[Dusk Campaign] Session #11 - space for new players

[Ytts]

Hi everyone;

I'd like to change the gametime for Dusk to 12:00 PM this sunday. That's a bit earlier - perhaps too early for our east coasters? Let me know.

That said: there's space for new players this session. See the next post after this for information on how to play if you're interested, plus links to in-game content.

[Ytts]

New Players: what files do I need?

The game is located in the TEAM channel on NWN multiplayer. It will always be named some variation of "dusk."

The following information details files you will need to download and instructions on patching your game to the latest version.

If you can't get your game connected, be sure to update to the latest version. This link can help fix your game if you can't update or get connected:
http://files.bioware.com/neverwinternights/updates/windows/english/NWNEnglish1.69HotUUpdate.exe


These files are required. Download them and unzip them into your C:/neverwinternights/nwn/ directory. Make sure the .hak files are placed inside the /hak/ folder.
http://nwvault.ign.com/fms/Download.php?id=128800
http://nexxushost.com/downloads/CTP_Release_1_4.7z


And if when you connect you find a complaint about needing some ".tlk" file, you can download it from here,
http://nexxushost.com/downloads/cep22_v1.tlk
And you'll save that into your c:/neverwinternights/nwn/tlk/ folder. If you don't have a "tlk" folder, make one.


You will find the game hosted in Team, on gamespy. The game name will be "DUSK BUILDER BASE," or some variation thereof. You get there by clicking the "multiplayer" button.
You also have been sent an IP address to connect to.

If you still can't connect to gamespy but otherwise seem to have all of the files in line, PM me. I have a special way that you can join over a virtual LAN.

[Ytts]

New & Current Players: World Information


Maps
http://nexxushost.com/forums/index.php?topic=62208.0

World Information
http://nexxushost.com/forums/index.php?topic=62166.0

Character Journals & Plot Summary
http://nexxushost.com/forums/index.php?topic=62178.0

[Ytts]

Some of you want to do rebuilds. I'm putting up the server now (at time of posting) so post or let me know when you'd like to log in to handle your rebuild.

There's a lot of lore now available if anyone would like to flesh out their characters. Also of interest:

http://similarminds.com/jung.html

I've found that very helpful over the course of this adventure for fleshing out the personalities of some of the core NPCs. You may also find it helpful to build up character personalities as well.

[Rosery]

Hey Web I'll be right on if you can handle doing Rosery's Re-build right now basically what I need is just to know I can put down her armor and inventory stuff and then re-make her since I'm going to re-build her as a pure paladin. With the IC reasoning that she went on a vision quest type thing going into deep mediation and her God sent her on a series of trials to help her find her true path, that being of the paladin so that she could better protect. Is now a good time for me to do this? I realize you said it's up but I just want to make sure I'm not going to inconvenience ya.

[Ytts]

You may receive a vision quest.

i.e, in other words sign in and let's take care of this? I can't hang out much longer.

[Moondog]

I can't do it tonight (not at home). Saturday or Sunday will be just fine. Also, about the time... 12 PM, Eastern? That should be fine... if I can wake up that early.

[Rosery]

Okay just a few general questions oh Mighty Webster.

First off If you use like a +3 Gem of Defense/Attack in an Amulet it makes an Amulet of Natural AC right? Also is there anyway you could put rings that bonus wisdom like the Amulet's into shops or is there a way to make them? Will you be putting paladin rings into the trinket shop that bonus level 3/4 magic? Hmm I know I had more but that's all I can think of and HAH, a little work and I managed to give my paladin the same armor as Rosery without a shield the only problem is...x.x No freedom of movement which means I move at snail speed again /emo.

Lol. All in all thanks for that Web

PS: Is there a reason I'm a level lower than I was o.o?

[Ytts]

First off If you use like a +3 Gem of Defense/Attack in an Amulet it makes an Amulet of Natural AC right?

Correct

Also is there anyway you could put rings that bonus wisdom like the Amulet's into shops or is there a way to make them?

There might be. I can't remember if there are stat buff gems. If they eixst, they're pretty rare.

 

Will you be putting paladin rings into the trinket shop that bonus level 3[/4 magic

Paladin level 4 is effectively equivalent to a sorc's level 8 spells - holy avenger, anyone? - so no on that account. The 3 & 4 rings are special treasure when they turn up. Also, there's no

PS: Is there a reason I'm a level lower than I was o.o?

The XP differential. Brace yourself for the long explanation.  As I mentioned at the start of the campaign (although I should have mentioned it again) the classes each gain XP at different rates depending on their relative ease of playability and chances that they will die. This is done so that the character classes that almost never die will not shoot past those that are always dying.

Paladins, with their substantial immunities and incredible amounts of strength, level the slowest. Bards, being the crapiest, level relatively fast. And those who invest in harper scout, arguably the worst PrC ever ever ever, will level extremely fast. The difference is not very big (it goes from about 90% of the regular XP to about 126%) but:

Everybody *just* got to level 13. As the paladin, you're a little bit behind, so still level 12 but close enough to levelling that by the next session, you will be level 13. If I start you off at level 13 right out of the gate, the fact that your character will rarely ever die means you will shoot past everyone in levels, especially Mathan & Alarice, who die more often.


In the end it *does* work out so that you have roughly the same out of XP.

[Moondog]

...Yeah. The fighter dies a lot. :I

[Rosery]

So in other words its kind of like Never Winter 2's Race Xp Difference with lets say for example the Assamir and Tiefling leveling 1 level behind humans because there in general more powerful? So because the Paladin tends to as you said die a lot less and is a very powerful melee fighter with insane saving throws, I will level slightly slower than everyone else? Okey dokey makes perfect sense to me.

Awwh no insane level 4 spells for meh ;-;. (Could I have the Holy Avenger then?) XD

I joke. I totally think we should give me my +5 Bastard sword of Ultimate death from NWN2 xD

+5 Bastard Sword,2d6 Ice damage,2d6 Electric, 5 Vampiric regeneration, 3d6 Fire Damage XDD It's insane

[Dalton]

In other news I was screwing around on Web's server trying to a little choose-your-own-adventure and I love bards sooooo much. I regret having spent so much time as a crappy druid now =O

I'm too tired to keep screwing around on the server for the night. I've got a few more minor things I have to purchase (climbing ropes and things like that) but otherwise I'm sitting on like 30k gold and don't know what to do with it. =O Most of my equipment slots are already filled with pretty good items, so I dunno what to grab. Ioun stones maybe? Maybe I'll just stock up on scrolls for the sake of it.

Tell me what to do~~~

[Moondog]

First off If you use like a +3 Gem of Defense/Attack in an Amulet it makes an Amulet of Natural AC right?

Correct

Also is there anyway you could put rings that bonus wisdom like the Amulet's into shops or is there a way to make them?

There might be. I can't remember if there are stat buff gems. If they eixst, they're pretty rare.

 

Will you be putting paladin rings into the trinket shop that bonus level 3[/4 magic

Paladin level 4 is effectively equivalent to a sorc's level 8 spells - holy avenger, anyone? - so no on that account. The 3 & 4 rings are special treasure when they turn up. Also, there's no

PS: Is there a reason I'm a level lower than I was o.o?

The XP differential. Brace yourself for the long explanation.  As I mentioned at the start of the campaign (although I should have mentioned it again) the classes each gain XP at different rates depending on their relative ease of playability and chances that they will die. This is done so that the character classes that almost never die will not shoot past those that are always dying.

Paladins, with their substantial immunities and incredible amounts of strength, level the slowest. Bards, being the crapiest, level relatively fast. And those who invest in harper scout, arguably the worst PrC ever ever ever, will level extremely fast. The difference is not very big (it goes from about 90% of the regular XP to about 126%) but:

Everybody *just* got to level 13. As the paladin, you're a little bit behind, so still level 12 but close enough to levelling that by the next session, you will be level 13. If I start you off at level 13 right out of the gate, the fact that your character will rarely ever die means you will shoot past everyone in levels, especially Mathan & Alarice, who die more often.


In the end it *does* work out so that you have roughly the same out of XP.

I don't know. Last time I put a gem in a... pair of gloves, I think I ended up with a useless deflection modifier. Not to mention spent more EXP and GP to make a pair of +1 AC gloves than I'd have spent on a +2 Ring. :I

[Ytts]

Gloves are always deflection AC.

[Ytts]

If anyone wants to bring along a friend or has someone they want to join in the game, please be sure to let them know to make a note of it on this thread.

Last minute joins can be awkward since you guys all know how long it takes to make a character.

[Moondog]

Gloves are always deflection AC.

Oh. So I guess that means Gloves/Cloaks/Rings/Helmets are Deflection, Amulet/Necklace is Natural Armor, which leaves... Boots for what, Dodge? That's nice (if kinda useless) to know.

[Dalton]

Remember everybody, being out a cleric and druid as dedicated buffers means fewer Stoneskins and Resist energies, as I don't think Alarice can afford to cast Stoneskin five times a day on top of her offensive spell list. So if you thought we were getting hit hard before...

[Moondog]

Meh. As the levels get higher, the Fighters get to the point where they're only useful against the chaff (to let the mages save spells) and the big guys as fodder so they don't eat the squishie meteor swarm flingers. Doesn't really matter how hard we get hit.

Because I'm a ruthless power gamer, I gotta ask though, Web. What 'substantial amounts of strength' do Paladins have, past the first 4 levels?

Paladins SUFFER from NWN's char-gen system. They're *not* designed well for point buy, seeing how they (and monks) suffer from MAD: Multible Ability Dependency.

Strength is a no brainer. They need at least 14 Wisdom to cast their highest level spells. They need Charisma for turning (worthless for Paladins in NWN, save for it letting them take Divine Might), Divine Grace, and Smiting. They need Con like everyone else. They get a piss-poor 2 skill points per level, so if you want to do *anything* outside of combat, they need Int (to a minor extent.) Sure, they wear heavy armor and are traditional sword+board users, but uh, even then. If they wanna use a bow well, they'll need Dex, something a (single class non elf) cleric can't/doesn't need.

Immunities? They're immune to Disease and Fear, both of which are pretty easy to build around (or just blatantly ignore) in a standard game. Sure, in DUSK's low-magic setting, immunity to fear is nice. But immune to Disease? Just carry a Healer's Kit and you're set. In standard game? Get an Amulet of Health (We found a severely nerfed one) or a Belt of Guiding light. Boom, you've spent a few thousand GP and gained immunities.

Strength? Eh. They're basically Fighters who can hit stuff harder a few more times a day, with fewer feats, and a spell or two. The only *real* advantage they have over standard Fighters is the occasional smite and Lay On Hands. All of which are dependant on Charisma - and Smite is useless against anything non-evil. Like animals, elementals, beasts and plants.

Though, what I *do* have to admit is this: Paladins, even at 1st level, can make excellent use of Wands of Cure X Wounds, since they get it on their list.

Unlike Rogues, Wizards, Clerics, Monks, Rangers and Barbarians (to a minor extent), Paladins (and Fighters) don't get anything to really increase their damage output.  Fighters and (until they can cast Holy Sword) Paladins are dependant entirely on their equipment to be useful. Sure, they can take Weapon Focus or Specialization (Fighters), but that's relatively minor in comparison.  I'm not home right now, so I'm cranky and complaining for no real reason other than for something to do. Please feel free to somewhat ignore this, than you.

[Rosery]

Most of that is true but you know the bow thing you got the Zen Archery which means Wisdom can take the place of Dex. << Which you should know cause you suggested it to me lol

[Moondog]

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

[Dalton]

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

Well that's really dumb. Aside from the fact that it's called ZEN ARCHERY and not ZEN ROCKLOBBING, am I the only one who pictures a monk closing his eyes and using the force to shoot a bow? I'd allow it if I was DMing. In fact I'd probably make bows a class weapon for monks. I mean monks were practically the ninjas of D&D before a billion and a half Ninja Prcs and the new Ninja base class were added, and IIRC archery was a huge focus among oriental martial artists.

Is it because monks get shurikens? Pfft. Shurikens have their place--they're easily concealed. But if you're going into a battle and you are not concealing anything, would you choose a shuriken over a bow?

[Moondog]

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

Well that's really dumb. Aside from the fact that it's called ZEN ARCHERY and not ZEN ROCKLOBBING, am I the only one who pictures a monk closing his eyes and using the force to shoot a bow? I'd allow it if I was DMing. In fact I'd probably make bows a class weapon for monks. I mean monks were practically the ninjas of D&D before a billion and a half Ninja Prcs and the new Ninja base class were added, and IIRC archery was a huge focus among oriental martial artists.

Is it because monks get shurikens? Pfft. Shurikens have their place--they're easily concealed. But if you're going into a battle and you are not concealing anything, would you choose a shuriken over a bow?

3.0? There's one and one reason only to use Shuriken. Sneak attack. You can throw 3 per attack. Assuming three hits, and a 1/1 MOnk/Rogue? 3-6+3d6. Better than anything else you can do at that level.
3.5, where they've nerfed the Shuriken? No, there's really no reason to use them.

[Ytts]

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

It works on bows.

[Moondog]

Well, now Clerics are even better.

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

It works on bows.

[Psyche]

Well, now Clerics are even better.

I know in P&P, Zen Archery only works on Simple Ranged Weapons (slings, crossbows). I dunno if the feat allows the entire ranged arsenal in NWN. Wouldn't surprise me.

It works on bows.

Well, we all know that in vanilla NWN clerics are overpowered, but zen archery doesn't really mean much - clerics still have to waste a feat for it and they don't get a buttload of feats like fighters.