and archers, but during the first 10 lvls, everything was hitting the deck.

Yup. Pommel Strike rocks. It's nice to be dishing those out for a change instead of watching my Druid get
popped in the nose every time a Two Hander resists a Repulsion Glyph...

I broke the usual min/max mold here too, and placed pts into both DEX and WILL; seemed to help me anyway.

I've really liked moving Dex early. It's worked.

And almost all my Dwarven Warden's have avoided the Ugly stick....

And they're male? Doubtful my friend, doubtful. The girls aren't too bad but the men.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 23 juin 2010 - 01:19 .

[TBastian]

Optimality is always a function of context and the chosen evaluation criteria. Most gamers are playing in parties, using reloads, and judging their characters power by kill percentages and damage numbers. Under those circumstances -and with those evaluation criteria- Con is going to look like a waste.

Which is why we have dozens of threads on DPS and more that are plain silly to any practical science major.
As an example the difference between 400 dps and 300 dps is only 1 second (1200 damage/3 seconds) vs (1200 damage/4 seconds). And yet I've seen people arguing -fiercely- over that 100 dps difference.
Apparently a certain majority of the people in these boards are Olympic mouse clickers.

Modifié par TBastian, 22 juin 2010 - 09:39 .

[Alesia_BH]

TBastian wrote...

Optimality is always a function of context and the chosen evaluation criteria. Most gamers are playing in parties, using reloads, and judging their characters power by kill percentages and damage numbers. Under those circumstances -and with those evaluation criteria- Con is going to look like a waste.

Which is why we have dozens of threads on DPS and more that are plain silly to any practical science major.
As an example the difference between 400 dps and 300 dps is only 1 second (1200 damage/3 seconds) vs (1200 damage/4 seconds). And yet I've seen people arguing -fiercely- over that 100 dps difference.
Apparently a certain majority of the people in these boards are Olympic mouse clickers.

Yeah. And that's understandable.

Again, context matters. In those threads, the issue isn't enjoyment in a Single Player RPG so much: it's victory in a Multiplayer Theory Duel. And in that context, those extra 100 damage points can be determinative.

There's nothing wrong with theory duels- that's one of the ways for single player RPG enthusiastist to indulge their competitive nature. I just happen to be more interested in enjoying the adventure at the moment.

What's problematic is when an entire gaming community becomes seduced by the endgame-damage-theory-duel mentality. When that happens, the community can become less of a resource for people hoping to share their enjoyment of the adventure and discover a variety of role playing experiences within the gameworld.

Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case here.


Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 23 juin 2010 - 03:35 .

[beancounter501]

I personally enjoy a little nerd/theory craft in a game! It is always fun to think of what builds should be the best. Of course it is always fun to see your play style proved or disproved. When you actually play it out. Since we have no PvP or even PvM challenges it is hard to prove otherwise. Still, there are a whole lot more important factors then DPS in this game.



Still remember NWN2 when everyone was ranting about the whole Dual Weld Ranger Divine Might builds. Turned out the whole thing was a total glass cannon that could not fight his way out of a wet paper bag!



@Alesia - I would really recommend playing a warrior in DA. Bioware has done a really good job in making the class interesting. Not at all like the D&D warrior.



Also, your whole challenge sounds fun. Much more interesting then some of the Nightmare Solo Builds. Even though, I would probably lose! I only get to play when the rest of the family goes to bed - being tired is not a good combo for a Dead is Dead game. Gah, plus I would cheat since I could not give up a couple of weeks gameplay! Guess I will just watch the thread. It is interesting.

[Alesia_BH]

beancounter501 wrote...

I personally enjoy a little nerd/theory craft in a game!

Sure. That's part of the fun.

Still, there are a whole lot more important factors then DPS in this game.

I agree- assuming the player hasn't adopted maximizing DPS as their personal goal.

There's a variety of challanges that a player can choose to pursue in the game world. For some optimum DPS is critical, for others less so.

If staying alive is your goal, DPS is just one part of the equation. If you don't attend to the rest, you'll end up with zero.

Also, your whole challenge sounds fun.

(*)

The beautiful thing about the Baldur's Gate No Reload Challenge is that it allows Tactics and Roleplaing to come together.

The challenge of staying alive even when everything falls apart keeps people on their toes tactically (**) and people chronicle their characters adventure in the threads. Sometimes they use journals, sometimes they use narratives, and sometimes they use tatical battle summaries- whatever suits their communicative needs. It's a great way to share tactics and mutual enjoyment of the game world.

When you are playing the game like that, you don't find yourself thinking things like: "Sigh. This is fun and all, but I wish this game weren't so simple and mainstream." You find yourself thinking: "Maker! I can't believe those spiders almost killed me! I really need to be more careful!" Followed quickly by: "Ok. Now how am I going to write this part of my character's adventure for the other players?"

For me, that's the sweet spot in the Single Player RPG world: tactics, stories and community- all together.

I hope we can get something similar going with Dragon Age.

Even though, I would probably lose!

Probably. And if the odds were in your favour, it would be wise to impose restrictions or amp up the difficulty. Challenges like this are most satisfying when you are always on the precipice.

There are people in the Trilogy No Reload thread who have been literally trying for years. When they die, everyone offers condolences and they roll up another character. I'm sure they'll feel good when they finally make it.

Gah, plus I would cheat since I could not give up a couple
of weeks gameplay!

It's on an honor system,  but there is no shame in death.
My Druid just died actually:(. I don't feel my time with here was wasted though. I thoroughly enjoyed her adventure and look forward to giving her another shot at it.

Guess I will just watch the thread.

Feel free. But feel free to join as well when the time comes. I'm guessing you'd enjoy it.

I don't intend to start a thread immediately. I need to talk to Agni108 because I don't want to step on his toes. Plus I'm headed to India for 2 months in a couple days so I won't be in a position to handle challenge updates and the like. Hopefully we'll get something up and running relatively soon though.

In any event, I hope to see you around Beancounter501!


Best,

A.


{*) I wouldn't call it mine. Retet started the BG-II Reload Challenge in the Old Forums about 4 years ago. Inspired by him, I started the Trilogy No Reload shortly thereafter. Agni108 is the one who has been trying to get one going here.

{**) In my Bounty Hunter's Baldur's Gate Trilogy No Reload, for example, she ended up getting caught off guard by a Tactics Vampire ambush at low levels. She had successfuly completed all of BG1 and a good chunk of BGII -weeks of play and it all came down to that moment. She was trapped in a room and the situation looked hopeless. Until it hit me: wait untill morning and make a break for daylight. That would typically be a simple encouter, but it ended up being one of the most memorable Baldur's Gate battles I fought. That wouldn't have happened had I not been playing a No Reload game. Another player stayed alive at one point by charming a random moose to run distraction while he headed for the hills. The Dragon Age engine isn't quite conducive to that same way out the box type of battles, but encounters can end up having a similar flavour. 

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 23 juin 2010 - 06:28 .

[Unrefined-Nemesis]

Alesia_BH wrote...

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

A Dwarf that ain't ugly that is impossible.

Well she isn't going to win the Miss Thedas Pageant or anything but she can definitely turn heads in Orzammar. 

Maybe I'll upload a pic.

Ouh those sodden drunks couldn't tell a beauty if they seen one >.> lols.

Regards on why you're missing so much early game and to avoid it. Get Pommel strike on the character creation screen ASAP. Pommel Strike is always a 100% hit and the next attack is a perfect hit, you'll be using it most of the time. Pommel Strike + Attack, Pommel Strike + skill, you won't be needing precise striking that much after 26 Dex. 

[Alesia_BH]

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

Ouh those sodden drunks couldn't tell a beauty if they seen one >.> lols.

This dwarf thing really goes deep with you huh? What: did Bodahn Fedic woo your Two-Hander's lady friend?

Regards on why you're missing so much early game and to avoid it. Get Pommel strike on the character creation screen ASAP. Pommel Strike is always a 100% hit and the next attack is a perfect hit, you'll be using it most of the time. Pommel Strike + Attack, Pommel Strike + skill, you won't be needing precise striking that much after 26 Dex.

Makes sense. Thanks. If Alana needs guidance she'll know where to turn.

The accuracy problem is under control now. And yes, Pommel Strike has been part of the equation.

I'll pop on over to the 2-Hander thread if she needs help.

Still no points in Con by the way. Her base cushion remains adequate.


Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 23 juin 2010 - 06:34 .

[TBastian]

Still remember NWN2 when everyone was ranting about the whole Dual Weld Ranger Divine Might builds. Turned out the whole thing was a total glass cannon that could not fight his way out of a wet paper bag!

Haha

They should really implement a better overhead view for PC players, so we have less trouble surveying the terrain/observing enemies from a distance. You'd think they'd have done so already in Awakenings or some of the DLC's.

Modifié par TBastian, 23 juin 2010 - 02:30 .

[Unrefined-Nemesis]

Alesia_BH wrote...

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

Ouh those sodden drunks couldn't tell a beauty if they seen one >.> lols.

This dwarf thing really goes deep with you huh? What: did Bodahn Fedic woo your Two-Hander's lady friend?

Regards on why you're missing so much early game and to avoid it. Get Pommel strike on the character creation screen ASAP. Pommel Strike is always a 100% hit and the next attack is a perfect hit, you'll be using it most of the time. Pommel Strike + Attack, Pommel Strike + skill, you won't be needing precise striking that much after 26 Dex.

Makes sense. Thanks. If Alana needs guidance she'll know where to turn.

The accuracy problem is under control now. And yes, Pommel Strike has been part of the equation.

I'll pop on over to the 2-Hander thread if she needs help.

Still no points in Con by the way. Her base cushion remains adequate.


Best,

A.

You'll need the con once you get into the deeps of the Deep Roads, those pesky mages spam crushing prison like theres no tomorrow.

[Alesia_BH]

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

You'll need the con once you get into the deeps of the Deep Roads, those pesky mages spam crushing prison like theres no tomorrow.

Understood. And thanks again!

Alana's a Dwarven Templar with an old friend in the Merchant District so she should have the magic threat covered by that point.

She'll almost certainly be putting points in Con by the time she reaches the Deep Roads though.

At level 10, Con is begining to feel like her weak point. She has a hit percentage of 81% and her damage is adequate given the absoption capacity of current foes. It's her Health Point margin of safety that's starting to feel lacking. (Better armor will help, but I'm not inclined to put too much faith in armor).

I'll let everyone know if and when I decide to give her some Con points. It is the number that's on the radar right now.


Best,

A.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 23 juin 2010 - 04:43 .

[Unrefined-Nemesis]

Alesia_BH wrote...

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

You'll need the con once you get into the deeps of the Deep Roads, those pesky mages spam crushing prison like theres no tomorrow.

Understood. And thanks again!

Alana's a Dwarven Templar with an old friend in the Merchant District so she should have the magic threat covered by that point.

She'll almost certainly be putting points in Con by the time she reaches the Deep Roads though.

At level 10, Con is begining to feel like her weak point. She has a hit percentage of 81% and her damage is adequate given the absoption capacity of current foes. It's her Health Point margin of safety that's starting to feel lacking. (Better armor will help, but I'm not inclined to put too much faith in armor).

I'll let everyone know if and when I decide to give her some Con points. It is the number that's on the radar right now.


Best,

A.

Ouh templar dwarf wouldn't that go against the laws of the stone in a roll playing manner ? Dwarf worship Paragons not the maker but seeing your dwarf is either exiled or recruited by duncan somewhere down the road she might have converted aye ?

Since you're on the Templar spec you'll be definitely going the 100% magic resist route I'll doubt you'll need constitution at all. Waste a ring slot with livegiver that should be all the con you would need.

[Alesia_BH]

Unrefined-Nemesis wrote...

Ouh templar dwarf wouldn't that go against the laws of the stone in a roll playing manner ? Dwarf worship Paragons not the maker but seeing your dwarf is either exiled or recruited by duncan somewhere down the road she might have converted aye ?

Paragons be dammned.

She's a Dwarven Noble- an ambitious girl. Once she heard Alistair may have a claim to the throne, she took an interest in his interests.

I'm comfortable with her from a RP viewpoint. Cosying up to Alistair, learning to persuade, rolling with a Witch and a Golem. That's Alana: she's an ambitious little badass who isn't afraid of breaking rules.

Since you're on the Templar spec you'll be definitely going the 100% magic resist route

Yup. That's part of the game plan.

I'll doubt you'll need constitution at all. Waste a ring slot with livegiver that should be all the con you would need.

We'll see. I'm keeping close tabs on enemy damage output at this stage and intend to keep her absoption capacity commensurate with threats- granting a generous margin of safety.

She's definitely getting Lifegiver.

Of course, I'm also keeping tabs on the punishment enemies can withstand. At present, her build feels a bit too agressive for my taste, but I haven't committed to Con yet. Again, it is the number on the radar though.


Best,

A.


Btw. Life in Thedas is SO much easier when you aren't soloing using only the Creation School. I do want to get back to solo no reloading Alora- it is an interesting challenge. Alana and her crew have been a nice break though.

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 24 juin 2010 - 11:36 .

[ladydesire]

Okay, I've started (twice) with Elissa; the first time, on Hard, I didn't get past the second group of Howe's soldiers that attack in the sleeping area of the castle. I turned down the difficulty to Normal and made it through the entire attack.



Stats are as follows at level 3:



Strength 16

Dexterity 15

Willpower 10

Magic 16

Cunning 12

Constitution 16



She has Dual-Weapon Training and Dual Striking from Dual Weapons, Flame Blast from the Tevinter Warden Primal school and Heal from the Tevinter Warden Creation school.

[Last Darkness]

ladydesire wrote...

Okay, I've started (twice) with Elissa; the first time, on Hard, I didn't get past the second group of Howe's soldiers that attack in the sleeping area of the castle. I turned down the difficulty to Normal and made it through the entire attack.

Stats are as follows at level 3:

Strength 16
Dexterity 15
Willpower 10
Magic 16
Cunning 12
Constitution 16

She has Dual-Weapon Training and Dual Striking from Dual Weapons, Flame Blast from the Tevinter Warden Primal school and Heal from the Tevinter Warden Creation school.

If your using mods like that why even bother?

[ladydesire]

Last Darkness wrote...

ladydesire wrote...

Okay, I've started (twice) with Elissa; the first time, on Hard, I
didn't get past the second group of Howe's soldiers that
attack in the sleeping area of the castle. I turned down the
difficulty to Normal and made it through the entire attack.

Stats are as follows at level 3:

Strength 16
Dexterity 15
Willpower 10
Magic 16
Cunning 12
Constitution 16

She has Dual-Weapon Training and Dual Striking from Dual
Weapons, Flame Blast from the Tevinter Warden Primal school
and Heal from the Tevinter Warden Creation school.

If your using mods like that why even bother?

Considering I can't use Lyrium Potions (it's a Stamina based class) and even in Awakening it takes every Stamina Potion I can get to complete the final battle in the Silverite Mines quest line, I'd say it's well balanced. I'm also using two steel daggers, not sword and shield and the spells are probably less powerful than a Mage of the same level due to the stat split; Strength, Willpower and Magic are the three key stats for the Tevinter Warden.

[Alesia_BH]

Last Darkness wrote...

If your using mods like that why even bother?

Fun. I'm pretty sure that's what all this is about ultimately...

Personally, I enjoy sharing in the adventures of others. And if mods enhance the journey, then far be it from me to judge.


Best,

A.

[Alesia_BH]

ladydesire wrote...

Okay, I've started (twice) with Elissa; the first time, on Hard, I didn't get past the second group of Howe's soldiers that attack in the sleeping area of the castle. I turned down the difficulty to Normal and made it through the entire attack.

Best of luck Ladydesire! If you are posting over in Agni108's thread (*), then I'll happily follow your adventure. Sounds like you have an interesting run ahead of you!


Best,

A.


(*) As mentioned earlier, I'm reluctant to start a new No Reload Challenge thread now because I'm about to leave for India and can't take on the responsibility. I'm defintely interested in your character's journey though. Good luck! 

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 26 juin 2010 - 06:45 .

[Alesia_BH]

Ok. I'm about to leave for India so I have to pack in Alana's game. A few scattered thoughts on Con for 2 Handed Warriors from a No Reload viewpoint before I go.

In a party with Shale (+Con and Poultices) and Alistair (+ Dex and Incenses of Awareness), Alana (+ Anti-Hostility Items + Indomitable + Magic Resistance + Swift Salves) has had little need from extra Con. She can basically just run around and cut things in half. Were she solo, I do strongly suspect that Con would enhance survivability at certain stages of the adventure. This is just a hypothesis though and it will remain so for now since I don't have time to experiment. Soloing Alana is on the Dragon Age to-do list once I get back though.

Best,

A.

@ Unrefined Nemesis. I have to admit to some skepticism when you first claimed to have solo No Reloaded Nightmare with a Two Hander. I think I'm getting it now though. Indomitable + Magic Resistance + Con + High Healing Response + Poultices + Swift Salves sounded good in theory but -more importantly- it appears to be a workable formula in practice as well. ( You are right: the Swift Salves are crucial BTW.) In my mind, a Two Hander Nightmare No Reload has shifted from the nigh impossible category to doable with a lot of patience and excruciating attention to detail. Thanks!

Modifié par Alesia_BH, 26 juin 2010 - 09:46 .