Posted by Proud Blade(VIP) on November 24, 2000 at 22:51:10:
In Reply to: Is there any possible way to play this game without being in some sort of icq or irc circle? Or having somekind of 'inside' knowledge on gameplay? I'm feeling the answer is no. no text posted by A Newbie Player Lost in the Dust on November 24, 2000 at 19:25:43:
Not so very long ago, I was quite sucky. I've since moved into the "competent" zone, though I'm certainly no "elite", whatever that means. How I learned: 1) Play a lot, and don't mind dying. In any head-to-head competition, you're going to lose more often than not when you're new at the game. Accept that gracefully for a while. It will pass. 2) Run like hell. A good starting rule is "don't stay for a fight you didn't choose". Run early, run often, return when you have the advantage and win then. Learn the roads, and learn multiple routes from place to place. This will keep you alive longer, and you'll spend less time scrounging for gear, and more time doing useful things. 3) Gear is transient. That is why it is not worth worrying too much about. Skill makes much more of a difference, and that is what you should be thinking about. Nice gear is handy, but it will come and go. Don't obsess over it. 4) Victory via roleplaying. Roleplaying takes some time to get good at, but it has a lot of rewards. Some of them are tangible: Cabal entry, tattoos, empowerment, and all that. The better ones are intangible: People will enjoy your company more, and be more inclined to travel with you, and help you out. IMMs will throw little bonuses your way. There are often 100 people on.... why should anyone pay attention to -you-? Stand out from the pack a bit, and it will come. Write out a straightforward role if you are new to CF, and stick to it religiously. Dividends will eventually come. 5) Learn to fish. A lot of new players become too dependent on handouts, and expect to be told everything before they try anything. It's good to keep an eye open for advice, but often first-hand experience is so much better, if not a bit more painful. Try to lead groups. Explore low-level areas solo, and learn every nook. Learn where basic preparatory items are, and carry them, starting with a potion of return. Test every skill/spell/supp/song a bit (on mobs for combat skills), and get used to it. Learn to gather your basic needs (armor, weapon, food, water, boat, container) with no help from anyone. There's going to be a day where you're killed and full looted, and you'll thank me then. 6) Take notes. If your client can log, log your own fights, and review them from time to time. Write down where handy items are. Keep track of who attacks you, and who seems friendly. 7) Make mistakes. Just learn from them, and you'll be fine. 8) Stop the whining. Your subject titles smacks of "Poor Me". We've all had our asses handed to us at one time or another. The best revenge is to simply outplay them, and stop blaming ICQ/deathsquads/IRC/the dog/cheaters/an IMM/unsightly skin blemishes/Regis Philbin/conjurers/The Arcane's Ex-Girlfriend/spoiled gravy/stupid cabal leader/having to pee/Ragers/a rough childhood/liches/lag/orcish swords for problems you may encounter. Believe it or not, all start on equal footing. All blame or credit goes to you in the end. Make the best of it.