Posted by Takashimi on March 22, 2000 at 13:56:53:
In Reply to: Assassinate posted by Grallon on March 22, 2000 at 13:10:11:
Because you're on to something. For a serious assassination attempt, look to spend about 20 minutes real time. A lot more if the person is moving around. And here's a hint: You aren't safe in your guild. Chances are, the moment you step out to get that beef jerky from the butcher, you're going to get attacked. In this time, you have to attempt to maintain your defenses, watch out for the 1000s (it sure seems like it some days) of duergars out to bash/summon you because they can, thieves, and other assassins, and keep an eye on your prey. If they are running around on the ocean, the forests, etc its makes it really hard to shadow them.
Here's the other side of the 'no lag' assassinate. I don't see it lagging the victim. Kento used to be able to bash or trip me at will when I invariably missed my assassination on him. If you are standing around with your thumb up your ass, expect to die...and this is true for any class against any class.
The removal of Twist's shrine hurt no one more than me. I probably got about 5 or 6 Masters by assassinate, and some others simply by attacking (Culwch shifted to his eagle form in there...air forms indoors = a whole lotta fun). Its because people assume they will be safe in places they have no business thinking that. I watched Tetuzlkeh bounce around between liches in the Arborian graveyard - no doubt trying to find his way to there cleric like a good little spectre. It made him really easy to stalk. Its just a shame that he pulled away from my sword before it reached his heart.
To those of you who think assassinate is overpowered, try playing an assassin. For the 20 or so successes I've had, I'd say I missed well over 200. That's not much of a percentage. As you improve and get a bit of confidence, the feeling of anticipation as you start racking up the stalks against an unsuspecting character is fantastic. You're thinking 'ok, one more...one more...Ok, really, just one more'. And then they quit on you (like Ghoumbe did last night...which by no means was to avoid me, as I was hidden and standing next to him the whole time). Or they shift to an air form and fly away. Or teleport, or go somewhere where you can't sneak up on them. Or hell, you just *miss*.
And then its back to square one.
> On the log board, there is a long string complaining that assassinate has no lag.
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> Now, I do not have an assassin, but I beleive that assassinate has more lag than any other skill in the game.
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> It is just infront of it.
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> All the other skills that can start combat you can do, and do successfully, at a moments notice.
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> Assassinate takes tactics, stealth, and not some small bit of latant intellect.
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> This more than balances it I beleive.
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> Of course, I may be smoking Mr. Crac Babie's pipe.