Heroica RPG General Discussion

[Flipz]

Just wondering, how much did Arthur pay Dek'ra for the Scroll of Frailty? Because from just seeing how much impact the fragile effect has in a battle, it is probably one of the best items out there, arguably more valuable than even an Amethyst.

I think he traded for a Scroll of Confusion, because Arthur already had one of them and Fragile is a rare effect to be dealt in battle, so De'kra probably wouldnt've gotten much use out of it. And I have to agree, I can see some awesome use of it in the future.

^^What Pie said.

And yeah, it is scarily good. Though it goes completely against the Sorcerer class, we want the battle to go longer, so we can roll more SHIELDs.

Also, I really want to thank Zeph again for letting me hijack post WALLSOFTEXTANDPHOTOS in his Quest. It's been a TON of fun exploring Arthur's past, and by pinning some of this stuff down, I'm able to take further steps to plan for the future. I have one more "major" event to photograph and build, and then I have two "teaser" mini-segments to do right at the end of the Quest (one of which I'll need help to build, as I have none of the parts needed to build this particular character ). It's also interesting to see how parallel Arthur's story is with Wren's, especially for things that neither Zeph nor I have revealed in our conversations--clearly we both need to get our mental shields examined.

[Peppermint_M]

You think you're behind? Look at the bestiary!

Shaddupayoface!

I am going to rebuild it into a sorta general blah on the beast types that goes into a little more depth than the rules but without the specifics that take ages. Just like my books at home.

This is mostly when I can be bothered, people keep running up new monsters anywho!

[CMP]

I'm changing the Horse to an amulet sort of thing like it was agreed (if I remember right), could I replace it with this picture, Doc, to make sense of the change?

Edited September 5, 2012 by CallMePie

[Waterbrick Down]

I've been thinking, so as far as having the ultimate strike modifier, you could have as much as x16 a specific type (beast/plant monster using a ruby or opal imbued blade for instance) from an elemental attack, 3x for marking the favored if you're a Hunter, 2x for being encouraged, and 2x for attacking a fragile enemy, resulting in a grand total of x192 normal strength.

Also out of curiousity Sandy, if a Hunter with the Hunter's Quiver marks two types, humanoid and aquatic for instance, are they effective against both when they face a humanoid/aquatic monster thus doing x6 damage, or is it the normal x3?

Edited September 5, 2012 by Waterbrick Down

[CMP]

I've been thinking, so as far as having the ultimate strike modifier, you could have as much as x16 a specific type (beast/plant monster using a ruby or opal imbued blade for instance) from an elemental attack, 3x for marking the favored if you're a Hunter, 2x for being encouraged, and 2x for attacking a fragile enemy, resulting in a grand total of x192 normal strength.

Alas, if only Skrall could wield Ratsbane, and we ran into some rats, then you could prove it in this quest.

[Flipz]

OK, new rule: every time Elgar commands a Hero who is out of Ether to use an Ether-based action, he takes a Free Hit. From said Hero.

[Scorpiox]

"My Gods have no names, my fellow Nord. I come from the far north, where a night without a fire may mean a night of death. I do not know from where you hail, but no doubt our peoples have much of the same blood. We may not worship the same gods, or perhaps we do, and your's are simply named versions of our's, but we are family just the same. I have found that many places worship the same ideals under different titles and appearances."

To clarify, Vártland is the whole Norse peninsula, if you remember that map that Khorne posted a while ago. I do have a map at my disposal, but I won't post that now, I think that Khorne would like to release it at another date.

Haldor was originally set in 'the North of the North', but obviously he was not raised in the most remote parts, where Sasha says their Gods are ambiguous and not as defined as other parts. But we have changed a few things slightly, now that Thoric is officially named 'Riktvard', but he retains the other name in the less settled parts that Haldor came from.

[Waterbrick Down]

Alas, if only Skrall could wield Ratsbane, and we ran into some rats, then you could prove it in this quest.

That's what I've been thinking, if this was all true an encouraged critical hit from my Hunter's Crossbow (if it were imbued with a ruby) wearing the Hunter's Quiver against a fragile beast/plant type monster that I had marked, would equal a hit of: (((11+2+4)x2)+21)x192 = 10560 damage

Edited September 5, 2012 by Waterbrick Down

[Scubacarrot]

Just from QM'ing this last battle, and the current one, I've got some interesting findings about the advanced classes my questers are using.

Hunter: Skrall is a cannon! He deals SO much damage, providing he is favored, that is. But how WBD plays the class, he is also a glass cannon, you can see he takes quite a bit of damage, and has no real defense against it. Still, the Winged Boots are of course a golden combination with the Slowed sword, but it does leave him incredibly vulnerable. If I were you, I'd try to sell off the sword and boots as a pair, to another hero, and invest in an artifact that gives you a nice bit of defense. Since the high damage of the sword is nice, but if you are going to continue to upgrade one or both of your crossbows, which I think is the smartest thing, it will become obsolete in a while. I think Hunter fits the Character skrall perfectly, as well.

Paladin: I have said after Quest 23 that I think it's an incredibly useful, all round and generally fun class to both QM and to play, and I stay with that. It's a supportive tank, and that's good. How you play it, Zepher, is probably not the BEST way. You currently equip an artifact that increases your power, and decreases your ether, while what I would do is play to strength of the Paladin, it's supportive character, e.g. Put them first in the battle order, absorbs hits and heal. I'm interested to see how Boomingham's development takes him, will he stay a Paladin, or not. I don't think I've made it a secret he is one of my favorite characters in the Heroica RPG.

Witch: I am actually amazed how well you've made your character fit the class, CMP, but you do that without sacrificing too much of Atramor's identity. How I see Atramor right now is kind of a voodoo pirate, which is a perfect way to play the class, as I think it's quite a difficult one to transition to from both Cleric and Rogue, generally. Witch surprised me, I love how they have all kinds of different cool tricks, the poison, hex, and most importantly: Mirror. It's fun to QM and I think fun to play too. I'm not sure how I feel that a Witch Amulet is a nigh necessity to play the class well, but there you go. Hope we will see more witches.

Druid: They are better in every way than a Cleric, and are a very powerful healer, while still strong offensively and defensively due to their ability to attack with ranged weapons and the fact they have aim. Their abilities to revive knocked out players and remove effects is very powerful as well. If you want to play a healer, druid is your best bet from every angle. I'm interested in the way you play Ellaria, Sandy, but (perhaps I am seeing this all wrong) I get the idea that Ellaria's story ties in with Heroica's main story arc? And because of that it is quite slow. I would like to see MORE from Ellaria, if I'm honest.

Battle Mage: Same as with Paladin, I've talked about this one after Quest 23. I'm surprised there are not more of this class, actually, it seems like something that is fun to play. It is quite a risky class, since they have more changes to take damage than all others, but the fact that they have a (recently buffed) very powerful shield effect, get to use gems, and can get very all round, and have 4 out of 6 chance to deal damage should get people excited, I'd say. I might want to see more from Nyx as well, I remember in Quest 23 Nyx sometimes let her barbarian side show through, is that still a thing?

Edited September 5, 2012 by Scubacarrot

[Waterbrick Down]

Just from QM'ing this last battle, and the current one, I've got some interesting findings about the advanced classes my questers are using.

Hunter: Skrall is a cannon! He deals SO much damage, providing he is favored, that is. But how WBD plays the class, he is also a glass cannon, you can see he takes quite a bit of damage, and has no real defense against it. Still, the Winged Boots are of course a golden combination with the Slowed sword, but it does leave him incredibly vulnerable. If I were you, I'd try to sell off the sword and boots as a pair, to another hero, and invest in an artifact that gives you a nice bit of defense. Since the high damage of the sword is nice, but if you are going to continue to upgrade one or both of your crossbows, which I think is the smartest thing, it will become obsolete in a while. I think Hunter fits the Character skrall perfectly, as well.

Thanks for the thoughts, they're pretty accurate. The sword is more of a role-playing thing and I only use it when there is either an advantage to it or it is called for in the role-play, or I think it would be totally awesome to have Skrall wading into the thick of battle mowing down enemies with his broadsword. I'm not too keen on all classes having access to SP as I feel it blurs the distinct lines between class strengths which is why I try to stay away from it, but others can argue the opposite side of the spectrum and I can see the need for it if I want Skrall to do some more close combat.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Waterbrick Down

[Brickdoctor]

I'm changing the Horse to an amulet sort of thing like it was agreed (if I remember right), could I replace it with this picture, Doc, to make sense of the change?

Sure, that works. And, in typical Brickdoctorean style, it shall be called, Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider.

[swils]

OK, new rule: every time Elgar commands a Hero who is out of Ether to use an Ether-based action, he takes a Free Hit. From said Hero.

Can't we just have him take a regular free hit, but one of his magical neverending arrows is converted into an ether so that the other Hero actually can cast?

[CMP]

Thanks, Scuba. Voodoo pirate was what I was going for, it did seem the best way tie in the class to Atramor's character. Honestly, it's a lot more effective than I thought, nearly the entire reason I became the class was because of the availability of the (at the time, only) Witch's Talisman, but the extra HP, healing opportunities, and especially Special Mirror make a lot more useful than I anticipated.

I like how you seemed to nudge Guts towards Raider in Quests 20 and 34 - he seemed to get quite a bit more gruff than the average rogue, and it definitely fit in mechanics-wise - it was the only advanced class that could effectively be compounded with the Mead/Nostrum/Smelling Salts combination, and he was a serious destructive force during Quest 39. It was a choice that really fit with his entire character.

And most importantly, congratulations for managing to bring such character to one of the most aggravatingly generic LEGO faces on the planet. I picture Guts every time I see it now.

[JimBee]

Interesting analysis, Scuba. I remember QMing for Cronk as a Paladin, and I agree it seems very difficult to play as an offensive class. There's only a 2/6 chance to deal damage. I would recommend that whoever plays Paladin focuses on healing and absorbing damage. They have a 3/6 chance to heal, plus a 1/6 for the defensive Guardian Angel. But of course, everyone should play to their own style. I see Cronk as more of the brave warrior-type, anyway.

On the subject of advanced classes, I'm glad we're really getting to see more scenarios with them. For example, while the Mystic Knight's Enchantment ability may seem super strong, it proved to be a huge downfall to Cinna and her party in the Unlimited Quest since she ran out of ether. I think MKs' best allies would be Smelling Salts paired with a hefty supply of tonics.

The same goes for Black Knight. Special Dodge can prove to be unpredictable and harmful to the party, rather than helpful. It fits in perfectly with the class.

[Pandora]

Battle Mage: Same as with Paladin, I've talked about this one after Quest 23. I'm surprised there are not more of this class, actually, it seems like something that is fun to play. It is quite a risky class, since they have more changes to take damage than all others, but the fact that they have a (recently buffed) very powerful shield effect, get to use gems, and can get very all round, and have 4 out of 6 chance to deal damage should get people excited, I'd say. I might want to see more from Nyx as well, I remember in Quest 23 Nyx sometimes let her barbarian side show through, is that still a thing?

Really interesting observations there, Scuba.

It is fun to play, definitely, and it really seemed a natural progression for Nyx. Originating as a fire mage, the barbarian side feeds into her rage, fuels the inner fire and makes the flames of fury burn even brighter.

(And that's slightly alliterated. Which is nice.)

She's still moving from being a vulnerable but feisty girl, whose only defence was really either using her charm or setting people on fire, to being more self-sufficient, yet the inherent vulnerability remains. And the fire mage part also (to an extent) feeds the barbarian side too, which does come out with her odd sense of delight in carnage (which was already present).

Basically, she's fury incarnate. With nice shoes.

[Peppermint_M]

We should team up!

[Pyrovisionary]

I think I could do with some advice here seeing as I am the least experienced and least liked . What would be the best Advanced class for Sarge to be. I know this sounds bad and it's way to early on but with all this talk of said classes. I feel slightly pressured to make an early decision. For the moment I am thinking either Assassin or raider. But I need advice from people who are experienced.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Skyrimguy

[Zepher]

Also, I really want to thank Zeph again for letting me hijack post WALLSOFTEXTANDPHOTOS in his Quest. It's been a TON of fun exploring Arthur's past, and by pinning some of this stuff down, I'm able to take further steps to plan for the future. I have one more "major" event to photograph and build, and then I have two "teaser" mini-segments to do right at the end of the Quest (one of which I'll need help to build, as I have none of the parts needed to build this particular character ). It's also interesting to see how parallel Arthur's story is with Wren's, especially for things that neither Zeph nor I have revealed in our conversations--clearly we both need to get our mental shields examined.

Wren's backstory has been in place for a long time, but it is intriguing to see the similarities. Wren and Arthur share many, and now it looks like Sasha, Arthur, and Alexis share some too. I'm glad to have the extra role-play and story!

To clarify, Vártland is the whole Norse peninsula, if you remember that map that Khorne posted a while ago. I do have a map at my disposal, but I won't post that now, I think that Khorne would like to release it at another date.

Haldor was originally set in 'the North of the North', but obviously he was not raised in the most remote parts, where Sasha says their Gods are ambiguous and not as defined as other parts. But we have changed a few things slightly, now that Thoric is officially named 'Riktvard', but he retains the other name in the less settled parts that Haldor came from.

Yeah, I admittedly shot myself in the foot a little by having her come from the North, because I don't know too much about it in real life, and know... actually, probably more about it in Heroica, but still not a whole lot. I figured the north north north would be extremely unruly and not too charted with lots of little tribes who wouldn't have to have the same traditions as each other, so I placed her there.

Paladin: I have said after Quest 23 that I think it's an incredibly useful, all round and generally fun class to both QM and to play, and I stay with that. It's a supportive tank, and that's good. How you play it, Zepher, is probably not the BEST way. You currently equip an artifact that increases your power, and decreases your ether, while what I would do is play to strength of the Paladin, it's supportive character, e.g. Put them first in the battle order, absorbs hits and heal. I'm interested to see how Boomingham's development takes him, will he stay a Paladin, or not. I don't think I've made it a secret he is one of my favorite characters in the Heroica RPG.

I put RPing over strategy always, though luckily Boomingham actually is a strategical thinker, so MOST of the times I have him make the best choice. And your right, but Boomingham is always more of a "back-up" healer. He's got four healers on the team of 6, so he only heals when he really needs to. I've never come close to running out of ether.... I think I used a grand total of 1 ether in all of Quest 28, and that was only because Boomingham had knocked out Haldor. I do put myself first in the battle order nearly always, it's again something Boomingham would insist on. He gets hit first if anyone gets hit, that's his motto. These are his troops. He must protect them. Sorry if I seem defensive, I'm just commenting on your analysis, which I appreciate and love (I give lots of QM feedback, so clearly I love it when others do the same). I am really excited to see where Boomingham goes. Before he leaves Paladin, the Barty storyline must develop a bit further. Barty holds a secret that's important to Boomingham. (Fun fact - Boomingham didn't sign up for this quest, it was written in italics that the quill floated and signed his name for him). Finally, I'm extremely pleased that you like Boomingham! I like him too! I was worried, because he and Guts don't exactly get along if memory serves. I think it would be interesting if the two of them went on a quest together. They would agree on some things extremely heavily, and disagree on other things extremely heavily. That's always the most fun to roleplay. I think that's why Nyx and Boomingham play so well together - they clearly really like each other while still having extremely distinct disagreements.

[Flipz]

I just realized, currently I'm the ONLY Sorcerer in Heroica...

I also find it interesting that two of the most "offensive"-type Knights in Heroica decided to become Paladins. Also interesting is that the only Cleric who's really showed any interest in Paladin-hood has been Etzel's character (where DID Maurice go, anyway? ).

[Brickdoctor]

I think I could do with some advice here seeing as I am the least experienced and least liked . What would be the best Advanced class for Sarge to be. I know this sounds bad and it's way to early on but with all this talk of said classes. I feel slightly pressured to make an early decision. For the moment I am thinking either Assassin or raider. But I need advice from people who are experienced.

Roleplaying-wise, he says he was in an army, so it'd probably be either Black Knight or Raider, then Paragon as your Master Class when you get to Level 50.

[Pyrovisionary]

I just realized, currently I'm the ONLY Sorcerer in Heroica...

I also find it interesting that two of the most "offensive"-type Knights in Heroica decided to become Paladins. Also interesting is that the only Cleric who's really showed any interest in Paladin-hood has been Etzel's character (where DID Maurice go, anyway? ).

I like the sound of sorcerer. Maybe I should try that at level 15...

Roleplaying-wise, he says he was in an army, so it'd probably be either Black Knight or Raider, then Paragon as your Master Class when you get to Level 50.

Thanks, yes, that sounds good.

So, what has everyone got to say about playing Black knight/raider then?

Edited September 5, 2012 by Skyrimguy

[Waterbrick Down]

I like the sound of sorcerer. Maybe I should try that at level 15...

Thanks, yes, that sounds good.

Ask Flipz for the full analysis in private but here goes:

Raider: Offensively based, good at bringing in the gold and dealing out the damage.

Black Knight: Defensively based, you have access to shields and an amazing special against humanoid based enemies.

Witch: Defensively based specialist, you are focused on screwing up the enemy by either hexing them or using your special mirror while at the same time your poison and healing capabilities make you somewhat a supporting role. You get in, poison the enemy, and get out. Compounded on top of that you can use scrolls giving you more flexability.

Sorcerer: Offensively based specialist, you can still bring in the gold and cripple enemies with your shield as well as cause a whole lot of trouble with Confuse. You also have access to scrolls and gems, which are a little harder for original non-mage classes to attain.

Assassin: Offense 1 hit KO specialist. Admit it, who doesn't like killing enemies in one hit, plus you have access to ranged weapons that don't need to be retrieveable. You also get a good amount of gold from your special as well.

You can take your character in any of these directions, you've got a whole 15 levels to develop their personality and how they respond to the situations encounter. When choosing Skrall's advanced class, the only stipulation I had was that he wouldn't use ether, the rest I left up to the effects quests and other players had upon him. But all of this depends on your gaming style whether you are strictly a role-player and are more concerned about your character's story, or if you are a gamer concerned mainly with stats and min/maxing your characer to the best they can be.

[Pyrovisionary]

Ask Flipz for the full analysis in private but here goes:

Raider: Offensively based, good at bringing in the gold and dealing out the damage.

Black Knight: Defensively based, you have access to shields and an amazing special against humanoid based enemies.

Witch: Defensively based specialist, you are focused on screwing up the enemy by either hexing them or using your special mirror while at the same time your poison and healing capabilities make you somewhat a supporting role. You get in, poison the enemy, and get out. Compounded on top of that you can use scrolls giving you more flexability.

Sorcerer: Offensively based specialist, you can still bring in the gold and cripple enemies with your shield as well as cause a whole lot of trouble with Confuse. You also have access to scrolls and gems, which are a little harder for original non-mage classes to attain.

Assassin: Offense 1 hit KO specialist. Admit it, who doesn't like killing enemies in one hit, plus you have access to ranged weapons that don't need to be retrieveable. You also get a good amount of gold from your special as well.

You can take your character in any of these directions, you've got a whole 15 levels to develop their personality and how they respond to the situations encounter. When choosing Skrall's advanced class, the only stipulation I had was that he wouldn't use ether, the rest I left up to the effects quests and other players had upon him. But all of this depends on your gaming style whether you are strictly a role-player and are more concerned about your character's story, or if you are a gamer concerned mainly with stats and min/maxing your characer to the best they can be.

I very much want Sarge to be able to use Ranged weapons, but I also want to stick to my Rp. Then again. Assassin pretty much does both of these. So I feel that that is a good way to go The problem with me and rp is that both me and my pc are extremely hostile/defensive. But on the other hand sorcerer sounds very good. Although I wouldn't think Sarge would be into any of this "Magic Shennanigans" Raider fits in with the pirate/army deserter thing and there are so many possibilities! I shallwait till Lvl 15 I think. Thank you.

Edited September 5, 2012 by Skyrimguy

[Zepher]

I love Nur all the time. He's such a funny and intriguing character. He makes little comments about leaving the girls to waste, but also lets Sylph think he's bending the tree himself. How fun is that? Very.

Also, sorry again to the 38ers. The computer I have my pictures on randomly can't connect to the internet right now. Why? Who knows! My Mac can do it fine! College internet has 0 rules of consistency, apparently.

[Scubacarrot]

Thanks for the thoughts, they're pretty accurate. The sword is more of a role-playing thing and I only use it when there is either an advantage to it or it is called for in the role-play, or I think it would be totally awesome to have Skrall wading into the thick of battle mowing down enemies with his broadsword. I'm not too keen on all classes having access to SP as I feel it blurs the distinct lines between class strengths which is why I try to stay away from it, but others can argue the opposite side of the spectrum and I can see the need for it if I want Skrall to do some more close combat.

I can absolutely relate to choosing role play over perfect strategy, I would not have chosen Raider if I were going for the most powerful, I think . And don't see it as criticism, but rather as observation from a neutral player in the spectrum, your current QM. (Neutral my megablocks, why won't you die. )

I put RPing over strategy always, though luckily Boomingham actually is a strategical thinker, so MOST of the times I have him make the best choice. And your right, but Boomingham is always more of a "back-up" healer. He's got four healers on the team of 6, so he only heals when he really needs to. I've never come close to running out of ether.... I think I used a grand total of 1 ether in all of Quest 28, and that was only because Boomingham had knocked out Haldor. I do put myself first in the battle order nearly always, it's again something Boomingham would insist on. He gets hit first if anyone gets hit, that's his motto. These are his troops. He must protect them. Sorry if I seem defensive, I'm just commenting on your analysis, which I appreciate and love (I give lots of QM feedback, so clearly I love it when others do the same). I am really excited to see where Boomingham goes. Before he leaves Paladin, the Barty storyline must develop a bit further. Barty holds a secret that's important to Boomingham. (Fun fact - Boomingham didn't sign up for this quest, it was written in italics that the quill floated and signed his name for him). Finally, I'm extremely pleased that you like Boomingham! I like him too! I was worried, because he and Guts don't exactly get along if memory serves. I think it would be interesting if the two of them went on a quest together. They would agree on some things extremely heavily, and disagree on other things extremely heavily. That's always the most fun to roleplay. I think that's why Nyx and Boomingham play so well together - they clearly really like each other while still having extremely distinct disagreements.

Same goes here, RP over strategy is by no means a negative thing to do, quite the opposite I'd say! (and it makes it more likely for you to get knocked out. ) What I had in mind as a replacement would be something with some SP, as I think Zepher is quite low key on that field for a knight.

I think some more Boomingham-Guts interaction would be great. They are both old men set in their own ways and mindset, so something cool almost must come out of it.

I like how you seemed to nudge Guts towards Raider in Quests 20 and 34 - he seemed to get quite a bit more gruff than the average rogue, and it definitely fit in mechanics-wise - it was the only advanced class that could effectively be compounded with the Mead/Nostrum/Smelling Salts combination, and he was a serious destructive force during Quest 39. It was a choice that really fit with his entire character.

And most importantly, congratulations for managing to bring such character to one of the most aggravatingly generic LEGO faces on the planet. I picture Guts every time I see it now.

Thank you.