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Nimble Fingers in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #0
I have been thinking. Nimble Fingers may be better for a singleton than previously thought.

Even though Elite Warrior, Pure Spirit, and Natural Mage all provide very good skill bonuses... Nimble fingers would provide free levels of tool use. Combined with 6 in mage spells, and you would have some chance as a singleton to unlock some doors that have valuable stuff behind them.

In time, you would even get 15 in tool use, which is a whole bunch of skill points saved. Meaning you could effectively pump mage skills, priest skills, or even a little bit of arcane lore so you could get some spiffy spells.

And, for what it is worth, you would would free points in first aid. Which is really rather nice when you think about it.

Thoughts?

Edit.

Divine Blood is of course a given.

[ Saturday, January 07, 2006 09:07: Message edited by: Delicious Vlish ]

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Singleton party in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #82
My torment game is like chiseling away at a mountain with a needle.

I'm doing it, but damn. Two people are just not producing enough damage for it to be done in a timely manner.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Dynamic Duo. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #7
I have made a viscious stab in to the Nephil infested lands.

Killed the big bad kitty. It was... Rough. Spent a lot of time running. I used the land to my advantage, as there are several lumps of rock to hide behind or play ring around the rosey.

I am really wishing there was a way to recharge wands.

The Gazer Beast and the bat infestation upstairs caused me a great deal of difficulty, but no deaths. Lots of dazing, a couple of shades summoned, and much running and gunning in a tight confined space. Which uh, is very uncomfortable.

My first character, who frequently frontlines, is still using the Shielding Knife for some reason.

I have yet to move farther south and face the Nephar Archer. I suspect that playing ring around the rosey with all those rock outcroppings will be vital to my success.

I am not much looking forward to the worms either.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Singleton party in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #77
Well, I have some doubts, but could a pure mage with no priest spells make it through the game? Seems like it might work.

Of course, that means dealing with Arcane Blow and it's stupifying 25 damage. Oooh! Aaah!

Bah!

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
How do I counter a Fear spell? in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #7
quote:
Originally written by Synergy:

Hamar? Really? I was thinking I had seen Unshackle Mind earlier, but wrote down my info for Hamar wrong. Good catch, Vlish.
I believe it costs 700 coins per level bought. And it is worth it buying two levels. Having just one level doesn't seem to do much.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Singleton party in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #75
quote:
Originally written by Synergy:

Well, my singleton game is rapidly drawing to a close now. I am down to the final confrontation, or I should say series of confrontations in the north Remote Lands.

Lack of Dispel Barrier is a serious bummer. Slarty or others trying singletons, make note:

If you want to use Craftmaster Strine to get Knowledge Brews or get into the upper part of Erika's ruin or raid the Castle treasury or enter any other of a couple dozen barrier-guarded locations, you're going to have to get Dispel Barrier. The path under the river to Strine is blocked by a half dozen barriers which do not respond to Piercing Crystals. Basically, once you leave the Eastern Gallery, about the only thing that a Piercing Crystal will break is the barriers to the test sites. Otherwise, they are worthless.

I'm really really bummed not being able to pay a little visit to Strine. I have a LOT of wasted herbs. I think I could have made about 15 Knowledge brews. That would have been good for some Dex and Strength I wish I had right now. I'm pretty much stuck with what I have at this point for the rest of the game, unless I earn one more level on my way into the ruin. I'll give one more report and some conclusions when I finish.

Color me Highly Disappointed just now. Being singleton has been wonderful in many regards, and kind of a drag missing out on spellbooks, caches, and everything behind barriers on the other hand.

Which is why I am making a duo. I have no desire to be bummed out.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
How do I counter a Fear spell? in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #5
You can also learn it from Hamar, in the farmlands just East of Fort Draco. She is a healer. Ask her to teach you.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
How do I counter a Fear spell? in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #1
Have your priest cast Restore Mind. And destroy his pylon of terror.

Yes, destroy all of the pylons. They are keeping the mage alive. Send in some summons and shoot the pylons with bows and hit them with acid. When they will explode, they will visciously poison the enemy mage. When you destroy all of the pylons, and he has been severely poisoned, he will die rather quickly.

Cure works. Some toxins are so nasty that you need to cast it more than once, or have a higher level of cure.

Was this helpful? If you need anything else, please, feel free to ask.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Dynamic Duo. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #6
I don't always summon. I do try and make it a fair fight. Four goblins vs two kitties? Summon.

I got rid of the ogre. He killed my blessed and hasted shade, which really suprised me. I spent a lot of time running, stopping only to apply acid or the occasional Smite from a scroll to stun him and slow him down.

The bat ambush in the swamp went badly, required several reloads.

I was able to clear out the shades in the mines, but only just barely. Creep forward, get just one shade in sight, and then let them have it with Dispel Spirit and then hose them with Acid. I actually had to back out of there and go and buy the wand of firebolt from Oliver. Heh. It made the fight bearable.

I was about level four I think when I challenged the testing shade, which wasn't to bad.

Spiders are very bad on torment. The spiders down in the lower caves caused several reloads. I finally lured them in to a bottlenecked chokepoint and blew them up with some ice clouds.

I have found I spend most of my time running.

I have cleared all of the starter areas, and I am now going East to deal with all of the evil Nephils, as I slowly carve a bloody path to Fort Draco. Everything dies.

Oh. Been eating a ton of food. Every scrap of food on the ground, I grab it. I have never really found it all that useful till up to this point. Now, I am happy to see a mushroom or hunk of jerky. If only there was an easier way to recover spell points. Food has allowed me to save a lot of spell points otherwise spent on healing though.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Dynamic Duo. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #4
Well, I just cleared out the Goblin Cave.

Getting in melee range is bad. Found that out already. No Parry on Torment is slightly unpleasant, because stuff lives just long enough to take a few good pokes at you, and one is bound to score.

So it's been a running battle. See a goblin, summon, retreat. Goblin stays busy with the summon for a few rounds, Dynamic Duo turns him in to a pincushion.

Tryxtah died embarassingly. He spent the whole time running back and forth between my two kitties, who were spread out apart from each other. He would get to one but not have enough action points to attack, get shot in the back or get hosed with acid, and would turn around and go to attack the other. Only to be shot in the back again, which would cause him to turn back around.

Bats are a serious problem. I hate bats on Torment.

I am currently pondering how to effectively remove the ogre. I think a hasted blessed Shade should be able to keep him busy for the time required for acid to do its work. Or, if I am lucky, I can summon a cave slime which is highly physically resistant.

Edit.

Two, for me, will accomplish my goals. A single character keeps to much of the game out of reach. So, moving to a duo should allow everything in the game to be accessable, but still done with the bare minimum required to do it, which is sort of the point of why many people play a single character.

I am thinking I have just enough knowledge on how to make two characters act as one character, hence the name Dynamic Duo is not just a clever name, but a working concept.

I did finally beat the game on Torment. Near the end, once the right gear was aquired, I saw how it could be easier for a single character to bushwack certain encounters. There came a point where managing four characters became something of a liability, which really suprised me. I mean, they survived ok, but some encounters would have been easier with an Agent-like approach if you know what I mean. Keeping one character alive can be a lot easier than keeping four. (Also noticeable in the Baldur's Gate series)

I think a Duo will achieve the happy medium. Maybe.

Second edit.

Applied tactics.

I have noticed that there are plenty of chances to use terrain to full advantage.

For example. In the Eastern Gallery, the baby ogres. They live by a pillar of rock. It's wide and round. I have this cunning plan to try later. Basically, I will approach the area in combat mode, hasted. One character will approach from the front view, but stay just outside of visual range. The second character will go around the long way, and stay out of sight, but be behind the ogres. When the time is right, the first will go forward and initiate battle and the opening round of hostilities. And when all of the ogres present come charging in and howling for the first character's blood, and draw themselves in to a nice little clump, the first kitty will run away a bit to stay out of reach.

The second will come out of hiding from behind, and take advantage of the now focused AI. Hammer the mob with ice clouds, acid, wands, lightning scrolls, whatever is handy.

Most, if not all of the mob, will be completely pissed off at this point. The survivors that is. I expect many of them to die after the initial exchange of hostilities. Anyhoo, they will be super pissed, and will turn tail to attack the sneaky little backstabber. The first kitty now has a chance to attack as the mob has their attention focused on the dirty bastard that launched a sneak attack from behind. You can see where this goes.

I do believe the flank attacks will be most effective. There are many areas in the game where this tactic can be employed, and probably to great effect. It should also keep me safe, as enemies will spend a great deal of time running back and forth between two targets triggering their hostility.

[ Monday, January 02, 2006 11:51: Message edited by: Delicious Vlish ]

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Dynamic Duo. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #2
Well, I thought about the mage priest thief thing... To many points.

So one priest, one mage.

Send summons forward at the start of battle, retreat a little bit, and plink away with bows or spells. No real tanking should be needed, but we all know how the best laid plans usually turn out.

I believe the key to managing the game will come down to summons, applied acid damage, and ancillary effects. Like, for example, the Shockwave bow. The stunning effect to leach away enemy action points, as well as summoned shades cursing and stunning foes. Use of the slow spell as well when possible.

The enemy should be kept busy or kept in constant pursuit.

I am also applying Agent principles here. Only instead of a single Agent, there will be a duo, and I will have disposable summons.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Singleton party in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #64
quote:
Originally written by Slartucker:

You know... that could be another way to do it. Pump armor and all of your resistances as high as possible, instead of pumping dodge. A few points into Endurance, a lot into Hardiness, Luck, and Resistance. Boost with Steel Skin and Prismatic Shield (and Protection), although getting the spell skill points for both of those would suck.

I wonder how much damage you can prevent with high enough armor/resists? I've already seen goblins hit me for zero damage, and my armor rating was only around 30 at the time. All those stat boosts plus Charmed Plate, Gazerskin Sandals, and so on... that's a lot of resistance!

On one of my parties in the beta, I had a character with Demon Slayer, a ton of hostile resistance items, steel skill, buffing spells, etc, that would frequently get hit for zero damage.

It's possible to hit around 100% hostile effect resistance with items, if my memory serves me right.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Dynamic Duo. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #0
While a single character is all fine and good, I like to open every door, burst every barrier, and loot every cache.

So I am thinking a duo should be able to do this. At least, on paper, between two characters there should be enough skill points for Arcane Lore, Nature Lore, etc.

The first character would be Pure Spirited, the second, Natural Mage. I thought about one of them being an Elite Warrior instead, but the free levels of skills for spells is just to good to pass up. But all those extra boosts in Blade Mastery and Parry will be missed, and it will be somewhat painful not having Parry till I get the items that grant it.

Also, this duo will be done on Torment.

Conditions for victory will be quite simple. Open every door, loot every cache, explore every last nook and cranny of the game, full clear, every last enemy killed. Every last tunnel explored.

Two Nephils, are, of course, the obvious choice.

The real challenge will actually sticking with the plan and playing them through the game. And not getting itchy half way through and doing something else.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
To Register or Not to Register... in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #5
Yes, and please, edit out the quote if you don't mind.

Just trying to put the fires out.

Thanks, and remember, "Only you can prevent forum fires!"

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
The Enduring Priest-Tank in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #2
This explains why my Slith Priests did so well. First thing they did was cast some sort of armor.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Question for Administrators and Moderators in General
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #22
quote:
Originally written by harf'er'melora:

quote:
Originally written by Delicious Vlish:

Canned Vlish...

I reckon that would be just about as nasty as the canned squid I found one day on my adventures in to the weird and wonderful Asian market.

Also found canned bugs.

In his can in the fridge, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming. Ia.

That might mayhap be the most surrealistic thing I have ever read in an online forum. Good job.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Question for Administrators and Moderators in General
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #20
quote:
Originally written by Thuryl:

quote:
Originally written by Shuan Wuan:

Thuryl how would you be able to stand the smell of rotted seafood?
It was way in the back of the pantry. It became increasingly obvious that something in there was well past its best, but the exact source of the problem was harder to track down.

quote:
Lutefisk.
What was the thinking behind that, anyway? Who woke up one day and said "Hey, you know what? I think it'd be a good idea to soak fish in a deadly corrosive poison for a few days before I eat it!"

Well, and opinions are mixed on this issue, but many believe that somebody came and burned some of the Viking's food stores. All of the wooden drying racks. So all of the dried fish got burned, and sat in the ashes, and it may have most likely rained. You would get a natural lye. Times being what they were with constant famine, people probably picked up what they could of the fish remains, soaked it in water to be rid of the soapy remains of wet ashes, and ate it.

Soaking it in lye breaks down the proteins and turns it in to fish jello. Of sorts.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Question for Administrators and Moderators in General
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #18
Can of crabmeat is nothing.

I have one word for you.

Lutefisk.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Question for Administrators and Moderators in General
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #15
Canned Vlish...

I reckon that would be just about as nasty as the canned squid I found one day on my adventures in to the weird and wonderful Asian market.

Also found canned bugs.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Formello? in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #6
I am so entranced by face leaping spiders that I feel inspired to possibly change my signature to something involving face leaping spiders.

Of course, face leaping spiders may evolve one day in to the brain sucking Vlish of Geneforge. I mean, they leap at your face for a reason, mayhap they are hungry for brains?

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Carbonized Avernum Public Beta in The Avernum Trilogy
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #11
Jeff, if you don't mind me asking, what are you going to do when Apple goes to Intel?

Will there we another recompiling of old Spiderweb games? I certainly hope so. I still play the old Avernums, Geneforge, and the odd Exile or Nethergate game now and then.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Unique Item Locations. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #2
Damage? Stats? Special effects?

That's kind of the whole point of the list. And which fortress?

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
A4 Bugs in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #7
I complained about those out of place graphics all through the beta. The altars still have them, the ginger nephil still has them when you attack, lots of places and graphics still glitch from certain angles or when animated.

I wish those had been cleaned up better.

Argh.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00
Unique Item Locations. in Avernum 4
His Mighty Tentacle
Member # 627
Profile #0
Lets make a list of all the unique items in the game.

I'll start.

Shielding Knife. Found by disturbing the altar in the very first Goblin dungeon. Adds +6% to armor, does 4-8 damage, and has a value of 300 coins. Does good damage for a long time, and when the first bronze broadsword is found, the blade is still useful when given to your mage or your priest.

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If I could make just one wish, I would want a tasty vlish.

Geneforge IV. Still no tasty vlish.
Posts: 1104 | Registered: Tuesday, February 12 2002 08:00

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