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Item Locations and Questions. in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #11
The +2 levels damage from the Chestguard is great for agents, as it affects spells as well as melee and missile combat. The weight difference isn't that huge - Chestguard is 20.0, Shroud is 12.5. That's less than a point of strength in encumbrance, and late in the game one point of strength is a lot cheaper than two levels of magic.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
living tool with many charges? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #7
The two mechanisms could easily coexist, seeing as they don't overlap at all. GF1 you use the tool like any other item, one by one; GF2/3 for the auto-using you click on the lever/chest.

Really I just hate having to cart around any more living tools than I need to, since they are a pound a piece...

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Random item drops in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #0
I put together this list of random drops a while ago, pulled straight from the GF3 scripts... it sounds like some of you might find it useful. Note that this only applies to enemies with random drops, so it does not apply to most named characters, or some slight variants of fyoras or thahds, etc.

Note: each of these items has a specific chance associated with it, in I think percent; you can find these in the scripts. I'm not sure if Luck affects item drop chance like it once did. I haven't noticed a difference, at any rate.

Rogue, Enraged, Warped Fyora = Perfect Fyora Scale
Charged Fyora = Fyoraskin Shield
Rogue, Brutal, Unstable Thahd; Thahd Shade = Platinum Ring, Coins
Charged Thahd = Thahd Skin Tunic, Gemstone
Rogue, Plated, Searing Artila = Artila Eye
Charged Artila, Inferno Worm = Student's Belt
Ornk, Rogue Ornk, Oozebeast, Detonating Beast = Meat, Meat, Meat
Servile = Coins, Coins, Cloak, Dagger, Sandals, Platinum Ring
Guard, Rogue, Warrior, Plated Servile; Servile Defender, Servile Vat Tech, Servile Power Tech = Coins, Coins, Cloak, Bronze Sword, Sandals, Gold Ring
War-Bred Servile, Servile Icecaster, Servile Cultist = Coins, Coins, Acid Thorns, Bronze Sword, Sandals, Gold Ring
Rogue, Rabid, Guardian, Icebreath Roamer = Roamer Fang
Rogue, Submission, Terror, Corrupting Vlish = Vlish Tentacle
Spectral Vlish = Healing, Curing, Speed, Major Healing Spores
Spawner = Gemstone, Lovely Crystal, Beautiful Crystal
Turret = Thorns
Venom Turret = Venom Thorns
Burning Turret = Acid Thorns
Submission Turret = Submission Thorns
Reaper Turret = Reapers
Fighter = Coins, Thorns, Javelins, Healing Pod
Warrior, Elite Warrior, Blademaster, Guard = Coins, Venom Thorns, Steel Javelins, Major Healing Pod
Specter, Specter Sage, Ghost = Agent Cloak, Miner's Gloves
Rogue, Wounded Battle Alpha = Chitin Armor, Chainmail Vest
Rogue Battle Beta; Battle Gamma = Chitin Armor, Iron Breastplate, Coins
Glaahk, Rogue Glaahk, Ur-Glaahk, Rogue Ur-Glaahk = Steel Dagger
Mage, Wizard, Researcher, Lankan = Gemstone, Fiery Wand
Pylon, Energy Spire = Coins, Coins, Coins
Rogue Drayk = Gemstone, Coins, Coins, Perfect Drayk Scale
Rogue Drakon, Rogue Ur-Drakon = Perfect Drakon Scale
Rogue Gazer, Rogue Eyebeast = Eyebeast Eye
Rogue Rotghroth = Rotghroth Fang

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
What do YOU want to see in G4? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #76
Well, it's not like there's easy newsflow in any of the GF games. These kinds of questions are hard to address in open-ended, computer-based RPGs like Jeff's... the player will always find something unexpected to do. Dialogue pretty much has to be pre-scripted, and you can't predict everything.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Item Locations and Questions. in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #7
Emerald Chestguard
def 50%
+2 AP
+2 levels damage
+2% resist all
+18% resist stun

Crystalline Shroud
def 16%
+2 AP
+30% resist stun
+12% resist all
+3 creation strength

Shroud for shapers, Chestguard for guardians/agents

All-Protector
def 12%
+5% resist all
+20% resist stun
+2 levels damage

Essence Aegis
def 12%
+2 spellcraft
+2 healing craft
+1 int

Both are probably inferior to Quicksilver Bulwark, but
Aegis for shapers/agents, All-Pro for guardians

Infiltrator's Ring
def 2%
+2 dex
+2 leadership
+2 mechanics
+2 luck

Avenger's Ring
def 6%
+15% resist stun
+2 melee weapons
+4 quick action

Infiltrator's Ring for anyone except melee guardians

Creator's Belt
def 20%
+2 creation str, dex, int, end

Lightning Girdle
6%
+1 AP
+3 parry
+2 dex

Belt for shapers, Girdle for guardians/agents

and then there's the spectacular, spectacular
Talisman of Might
+4 str

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
living tool with many charges? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #3
Actually, I *really* miss the manual living tool use. It meant that you could use just enough tools to get a lock within reach of your Unlock spell. In G2/3, if your Unlock spell is just SLIGHTLY too weak, you have to waste a full set of tools, not just 1 or 2.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
What do YOU want to see in G4? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #73
I'm just impressed that we have yet to see GIFTS in the Geneforge universe. *shiver*

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Why Is It in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #1
Well, missile weapons have one major drawback that melee weapons don't: they run out. While you have convinced me this isn't such a big problem, it IS still a drawback. Javelins in particular deserve to be better than melee weapons since they are so heavy, as opposed to, say, thorns and batons, which are fairly plentiful and easy to cart around.

Also, missile weapons don't get extra attacks from Quick Action.

Finally, there are some situations where not having a melee weapon already equipped is a disadvantage -- say you get stunned to 5 AP and your target runs up next to you.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Most "Powerful" Class? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #31
The problem with relying on crystals is that there are only so many of them. They are plentiful, yes, especially if you take the time to forge extras (ugh) and there are plenty for tough fights, but not enough to use against regular enemies. I suppose using a melee weapon you haven't supported with too many skill points is okay against them, but any other primary attack you put points into -- whether magic, melee, or shaping -- is freely available 24/7. Heck, there are so many essence pods in G3 you don't even have to restrict yourself to the weaker spells.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Most "Powerful" Class? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #13
Impressive! The agent is definitely my preferred class, but I tend to play them like guardians -- with the G2/3 skill point system, their only real physical deficit is 3 or so points of QA and Parry, and little bit of HP, while having better buffs/dazes is super. I always found that melee attacks were more consistent than magic, even for my agents; Firebolt in particular annoys me with its proclivity to miss, and the slower energy restoration rate in G3 makes me less inclined to rely on the stronger spells. However, I've never focused on the magic skills to this kind of degree. Thanks for the idea... I'll have to try this if I play through again.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
NPCs neccessary? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #13
The thing to keep in mind:

Experience penalties from having allies are constant (it will always be 8% per creature, or whatever it is)

However, experience penalties from gaining levels are exponential. Ever notice how the 32 points (or whatever) you got for killing a Fyora quickly drops to 16, 8, eventually 1? 1 or 2 levels can make a drastic difference in the amount of experience you get.

The net result is that singleton players will always have more experience than full parties -- but only by a little; they will constantly hover just slightly ahead.

I don't know if this was Jeff's intent, but there's no real game mechanic incentive to run solo. (The incentive there, I suppose, is that it's less hassle to move your party around, and often easier to keep 1 player alive than a full party of 8.)

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
skill numbers ? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #4
Also:

203 - "+1 to levels damage in combat" bonus

200 - I forget what this is, but it's on Tek's Spectral Dirk for you and Arcane and Projection Bands for creations.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
What do YOU want to see in G4? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #43
Drakefyre-
as mentioned previously (I think in this thread, possibly in another) the complaints about inventory management are mostly about the *complete* lack of keyboard management *except* for picking up items. Given that GF3 pretty much encourages you to carry around various infiltrator items, etc., to switch on and off, it becomes a huge hassle to click move click, click move click five times before and after every door I want to jimmy. That said, for picking up items, once you get up to I and J it's hard to remember which key is which box and I've mistaken the j label for an i an awful lot of times. Click move click is very slow.

What I would envision might be a highlighted item box, which you move around with the arrow keys, and a small command set - d to drop, e to equip, and so on. It certainly wouldn't have to replace the clunky mouse movement, for those who appreciate it.

Of course, this is all nitpicking.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Lankin plot bug? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #11
I'll second everything Matt Thorn said.

As for the first version of Exile being bad quality -- HARDLY! Sure, the graphics were primitive in comparison with Geneforge, but game was damn beautifully done. Back in 1994 pretty the only current, well-made Mac RPGs were Realmz and Exile (plus a few odd ports like Might & Magic III). Realmz had glossier graphics, but ran sloppier... Exile had an attention to detail in gameplay, and in general game construction, and balance (not to mention the backstory) which was downright AMAZING for its time.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
puresteel items in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #7
As far as I can tell, the % in the ratings for armor, etc. is not particularly relevant. It may be that effects max out at 100%, but 100% armor certainly doesn't reduce damage, or chance to be hit, by 100%.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Essence shield in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #4
Heal also says "increase health," whereas augmentation says "increase maximum health." Does essence shield heal you? I can't remember.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Middle of the road viewpoint in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #30
That "tiger" business -- the power to summon demons and shape barred creations and yourself, et cetera -- is part and parcel of the shaping business. That's one of the main arguments used by the loyalists, especially in GF3 -- that such power has to be tightly controlled to avoid the chaos we have seen in the GF series.

But isn't the real underlying point of GF that such chaos is inevitable, if you are going to play with that kind of power? That's why the ideals of the Awakened seem so spurious... humans exist without shaping; serviles don't. And that, too, is why Sucia island was barred...

Among fantasy stories, video games included, one of the most common motifs is of some great evil power which should have been destroyed, but instead was sealed; and after many years it unleashes destruction on the world. In the case of shaping/augmenting, "destroying the evil power" doesn't really mean destroying the geneforge (or whatever) so much as putting safeguards in place, and improving capacity for judgment in society... because the power can always be recreated from scratch.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Shops in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #5
GF3 is definitely *not* the first Spiderweb game run that way. I can't remember how Nethergate handled things, but the earlier Exile games definitely did not keep track of items you sold. Almost no RPGs will keep track of that, frankly.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Quest on shaping canisters in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #2
There -are- however a handful of items which will increase your Shaping stats. Off the top of my head, there's a necklace, a robe, and the bracelet from the testing grounds.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Middle of the road viewpoint in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #26
But isn't that too radical to come out of nowhere? The Awakened were only born after many years of isolation from Shapers, many unusual years during which the values of the serviles were free to evolve.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Special Buyers? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #3
AFIAK there are no special buyers for iron bars or gemstones. And yeah, I kept stockpiles of them, too.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
upgrade bug. in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #2
whoa.

the debug codes can change stuff done flags?!?

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Training ground question in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #4
An agent or guardian can deal with multiple golems (or any other powerful creature)... Protecting creations is hard, but protecting yourself is easier; you just need to be able to deal damage to the golems and heal yourself every turn. Good armor and stun resistance, good HP level, Haste, Heal (not Light Heal), and a few essence pods when necessary should be able to do it. Better defenses (Essence Armor and Steel Skin are fantastic) and AP boosting items will make it easier, as will a weapon with the Regenerate enhancement. Quick Action and anything else that boosts damage will help reduce the amount of time you have to endure a beating.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
What do YOU want to see in G4? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #19
What about the ability to shape creations that aren't fighting characters? We know that shaping is involved in the creation of living tools, spores, pods, and so on. You could implement some really practically useful things here -- say, some kind of "pack" creation that you can toss your items into. Having to juggle reagents, charging stones, and heavy collectible items gets pretty annoying... as does being encumbered just because I'm carrying a bunch of living tools.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00
Is there an island-hopping cheat code? in Geneforge Series
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
Profile Homepage #2
Well, if you use the "exitzone" cheat in a dungeon level (like Inner Keep, Clawbug Lair, etc) you'll go back to South End on the first island.

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Slarty vs. DeskDesk vs. SlartyTimeline of ErmarianG4 Strategy Central
Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00

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