noob questions(possible spoilers)

[dogeddie]

I have read some posts that indicate that more than 1 point in heavy armor or shields is a waste. I am always a bit concerned (anal) to find these things out before I get 1/2 way through the game and realize my character is lame-o. As a new player, I am interested in a Druid build with Divination, but also want to lay down some melee pain. Or some type of battle mage dual purpose character.

So, is it true about the shield and heavy armor skills, and why? Is there a compendium of knowledge for one like me to peruse, or some good character tips based on my above-noted ramblings? Thanks. Great game, BTW.

[Painted Lady]

I have read some posts that indicate that more than 1 point in heavy armor or shields is a waste. I am always a bit concerned (anal) to find these things out before I get 1/2 way through the game and realize my character is lame-o. As a new player, I am interested in a Druid build with Divination, but also want to lay down some melee pain. Or some type of battle mage dual purpose character.

So, is it true about the shield and heavy armor skills, and why? Is there a compendium of knowledge for one like me to peruse, or some good character tips based on my above-noted ramblings? Thanks. Great game, BTW.

It is true that there is no reason to invest more than one point in Shields or Heavy Armor. Once you are legal, there isn't really much to be gained by adding more points there. Also, forget putting points into Dodge.

Most people who play a Mage opt for Light Armor because they can put their hard earned points into Perception instead of into Strength. Heavy Armor is really, really heavy! You have to realize that in Eschalon you are best being really good at one thing. Trying to be an all-around threat does not work.

The Mage with Elemental is easier to play than the Mage with Divination because the Elemental spells are more potent. If you want to go with Divination on your first play-through, you will need to put some serious points into melee skills.

Feel free to post more questions!

[dogeddie]

I guess I am looking for a good starter build/guide for an all around beginning adventurer type who is primarily melee, but has some light spellcasting ability. I'm not much of a stealth player.Any help is appreciated.

[Kreador Freeaxe]

You'd do well to read http://www.basiliskgames.com/forums/vie ... f=3&t=2053

That has a lot of helpful information about character classes and how to build a decent character. Personally, I found Book I a lot more forgiving about building a generalist than Book II is. Still, it's easiest starting out to focus on one area, and then expand when you reach the appropriate trainers mid-game.

[Painted Lady]

Also, there are 5 pre-made characters available. When you start a new game, you get the character build screen. Press F1 - F5 and you will get a warrior, a ranger, a rogue, an elemental Mage and a divination Mage. I can't remember the order in which they are set. Try it to see what BW considers a basic set of skills for each character type.

[dogeddie]

Thank you!

[dogeddie]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2053

I read through the starting attributes in this post and just wonder how the player got one attribute in each case so high. As in Dex 30 for the first one, or end 31 for the second character. I believe they are listed as starting attributes, not mid game?

[Kreador Freeaxe]

You just keep clicking the little dice symbol to reroll until you get good starting numbers in the relevant stats, and then put most of your starting additional stat points into the most relevant stat. Each stat is rolled as 1d8+6, for a range of 7 to 14 to start. Book I has either 15 or 20 points to add to statistics at the beginning (can't remember for sure), plus the bonus for racial origin.

[dogeddie]

I am going with a Druid Healer that uses blunt weapons. I want a shield, but read that it doesn't work well with magic. I plan to use mostly melee and the offensive buffs from Divine. I also plan on using light armor. I have a question.

Should I only put 1 point in light armor? Where can I see the effect that adding more points to given skills have so I know if it is worthwhile?

[xolotl]

I am going with a Druid Healer that uses blunt weapons. I want a shield, but read that it doesn't work well with magic. I plan to use mostly melee and the offensive buffs from Divine. I also plan on using light armor. I have a question.

Yeah, you should do well on that build. Remember that the weapons skills start to get really nice once you've got 20+ points in them.

Should I only put 1 point in light armor? Where can I see the effect that adding more points to given skills have so I know if it is worthwhile?

Personally I'd recommend just putting the one point in there. There is a book you can find, at random, which will teach you light armor skill, but you probably don't want to trust to luck for that. Sometimes it can take a real long time to find a particular book.

In re: seeing the effects of various stats, the math behind all that is hidden away in the engine. There's been various attempts to figure out the exact relationships for a few things, but in general you've got to just kind of hope for the best and see how things go.

[dogeddie]

Thanks for all the help!