Zeblin --SPOILER--

[Vroqren]

Is there a trick to killing Zeblin, the crafter of the soulpeircer arrows in the thieves Arcadia? I have tried on many occasions, the most recent of which I was level 16. Is my character just not ready for the fight yet, or did I miss something?

[Kreador Freeaxe]

Hmmm. I've never had any particular trouble killing him, and by level 16 you certainly should be able to. What kind of character are you playing, and how are you trying to kill him?

[Vroqren]

I play as a Paladin (Swords), and I basically just try to kill him with my skill feat, and then normal attacks, with either the strong, or the defensive attack types. I don't use potions, could that be my problem?

[Kreador Freeaxe]

Potions would help. Also, the Sword feat is not particularly strong in battling a single opponent. It's most useful when you're in a situation where multiple opponents can attack you (such as when you're making your way through the shadow assassins to reach Zeblin).

For a melee character, try to get Zeblin into a place where he can't back away to throw at you. While you're getting him in that position, be sure to make judicious use of the Parry combat mode so he has the most possible trouble hitting you while you close the distance. You can also use demon oil and such to damage him and limit his movement choices (he won't step into the flames voluntarily).

Be sure when you are using the feat that your combat mode is set on Power, given that the reduction in your to-hit chance doesn't matter on an automatic hit.

[Vroqren]

Awesome. Thanks for the advice - I'll go down there next time I have the opportunity to try that.

[KillingMoon]

Also, the Sword feat is not particularly strong in battling a single opponent.

Well, because you're automatically parrying your opponents' shot, your own shot after that is like a free shot. Two shots for the price of one, you could say, that's not much worse than double damage.

Zeblin is probably one of the tougher units in the game. If you're only on your first or second play-through of the game these kind of units are tough, as you won't have set up your character ideally.
Especially with a melee unit, going for a high defense can help a lot. Good armour, made stronger with Alchemy can bring your opponents' chance to hit you down dramatically. And on top of that you can cast defensive spells.

But that's more general preperation of your character than battle tactics, of course.

[Vroqren]

Alight. I killed him with this new tactic - thanks guys.

[Kreador Freeaxe]

Alight. I killed him with this new tactic - thanks guys.

Great! It's always satisfying when you finish a fight that's been giving you fits. I think one reason some people have trouble with Eschalon is because it is in part a strategy game. You can't just charge in and smash everything from start to finish, and paying attention to and using the environment can make things much easier.

[blatherbeard]

This is good to know info. I tried at 10 to kill him and he obviously owned me. (first playrthrough, thief type) But i havent been back to try again.

[Vroqren]

When you confront Zeblin does he tell you who hired him to assassinate Darus? I don't think he does. The obvious answer is an agent of the *One* but what if it wasn't his doing? Just a random thought of mine that I've recently had.

I hope you don't mind that I hijacked your topic Vroqren.

I don't mind at all, though in answer to your question, no - I do not believe he ever tells you why he killed Darus. Perhaps, in the past, Darus did something we don't know about yet...?

This is good to know info. I tried at 10 to kill him and he obviously owned me. (first playrthrough, thief type) But i havent been back to try again.

Yeah - glad my topic could be useful. I don't remember all the details now, but I do recall running around a ton - I'm that kind of wuss, but whatever - it worked.

[SpottedShroom]

Dense nimbus at level 6 makes this fight a walk in the park. Don't leave home without it!

[Dragonlady]

Speaking of Darus and Zeblin, I've always wondered if you say no to the quest to find the killer (when finding the arrow) does it make it easier to get to Zeblin for training? The way to him is deadly at low levels with traps and assassins. Why have him give training if you have to spend points to survive and then it's too late to get training? I'm too lazy to try it out to see for myself.

[SpottedShroom]

Speaking of Darus and Zeblin, I've always wondered if you say no to the quest to find the killer (when finding the arrow) does it make it easier to get to Zeblin for training? The way to him is deadly at low levels with traps and assassins. Why have him give training if you have to spend points to survive and then it's too late to get training? I'm too lazy to try it out to see for myself. :roll:

Nope. Getting to him is just as hard, and he won't even talk to you. Evidently unless you threaten to kill him he's not interested.

[blatherbeard]

Just like any good assassin!!