0818 Version - Driftland Bandits

Leanthar · 08-19-06, 04:57 AM

I am using a level 5 character (divine) with the wacky Aeridin sidekick. Three bandits were in the first area of the desert (after the wagon) and they killed my character in 5 hits (and I am level 5) and killed the aeridin henchman in 1-2 hits. If I am not mistaken people will still be level 1 or 2 when going through this desert.... way too powerful of an encounter.

Talan Va'lash · 08-19-06, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Leanthar - 8/19/2006 7:57 AM I am using a level 5 character (divine) with the wacky Aeridin sidekick. Three bandits were in the first area of the desert (after the wagon) and they killed my character in 5 hits (and I am level 5) and killed the aeridin henchman in 1-2 hits. If I am not mistaken people will still be level 1 or 2 when going through this desert.... way too powerful of an encounter.

They should be quite a bit higher before they get to the desert, but I agree they're too tough esp the scythe dwarf and the human mage. In fact... now that I look I already have it on my list to tone down those two. Edit: Lvl 5 is about right for that area iirc

Leanthar · 08-19-06, 10:12 AM

that area is level 5? err.. are you sure about that? It was the 4th area I visited after the tavern. I mean it was that fast and I don't think I would have more than a level by then, if that.

Talan Va'lash · 08-19-06, 10:21 AM

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Leanthar - 8/19/2006 1:12 PM

that area is level 5? err.. are you sure about that? It was the 4th area I visited after the tavern. I mean it was that fast and I don't think I would have more than a level by then, if that.

The PC can go pretty much wherever they want as early as they want and some places are going to be too difficult.

We may want certain caravans to not be available until later in the game, but I don't want to railroad them too hard and let then wander around if they want.

I think it may be wise though to have all the caravans to later areas appear only after you've spoken to Xora.

Leanthar · 08-19-06, 10:26 AM

I would agree Talan. I love the idea of an open game as that is a good feeling 'world'...but when I was playing through I had no idea that the area was intended to be that much higher. Truth be told I really didn't know that there were more than 1 caravan, I thought it was just different NPC's going to the same location. We may want to touch up on that and suggest how difficult it is if a player is below X level for the convo's. That may be a lot more work though and if so perhaps we just hint at it in the initial conversation.

I guess I was partially confused because after the inn I did not know what I was to be doing (was still looking for the darts and didn't have the rat thing done). I ran in to the caravans and spoke to both of them and then choose the north point one, and got worked over. hehe

Talan Va'lash · 08-19-06, 10:45 AM

Dapper's convo should be giving the player an idea of where to go and there is a sign post in the middle of town that points out directions. I'm not 100% sure right now how to get to Xora's from OW (I knew this yesterday just spacing on it) but Dapper should be giving the PC some information on how to get there when he tells you to go there heh.

I think the key to this may be to make sure all the bullet points like:

Where am I going?
How do I get there?
Why am I going there?

Make it into the journal entires so the player can check back and be reminded (or even if they're not they can still proceed.)

Additionally someone in Orcs Watch that gossips about all the caravans and where they go might be a good way to introduce the player to all their options (or at least make them realize that there are a bunch of options.)

Leanthar · 08-19-06, 10:48 AM

"....Where am I going?
How do I get there?
Why am I going there?

Make it into the journal entires so the player can check back and be reminded (or even if they're not they can still proceed.) ..."

Totally, 100% agree. That would be VERY useful.

"....Additionally someone in Orcs Watch that gossips about all the caravans and where they go might be a good way to introduce the player to all their options (or at least make them realize that there are a bunch of options.)..."

That would probably be good as well. It is always best to lay that foundation for players and let them decide. If we do this then we don't really need to leave it to levels and such...with the proper information relayed to the players (and the journal with the useful info on where to go) the players can make good decisons or just take chances.

Talan Va'lash · 09-17-06, 01:49 PM

moving this to fixed for now as it got a little off topic. Further creature/encounter balance will be handled during testing.