Hardcore Gothic Challenge thread #1 [Archiv]

Huntsman

01.09.2007, 19:59

~HARDCORE GOTHIC CHALLENGE THREAD~

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r316/Bobbynator/tn_wolves.jpg http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r316/Bobbynator/tn_firelizards.jpg

There it is, the thread about the little contest I've been mentioning in the thread "The hardcore way". I originally wanted this to be G2:NOTR only contest, but I see some have already started with G1, so let this be a Gothic1, Gothic 2 classic and Gothic 2 NOTR hardcore challenge. Whatever strikes your fancy. Now I will explain the rules and give general hints about posting your hardcore game diary.

RULES

#1: This is a no reloads game which means that whatever choices you make, you made 'em and that's it. You save when you stop playing and load when you start playing again. When you die it's game over.

#2: Please leave thread-destructive comments like "Playing this way is stupid" or "You're missing the whole point of Gothic" aside. This method of playing is for experienced and very patient players as it requires a lot of forward planning. So if you don't like it, don't do it.

#3 When you want to participate, make a clear statement on it and an introductory post where you'll put your character build (more on this later) and if you plan on roleplaying, some personality info.

#4 Clearly mark your official character diary posts with a headline like "Huntsman's Hardcore Dragon Hunter" so that they are easy to find amongst other user comments.

#5 DO NOT CHEAT, THIS IS FOR FUN ONLY. No one will win big bucks or ultimate respect for beating the game with a mage in a day or killing a dragon snapper at lvl 1.

TIPS

#1 Save yourself the trouble of saving a lot. If you die, it's over.

#2 Be very careful and plan your every move.

#3 If you're not sure you can handle it...RUN!

#4 Don't hesitate to ask for advice in this thread like "Do you guys think I could do the black troll at lvl 25 with Large Fire Storm?"

#5 Do not attack enemies in groups. Lure every enemy, no matter how weak it/he is.

#6 In hardcore brave = dead and stupid in most cases.

#7 Idle hands are devil's playground. If you suddenly feel like risking it for quick booty - call it a day.

#8 Don't go near cliffs and when you do - walk instead of run. There is a great chance you could fall and end your adventure in a stupid way. After all, it's realistic to slip up in an unknown, steep mountain path.

#9 Do not have mercy for your enemies. Never let it attack, always keep it at a distance and use all power that you have available.

BENEFITS OF HARDCORE

#1 Everything seems different. The dialogues, the world, the enemies, it's a whole new Gothic experience. Recommended for players who've already beaten Gothic with every character and know their way around.

#2 When an NPC tells you "Wow, you're brave!" there's a great chance you'll really feel this way, even if it's not much, because you're putting your life on the line here and not just reloading 10 times until you make 2 critical hits in a row in order to kill the enemy.

#3 You just wanna read through all the dialogues...again. Trust me.

#4 Makes you feel real and alive.

#5 You won't feel guilty for knowing the game and it's secrets, weapons and being good at it. This is where it all counts.

#6 Just try it, it's great.

HALL OF FAME

-heroes who have completed the game-

Game: Gothic 2 - Night of the Raven

1. Sikkibahm's Mercenary
by Sikkibahm
Level: 49
Guild: Dragon Hunter
:::the first to complete the challenge:::

UNFORTUNATE ADVENTURERS' GRAVEYARD

-heroes who have met their fate far too soon-

Game: Gothic 2 - Night of the Raven

1. Sikkibahm's Mage
by Sikkibahm
Level: 40
Guild: Magician
Cause of Death: Pack of dragon snappers

2. Petyamester's Dragon Hunter
by Petyamester
Level: 39
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Cause of Death: 3 Fire lizards

3. Huntsman's Hardcore Paladin #2
by Huntsman
Level: 10
Guild: Militia
Cause of Death: Trolls near Dexter's tower

4. Sikkibahm's Mercenary #1
by Sikkibahm
Level: 8
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Goblin skeleton from the pyramid excavation site

5. Sikkibahm's Mercenary #2
by Sikkibahm
Level: 7
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Fell of a ledge near the beach where Skip is

6. HardCased's Magician
by HardCased
Level: 5
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Boar

7. Huntsman's Hardcore Paladin #1
by Huntsman
Level: 4
Guild: Militia
Cause of Death: Guard at Khorinis Harbor warehouse

8. Fogotick's Hardcore Archer
by Fogotick
Level: 4
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Bandits that robbed Hakon the merchant

9. The Preserver's Militiaman
by The Preserver
Level: 3
Guild: Militia
Cause of Death: Engardo, one of the mercenaries raiding Akil's farm

Game: Gothic 2 Classic

1. Bastardo's Mercenary Warrior
by Bastardo_90
Level: 34
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Cause of Death: The Undead Dragon

2. Bastardo's Militiaman
by Bastardo_90
Level: 9
Guild: Militia
Cause of Death: Orc in the cave near the eastern gate of the city of Khorinis

3. Cor Angars' Mercenary
by Cor Angars
Level:7
Guild: Mercenary
Cause of Death: Seekers at the stone circle

4. Adi's Dragon Hunter
by lee_13
Level: 6
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Troll

5. Max the Butcher's Mage
by Max the Butcher
Level: 3
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Lurker

6. Bastardo's Poor Guy
by Bastardo_90
Level: 2
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Fell of a cliff near the secret valley with Lester during the fight with young field raiders

Game: Gothic 1

1. Sikkibahm's Mage
by Sikkibahm
Level: 40
Guild: Magician of Water
Cause of Death: THE SLEEPER!!! (http://forum.worldofplayers.de/forum/showthread.php?p=4440399&#post4440399)

2. Hellbilly's Jes Another Convict
by Hellbilly
Level: 27
Guild: Magician of Water
Cause of Death: Spikes in front of the Uriziel chamber in the underground orcish temple

3. Huntsman's Hardcore Magician
by Huntsman
Level: 27
Guild: Magician of Water
Cause of Death: Varrag-Kasorg, the undead shaman in the orcish underground temple

4. Hans Georg
by Petyamester
Level: 26
Guild: Magician of Water
Cause of Death: Fire lizard

5. Sikkibahm's Mercenary
by Sikkibahm
Level: 26
Guild: Mercenary
Cause of Death: Fell of a platform in the castle with the focus stone while transformed to Lurker

6. Dino's Magician
by Dino
Level: 15
Guild: Magician of Fire
Cause of Death: Surrounded by 5 guards with crossbows in the free mine

7. Elisabeth
by Onisuzume
Level: 5
Guild: Guildless
Cause of death: Wolf

Huntsman

01.09.2007, 20:01

Introduction

Game: Gothic 2 Night of the Raven
Desired Class: Militia/Paladin
Build: One handed/Magic

Info: My character will be focusing on one handed combat, mostly because of the well-known “Master Sword” that will provide great damage early in the game, which will be highly preferable in a hardcore game. So my first goal is to get 60 dexterity and become a Fighter (30%) in one-handed combat. Then I will put my points to strength, mana and paladin rune skills. My main weapon later in the game will be paladin runes because they have a nice damage, can attack from distance and never miss.

Diary

Level:1
Guild: Guildless

Today I made my way into Khorinis. I picked up everything in Xardas’ tower, but skipped the area with Lester. Helped Cavalorn (I let him do all the work of course). Just to make sure I don’t get an early death, I killed the wolves and bloodflies on the way to Lobart’s farm with spell scrolls. Then when I got the farmer’s clothes, I could relax a little. I decided not to talk to Greg until I get some better armor so I could give him the farmer’s clothes. Got into town by saying I am one of Lobart’s farmhands and that I have to repair some tools over at the blacksmith’s. Talked to Lothar. When I said “What do I have to do to get armor like yours?”…I really meant it. He looked so strong and safe in it :).

Hellbilly

01.09.2007, 22:22

Introduction

Game: Gothic 1
Desired Class: Water Mage
Build: One handed & magic

Keeping in mind that Gothic 1 is a pretty easy game where creating "über-characters" is quite possible, there's little need to specialize particularly much. I'll just concentrate on melee until I get to be a water mage and then use a combination of both. I reckon I'll go the New Camp way and not the Old Camp way.

Diary

To start off with, I decided to gain a few levels by doing some of the non-dangerous, non-fighting quests. Getting the sword for Whistler and such. Then I went with the Baal to the Swamp Camp, allowing him to do all the combat, gaining some free XP this way. Steal Cor Kalom's recipe, get the Baal by the entrance to talk to me with Lester's help, back to the Old Camp to give the recipe to Dexter and join Mordrag to the New Camp. For kicks, I decided to take Mud with me, but he disappeared somewhere along the way... heck, I think he fell off a cliff. It was an accident... honest! I wasn't even close by!

Lefty tricked me (*wink*) into carrying water for the peasants. I better steer clear of him until I'm strong enough to face him and the rest of the Rice Lord's men.

The only real combat I've yet seen, apart from the juvenile critters on the way to the Old Camp and a couple of solitary Scavengers, were the three molerats in the cave where Nek's corpse is lying. I took them on at level 3... not really a challenge by then (with one-handed sword fighting level 1), but in case I get unlucky and they get lucky, they might get a few hits in, surround me and that might be that. So take them safely... get one to approach me, kill it quickly. The other two were coming at me... circle to the left so that one of the two remaining molerats is within reach of my sword whilst the other is a bit away. Finish the first molerat quickly, and then the other with equal haste. No damage.

I need to get a few levels so I can go to the Free Mine and get myself the free armor from there. It ain't much, but it's better than nothing. That wolf in the opening might pose a threat if I get unlucky and he comes too close.

Once I get one-handed sword fighting level 2 it's time to concentrate on strength so I will stand a chance in combat.

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 06:45

Hey, glad to have you onboard Hellbilly §wink! I am really looking forward to your diary because I haven't played Gothic 1 in quite a while (I already have the urge again :) ).

I see you've already gotten everything right, that's exactly how I wanted this to work. BTW, it's amazing how hard you have to work to get some gold and armor when playing hardcore...I hold my farmer's clothes as the utmost treasure because without it, I am very vulnerable, and I see you are trying to get hold of the free mine digger's armor and it's not really that easy like when you're playing a normal game. Good luck!

Hellbilly

02.09.2007, 09:13

DIARY

Having finished the easy tasks in the new camp (dealing out the weed mainly), I decided to go back to the Swamp Camp via the Old Camp, picking up Dusty on the way and letting Thorus know Mordrag was no longer a problem. No problems there, and soon Dusty was happily in the Swamp Camp.

When helping the Baal in the New Camp deal out the weed, I'd chosen as my reward some spell scrolls. I didn't take sleep, but I did take charm, and I got the bright idea of checking whether that'd work on the Baal who instructs the novices in magic. So, charm on a novice... nope, didn't work... and a second later four templars were beating the poo out of me. Ouch. Luckily, I had so little ore (68 to be exact) that they didn't bother stealing anything from me when I was down, so all that got hurt was my pride.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_001.jpg
Here's me mulling over what I did, looking at my trail of blood (yup, max gore in ini-file)

It'll be interesting to see whether I can talk to Cor Angar or if the templars there remember my mug and are into seconds...

Anyhow, not enough with that, soon I got my butt kicked a second time when trying to convince Harlok to relieve his buddy. I remembered he was far easier than he actually was, and although I got his health down by 50%, he got me with a few lucky hits. Well, again, only a dented pride as he didn't bother to steal anything. I'm a stubborn bastard so after a quick healing snack I went to "talk" to him again, downing him with a barrage of fierce blows before he had the time to react.

A valuable lesson was learned, luckily in a relatively safe environment: don't try your luck, play it safe. And even if you decide to be a bit daring, always make sure you can get away if/when required. A tactical leg-it must be a viable option at all times.

Next, via the Old Camp to learn one-handed level 2, and then to the New Camp and the miner's clothes. It's risky because of that damnable wolf, but I've made the run before and I reckon it's worth the risk as the protection provided by the free armor is after all better than nothing. Then, I think I'll try to collect some ore and go into the Old Camp mine to complete my test of faith.

It'll be a long time before I dare take on the dam lurker or the bloodflies in the Swamp Camp...

I am really looking forward to your diary because I haven't played Gothic 1 in quite a while (I already have the urge again :) ).

Reading about your character made me want to play G2... you picked the exactly same type (one-handed & magic paladin) that I had planned to play. Well, once I'm through with this I will play G2 with such a character, as I think it'll be interesting to see how differently two players play with the same type of character.

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 10:38

Diary

Level:4
Guild:Militia

DEAD

Cause of death: Guard in Harbor warehouse

EDIT: Here are also some images of my character and character screen.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2969/ss1jg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/1810/ss2nf3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That's right, I'm dead §hhmpf. I'll tell you all about, don't worry, but first, I feel like it's my duty to inform people on what a great day I've had beforehand so they could learn from my mistakes. When I hit the ground and realized I was done for, my heart stopped beating for a moment. I wanted to reload the game, but somehow found the honor within me not to...
Just so you know, it's incredibly hard not to reload when your hardcore character dies, no matter how honest you think you are. Followes the story of my character from my last diary post to when he died.

I started doing the non-violent quests in Khorinis - the talk with Lares and Vatras gets you some exp, the Matteo's gold quest, the blessing for Thorben, information for Garvell, Canthar's favor and so on. When I got past Moe in my farmer's clothes, I totally freaked out. Luckily, he let me walk since I had less than 10 gold coins (you learn a lot of new stuff when playing hardcore, I thought he'd always take my money). To get some easy money, I went to beach where Skip the pirate is. There you can find some clams with pearls inside and I also delivered the rum to Baltram for some nice exp. Everything was going smooth as silk so far.
Next, I decided to spend my LPs on dexterity and one-handed combat. I got the rank of Fighter in one-handed and got my dexterity to 20 so I could use the Sword (you know, the one that requires 20 dex to wear). I also saved some money and got the leather armor and belt. I was so proud of myself, the trouble I had to go through to get it, but it was worth it. No wolf, bloodfly or field raider could dent me and my good knowledge of one-handed and that fast sword made short work of them. I went back to the area with Lester and cleared the forest of all monsters with no probs. To get the skins for Bosper, I took the usual quest with Bartok. When we got to that small hill where wolves start running at you, I decided to stay back and let him do the work. Alas, the wolves ate him alive <sigh>...couldn't find his body though, only the machete. I was able to get the wolf skins though :), and sold the machete for some 200 gold coins.
Then with the help of that guard near the easter city gate, I dealt with the mercs on Akil's farm and found the King's Sorrel on the way there. I had everything I needed to become Constantino's apprentice, and so I did (I skipped the Harad's quest). That was the first time I got into Militia at such a low lvl (was lvl 3 at the time). I bought the Militia belt from Hakon and thus had a full suit of Militia armor. I loved it :). The feeling you get when you obtain a new armor in hardcore game is indescribable, you just have to live it...
Started doing the militia asignments, found Peck and got his sword and next I wanted to get the swampweed package from the warehouse. Now I knew that the guy guarding it is a badass so I bought two ice arrow scrolls just in case (didn't want to pay more for a stronger spell, now I realize how stupid that was). Those 2 ice arrow scrolls took about a quarter of that guy's health and I managed to get his health down to about a single punch away from death with my sword. I parried most of his blows and then, when I was about to hit him, he just dealt me a critical and the next thing I know, I am lying dead on the floor with my jaw wide open in disbelief. Apparently, the light militia armor and belt wasn't enough for my lvl 4 character. Valuable lesson: do not fight the guy in the warehouse unless you're really up to it! I took my chances and failed...:(
Also, I noticed that Greg wasn't there by Lobart's farm when I came back to give him the farmer's clothes, so does anyone know if he went by the tavern and does he still need to get into the city? Did I permanently ruin the quest by not talking to him?

Well, that's the end of the line for my wannabe paladin one-handed/magic user. Don't worry though, I'll start over and make another character like this and learn from his mistakes. Shouldn't take too long to get to the point where I was since I'll be skipping all the dialogues.

P.S. I wish you loads of luck with your hardcore character Hellbilly. Don't be discouraged by my stupidity, I am sure it can be done more than ever. I'll be starting over shortly and you keep making progress, I can see you're doing just fine ;).

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 19:52

Huntsman's Hardcore Paladin #2 - Let's try again ;)

Introduction

Game: Gothic 2 Night of the Raven
Desired Class: Militia/Paladin
Build: One handed/Magic

Info: Call me crazy if you like, but I just made another character, just like my previous one that died. My build is the same as the previous one, but my goals have slightly changed. Becoming a paladin asap is now my primary goal because my character is too weak and vulnerable this way, so I'll just try to skip to the paladin part with the help of scrolls. Then I will eliminate the orc population around the VoM castle with paladin spells from safe distance and level a lot that way.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6207/newpaladin2iw3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6207/newpaladin2iw3.9cd464d8f3.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=517&i=newpaladin2iw3.jpg)
My character screen

Diary

Last character joined the militia in about 4 hours of playing and died shortly afterwards. This time, I did it in less than an hour :). I am lvl 3 and in the militia. I have skipped all the dialogues because I've already heard them once and I did only what I had to do to become a citizen and then join the militia. That means even skipping the area with Lester, I'll get back to it first thing now that I wear the militia armor. This time I also helped Greg get into town, but Bartok managed to die yet again :p. Oh well...

I can already see what the trouble spots will be in my quick way to the paladins so if anyone has any helpful comments on how to beat them, go ahead.

#1 Getting the information about the ore mined from the mining camps and the scrapers in the VoM. I am thinking potions of speed.

#2 The first seeker behind the door to the pass of Khorinis. I am thinking summon demon scroll or something like that.

#3 And the one where even my more powerful characters always die a couple of times, the seekers at the stone circle who have the eye of innos. Full frontal assault is madness, I'll probably summon loads of beasts from a safe distance. Although by then I will be a paladin (I think). Everything else should be a piece of cake, even the dragons.

Lazor

02.09.2007, 20:15

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 20:37

Amazing Idea Huntsman! Congratz Huntsman and Hellbilly for participating. I would participate too but i don't have enought free time lately, but next time i play Gothic i'll try that way. Anyway, i looking forward to the adventures of YOUR characters ;)

Especially how you Huntsman will deal with all those dragons and win the without dieing. And hellbilly with the demons and the sleeper :)

I am very glad to hear those encouraging words, thanks, it really means a lot to me. BTW, you don't have to make this an obsession, you can just play your hardcore game alongside your normal games and report here from time to time if you want to participate ;).

About the dragons, I am thinking...Cipher and Ron :)...then a Shrink scroll :)... then two Summon demon scrolls combined with paladin runes :)...should suffice.

Lazor

02.09.2007, 21:12

I can't play sooo hardcore if i haven't a lot of free time and enjoy it ;)

About the dragons thing, hope the spells gonna work and nothing go wrong ;)

Hellbilly

02.09.2007, 21:19

DIARY

Getting the miner's clothes was in the end a piece of cake. There are two molerats in the opening (and the wolf), and after having killed the one closer to the entrance I was in for a scare as all of the sudden the wolf turned on its heels coming directly my way... to eat the carcass of the molerat. Phew, I was able to run past it.

En route I had learned one-handed level 2 from Scatty, and with my crude sword I felt ready to take on Kirgo once I'd built up a bit of strength. To do that, I took on some wolves, completed the remaining Swamp Camp quests and spent all learning points on strength.

I challenged Kirgo to a match. The fight was even, blow after blow was dealt out and for a moment I was sure I was going to win, until Kirgo got a few lucky blows in, my defense was badly timed... and before I knew it I hit the deck, defeated and humiliated.

Oh well, let's get the humiliations over with I thought, and challenged Kharim. It's only gonna cost me the shreds of my pride. Three blows, I was down... and the bastard looted me! He took over 300 pieces of my hard earned ore with him. Argh. But, well, what can you do? No second chances. At least I got Scatty's respect for taking on the brute, and that's something.

That being over with, I headed to the new camp to join Lares' rogues. I took the long route, clearing up some animals on the way, gathering meat to cook and sell to earn a little money to compensate for what was taken, and to get some XP. To my delight I found out that even a pack of wolves is only a minor threat to me; I'd had some hair-raisers fighting lizards and bloodflies, almost dying a couple of times. Luck's been with me.

I still don't feel like taking on Lefty, so I snuck past him and before going to Lares took down the Dam Lurker. Not wanting to risk it, I used a fireball scroll to take the critter. A safe but boring method. Safe's the keyword.

I joined Lares' rogues, and en route to the Swamp Camp to find out what's going on there, I delivered a message to the Fire Magicians (I gave the letter from outside to them already earlier, took the mana potion as reward). I took a nice screenshot of it:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_002.jpg

I will try to level up as much as possible before it's time to go to the orc cemetary. Minecrawlers are tough but rather easy to take on, but the first few orcs usually give me a tough time. Got to level up as much as possible, raise strength and see to it that I have the best one-handed weapon I can. And spell scrolls.

@Huntsman:
A shame that your adventure came to such an abrupt end. That guard's given me a lot of headache in the past... when it's time for G2 I will make sure to avoid him until I'm sure I can take him on!

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 21:28

I can't play sooo hardcore if i haven't a lot of free time and enjoy it ;)

About the dragons thing, hope the spells gonna work and nothing go wrong ;)

I wouldn't worry much about that as much as the three trouble spots I've mentioned in one of my previous posts. Thanks again.

Huntsman

02.09.2007, 21:37

Another very interesting diary post Hellbilly, keep it up, you're doing much better than me so far. After my first character has died, I've managed to make another one and join the militia pretty fast as you can see. Now I have to be much more careful.

Those are some interesting screenshots that you're taking, they're spicing up your diary ;). I will try to follow your example and post some of my own.

Orc cemetery sounds afwully scary, make sure you'll well prepared for it.

The more I play the hardcore way, the more I think that's how Gothic was really meant to play. It certainly is the most enjoyable, but also the most stresfull and dissapointing when you fail. Anyway, one important lesson is: Never have mercy on your enemies and do not hesitate to use overpowering spells, armor and weapons.

Dez

03.09.2007, 05:39

hellbilly do you know that you can drop your ore down or put it in the chest before duels? :) just a precautionary measure if you ask me...you don't carry your whole wealth with you irl..so why would you do such thing in gothic?

otherwise its wonderfull to keep an eye on your both progress through g1 and g2 :) Huntsman i agree..never give the enemy the advantage and never show mercy in the wrong spot. And don't be too afraid to run off!!! Btw if you dare to challenge the bandit guard in the harbour use ICE BLOCK scroll. and other scrolls...

This thread is so great that I nearly installed g1 on my pc just after reading your stories..Maybe i'll do it in the future. But I will let you guys know when i do it.

Black Sphere

03.09.2007, 18:11

My compliments Huntsman, you set this thread as it should be set! :A

I enjoyed reading both yours and Hellbilly's adventures (thou Hellbilly's a bit less because I'm trying to foget as much as possible about G1 to play it next time as 'blank' as possible, and only because of that ;)). Just one little hint Huntsman; in your first adventure you've started well and you were well armed and armored but I think you had a little too less Hitpoints to withstand more than one critical hit in some serious duel (like with that harbour warehouse guard - you had equally strong weapon, not to mention armour, but you were far inferior regarding the Hitpoints). So ,,, gain the levels as much as you can (as you know each time you get +12 hitpoints), also buy a Life amulet from Zuris (+40 hitpoints), it helps quite alot at the start, when you lack a Hitpoints, look for the rings which add to your armor (one you can find in the nature near some corpse/sceleton -if you don't know where I won't tell you;)- and the other you can gain from Valentino when you beat him (shouldn't be much of a problem)), you can also buy relatively quickly in the game a +10 armour amulet (can't currently remember where - from who)..

And couple of general tips for ya hard core players;):

- Take it slowly. In such playing in one hour of playing usually you don't do-achieve much; such playing is a slow 'process'. If I said the pleasure in such playing can be multiplied by three, then the playing time can be multiplied by five or even more.

- If you think or feel some task can be currently too hard or too risky then skip it e.g. leave it for the times when you'll be able to complete it. Usually the tasks do 'awaits' for you.

As I said I'm playing all my adventures on such a manner, and I'm playing my current adventure for some time now, so I don't feel like to end this and to start a new one so I'll start from where I am now:

Introduction:

Game: Gothic 2 Night of the Raven
Class: Fire Mage
Build: Magic / Two Handed

Info: My character is strictly focused on the art of Magic. I'm investing my Learning points regarding the main skills only in Mana and Two-handed Fighting Skills (only up to 60% - master level, from here on I do help myself with magic tablets), other atributs I'm raising solely with the outside help (praying at shrines, eating dragonroots and goblin berries, drinking potions, using magic tablets, amulets, rings, belts ... )

It was quite hard at the beginning as you can't use the magic that much, and there's no good two hander and I don't invest my Learning points into Strength (I used a Belt Of Strength and a Fighting Pike till I joined the monastery). The only weapon I'll had it thru the whole game will be a Magic Wand (55 dam, +20 mana, 25 mana to wear it), except if by any chance I'll reach such a high strength level (as I said I'm not investing any Learning points in it) that I'll be able to wear a better weapon. Which I doubt it.

I've just entered a Chapter 2, and I'm about to bring the last ornament to the Water Mages which I just get from Lord Hagen, and I'm about to go in Jharkendar to collect some easy Learning points as I collected all or most of them in Khorinis which I was able and dare to, I'm still too weak or better saying it's too risky to take an Orc Warrior (I attacked one in the woods near the lighthouse and the cave destilery when I went to 'collect' the snappers there and I became too cocky as those snappers were an easy pray, and I quickly realised 'it's too early'; I barely escaped alive), not to mention the Vargs or the Shadowbeasts. Here's a picture of 'me' just leaving from Lord Hagen (sorry for the bad weather;)).

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g1_1_1.jpg

and here are my current stats:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g1_2_1.jpg

As it can be seen I have some unused Learning points; I have an interesting dilemma; now when I'm praying at shrines I'm receiving +1 Mana, so I would like to fill the Mana level up to 60 as quickly as possible to waste as little Learning points for it as possible later; I dont' want to fill it till 60 with Mana from the shrines and then to spend 15 Learning points for 5 Mana if I can now spend 10 Learning points for 5 Mana and then fill it with Mana from the shrines (note that 20 Mana cames from the weapon, so in fact I have 36 Mana there). But I'm in no hurry to distribute those Learning points right now (I'm in hurry to collect required amount of Learning points (40-50) as quickly as possible), I don't need much Mana yet so those learning points can wait in 'reserve'. I'm also saving all dark mushrooms and mana tablets and mana boost potions for later; I'll use them when I'll have 90+ Mana e.g. I'll need 25 Learning points for 5 Mana.

Maybe I'll write some postcard from Jharkendar.;)

See ya!

Huntsman

03.09.2007, 19:21

Welcome aboard Black Sphere, it's good to have an experienced hardcore player in the crew §welcome!

My compliments Huntsman, you set this thread as it should be set!
As I have already said, such compliments do mean a whole lot to me...thank you ^2^.

First of all, thanks for the hints, although that thing with the hitpoints kind of came into my head on it's own after my first character's death. I truly admire you, the mere thought of playing hardcore with a magician makes me crap my pants :D. I thought it was impossible, but obviously you've proved me wrong (lvl 14, wow!). Can't wait for more of your diary posts.

If you don't mind my asking, how did you defeat the stone sentinels? With magic I suppose? I don't dare go near them...

It's a good thing that you're saving your LPs by praying, eating plants and reading stone tablets. If I were you, I'd go to the castle in the VoM and level there by throwing spells at orcs from the ram. And if you have a way to make quick money, pray at the shrines of Innos regularly to get 10str, 10dex and 20mana.

Good luck, show those Jharkendar monsters what you're made of ;).

P.S. My new diary update coming soon, I've some nice progress, you'll see.

Huntsman

03.09.2007, 19:55

Diary

Level: 7
Guild: Militia

Today was a good day for my HC Gothic character. I have done some asignments for Lord Andre, but also managed to screw up a few quests like finding the weed dealer (I rated out Nadja to Borka, stupid me!). What could've been solved by a simple reload in a normal game, became a failed quest here. But it felt much more real, and I actually liked failing a quest after a while.

Oh, I almost forgot. I have a little surprise in stock for you...they say a picture is worth a thousand words ;)...

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6920/sobvl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks for the Ice Block tip, Dez. That guard was a tough nut to crack, even though he was frozen for 19 seconds. I couldn't deal him a single critical and he almost unfroze before I managed to kill him in time, but luck was on my side this time.

The rest of the day I spent in killing every bloodfly, field raider and wolf I could find (those respawned in chapter 2 also). Collecting mushrooms and selling them to Constantino (yes, I know about the mana the murky mushrooms give you, but I need the money) proved to be a wise choice, he pays really well.

When I got enough money, I spoke to Lord Hagen and headed to the VoM. Jergan helped me take care of the lurkers on the way to castle - I don't want to risk anything with them just yet, especially because I only have a bandit's rapier. Then came the most frightening moment of the day - getting into the castle with one snapperweed. The speed up ran out pretty quickly and before I knew it, I had 5 orcs about an inch behind me. I thought that was it, but they gave up the chase (they must be out of shape :D ).

The happiness overwhelmed me when I got into the castle, it was like that first time I played Gothic 2. I felt so safe with all those paladins and fellow militia men protecting me. With the money I had I bought the heavy militia armor from Engor. All I can say is, it's a damn good piece - with the militia belt I have 80/80/15/15 protection. I decided to become a little stronger before I go find the scrapers and the ore so I teleported out of the castle and back into Khorinis.

I followed the road to the pyramids and the excavation site, and I found many useful things there that I can sell. When I collect enough gold I will go and buy the Master Sword, at least for safekeeping until I get 60dex and so I can finally talk to Martin. Level up is near too.

This is it for today, here are some closing images of my character in my heavy militia armor where I left him. Tomorrow I plan to level enough to use a good crossbow and level even more by killing orcs near the castle with it. I feel like the Knight's armor and the paladin runes are getting closer and closer...:)

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6504/untitledbs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/6389/charscreengh5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

P.S. Why are my screenshots so dark?

Hellbilly

03.09.2007, 20:01

Diary

Keeping in mind my attempt to level up as much as possible, once I'd retrieved the Focus for the Swamp Camp I roamed the forests killing animals, keeping sure I stay far from the orc dogs and the shadowbeast, taking the long road back to the New Camp. Preparing for the hunt of the Minecrawler nest, I bought the best armor I can get at the moment (heavy rogue armor, or whatever it is called) and the best weapon I could find, plus invested all my LP's into strength. Right now I have 70 strength, and I'll raise it up all the way into 100 and then start saving LP's for magic circles and mana; when the time comes for the decision to be made, I will have to see whether I think it'd be wiser to concentrate on magic, or invest LP's in two-handed combat.

Minecrawlers are a piece of cake: two hits and they're down. I'm not expecting much trouble with the nest.

Another screenshot, this one taken on a rainy day (again):
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_003.jpg

hellbilly do you know that you can drop your ore down or put it in the chest before duels? :) just a precautionary measure if you ask me...you don't carry your whole wealth with you irl..so why would you do such thing in gothic?

Because in Gothic you don't have Visa Electron or credit cards ;)

Bastardo

04.09.2007, 07:43

(sorry for my english today)
I picked the challenge but I don't know if it's a good thing to post such a pityful loss

Death at level : 2
Spot : Secret valley
Killed by : Myself…

After the routine at Xardas tower, I killed the fearsome sheep and the goblin at the falls, then picked the bow. I decided to enter on my own risk in the cave nearby, to enter the secret valley and collect the sword in the tomb. There I slayed the goblin at the entrance and the 3 goblins at the fire, that almost killed me. Then I picked a fight with one of the field raiders (are they called like this in english version? Anyway, the screaming big bugs) and won. I decided to slay also the second, but unfortunately he managed to give me 1 or 2 critical hits, so I escaped, in the valley direction, but when arrived at the exit, I turned back and continue fighting. After all, if I continued dodging & attack, that bug would be history. I’ve done exactly like that, but while dodging in panic, I fall down in the valley! DEATH BY SUICIDE!

This one was just a little attempt, maybe I'll do someting serious next time.

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 11:10

@Bastardo_90

Hello and welcome :), don't worry about that hardcore character. After all, he didn't get very far so there's not much to be sorry about, just start over. BTW, falling of a cliff isn't such an unusual death, especially the one near the secret valley where Lester is. Whenever I go down that road, I walk slowly instead of run. Several of my normal characters died that way, but then it wasn't such a big deal - in hardcore game, it is.

Here are some tips to get you started with your next hardcore character:

1. Pick up everything in Xardas' tower.
2. Kill just the goblin on your left near the waterfall and take the scrolls hidden in the trees. Skip the are with Lester for now, you can come back to it when you're stronger. You can kill the wolf in the road without problems too.
3. Pick up the plants on the way to Cavalorn and let him deal with the goblins. There are also some scrolls behind the boxes near the cliff close to Cavalorn.
4. Let Cavalorn deal with the bandits that have been troubling him by himself. Make sure you take the sword from one of the bandits.
5. Work for Lobart and get the farmer's clothes.
6. Do not attack the bloodflies and wolves near Lobart's farm just yet. Too many of them.
7. Take Canthar's paper to enter the city because you'll be needing the money.
8. Give the farmer's clothes to Greg.
9. That should get you started; do all the non-violent quests in the city and get enough money to buy leather armor and belt. Good luck!

P.S. You should also read my diary posts ;).

Dez

04.09.2007, 12:57

Hellbilly

04.09.2007, 13:31

btw can't you just steal the armor from the chest behind matteo's house? Jump on the wall and get behind the guard. I think the chest was unlocked. That way you can save your gold...:) It contains much more than just a leather amour..some citizen clothings and other misc items.

Or if the jumping thing's too hard, buy a sleep scroll and get the stuff from there; selling the stuff gives you more money than you spent on the scroll, I think.

And, of course, you can enter the city with the well-known exploit (http://www.worldofgothic.com/images/g2pics/stadttor.jpg) without having to be indebted to Canthar.

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 14:03

Yes, of course, I forgot about the chests near Matteo's house. I am roleplaying an honest paladin so that seemed kind of sleezy, but it's perfectly acceptable otherwise (and recommendable for hardcore).

About that exploit, well, I never got it to work $zuck.

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 17:36

Diary

Level: 10
Guild: Militia

DEAD

Cause of death: Trolls near Dexter's tower

Idle hands are the devil's playground. I don't know what got into me, but suddenly I felt like running between the trolls and getting the rapier.

You don't do that in hardcore, buster!§nana

Everything was going well, I could kill lurkers, lizards and snappers without any difficulty whatsoever. I was 100% ready to go and take the report about the ore mined from the scrapers. I was.

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 18:12

There is another way, easier. You get passed the guards and walk near the walls of the city until you find a place where you can climb. It's close to the Upper Quarter gate. You just have to climb and jump on the other side. Special dialogues with Lothar and Lares will follow, and during the dialogue with Lares you'll get +500 (I don't know if this is exactly the right number) experience.

ATM I am playing G2 in chapter 2 and it's the 7th time I play the game if I am not wrong. I know all the secrets in the game and I think I will be able to try a hardcore playing. For the start I'll play a hardcore game with G1. It's a bit easier than G2 and I also know all there is to know about it and I've played the game 6 times. I think I'll accept the challange and I'll start soon.:)

Great, you're welcome :). Just post your introduction post and read the first post which I have just improved by adding some new hints.

Two advices:
1. Don't give up. I've already lost two characters and I think I'll try again.
2. Play it slowly and not too much, maybe 2-3 hours a day.

Hellbilly

04.09.2007, 20:57

DIARY

The Minecrawler nest is cleared out. Piece of cake, the biggest problem was a game crash. The awesome sensation I got when I killed the Queen for the first time was rendered void by the fact that it took a mere five hits to down her now... what an anti-climax.

Tomorrow, I shall take the eggs to Cor Kalom and continue; my time with G1 has been somewhat diminished because I felt like starting GTA: SA again.

@Huntsman:
The idea to make "obituaries" to dead heroes is great, but how about dividing it into sections; one for each game? (as people take on and complete/die in each game). The possibility of seeing one's own hero in the Hall Of Fame is a great incentive to keep on trying, in the spirit of friendly "competition".

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 21:51

Huntsman

04.09.2007, 21:54

Introduction

Game: Gothic 1
Class: Magician of Fire/Water
Build: One handed/Bow/Magic

They say third time's a charm (and maybe I won't be so reckless and stupid this time). I'll be playing Gothic 1 mainly because:
-I have to give Gothic 2 a rest for a while or I'll get bored to death from starting over
-Gothic movie made me wanna play it again
-it's easier
I'll make the best damn shadow possible first without worrying about saving points. That's it about the build.

Diary

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/472/tnthorusmu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Made my way into the Old Camp. Mordrag then escorted me to the New Camp where I took Digger's armor from Swiney. Learned level 1 bow from Wolf and it's very helpful - along with the armor scavengers pose no threat at all. I'll just take it slow. Plus I have Hellbilly's diary to help me.

@Hellbilly
About the obituaries...I don't know, that sounds like quite a big task. Maybe it would have worked if I took pictures of my dead character's lying on the floor or something. So I decided to just make a sort of a list sorted by levels. Y'know...like the best loser (so far it's me :)).

Hellbilly

04.09.2007, 22:11

@Hellbilly
About the obituaries...I don't know, that sounds like quite a big task. Maybe it would have worked if I took pictures of my dead character's lying on the floor or something. So I decided to just make a sort of a list sorted by levels. Y'know...like the best loser (so far it's me :)).

That's what I meant with the "obituaries"... the list you made now. Anyhow, once we two manage to kill off our G1 characters, maybe it'd be better to set up a separate section for them, instead of maintaining one big section?

Bastardo

05.09.2007, 04:59

My game was not NOTR. I've got it, but I'm afraid of playing it hardcore. As for the cliffs, never happened to me, altrought I completed the game 5 or 6 times...

Huntsman

05.09.2007, 06:36

@Hellbilly

Oh, you mean just dividing it into G1,G2 and G2:NOTR sections? Sure thing.

@Bastardo_90

Gotcha, so you're G2 classic.

Gothic!

05.09.2007, 07:11

I just read this thread. Good luck and hopefully you beat the challenge.

Maybe in the future I'll take up this spicy challenge, but I'm currently busy with school work and such.

Just a few tips for Gothic 2.
Pick up everything that has value, even if it's only a value of 1.
Use plenty of speed potions in case you need a quick getaway.
Take it slow.

Bastardo

06.09.2007, 05:27

I've restarted gothic 2 classic in the hardcore way, now I'm ready to go to VoM! I'm not writing a diary right now cause I dont have time, tomorrow I'll give you a diary. for now i'm a city guard going to VoM.

Bastardo

06.09.2007, 19:00

Here's my second, more serious, attempt.
I failed but I'm starting to think that is actually possible to finish the game without dying.

DIARY
Once left Xardas' tower, I killed everyting that was on my way, including bandits, blood flyes. I worked for Lobart, bought peasants clothes, and went to Khorinis.
Done (in order):
- Bought armor from Matteo
- Cleaned up the bandit cave near the east gate
- Done the harbour fight club things
- Given Chantar to justice
- Beated Fellan (the hammer guy)
- Followed Lares to tavern and killed all scavengers for some experience
- Beated some poor fellow in Khorinis to gain some experience and gold
- Done all masters' quests, became apprentice for Bosper
- Joined town militia
- Take the two criminals in prison (the thief and the cuttroath)
- Gone hunting with Bartok, killed the orc (and the most scared guy was me, not him)
- Killed the warehouse guard
- Stopped the shady affairs in the harbor
- Killed the field raiders in Lobart's farm for Lord Andre
- Killed a lot of monsters between Khorinis and Onar's farm and in the forests
- Done some minor quests
- Challenged the orc in the cave near east city gate
- After a battle worthy of a song...
- ...the bastard killed me. I knew caves give me bad luck.
- Almost gone crazy
- Smoke 10 cigarettes to calm myself
- Going to play something else for some time (saving and loading freely)

STATS JUST BEFORE DYING:

GUILD: MILITIA
LEVEL: 9
UNUSED ABILITY POINT: 30
EXPERIENCE: 25.405

STRENGHT: 47
DEXTERITY: 16
MANA: 21
HP: 157

ONE HANDED COMBAT: WARRIOR, 30%
TAKE TROPHIES: SKIN BEASTS

Huntsman

06.09.2007, 19:55

I commend your effort, Bastardo_90, you did very well. Unfortunately, your character died only because of one thing, same like my two previous characters - taking on someone/something that's too big for his shoes. Not because of some regular monsters, not because of some part of main quest (like getting into the castle in the VoM). The two other guys that are participating, Hellbilly and Black Sphere, still have their characters alive (as far as I know) and they haven't tried killing a clearly mightier foe than themselves. I believe the lesson is apparent ;).

Orcs are tough. Orcs are always tough, even in the end of the game. Maybe less tougher then, but they can still kill you. Yeah, you can kill them at lower levels by escaping and parrying their blows, but the chances of dying at least once (in this case enough) are huge.

I understand how you feel, I too really think it's possible to beat the game without dying. The pain of lose is great, expecially when it's because of your recklesness, you have my sympathy. You shouldn'tve smoked ten cigarettes and worried so much, in the end, it's supposed to be fun. Give it a break, take your time, and when you feel like taking another shot at it, you're welcome.

Hellbilly

06.09.2007, 20:07

Hellbilly and Black Sphere, still have their characters alive (as far as I know)

Yes, still alive but dormant. I got swept away by GTA: SA for the time being, so I'm taking a break. But I won't give up, I'm determined to get on that Hall Of Fame-list... ;)

Huntsman

06.09.2007, 20:11

Diary

Level: 6
Guild: Guildless

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/8775/tnuntitledew4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Today I have completed all the quests necessary to join the brotherhood. If I wanted to, I could join them. The picture you can see is me wearing Novice's loincloth which a templar sold me in the entrance to the camp. I believe it's the best armor possible to have before joining a guild, but I look like a housewife in it (why can't the nameless hero just take off his shirt like the rest of the sect loonies, god damnit ;)!).
The only quests from the Old Camp left are the Cor Kalom's recipe for Dexter and impressing Scatty. I intend to finish those shortly too.
I haven't done much quests for the New Camp:
-I am planing to sell them the weed I got from sect camp's harvest to Cipher.
-I am working on getting the food for Baloro in the free mine (only need another cheese but I can't find it anywhere)
-Talked to Mordrag in the pub and gave his ring to Lares.
-Got +5 strength from Horatio.

I am now an expert in Bow (level 2) and level 1 in one-handed. When I finish all quests in all three camps (planning to do in the next 2 days) I will join the Old Camp and learn everything a Shadow can learn. Then at least I won't be afraid of dying as a Magician.

Oh, I almost forgot. While collecting the swampweed from Viran's group, I was too scared to face the bloodflies alone. So I lured them to the novices, and while running away from bloodflies (jumping to be exact) I hit the barrier and was bounced back and struck by lightning :D. Now THAT would be the stupidest way to kill a hardcore character ever. Furthermore, Viran was almost killed by those bloodflies so I should count myself lucky I didn't ruin the quest or something.

P.S. I am asking once again, does anyone know why my Gothic screenshots turn out so black (it's the same for both Gothic 1 and 2)?

Huntsman

06.09.2007, 20:19

Yes, still alive but dormant. I got swept away by GTA: SA for the time being, so I'm taking a break. But I won't give up, I'm determined to get on that Hall Of Fame-list... ;)
That's OK, Planescape:Torment is draining away my Gothic time too. But maybe that's better, because I don't play as much and I'm more focused and careful when playing less.

Bastardo

06.09.2007, 20:28

I enjoyed playing like this, it's a great fun, until you die...
I think Deus Ex in realistic mode, and TES 3 and 4 shoud work great in the hardcore way.
At least my poor fellow #2 will find place in your graveyard, right?

Huntsman

06.09.2007, 20:48

At least my poor fellow #2 will find place in your graveyard, right?
He already did. Would you like to give him a name, just like your #1 character? Or just keep the name I gave him - Bastardo's Militiaman?

Bastardo

06.09.2007, 21:26

Huntsman

06.09.2007, 21:38

nah, that's ok, thanks!
next time will be again gothic 2 (maybe NOTR) but as a magician. since i've played just one time as it i've got 2 questions before i start:
-the magic golem always go down with just one holy hammer blow?
-before i become mage, i'll use swords. when I should stop putting experience on that?
Question #1: Yes.
Question #2: Hmmm, in NOTR there are wands (two-handed) especially for mages, but you're classic so I'd say put only enough to become a fighter in two-handed (that is 20 LP). Why? Well, all the novices are using staffs, I saw it from them ;). Besides, you need all the LPs you can get in hardcore because you can't level as much.

P.S. Somehow my screenshots look dark in Windows XP, but looking at them from Ubuntu linux shows no problems. Any idea why?

Bastardo

07.09.2007, 05:36

P.S. Somehow my screenshots look dark in Windows XP, but looking at them from Ubuntu linux shows no problems. Any idea why?
You use the internal engine to take screenshot? Try external progams (I use Fraps and probably it's the best so far, you can see FPS, take pics and videos)
edit:
oh, maybe i didn't understand you? you mean that the same image look dark in a OS and bright in another? mmmm...maybe check the graphic drivers preferences.
[EDIT]
btw, a souvenir from my adventure. Last stats, outside the cave
http://thumbnails.imajr.com/Gothic2_2007-09-06_17-02-49-04_287608.jpg (http://imajr.com/Gothic2_2007-09-06_17-02-49-04_287608)

Bastardo

07.09.2007, 11:00

Bastardo's Mercenary Warrior - DIARY #1

One-handed sword master mercenary

Game: Gothic 2 classic
That's right. Here I am once again. This time I'll try to join mercenaries.
I'll skip the diary part because i've done only the routine and some minor things.

http://thumbnails.imajr.com/Gothic2_hardcore1_287672.jpg (http://imajr.com/Gothic2_hardcore1_287672)
Goals:
-Join mercenaries
-Avoid caves and orcs
-Get level 15 or so
Next diary page in the Valley of Mines. Pray Adanos for me.

Black Sphere

07.09.2007, 19:05

Hi guys.

Before I continue with my 'adventure diary' just some encouraging words for the 'chickens' out there who are afraid to play hardcore, like Bastardo_90 *just joking mate;)*; playing 'hardore' is not so different as it seems from playing normally, you just must be more careful and more methodical, and to take your time. So, don't be afraid, it's not that hard if you're playing as such playing should be played. And if you want to enjoy in it then don't use cheats or exploits which do smells on cheating.

@Huntsman - You also swithced to G1? Damn guys, I don't want to read about G1, I want to 'forget' the game! *again, just joking;)*

If other games are draining you away from playing your adventure, with me is the RL issues that prevents me to play regulary. But I finally found sufficient e.g. enough of free time to continue.

--------------

So, where was I ... I'm about to bring the last ornament to the Water Mages but first, as always I'll check my Stats, Inventory and Quests List to gain some grip with a game again. So let's see ... stats, ok ... inventory good, 3400 gold ... quests ... "Evidence", yes, "Kick Bulco's Butt", I'll do this later when I'll had 'time for it' ... "Sun Aloe" ... Wait a minute, I forgot on that Black Troll and bunch of snappers there, that's lots of exp. points, and I need them right now. I buyed from Zuris a Shrink Monster spell scroll and on the road I go. Killed all that newly spawned wolves on the way, prayed at shrine near the Monastery to get +1 Mana, I have some extra Learning Points so I'm to the Monastery to learn First Circle Of Magic, and the rest to invest into Mana so I can use that Fire Arrow rune I have. On my way to the cave I taked a detour or two to kill other spawned creatures. Those Snappers infront the cave were an easy bite for my Wand, I used then that shrink spell, and Black Troll bacamed small like a puppy, two swings and he's goner. A very nice harvest of exp. points, I'm much closer to my goal now, and it suddenly seems possible to fill Mana till 60 with Learning Points before I fill it with Mana from praying at shrines. Hm, near is that cave with those nasty Shadow Warriors, and I have two Destroy Undead spell scrolls. Firstly I've killed those skeletons in the cave, now this is not such a problem, I had a few Fireball spell scrols and I have a Fire Arrow to finish them off from that rock near the cave entrance (got a Level Up). Destroyed those Shadow Warriors with spells and I got for the reward some goods, their Two Handers and ... a Dragon Slicer! I will not be able to use that excellent sword, so I'll save it till I'm about to kill that 'Boss Dragon', then I'll sell to/equip with it some of my companion. Next I've gone to sweap the area around that nearby stone circle. From the top of the rock I 'scanned' the area with Fire Arrow in my hand, only Goblin Skeletons an Bloodflies are shown as targets. Piece of cake, Fire Arrow did his job.

I returned to Monastery to convert those 10 Learning points into 5 Mana, and now to the Water Mages. I gaved them that last ornament, they fused them into the ring, I took the ring from Saturas and gave him the letter from Vatras and, off we go, into Unknown Land ...

There I didn't waste any time (haven't it much for my plan) so I was right away into gathering additional exp. points, I begun to kill Mantises around the mages' camp, then at the last moment, before I walk into a trap, I rembered one Razor is hidden in one of those ruins. This will be a nice test of my current abilities; can I kill him or I must to avoid/run away from such creatures. I was able to kill a Razor without many problems, synchronised swings prevented him to get closer, and a few bytes from him appeared not to be much of a problem for my health bar. After I cleared the vicinity of mages camp I went into swamp to collect some more easy exp. points, again Fire Arrow prooved to be quite an useful weapon against the Bloodflies and Swamp Drones and other creatures, and soon I was rewarded with a Level Up and new 10 Learning Points. Converted those Learning Points into 5 Mana, still I need one more Level to do what's in my mind. So, some more quick exp. points harvesting must be done.

As that day was about to end I went into Khorinis to pray before the day ends (+1 Mana). I sleeped only till midnight to fully seize that 'last day' for my plan; I talked with Water Mages to gather information and tasks from them, and at daybreak I went to meet Aligator Jack. We went together thru the pass, and collect that meat from the Swamp Rats, then we apart. Next I killed a few rats in that walley (too easy prey-exp. points to be left behind), and then I attacked the bandit's outpost. Fire Arrow spell once again prooved to be very useful, there were no problems killing Black Goblins and Bandits with it. Mantises there I wiped with my Wand.

And here I stopped to play. Here's the picture:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g2_1_1.jpg

I have about half of the day to gather the remaining exp. points for my plan, and I'm more and more positive that I'll make it. I plan to go back into swamp till I get that so desired Level Up.

Huntsman

07.09.2007, 22:29

'S good to hear from you Black Sphere, I thought we lost you there ;) :p. Looks like you know what you're doing man, you're great at this.

I am still in this of course, I only needed a break from G2:NOTR so I tried G1 instead. I'm doing good so far, it's a lot easier than NOTR and I honestly expect to beat the game (unless I do something stupid like that last time).

Yes, Planescape: Torment is taking away some Gothic time, but I have to play and finish that game. The moment I set eyes on it, I knew it was legendary.

Bastardo

08.09.2007, 08:31

Sikkibahm

08.09.2007, 08:45

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

I decided to give this a try. I must say that it did make the game far more stressful and fun at the same time. I started out nearly getting killed by the young field raider in the cave on the way down to Lester, but managed to flee and come back and get him after healing. Nothing exciting happened on the way to town, everything went without incident until I hit level four and tried to fight Atilla. He nearly killed me but I got lucky and he got stuck on a tree-root while I fired arrows at him. I ran out of things to do in the city at level 5, so I started beating up all of the citizens in the lower area to get more XP since I was too afraid to leave the city. I got beat up a few times, but no one killed me. I took to "softening" them up by shooting them with arrows from the roof before finishing up with the sword, but accidentally used one arrow too many on Garvel and suddenly I had a swarm of citizens and workers after me and out for blood. I managed to escape to Lord Andre and pay my fine (800 gold!!!). From then on I tried to avoid the area were those people were, since they still attacked me on sight. Nothing else exciting happened until I hit level 8 and went with Lares out to see Saturas. I went undergroud, and ran into a goblin skeleton. It got a crit on me, and I fled. It chased me all the way back to the bridge I came over on, and I thought it had given up, so I stopped to heal. As I was eating a piece of meat, it came up behind me and hit me in the back, killing me. My character was a honorless fellow, so I guess it was fitting that he should get killed by a blow to the back while he was trying to heal up. I'm about to start again, this time trying to be a mage. I'm hoping to hit at least level 15 this time.

Bastardo

08.09.2007, 09:01

@Sikkibahm
you dare to much, as I did! I realized that going on by luck can be good 1 time, 2 times, 3 times...but can't beat the whole game...so, use all the gold for spells, best armour you can get, use all your "firepower" with weak enemy too, don't get to greedy of EXP or you will end up as a orc victim in a cave§burn...

Sikkibahm

08.09.2007, 12:17

Ugh, died again. This time at level seven. I was going over to see Skip, and fell off of a small (5-10 foot) ledge. Nameless decided to do a faceplant and die. I am so mad :mad:§burn§burn

Bastardo

08.09.2007, 13:17

btw, if you walk, the hero will automatically avoid falling

Huntsman

08.09.2007, 17:55

@Sikkibahm

Hello and welcome §wink. I see you already had two characters killed :p, that's OK. You didn't read some of my previous posts carefully ;):
#1 Walk slowly near ledges.
#2 Avoid the cave leading to the valley with Lester until you get some armor.

And one more thing, you should use a snapperweed or a speed potion to get past 3 goblin skeletons in the ruins and get to Saturas. They are very dangerous.

I wish you luck in your next game. Learn from our mistakes. And if you would be so kind as to give me the info about the game, level and guild of your two dead characters so you can be enlisted in the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard list. Thanks ;).

Hellbilly

08.09.2007, 20:19

DIARY

The eggs have been delivered and the almanac recovered; piece of cake to deal with those black gobbos. Previously they've always proven a tough nut to crack, but not now. One hit to down a gobbo, and with a little leg work in order to avoid being surrounded it proved to be easy. I now have 100 strength so until I have the chance to become a water mage I will just be collecting LP's to see what to concentrate upon. I reckon I don't need tons of mana, just enough to be able to cast a few destroy undead-spells, so I think I will be able to reach the 6th magic circle easily and have enough of mana for my intended char.

Right now my char feels a bit über, but I'm still a bit nervous about having to face orcs... especially that orc warrior in the cemetary is something I dread facing.

Off-topic;
I've been playing GTA: SA with a similar mindset. No reloads, if I fail a mission, die and lose all my weapons, I will not reload. I've played the game this way before, and it really enhances that game as well. Of course, in GTA: SA death is never final, so "genuine" hardcore gaming isn't possible, but it still spices up another already great game.

Huntsman

08.09.2007, 21:15

Diary

Level: 7
Guild: Shadow

My character has finally become a member of the Old Camp. It was a great feeling when I got Shadow's armor from Raven. I am glad I didn't spend too much points on strength or dexterity - none to be exact. I am wearing the Battle Sword and a Longbow with the help of +5 strength and +5 dexterity rings. All the quests necessary to join the two other camps were completed before becoming a Shadow.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3255/tnshadowen2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

My character is a master in one-handed and bow and has open locks lvl 1.

Now I'll give you the most interesting stuff that has happened to me today:
-Lefty and Shrike were beaten after knocking me down for about 10 times each. I am stubborn as an ox ;).
-While hunting scavengers and bloodflies near the New Camp, I stumbled across a band of rogues in a cave. I completely forgot about them and I thought they were friendly. Got hit once, and thank god, managed to run away and avoid all of their arrows. With arrow protection at 0, one hit would kill me.
-Robbed Cavalorn's stash :).
-I've searched every single guy who has stuff for sale in order to find one more cheese needed to get food for Baloro in the free mine, but without luck. Cavalorn was the only one with 1 cheese. Anyone know where to get some?

@Hellbilly

I would be more worried about the Guru you have to fight in the orc cemetery, although the orc warrior is one badass too.

BTW, this thread made me realize how great it is to play every game hardcore without reloading. Currently I am playing Planescape:Torment this way on insane difficulty - this game is perfect for it, I'm really enjoying it. I will be playing all the games this way from now on.

Petyamester

08.09.2007, 23:39

Here's mine:

Intro:

Game: Oldschool Gothic 1
Name: Hans Georg
Guild: Rogue
Level: 14
Type: One handed/Two handed
Weapon: Stone Crusher (37 damage) - just received from Cor Kalom after clearing out the crawler nest
Armor: Heavy bandit armor
Strenght: 38
Dexterity: 20

Diary ep. 1.

A minecrawler took me 5 hits with the battle sword (33 damage) and the queen about 60-70 hits. Hellbilly, what weapon do you use?
I just returned the almanach to Kalom, and they sent me out to the orc cemetary, but no way I'm going there yet, I'm just roaming the woods and killing every 'one-hit creature' I can find.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h262/Petyamester/diary1.jpg

Sikkibahm

09.09.2007, 01:06

@huntsman

I'm playing Gothic 2 NOTR. Both my character's were guildless, the first was level eight and the second level seven.

My newest character is at level six now. This time I'm milking the game for every xp I can get. This includes beating up the farm hands, butchering sheep, etc. I'm trying to get to 50 dex, then I will go attempt to retrieve the rapier from the stash by the two trolls. Atilla scared the hell out of me when I fought him. I always get him stuck on a root and shoot him with arrows, and with one hit left he suddenly unstuck and flew ten plus feet towards me (like nameless often does when he goes over crates) and hit me twice in one "round" before I even had a chance to blink. I fled, got the last arrow in to kill him, then checked my hitpoints. I had two. I will have nightmares of Atilla flying towards me for weeks:eek:

Huntsman

09.09.2007, 07:12

@Petyamester

Hi, I see you've already set up your character's introduction post very well, good job. I think it's great that you've named your character, we should've all done that. Oh and are you planning to become a merc or a mage?

@Sikkibahm

OK, I've enlisted you in the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard. Since you haven't posted a name for your 2nd character, I just named them Sikkibahm's Mercenary #1 and #2.

One tip from me: There is no need to beat up farmers and citizens for exp. That's just a waste of money and you don't get much exp. You should be doing quests that include mostly talking to NPCs and there are plenty of them. If you're roleplaying a violent character however, that's OK I guess. But taking the Rapier and Master Sword should not be your priority, because even if you could use them, it wouldn't mean much. Those foes that you can safely kill can be very well killed with a weaker weapon and those who are more powerful on which it would make sense using Rapier and Master Sword could kill you in two blows. Your #1 priority should be making your character not easy to kill.

And keep in mind that I killed one character by trying to take the Rapier - there are two trolls there that can surround you very fast in time you find it among the King's Sorrel, satchels and stone tablets that are in the vicinity of the Rapier. Also, Atilla is very tough and I don't see why you should risk killing your hardcore character in order to dispose of him. Hope that helps.

P.S. It's good to see that this thread is catching up :).

Hellbilly

09.09.2007, 08:58

Hellbilly, what weapon do you use?

I used the Stone Crusher; bought it off the smith in the Swamp Camp if I remember right.

Huntsman

09.09.2007, 09:04

@Petyamester
The strength of Hellbilly's character is almost twice as big as yours, I believe that's explanation since you both use the same weapons.

Hellbilly

09.09.2007, 10:09

@Petyamester
The strength of Hellbilly's character is almost twice as big as yours, I believe that's explanation since you both use the same weapons.

That, and the fact that I had the Stone Crusher when fighting the minecrawlers, whereas Petya got it afterwards. The difference is 4 points of damage, which, when coupled with my higher strength, (probably) makes all the difference.

I opted on buying the weapons and selecting those of Cor Kalom's rewards which improve my magic abilities and equipment. There's never really a shortage of ore after the first chapter, so buying the best weapons is always a viable option.

Bastardo

09.09.2007, 10:14

BASTARDO'S MERCENARY WARRIOR - DIARY #2
Game: Gothic II classic
I reached it! Yeah! I'm here! Nobody can stop me! I'm too lazy to write down a whole diary so I'll give you:
A greetings card from the castle of the valley of mines!
http://thumbnails.imajr.com/Gothic2_2007-09-09_01-37-36-54_290428.jpg (http://imajr.com/Gothic2_2007-09-09_01-37-36-54_290428)
And my stats
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Bastardo90/Gothic22007-09-0901-37-56-35.jpg
Four random tips for you
1. Eat mushrooms! (+10 mana if you keep eating 'em, useful for any character in hardcore)
2. Do all the join-a-faction quests before actually join one
3. Be patient at the beginning! Then, at level 10 or so, start beating the crap out of lurkers, black goblins, warg, and all those wicked beasts!
4. About orcs: a warrior orc got me and done only 5 damage, but I'm still afraid of critical hits. IIRC a critical hit adds strenght to the weapon damage, and orcs got alot of strenght, don't they?

Four informations needed...
1. Very important...can I kill snappers? At least one by one? (needed for the ore mines quest)
2. Am I almost ready to kill shadow beasts without difficulty? (wich means that it needs 5-6 CRITICAL hits to kill me)
3. Can I kill normal lizards? Best level for fire lizards?
4. Any suggestion for easy exp here in VoM?

Sikkibahm

09.09.2007, 10:23

@ huntsman

Thanks for adding me to the list. I'm not sure how beating up the citizens is a waste of money. As long as you only do it in the lower quarter there is no fine. They never kill you unless you kill them, so about 3-4000 xp with no chance at dying (as long as you stick with a melee weapon) doesn't sound too bad to me. And why shouldn't I go after the rapier? You said my main goal should instead be making myself harder to kill. How do I do this besides getting a better weapon, as I can't get better armor until I join a guild?

Hellbilly

09.09.2007, 10:24

1. Very important...can I kill snappers? At least one by one?

Regular snappers aren't all that tough even in NoTR, so I reckon you can take them on. The tactic I use, which is to stand still until it charges, then take a step back, swing once or twice, back up, stand still, wait for the charge... etc. usually results in dead snappers and no hits to me, even if it takes some time for lower level characters to kill them this way. And luring single snappers away from the pack is easy.

Why don't you test it on the snappers by the city wall in Khorinis?

The same tactic works for dragon snappers as well, but there it is highly important to not let even one hit through, or it's bye-bye.

Sikkibahm

09.09.2007, 10:29

Sikkibahm's Mage

I reached level 10 today, got the rapier, and am on the verge of joining the fire mages. Getting the rapier was a little tricky, but I managed to get everything by the two trolls in a few trips. I had been using the 20 dex/40 damage sword, so it was quite a jump to suddenly have a 100 damage sword. I can now take field raiders easily, and can take lurkers one at a time without ever going below half of my health.

This time I took Bastardo's advice and ran past the goblin skeleton's and let Saturas deal with them (although he refused to attack one of them for quite some time and just watched it chase me around beating me). I just finished all of the mercenary camp quests, and am on my way to give the statue to the fire mage in Korinis so I can join the monastary.

Cassandra Gotha

09.09.2007, 10:38

1. Eat mushrooms! (+10 mana if you keep eating 'em, useful for any character in hardcore)

Four informations needed...
1. Very important...can I kill snappers? At least one by one? (needed for the ore mines quest)
4. Any suggestion for easy exp here in VoM?
And did you eat your apples too? Eating apples give you +1 strength every time you eat a certain amount. Also, you can get +10 mana every time you do this with hell mushrooms.

Yes, you can kill snappers one by one. It's not that hard as it seems.

Easy exp in the VOM you say? How about make the orcs follow you to the ramp which you use to go into the castle? They can't climb it! ;)

Bastardo

09.09.2007, 11:02

Bastardo's advice
That was Hutsman advice:)

How about make the orcs follow you to the ramp which you use to go into the castle? They can't climb it!I know but I'm afraid of those huge bastards anyway:scared:! One of them beated the crap out of me in the other character!

Eating apples give you +1 strength every time you eat a certain amount. Also, you can get +10 mana every time you do this with hell mushrooms.yeah. someone should take count of how many should be eated

Petyamester

09.09.2007, 11:06

@Petyamester

Hi, I see you've already set up your character's introduction post very well, good job. I think it's great that you've named your character, we should've all done that. Oh and are you planning to become a merc or a mage?

I'm going to be a mercenary.

I used the Stone Crusher; bought it off the smith in the Swamp Camp if I remember right.
I'm gonna take a look at his list soon, I hope I can buy a better weapon in Chapter 3.
Yes, strength is important, so I boosted mine up to 60, let's see how the orcs react to that ;)

Anyways:

25 apples = 1 Str
50 Mushroom = 5 Mana

Bastardo

09.09.2007, 11:10

5 Mana
are you talking about gothic 1? G2 gives 10 mana in a row

Petyamester

09.09.2007, 11:14

are you talking about gothic 1? G2 gives 10 mana in a row

I was talking about G2, but then I could be wrong.

Huntsman

09.09.2007, 12:27

@Sikkibahm

@ huntsman

Thanks for adding me to the list. I'm not sure how beating up the citizens is a waste of money. As long as you only do it in the lower quarter there is no fine. They never kill you unless you kill them, so about 3-4000 xp with no chance at dying (as long as you stick with a melee weapon) doesn't sound too bad to me. And why shouldn't I go after the rapier? You said my main goal should instead be making myself harder to kill. How do I do this besides getting a better weapon, as I can't get better armor until I join a guild?
Hmmm, you seem to be doing all right then. What I was trying to say about Rapier is:
-getting it can kill you; my 2nd character was killed by trolls
-you might start thinking you can handle more than lurkers, snappers etc. far too soon because of the sword's great damage when in fact you can get the job done with some strength based sword...
-...and you'll need the strength for dex-based swords too, so it's a wise investment
-when you need a better sword you can easily bump up your dex later when you can effectively start killing orcs around the castle as a dragon hunter, paladin or mage

Or at least that's how I see it :D :p. If you don't see any logic in that, go ahead and play the way you wanted. I am not trying to pose an opinion, just giving some advice (which perhaps is flawed :p).

@Bastardo_90

Four informations needed...
1. Very important...can I kill snappers? At least one by one? (needed for the ore mines quest)
2. Am I almost ready to kill shadow beasts without difficulty? (wich means that it needs 5-6 CRITICAL hits to kill me)
3. Can I kill normal lizards? Best level for fire lizards?
4. Any suggestion for easy exp here in VoM?
1. You most definitely can, trust me. They are much weaker in G2, even in NOTR, they are up there with say...lurkers or lizards, just faster and deadlier in packs. Lure them one by one.
2. I wouldn't bet on it. Don't risk it, they are still too dangerous.
3. Lizards? Sure. Take your time with Fire Lizards though. They are always tough, attack them from distance unless you have the Eye of Innos.
4. Orcs around the castle. Buy a good crossbow regardless of your skill with it. Lure and attack them from the ram.

BTW, I feel your joy about getting into the castle, Bastardo_90. I was overwhelmed as well and my heart rate must've been around 200 :D.

Petyamester

09.09.2007, 13:12

Diary ep. 2.

Name: Hans Georg
Guild: Mercenary
Level: 19
Type: One handed/Two handed
Weapon: Broadsword (55 damage) - bought from Fisk; Oak bow (52 damage) - bought from Wolf
Armor: Medium mercenary armor
Strenght: 100
Dexterity: 27
Life: 278

I just found 4 of the 5 missing focus stones, the last one is the rock fortress with the stone golem and the hammer stuff. I can handle snappers and bloodhounds easily now (2 hits), but my life is very low I think, so they can handle me too, if I'm losing concentration. Murdered the half old camp at night one by one. First only the diggers, then the shadows and some guards too. Soon I'm gonna avenge Bullit as well.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h262/Petyamester/diary2.jpg

Bastardo

09.09.2007, 13:15

I feel your joy about getting into the castle
Yeah, that's great! I'm playing protecting his life like it's mine. Now I'm always like this: :scared:

Buy a good crossbow regardless of your skill with it
But in classic G2 needs dexterity, not strenght...

-I'll give some other advices/toughs/questions:

1. Before I start the mineral quest, I think I take all my courage and
make the orcs follow you to the ramp which you use to go into the castle I've got bad memories about orcs, but I'll do that
2. Once get 5000 gold I'll buy one of the books that adds sword skill. I think it's a good idea, specially far in NotR
3. The forest near the farms seems great to get 1 or 2 levels. Just avoid wargs, shadow beasts and skeletons to be sure.
4. Maybe someone feels that learning hunter abilities it's a waste of exp, but i think that let you get enough money for good attribute-adding items
5. I didn't learn pick locks. I think that in HC it's better use 5 ap for some other stuff
6. Is there a heavy mercenary armour out there, before the DH armour? I don't remember any more...

Cassandra Gotha

09.09.2007, 15:30

25 apples = 1 Str
50 Mushroom = 5 Mana
Sorry for interrupt you again, guys, but: it's +10 mana for G2, and +5 mana for NOTR. ;)

The Preserver

09.09.2007, 19:33

Alright, after seeing this thread, I've had an incredible urge to play again, so here we go.

Plan for Character
Game: G2 NotR
Guild: Militia/Paladin
Build: One handed with some Crossbow skill

I'm planning on staying in chapter one for as long as possible, mostly running around and doing non-combat quests. I'm still fairly confident in my ability to fight against other humans, but this may be my undoing. I'll probably go to the VoM in chapter two to start, and then once leveled up a bit more, go to Jharkendar. If I'm not dead by that point, I'll add some more to my plan.

The installation is almost complete. I'll make a journal tonight after I play for a while, wish me luck! :)

Sikkibahm

09.09.2007, 19:46

@huntsman

Thanks for the tips. I do apreciate them. I'm still afraid to attack lurkers most of the time, so I don't think I'll get to heroic any time soon. Also, what do you mean about needing strenght for dex weapons? Isn't their damage modified by dex instead of strength? If not, then my game plan needs serious rethinking, as I wasn't planning on getting any strength.

Hellbilly

09.09.2007, 21:47

The Preserver

10.09.2007, 01:51

Diary 1

To start off, I cleared out Xardas' tower, and headed out towards town. I killed the goblin by the waterfall, and collected the loot by the skeleton. Letting Cavalorn take care of the goblins and bandits, I made my way to Lobart's Farm. I bought the farm clothes after working for him, and got the pass from Canthar. Giving Greg the clothing, I went into the city and started working on joining the Militia. I spoke with all of the masters, and learned to take animal skins. I spoke with Vatras, and started to question people all over the harbor for clues to what happened to the missing people. I swam over to Skip's cove and traded the rum to Bartram.

Tomorrow, I'll probably see if I can make the trip to Onar's and do some quests there before actually joining the Militia.

Huntsman

10.09.2007, 05:43

DIARY

The first orcs have tasted my steel... the hunters at the entrance to the cemetery. It took two hits to down one with God's Hammer, which is a bit unsettling. That warrior is a lot stronger. I think I can take 'im on and come out on top, but there's a feeling of unease.

I think I shall have to see if I can get better armor and maybe a stronger weapon before going inside.

<fingers crossed>

@huntsman

Thanks for the tips. I do apreciate them. I'm still afraid to attack lurkers most of the time, so I don't think I'll get to heroic any time soon. Also, what do you mean about needing strenght for dex weapons? Isn't their damage modified by dex instead of strength? If not, then my game plan needs serious rethinking, as I wasn't planning on getting any strength.

Yes, strength modifies damage even for dex swords. Just like dex modifies damage for strength crossbows (all of them).

Alright, after seeing this thread, I've had an incredible urge to play again, so here we go.

That's what I had in plan when I was making this thread ;). Welcome §wink.

Sikkibahm

10.09.2007, 10:11

@huntsman

Strength modifying dex based weapons will definitely mess up my plans. I probably wouldn't have gone for the rapier if I had known that.

Huntsman

10.09.2007, 11:49

@huntsman

Strength modifying dex based weapons will definitely mess up my plans. I probably wouldn't have gone for the rapier if I had known that.
Then just start bumping up strength once you have 60 dexterity. My way - going for the strength first until you need the Master Sword to fight stronger monsters effectively, is basically the same as yours. Only this way, you don't have to risk that much and you could rely on your strength earlier in the game.

Petyamester

10.09.2007, 13:36

Diary ep. 3.

Name: Hans Georg
Guild: Water Mage
Level: 23
Experience: 143.325
Type: One handed/Two handed
Weapon: Guard's Hand (59 damage) - plundered from Jackal; Oak bow (52 damage) - bought from Wolf.
Armor: Heavy mercenary armor
Strenght: 104
Dexterity: 31
Life: 401

I've found all the focus stones, and then found Xardas as well. Those razors and the fire golem almost killed me, but the orcs are a piece of cake. Continued murdering the old camp before they dropped me out, I've killed Skip, Scorpio and Bullit too, so almost Gomez and his elite guards were left for the final countdown. I've saved the orc shaman from the temple orcs and now we started taking back the free mine with Gorn. I've killed Jackal and his guards at the gate, (they almost killed me too) I hope I'll survive the next day. Those shooting guards seem very dangerous inside, so I'm prepared for death.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h262/Petyamester/diary3.jpg

Huntsman

10.09.2007, 16:39

Diary

Game: Gothic 1
Level: 12
Experience: 42730
Guild: Magician of Fire
Weapon: Sword of Victory
Armor: High Robe of Fire
Circle of Magic: 2
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 10
Mana: 18
Life: 184

Now where was I...? Oh, yes. To cut the long story short, I've been hunting in the woods for a while, bought the Shadow's Armor and went to the Old Mine to find the nest.
I must admit I was encouraged by Hellbilly's diary where he said crawlers were a piece o' cake for his character. Not here. I killed nearly all of them with my Longbow, and it took me about 7-8 hits with the sword to kill a crawler. One group near the nest nearly killed me (one more hit and I'd be dead) but I managed to flee in time.
Anyway, I got to the crawler queen, started hitting her with bow (only criticals count of course) and guess what? No more arrows. I either had to go and fetch some outside of the mine and buy more, or finish her off (she had 1/4 health left). Lucky for me I had one-handed lvl2 because as I was hitting her, I started sliding towards her - but my left-right sword blows were too fast for her. Phew!

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1153/tncrawlerqueenyl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/1153/tncrawlerqueenyl0.807004249b.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=522&i=tncrawlerqueenyl0.jpg)

I was really scared, almost like it was my first time :D.

Finally, I was given the honor to become a servant of Innos. I got the almanac back with, to my surprise, no difficulties at all. My mage killed all the black goblins with Battle Sword and they couldn't even touch me. Fist of Wind was of great help.
Having gathered some ore, I bought the Sword of Victory and High Robe of Fire. The problem now is that I don't know what else to kill before the orc cemetery because, as you can see, I am relatively low on mana and only 2nd circle of magic. Any suggestions welcome :).

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5188/tnhonorofmagicax3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

@Petyamester

Sorry, but I stole your system of character info in each diary post :p. You're damn fast BTW, looks like you'll be the first to enter the Hall of Fame.

Black Sphere

10.09.2007, 17:42

@black sphere
thanks for the hints, but what do you mean? I'm not afraid, I'm already at my 3th attempt, and I'm not using cheats (last 2 deaths are proofs).
This time I'm following your style, avoid everything that can stand against me.
It was a general hint, I didn't meant especially you, I just put you there (as a 'joke') because in a few posts before you've claimed you're afraid to play hardcore.;)

Here's my continuing:

- G2 NotR

- Black Sphere's Fire Mage.

I did it, I gathered those exp. points faster and easier than I thouth it will be; heading towards the swamp at the end of the pass form the pirate's camp I encountered two Lizards. After I killed them I got the idea instead to go forward into the swamp to turn right and follow the path. Soon I encoutered some Mantises and another Lizard, and then three Snappers. I wanted to kill those Snappers one by one, but they all attacked me at once. I knew from previous encounters I can take three or four or even five of them at once without many problems, so I didn't run away. Then I took a left turn, I know on the right are the Orcs, and I don't want to meet them right now. Soon I met and kill some Swamp Rats, and then beyond the provisored wooden bridge were a bunch of Snappers, one group of three and two groups of four Snappers, and a Troll. Those Snappers became my victims, I leaved a Troll be (for now-too risky). A bit down the path a Mantis and a goblin's camp. Again Goblins attacked me all at once, but I were up to them. During the fighting with Goblins I got a Level Up. Now finally I can take it easy again!

Next I visited the Pirates. Got to pay 200 gold to enter but that's no problem, despite of all the buying of spell scrolls I'm still a 'rich man' (over 5000 gold). Done all the tasks there, the North Beach quest bringed me a lot of exp. points, I killed a Shadowbeast with Ice Block spell and with summoning a couple of Skeleton Goblins to help me finish the beast. I also completed The Compas task, I had some of ice spells (Ice Arrow, Ice Lance, Small Lightning, Lightning ...) to kill those Fire Lizards, but to my surprise I managed to kill one them even with a Fire Arrow spell.

By now I was so 'strong' and skillful that despite I'm playing as a (hardcore) Mage I felt very comfortably, and thru all the fights I got a feeling that atomic bomb must to fall on my head to cause me some serious problems. But I almost payed with life such over confidence; one night when I went back to the pirate's camp (thru the stone portal), I encountered two newly spawned Mantises there near the portal. No big deal, I'm attacking them. When in fight with them two Rats attacked me from behind (didn't saw them before because of the darkness and I didn't 'sweep' the area with a Fire Arrow). No problem, I can take three or four or even five Snappers at once so two Mantises and two Rats shouldn't be a problem ... But suddenly I had them (problems); when I attacked the Mantises they retreated so I had a hard time to hit them, in the meantime the Rats constantly bited me from behind. When I turned to deal with the Rats the Mantises attacked and launched their 'rafale' hits, there was also a night and the dark ... After some time I found myself in trouble (on 1/5 of health) and I managed to kill only one Mantis. So I decided to run for my life, I escaped back thru the stone portal. Restored the health, then returned and killed those pests with Fire Arrow. A valuable lesson never to underestimate the game, even when you feel strong and 'unbeatable'. You can pay dearly if you do.

After Greg returned to the camp he gaved me a task to with a squad of Pirates go and kill a Razors in the canyon. Of course I've used Pirates to completely clean that canyon, not just to kill those Razors. I've lost two Pirates in battle with Orcs, but I also got a Level Up. I send them back to camp when I reached the cave on the end of the canyon, and I went into that cave. Found two Warrior Minecrawlers there, but also a Rapier and Heal Medium Wounds rune and Two Handed combat III magic tablet. Good stuff.

After I've got the bandit's armour from Pirates I went back to Water Mages. I invested those last 10 Learning Points into Warrior's Languague knowledge because I have some level two magic stone tablets to be used. Next I tend to visit the Bandits.

The screen when I exit:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g3_1.jpg

Bastardo

10.09.2007, 19:26

Bastardo's mercenary warrior - Diary #3
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Bastardo90/Gothic22007-09-1003-02-17-51.jpg
5 dragons left to the end:p
believe it or not, I'm on the 19th hour of gameplay...
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Bastardo90/Gothic22007-09-1020-22-54-81.jpg
and I'm pretty positive to this:)

where I can find someone to teach me strenght? I don't remember anymore...

Black Sphere

10.09.2007, 19:55

believe it or not, I'm on the 19th hour of gameplay...
With who you're racing dude? :p

where I can find someone to teach me strenght? I don't remember anymore...
Check under General Information section where you have quests info.

Hellbilly

10.09.2007, 20:08

Diary

Just a small update. Went to the new camp to get medium merc armor and a sword from the old camp that does the highest damage of all the weapons I found with the merchants.

Heading back to the cemetary, I got a bright idea. Let's see how I fare against a shadowbeast! Well, I killed it. And it nearly got me. I was down to like 1/6 of my HP by the time I got it killed, and one or two more hits would have killed me. Lucky bastard me!

Dez

10.09.2007, 20:47

btw scar's sword is the best 1-hander i think..but you can't get it from the vendo..but i wouldn't dare to challenge him...it might piss of gomez (who can't be killed yet)

Petyamester

11.09.2007, 00:39

@Petyamester

Sorry, but I stole your system of character info in each diary post :p. You're damn fast BTW, looks like you'll be the first to enter the Hall of Fame.

No problem, but you should name your character too ;)
I think I'm gonna die inside the mine. I'm thinking of one trick: run quickly to the orc and come back before they shoot me down.

The Preserver

11.09.2007, 02:22

Diary 2

A sad end for my character, killed by overconfidence.

So, I started my session by going hunting with Bartok. We handled the wolves quite easily, but choosing to go on proved to be a mistake. The shadowbeast mauled my companion, and I turned tail and fled to the city. After giving the wolf skins I had collected to Bosper, I joined him as an apprentice, and then proceeded to join the Militia. With my new armor I felt invincible, and after finding Peck and receiving my sword (although I still used Alrik's sword for the skill bonus), I left the city to travel to the farm. Along the way, I stopped by Akil's and incited a fight between the brothers Egill and Ehnim. I then spoke with Akil, and learned of his mercenary troubles. I ran back to Mika, and told him to come help me at the farm. We attacked the mercenaries, and Alvares was easily taken care of. Unluckily though, as Engardo was just an inch from death, I got too close and a lucky swing of his cut me down in one shot.

And so ends my first adventure.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8937/gothic2deathxm0.jpg

Sikkibahm

11.09.2007, 03:19

Sikkibahm's Mage

I've just entered chapter 3, and am currently level 24. I went on an amazing jaunt with Diego, and leveled up four times by leading him to all kinds of creatures (but not too many at once). I just got the ice block rune, which will be very helpful I think. I need to get more manna (currently have 50). By the way, does anyone have any tips on killing seekers? I can't seem to come close to killing them, and I need to clear out Sekob's house.

Bastardo

11.09.2007, 05:21

Check under General Information section where you have quests info.But I don't know who teach over 89, I still have to talk to him

Huntsman

11.09.2007, 06:26

Diary 2

A sad end for my character, killed by overconfidence.

You're new, aren't you? Welcome, try again, he was only lvl 3 :).
Those mercenaries are tough, Alvares almost killed me once - what you should do is run for it as soon as Mika starts attacking them. I believe one of the mercs goes after you immediately when the fight starts.

Bastardo's mercenary warrior - Diary #3

5 dragons left to the end:p
believe it or not, I'm on the 19th hour of gameplay...
and I'm pretty positive to this:)

where I can find someone to teach me strenght? I don't remember anymore...
Wow, you're DH already, keep it up :dup:!
Erol, the merchant, as well as Torlof can increase your strength past 90.

@Black Sphere
True, never underestimate Gothic...
You have great memory, man, how do you remember all those enemies you fought :p?

HardCased

11.09.2007, 08:50

This idea seems to be precisely what I needed to inject a little more 'intensity' into my game - so I'm joining the fray:

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 3
Experience: 3250
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Wolf Knife
Armor: Leather Armor (stolen from store behind Matteo)
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 15 (Belt +5 from Xardas tower)
Dexterity: 10
Mana: 10
Life: 76
LP: 30

The reason for having not spent any LP yet: I'm a fan of the Archer/Magician hybrid, though given the circumstances, I'm not so sure if that's going to be a good idea. I always feel like I'm going to withstand a few more hits when I'm welding a good sword - though my preferred style does provide me with the often vital advantage of distance between myself and my foe...I think I'll go with it as changing my style in a game like this would probably only lead to an early demise.
Anyway, I have the cash for the 'Shrink Monster' spell and I've got a good feeling about confronting that Orc in the cave outside the gate. I intend to sign up with Constantino, basically because he pays good cash for mushrooms and provided that I buy back the 'Dark Mushrooms' from him later on when cash isn't such a problem, losing the 1250GP by having to buy back the 'King's Sorrel' etc. that I gave him, balances out pretty well, not to mention that there are huge numbers of mushrooms in the expansion. Bosper is probably the more sensible choice but I guess I've got a 'thing' for crazy old alchemists.
Moe caught me out when I went to see Lares for the easy 500XP, I immediately feared the worst but I managed to take him out with a Heavy Branch - kicking his butt has never felt so good! This is truly an extremely satisfying way to play.

I really want to see if I can take that Orc at lvl 3 and I reckon that 250GP for the necessary spell is well worth it...

Sikkibahm

11.09.2007, 09:38

Huntsman

11.09.2007, 11:05

@Hardcased

I always lead that orc out to Lares when we return the ornament to Saturas. That way you don't have to do anything, and you still get the xp. Then you can save the shrink monster spell for the black troll and get 1000 easy xp.

Why waste the scroll on the Black Troll? He is slow and you can kill him with arrows or spells from a safe distance. Save the scroll for dragons.

@HardCased

I think that in later chapters those mushrooms you sold to Constantino can't be bought off because they dissapear. BTW, Good Luck!

@Preserver

What game were you playing with your dead character? I need to enlist you in Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard.

Petyamester

11.09.2007, 11:56

HardCased

11.09.2007, 12:13

@HardCased
I think that in later chapters those mushrooms you sold to Constantino can't be bought off because they dissapear. BTW, Good Luck!

I generally always choose a maximum of 2 traders with whom I sell items - and I make sure to check back with them before each chapter change for exactly the reason you stated. I haven't needed to sell any 'Dark Mushrooms' thus far though, 30GP per 'Digger's Meat' has been enough so far. And thanks for the kind words! ;)

@ Sikkibahm: Your idea is a good one, though there are 2 reasons why I didn't bother with (or even think of) that option:
1) I like to try and make sure that I collect my EXP. - it just makes me feel better when I'm doing it tough. Using NPCs like Lares, Alligator Jack, Bartok etc. makes me feel a little cheap. In all of my games up to this point, I've always gone ahead and cleared a path for those types of quests - and then I usually swear at the 'auto-lock' once certain monsters respawn and I'm trying to take the kill for myself, while my buddy is also in the fight. :)
2) In this particular game; while forward thinking is key, looking as far forward as the Black Troll is pretty optimistic. As far as this game goes, if I can kill my first Lurker, Snapper or Skeleton without dying, I'll feel like a champion. :D

Petyamester

11.09.2007, 13:44

Diary ep. 4. - DEAD

Cause of death: Fire lizard
Name: Hans Georg
Guild: Water Mage
Level: 26
Experience: 182.225
Type: One handed/Two handed
Weapon: Guard's Hand (59 damage) - plundered from Jackal; Oak bow (52 damage) - bought from Wolf.
Armor: Minecrawler armor
Strenght: 104
Dexterity: 31
Life: 437

I've freed the free mine (what an oxymoron...), gathered all the items for the Ulu-Mulu, and went back to the orc city with the weapon. There near the saved orc shaman, I've seen 2 fire lizards... no problem, I said, I've already killed 7 of them, but they didn't hurt me, so I didn't know what's their damage is like to me. They hit me, and roasted me with 1 single hit. That's it, doesn't matter I was a bit bored about the game already, and I hate the orc undead shaman part of the game, so I luckily don't have to do it - I see only the positive side of it ;) Soon I'm gonna try out a G2 Addon HC char too, and maybe a G3 on hard difficulty. (I see noone tried G3 yet here)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h262/Petyamester/diary4.jpg

Black Sphere

11.09.2007, 14:35

Unluckily though, as Engardo was just an inch from death, I got too close and a lucky swing of his cut me down in one shot.

And so ends my first adventure.

Why you people are instantly attacking those tough foes like Atilla (with me he grown old waiting on me:p) or the Mercenaries when still not so well 'developed', there's plenty of easier opponents out there like Field Raiders and Scavengers and Bloodflies and Wolves and Rats and even Lurkers and Goblins, and it pays off, at the start of the game you can quickly go up with levels on such way, you can reach level 8 to 10 pretty easily and in no time, so you can (must!) build up your character a bit before taking those quests and on those tougher opponents.

You've started greatly, just take on those easier creatures first. At level 3 the character is still a whimp, and it's way too risky to engage the Mercenaries and similar foes IMHO.

I think the problem with those quick deaths we see here is that it's must to also mentally switch from playing when you can always count on that re-load e.g. when blind charging is replaced with some 'common sense' thinking (don't attack/avoid the opponents which (for now) can eat you for a breakfast for instance), and even with some strategy and tactic.

@Black Sphere
True, never underestimate Gothic...
You have great memory, man, how do you remember all those enemies you fought :p?
Yes I do remember the things but I don't think I have some uber great memory. ;) And still I do left out many things and quests which I think it should be mentioned, but on the other hand I don't have time, and I don't want to write a novel here or something. :D

And I like to read the adventures from others, for instance first couple of Hellbilly's posts were very amusing reading, so to put down a word or two more about your adventure is welcomed.

In this particular game; while forward thinking is key, looking as far forward as the Black Troll is pretty optimistic. As far as this game goes, if I can kill my first Lurker, Snapper or Skeleton without dying, I'll feel like a champion.:D
True mate, very true.

I see noone tried G3 yet here
Mentioning G3 here is a sacrilege! :p G1 and G2 are now perfect ('bugless') and enjoyable for such playing, G3 is ... well, less perfect. But it would be interesting if some one is a masochist enough to take G3 on a hardcore way.

HardCased

11.09.2007, 14:53

@ Petyamester Respect from me for getting to lvl 26! Nice job. Those Fire Lizards are hard at the best of times.

As for me:Dead

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 5
*Experience: +9000
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Wolf Knife
Armor: Leather Armor (stolen from store behind Matteo)
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 15 (Belt +5 from Xardas tower)
Dexterity: 34
Mana: 10
*Life: 100
LP: 2

*I hadn't checked for about an hour so I'm not entirely sure of the stats marked as such - I know that I was close to lvl 6.

I'd decided to go for Bow (29% at time of death) and Dex stats - as I always like to take on as many missions as I can, prior to joining a guild. Because I wanted to play a mage, I needed those skills to get me through the early part of the game while I had no magic abilities. Everything was going well, I could clean up Wolves, Rats, the 'low HP' Bandits, Field Raiders and Goblins...and I thought I'd have a crack at a couple of Boar too...which was my undoing. I popped a nice critical on one of the two that graze between Buster's post and the Goblin cave [where Greg first tells you to dig], it's health was reduced to almost nothing...but they both came for me. My fatal mistake may have been to run, simply because they're actually faster than me...I probably should have stood my ground and at least died like a man. Who knows, maybe I'd have gotten lucky.

I'm itching to do it again now - I appreciated each small step that I took so much more when playing this way. Dying used to be an inconvenience but now it's a catastrophe...it's the end of the world, literally. :D

Black Sphere

11.09.2007, 15:14

My fatal mistake may have been to run, simply because they're actually faster than me...
Just a little hint mate; when running from a foe and he's as fast or faster than you, then when the opponent is about to bite/strike you (you can use R key or whatever key you have for 'look behind', or the opponent came into a 'creen' when he's about to hit you or you can even 'feel' when he's about to hit you) just make a quick small turn and he'll miss. Or just run in gentile zig-zag direction.

HardCased

11.09.2007, 17:06

The fact that I froze when I saw that the second Boar was also gunning for me definitely didn't help. I just had a feeling that I'd reached the end of the road at that point. That was when all of the little 'tricks' that I've learned about the game went out the window as the previous 4hrs of my very short life flashed before my eyes.

I'm lvl 3 now (same build, only I've upped Bow and Dex. as the LP comes in) - I'm amazed at how well this game copes with skipped dialog. The audio cuing was certainly well coded. Heh, even when mashing on the skip key, the talks with the likes of Lothar and Vatras still take quite a while to get through.

Hellbilly

11.09.2007, 21:54

DIARY

The cemetery is complete after a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig scare and lots of annoyances. That Baal... I swear, he's never been as aloof as today. He just didn't follow me around, and it took me ages to get him to speak his lines. Musta be all that swampweed them culties toke!

But that scare. See for yerself:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_005.jpg

...yes, one more hit and the orc warrior would have got me. And I tell you, honest to Innos, he was a-swingin' that blade my way when I got that final killing blow in. I was sure this was it, dying from a dirty stinking orc warrior! But Innos, or maybe the Sleeper was with me today and it was me who walked out alive, wiping orc blood from my blade. And the blood of a lunatic Baal.

Lesson learned: orc scouts are sissies and pansies, orc warriors are scary hairy dudes!

HardCased

12.09.2007, 06:10

^ Those 'down-to-the-wire' fights just feel like madness in this mode. Never has so much been at stake.

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 7
Experience: 14805
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Hunting Bow / Wolf Knife
Armor: Leather Armor
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 18
Dexterity: 39 (+5 Ring 'purchased' from Bosper)
Mana: 10
Life: 124
Bow: 34%
LP: 17

So after my last (very brief) attempt, I basically followed in my previous footsteps to get back to where I was. I'm currently standing over the dead body of the only Bandit that was left on the bridge behind The Dead Harpy. I'd lured the rest of them away to their deaths...only, there was a 'slight' problem: I had 5 of the 6 chasing me (the Archer stayed behind) and I'd taken 2 out, the last 3 were at varying health levels, though all were pretty low. I went in for another strike, took to my heels and (again!) attracted the attention of one of the Boar on the way to Bengar's farm...this was not good. I doubled back quickly, managed to evade the swings of the Bandits on the way back through and was headed towards Onar's lands...it felt like they chased me for much longer than usual...then they all called it off. I took a deep breath and then watched in horror as Greg and a farmer from the tavern killed the Boar and the 3 remaining Bandits...I immediately saw the 360xp go up in smoke and it was only a few seconds later when I realized just how insignificant that lost experience really was; I was still alive! My 'mindset' changed...and that can only be a good thing. I'll head back to town soon and see Lares for some more Dex. training.

EDIT/ Oh, I highlighted the fact that I'd 'purchased' the ring from Bosper because I've never done anything like that before. Items like that seem to have so much more value when playing this way. +5 Dex. for 500GP - hell yeah! :D

Sikkibahm

12.09.2007, 07:50

Sikkibahm's Mage

I've been in the add-on world today. I usually go to it at the start of the second chapter, but this time I waited until the third so it would be easier. Actually I mostly went there now to get away from the seekers, which scare the heck out of me. Let me describe the incident that led to my decision to go to the add-on world: I went to Bengar's farm as part of the Vino possesion quest, and there were four seekers in the stone circle, along with Cavalorn who was there as part of the add-on world quest to go to the stone circles. Cavalorn started attacking the seekers, and I fled when they started throwing fireballs at me. I decided to continue to back up as I watched the battle, and as I was backing up the seekers started casting Storm! Not just once, but six times! I was barely out of range, or I would have been dead after the first time. That wasn't even the worst part. After storm didn't kill him, the three remaining seekers whipped out Rain of Fire and began casting it repeatedly. Luckily Cavalorn is invincible, so he eventually won. I realized that if they had cast eithor Storm or Rain of Fire on me once I would have died, let alone from silmaltanious casting of them.

Anyway, I went to the add-on world and am just finishing up freeing the miners before going to see Raven. Everything has gone smoothly besides an encounter with a troll (the one on a ledge near a bunch of snappers). He hit me, and I flew backwards and landed on the edge of the cliff, with half of my body sticking over the edge. That was the closest I've come to dying since I was a very low level and nearly died from Atilla. I am very close to level 30. I just learned dex potions an made 9 of them to bump my dex to about 115 (after reading the tablets too). I feel much safer with acrobatics, as I can flee from foes with ease.

Huntsman

12.09.2007, 11:09

EDIT/ Oh, I highlighted the fact that I'd 'purchased' the ring from Bosper because I've never done anything like that before. Items like that seem to have so much more value when playing this way. +5 Dex. for 500GP - hell yeah! :D
Your comments hit the spot, HardCased. That's exactly why I think that this is the way this game was meant to be played. In normal games, you wouldn't think of buying that "crappy ring" from Bosper - in hardcore, you realize it's value and keep it as a treasure (you bought it with hard earned money).

I have updated the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard list with, uhm, unfortunate new arrivals ;) :p. Don't give up guys!

Petyamester, you especially have my respect - you are the strongest dead hardcore character so far. Wasn't easy getting that far with a mercenary.

Huntsman

12.09.2007, 11:45

Diary

Game: Gothic 1
Level: 22
Experience: 126900
Guild: Magician of Water
Weapon: Butcher
Armor: High Robe of Water
Circle of Magic: 5
Strength: 32
Dexterity: 17
Mana: 68
Life: 329

Being a mage in Gothic is great. I can't believe this is my first time to play with one - it was really stupid of me to think this game is not meant for mages.

As you can see, I've gotten a lot stronger. In my previous diary log, I mentioned I had two problems - low mana and not enough enemies to kill.

Problem #1: Cronos had some very nice amulet and rings in store:
+15 mana, +15 life amulet
+10 mana ring x 2
Problem solved. I could save the LPs for Circles of Magic.

Problem #2: Snappers did the trick. Playing with mage is neat indeed - I lured the snappers one by one, killed them with my sword, and healed myself with Healing rune. I didn't even have any health or mana potions with me. Occasional stoneroots and raven herbs I found on the way was all I had needed. I ran down about 30-40 snappers and gathered enough LPs to enter the 3rd Circle.

So I decided to go to the Orc cemetery. Unlike Hellbilly, I had absolutely no problems. Ice Block and Fireball helped me cut through those orc hunters, orc warrior and Baal Lukor like knife through butter.

I also collected all the focus stones. By that time, I had the 4th Circle rune "Storm of Fire". No problems whatsoever, the focus stones were retrieved for Saturas.

Before becoming a water mage, I had some guards to set on fire in front of the Old Camp gates <lousy ruffians, they dare go up against a magician>. Everything went smoothly, they died in groups with just 3-4 fully charged Storms of Fire. But just like Black Sphere said - never underestimate Gothic. There was this one guard in heavy guard's armor left. Piece of cake, I thought. He noticed me and started shooting at me with his crossbow, interrupting my spells. I chickened out and couldn't decide if I should run or attack. When I was 1 arrow hit away from death, I took my heels for it. The sight was beautiful. Arrows were flying all around me while I was jumping and running. What I thought immediately when I got to a safe place behind that rusty wooden shack near the small bridge was: "Oh, it's going to be soooooo sweet setting your fat guard ass on fire...<evil cackle>".

Upon becoming a water mage, I bought the High Robe of Water, entered the 5th Circle, and bought the most powerful rune available - Ice Wave. I was amazed at first, but it's actually not that great a spell as it looks. It takes a long time to charge, and has a short range, so I'll stick to my Storm of Fire for now.

I reached Xardas' tower and that's where I am right now. My mage is so powerful, I desintegrated bands of orcs with just a couple of spells, though I did have to use the hit-and-run strategy for razor packs. Anyway, area attack of mage spells is incredibly powerful. Getting past the golems was a walk in the park with a mage - except the stone golem, which I had to hit about 20 times with God's Hammer.

Here is a screenshot of a beautiful night on a tower in the orc land for the end of this diary log.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2682/tnwatermagevc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2682/tnwatermagevc0.7d5c7664b9.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=515&i=tnwatermagevc0.jpg)

HardCased

12.09.2007, 11:53

Question: Rule number 1 states that "when you die it's game over" - can I assume that being knocked down and robbed is an exemption?

:D Say yes! Raoul just smashed my teeth in and stole more than 1300GP from me. I'm not dead though, so technically, no rule has been broken...was an epic fight too. I'd estimate somewhere between 5 and 8 minutes. His double strike is hard to combat continuously with a measly 13% 1H stat. but I had him down to somewhere around 5% health before he put me down.

Hellbilly

12.09.2007, 11:59

^Dead is dead and knocked down is merely humiliated ;) As you can read from my diary, I've taken a few beatings and been knocked down more than once... but being knocked down is definitely not dying.

HardCased

12.09.2007, 12:05

^ I'll apologize for not actually reading through the entire thread - the first post was enough to get me started so I hadn't noticed that you'd been knocked down. Humiliated - damn straight! Even more so because I like to lure my opponent into a populated area - hearing the crowd get into it makes me feel cool...but I did feel like a drop-kick when Raoul 'punished' me...and it's Raoul...I mean the guy's a total smackhead!

Anyways, sweet. Onwards and upwards.

@ Huntsman: Mage for the win! Spellcasting is power!

Petyamester

12.09.2007, 13:26

Diary ep. 1.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: None
Level: 10
Experience: 28.960
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Fine short sword (50 damage) - bought from Martin; Bow (30 damage)
Armor: Leather armor
Strenght: 40
Dexterity: 36
Life: 251

Quick tips for early leveling: Buy transform into dragon snapper/fire lizard/shadowbeast scrolls from Ignaz, and start killing all the beasts throughout Khorinis. Downfall: You never get that +12 life after a levelup, when you're a beast... BUG! I now have 2 of the 4 missing ornaments, and made Fernando go to jail. Dexter's bandit camp will be tough, so I'll do it later, maybe at level 14-15, but I already have the fire rain scroll to burn them all. I'm right now gathering a lot of life, and all the stone tablets in Khorinis to give me defense. I've already joined up with the thieves and did almost every quest in Khorinis, but I haven't been at the mercenaries yet. I don't know which guild to join either.

HardCased

12.09.2007, 16:10

^ we're closely matched at the moment:

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 10
Experience: 27955
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Hunting Bow / Sword
Armor: Leather Armor
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 15 (+5 Belt from Xardas's Tower)
Dexterity: 52 (+5 Ring 'purchased' from Bosper)
Mana: 10
Life: 160
Bow: 34%
LP: 21

Just chill'in and kill'in - toughest opponents (or, scariest fight) thus far would be the Goblin Skeletons encountered when recovering Dagomir's [I'm sure that I spelled that wrong] Crossbow. Took one down easy but my last Fire Arrow scroll missed so I had to slug it out with the other one...the little buggers are such fun when you're up to your eyeballs in ferns and vines. Next on my 'to do' list is to find a more fitting Bow - no hints please. I haven't played G2 in a while so it's fun to rediscover the little things. I'll also join the thieves shortly and learn lockpicking and sneaking...I don't recall ever leaving those choices so late in the game.

Black Sphere

12.09.2007, 20:17

- G2 NotR

- Black Sphere's Fire Mage

As I said I'm about to go to the bandits' camp, but when waiting on a daylight in Water Mages' camp I had some time to give a thouth or two to what awaits me there. I'm anticipating that nothing cozy, and I know I will have at least one or two duels there. So I must to go there prepared as much as possible. I have Two-Handed Combat III and three Life Energy III stone tablets in my stock, and it would certainly helped me if I would be 'upgraded' by them. I've decided not to go to the camp yet but to get Learning Points (I need 15 LP to learn Priest's Languague). I'm very close to the next level, and then I need to 'work' for another, so I'll go first into the swamp.

I spend one whole day cleansing the swamp (half of it I already cleaned in my previous visit), I left only Swamp Golems be. I went into House Of The Healers to get green tablets for Saturas. I also already gathered all three parts (amulet and two rings) from the Priests, but I won't wear it, right now I'm more in a need of a weapon protection.

Then I went towards the other mansions on the south. The road to the one was already half cleared by me with harvesting those so needed exp. points. Swamp Golem quarded the mansion. I know they're bahaving similar like other golems, they retreat (evade the blows), so summoning let's say three Skeleton Goblins would be fine to keep Golem distracted. Those Skeleton Goblins lured Golem to the nearby crevice, but he didn't fall down, he stucked there on the edge. I know they're quite helpless stucked or cornered so I jumped in and start swinging with my Wand. Soon the Golem was dead and southern mansion was 'under my control', Zombies there were no challenge.

Next I decided to attack three Orcs which guarded the bridge to the south-eastern mansion. In trouth I wanted to test the Wind Fist spell on them, I had plenty of those spells. That spell throws them pretty nicely in the air, but after I managed to 'isolate' one of the Orcs (with running till only one followed me), I was pretty dissapointed when I saw how little damage caused that spell; it used almost all of my mana (80), but it inflicted less damage than for instance Lightning which I used later on the other two Orcs. Then I went to that naked loner Hermit, he whined something about his butt is freezing at nights, and yes, I had Citizen's Clothes for him.;) But first I beated him down and gave him a Broad Longsword; I had a plan to use him as help for the Shadowbeast which sleeps nearby. To my surprise Hermit instructed me into the Languague Of The Priests (got those two levels by now), so I could 'consume' those level three stone tablets. Then I carefuly, not to wake up the Shadowbeast, placed a Focus Stone and activated a stone portal, went thru it to get another Focus Stone, and when I returned Hermit had his health fully restored. Now we can attack that monster. I lured the beast near Hermit and then we attacked it. But it doesen't went as I thinked it will go; me and Hermit were quickly hit couple of times so I decided to run. When I looked behind I saw Shadowbeast and Hermit are still fighting so I stop running and 'activated' the Ice Block. The Shadowbeast killed poor Hermit just before I froze the animal. I wanted to save that Ice Block spell scroll, so I tried to use Hermit as help and deterrent. But on the end I used the spell to kill the Shadowbeast, and Hermit was dead.:(

Heading towards the mansion I stumbled on a little camp with couple of Warrior Goblins and Orc Shaman. I checked if I have some area spell, if not I must go back and eventually seek for/buy one. Luckily I still had one Storm so I runned down and into a nearby ruin for a little protection, and I casted the spell. The spell did his job, it killed all Goblins and Mantises around, I only had to deal with Orc Shaman which was on half of his health. Over the bridge were some Grassland Scavengers. When I crossed the bridge they charged, but then they turned towards those carcasses and ... straight into the abyss. Stupid animals. Minecrawlers were 'the residents' of this mansion, they were many, but my trusty Wand was the only remedy needed for them.
I returned to Water mages to hand over those stone tablets to Saturas.

And now I'm ready to go into the bandit's camp:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g4_1.jpg

I'm scuising now thru the game with high HP, with Two-Handed skills on 78% (even a Magic Wand becamed a respectable weapon once 2-handed were over 70%), and high Mana, but I'm still like in the first third of the game. I'm expecting there will be no real challenges for me till those traps when going after Raven. I hope my memory will serve me well there (one of the benefits of hardcore playing is also that you don't memorise the game so well as if you're playing with constant re-loading - repeating of certain parts or event(s)). There's almost the only time in the game I'm helping myself with saving the game when I reach those traps; it's kinda too stupid not to use a savegame with such traps. Of course I'll not use it this time because of the 'contest'.

HardCased

12.09.2007, 20:56

...those traps when going after Raven...

I'd forgotten about them. Though as you hinted at, that part of the game wasn't well thought out at all (IMO anyway) - trial and error was the only solution that worked for me because the 'clues' were less than vague. It took a while to figure out the paths and switch orders, thus, there are some things you don't easily forget...like running down every other path before you're left with only one option: the one that doesn't lead to death.

And lol at you getting Hermit owned - guess that's the way it is when you're playing for keeps. :D

Sikkibahm

12.09.2007, 21:46

@Hardcased

My character has been beaten down and robbed many, many times. During my session of beating up all of the citizens in the lower quarter my roommate noted that I spend most of my time writhing on the ground, which was almost true.

The Hermit in the valley always annoyed the heck out of me. When I was going to summan the spirit (somebody whose name starts with Qua or something) I took the portal to get there, and fought the two skeletons in the cave with the Beliar statue. It looked like I was doing alright after freezing one of them, when all of a sudden the Hermit comes up and starts beating me! Apparrently he attacks you if you're wearing bandit armour. Between him and the skeleton I was nearly done in, and I had to flee using my acrobatics ability.

As for Raven's traps, I was very glad I had just finished playing through normally recently and still remembered what you were supossed to do, although it took me a little while to figure out what all the answers to the spirit's questions were to get him to give you the tablet that opens the temple.

Sikkibahm

12.09.2007, 22:38

So I was getting the eye of Innos and stopped in a cave half-way down the stairs afterwards and came across this:
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/1695/saturasjn6.th.jpg (http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image=saturasjn6.jpg)

I looted the body and found three runes (Heavy Healing, Fireball, and Concussionbolt), a small bit of gold, and a piece of paper.

The Preserver

13.09.2007, 02:04

Alright, after the death of my lowly level 3 militiaman, i've come back, and I'm going for the same build as last time, one hander Militia/Paladin.

Diary 1

I began in basically the same way as last time, but changed a few things once I hit about level three. I invested more LP into my skill with weapons, and I decided to not join the Militia yet, so I could do some of the mercenary starter quests for more experience. Once getting to level four from quests in Khorinis (Bartok slayed the Orc on our hunt this time :D) I left town to travel to the Farm. On the way, I stopped up at the militia skeleton by the bandits' cave, and picked up the rings and potions. I spoke with Akil, but decided not to fight the Mercenaries right away this time:rolleyes: Once I reached the farm, I had a fight with Buster which I barely lost, but luckily only my pride was damaged. I gulped downa potion, and pulled out my back-up sword to teach him a lesson.
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5855/gothic21ro4.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gothic21ro4.jpg)
After the fight, I killed a few field raiders, and went up to the farm. After talking with Lee, I had a chat with Dar that ended up in swords being drawn. He attacked pretty fiercely, but my skill in fighting won me the day.
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8721/gothic22uv6.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gothic22uv6.jpg)
Unfortunately, moments after my victory, the game crashed for some unknown reason! §burn

Anyways, my last save was at the dead harpy, so it isn't too much of a hassle, and hopefully this time Buster will get whats coming the first time around :)

Huntsman

13.09.2007, 06:35

So I was getting the eye of Innos and stopped in a cave half-way down the stairs afterwards and came across this:

What the hell is that? Where is that cave? :eek:
Dead Saturas??? §dumm

Sikkibahm

13.09.2007, 08:02

What the hell is that? Where is that cave? :eek:
Dead Saturas??? §dumm

It's half-way up the stairs going up to the stone circle where you repair the Eye of Innos (or half-way down if you go past the stone circle when coming from the direction of the black troll). What's really weird is that I went back to the add-on world, and he is still there, so apparently a clone of Saturas spawned and died inside a cave which is nowhere near any place where Saturas is at any point in the game.

Hellbilly

13.09.2007, 08:07

Danutz_plusplus

13.09.2007, 11:54

^That's the "character dump" cave, where characters who've changed worlds are dumped. Game engine issue, easier to "kill" a character in one world and create a new one in another world than to move them (I reminisce was the explanation to this). Sometimes the bodies are erroneously located outside that cave.

There's a similar cave in the VoM, behind the orcish barrier.

Not to get too off-topic, but I couldn't resist posting. I don't think they used that cave to store dead bodies because of some engine problem(or other problem they might have). I believe it's just a easter-egg. Something amusing for the players. Why? Because it makes no sense keeping the npc(textures&other info about it) in system memory if you no longer need it in that "world". If they did have no choice but to kill it off and re-create it in another "world" they didn't have to keep it in the "old world". This is how I see it, and it seems more logical imo.

Hellbilly

13.09.2007, 12:02

^Might be, but something along those lines is the explanation usually given on this forum, and since it is (as you say) illogical, I presumed there's some kind of inside information behind that.

EDIT:

I wouldn't call it an easter-egg, they are made by intention. This is more a bug,... the engine needs to store the NPCs somewhere, so normaly they are placed behind the cave-walls so that you cannot see them, the bug is that they are misplaced (but i'm not sure about the cave behind the orc-wall, because normaly you shouldn't reach that area).

Read also from this post on:
http://forum.worldofplayers.de/forum/showthread.php?p=2188904&#post2188904

...so although "issue" and "problem" aren't really synonyms, I guess I should've used a more neutral word. "Feature of the game engine", or whatnot.

Danutz_plusplus

13.09.2007, 12:16

^Might be, but something along those lines is the explanation usually given on this forum, and since it is (as you say) illogical, I presumed there's some kind of inside information behind that.

Yeah, I know that this is what people usually say, but this may have been started out as a joke.:p But it's a basic memory management to be able to free up memory at run-time, so I don't know what could be so hard to do. Every game does it. Of course there is a possibility I could be wrong. Who knows.

EDIT:Ok, I've read it. Yeah, it seems it's an engine problem. Imo they didn't manage it very nicely. It would have been cleaner and more efficient to use other variables for storing that kind of information. And not having models and textures loaded in graphics card memory for no reason. Memory that could probably be used for something else. Anyway, that's they way they worked with it. If they had no problems it's ok.

Hellbilly

13.09.2007, 12:18

It would have been cleaner and more efficient to use other variables for storing that kind of information.

Yeah, I was thinking along the same lines about that. But I suppose they had their reasons for doing as they did, whether it be just lack of time to optimize the code or some good and real reason we just don't know anything about.

Huntsman

13.09.2007, 13:33

Diary

Game: Gothic 1
Level: 27
Experience: 189890
Guild: Magician of Water
Weapon: Butcher
Armor: Crawler Plate Armor
Circle of Magic: 5
Strength: 32
Dexterity: 17
Mana: 83
Life: 414

DEAD

Cause of Death: Varrag-Kasorg, the undead orc shaman

Aww, shucks, I was so damn close :(...but, first things first.

I freed the Free mine with no problems, pyrokinesis did all the work. Even if those guards could hit me with their crossbows and interrupt my Storms of Fire, they couldn't do nothing against this great spell. I did have one near-death encounter, though - I was trying to shoot some minecrawler warriors from a platform, with Caps Lock on, of course. Because you can't fall that way...apparently, you can. I thought it was 'game over' for me, but then I noticed my character had one shred of life left. I was so happy...

Hunting for ULU-MULU components was damn easy too, even the Fire lizards, which can be easily killed with Pyrokinesis.

Then I got to the orc temple. I was going to practice my Rain of Fire on them which I just bought from Xardas, but I thought I'd save it for later (unfortunately, there was no later). Here is a screenshot of those happy orcs dancing around.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7344/tnhappyorcstc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7344/tnhappyorcstc9.0c90599fae.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=522&i=tnhappyorcstc9.jpg)

The skeletons in the temple were a piece of cake with my "Death to the Undead" rune. The first undead orc temple guard I've encountered almost killed me though. That's when I decided to wear Crawler Plate Armor instead of my High Robe of Water. "Screw the magic protections", I thought. My first mistake.

Then I got to the part where you need to turn three stones in order to summon the first undead shaman. It freaked me out when I saw a lesser demon summoned, so I summoned a demon myself - and replaced the "Death to the Undead" rune with "Summon Demon" scroll for my "0" key. My second mistake.

When that undead shaman was summoned, I couldn't select the "Death to the Undead" rune, so I freaked out and started running. Nowhere to run, I'm afraid...Varrag-Kasorg started throwing spells at me, my character bugged out and couldn't move, I wasn't wearing my magic-protective High Robe of Water, and thus comes this screenshot...

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8007/tndeadel4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5728/tnstatssb7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5728/tnstatssb7.cf973f0d5e.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=146&i=tnstatssb7.jpg)

Lesson: Kill undead shamans with sword only (I tried once after I died, killed him without him hitting me) and DON'T RUN AWAY.

End of the road for my mage - so close, and yet so far. Since I've never finished Gothic 1 with mage, I will continue to play with him. That doesn't count in our contest of course ;).

HardCased

13.09.2007, 14:09

Bad luck Huntsman, looks like you had a great character going on there...I didn't:

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 10
Experience: +27955
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Elm Bow ('purchased' from the wife of Sekob) / Sword
Armor: Leather Armor
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 15 (+5 Belt from Xardas's Tower)
Dexterity: 52 (+5 Ring 'purchased' from Bosper)
Mana: 10
Life: 160
Bow: 34%
LP: 21

DEAD

Yes, almost the exact same stats. as my previous post - died within about 10 minutes of loading the game. The save was made at Sekob's farm and I went straight to his wife to purchase my new Bow...now I had some power! Long story short: I don't recommend playing Hardcore in a noisy environment with your speaker volume down too low...I simply didn't hear the murderous intentions of the Warg until he was already on my tail - I'd thought that I was well out of their range. So anyway, with only 160HP, I'm a pretty 'fragile' character; I bailed out as quick as I could, heading towards the now empty Bandit (weapons dealer) camp but for reasons unknown decided that I'd be best to turn up towards the Shrine of Innos that's near the Magic Troll - if I jumped up the ledge there the Warg would be likely to get stuck for long enough so as to allow my getaway...I missed that jump and got stuck on the ledge myself. The Warg got a 2nd hit in and I became a corpse.

I wasn't far enough into the game for it to really get me down and I had made a few poor decisions, such as learning 'Take Skins' from Bosper but then signing on with Constantino - it's been a while since I played the 2nd game and as the Gothic experience is all but impossible to beat, I've started again. I've just given Greg the Farmers Clothes and am about to sneak past the guards to go and see Lares.

Black Sphere

13.09.2007, 14:20

I'd forgotten about them. Though as you hinted at, that part of the game wasn't well thought out at all (IMO anyway) - trial and error was the only solution that worked for me because the 'clues' were less than vague. It took a while to figure out the paths and switch orders, thus, there are some things you don't easily forget...like running down every other path before you're left with only one option: the one that doesn't lead to death.
Hm, let's see ... right switch, then left and middle switch at first trap ... at falling flor you start right, then you cross to the left at the middle ... then first entrance at the right in that rounded hall ... then asking that ghost to show you the right switch ... and other traps I think you can survive ... But I'll had much clearer picture on the spot, when I'll get/be there ...

And lol at you getting Hermit owned - guess that's the way it is when you're playing for keeps. :D
Yea lol, I got screwed there.:D But otherwise my tactic and planning serves me very well.;)

EDIT:
And damn you're out of luck guys. But I don't get it; I have no such problems with my character when he's still 'infant', not at all. Don't give up!

About that NPC 'dumping'; it's probably a necessity (for the engine and especially for (some) npc's scripts) to 'preserve' (certain?) bodies/characters, and to be 'present' in the world the character is currently in, as condition objects for the scripts for instance, otherwise I don't see any reason why they should bother with it. But it's ill designed; a cave with sealed entrance or something similar would be much more propriate solution, and this 'feature' is certainly not there as an eastern-egg or to amuse the player, for instance with dead Saturas is highly illogical to be an amusement; you go back in Jharkendar and he's there, well and alive.

@Huntsman - my sincere condoles. What a chain of mistakes you've maded there.:p Btw, where was your sword in the meantime? :p

Yes, panic (beside ill planning) is the worst enemy of hardcore playing.

HardCased

13.09.2007, 16:22

...certainly not there as an eastern-egg or to amuse the player, for instance with dead Saturas is highly illogical to be an amusement; you go back in Jharkendar and he's there, well and alive.

That's precisely why I'd throw that one straight into the 'BUG' basket.

EDIT/ Am currently lvl4 - will probably sit down for a decent amount of time tomorrow night; get a few more quests under my belt.

Huntsman

13.09.2007, 20:30

Btw, where was your sword in the meantime? :p

As you can see from the screenshot, my character froze when the undead shaman started attacking, so I didn't have time to draw the sword - I even panicked and tried to heal myself with the healing rune §hehe.

I've started again. I've just given Greg the Farmers Clothes and am about to sneak past the guards to go and see Lares.
Props for the effort, HardCased. Don't give up and learn from your mistakes - I'm sure your next character will be much stronger, just don't risk too much (hanging out near wargs, bandit camps etc. :p ).

Sikkibahm

14.09.2007, 00:02

Petyamester

14.09.2007, 00:11

That's the strongest HC character you got there I bet.
The demons work well with all the dragons.

HardCased

14.09.2007, 05:39

Diary #1: Attempt #3

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Level: 7
Experience: 17105
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Bow / Wolf Knife
Armor: Leather Armor
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 18 (+5 Belt from Xardas's Tower & +3 Ring)
Dexterity: 39 (+5 Ring 'purchased' from Bosper)
Mana: 10
Life: Forgot to check - likely about 100
Bow: 34%
LP: 7

They say that the 3rd time's a charm...I'm not quite sure who 'they' are but they don't seem to have influenced my run of bad luck:

So I needed some cash and I'd just learned Sneak and PickLocks...it was time to get naughty in Khorinis. I slept until midnight and as I'm not yet an apprentice, my target was the lower quarter and the harbor district. First stop; the chest beside Brian's bed - I'm sure that he wasn't in it as he's usually outside Caragon's Tavern until quite late. Anyway, perhaps due to my tinkering with 'lockscrambling' in the .ini, or, more likely, due to my low dexterity, I broke one too many picks - thus my work is rudely interrupted and as I bolt for the door I find that Brian is none too happy about my presence. "I can take him" I say to myself as I lead him to a quiet corner; the one where Valentino is most easily knocked over. Only it doesn't quite work like that. Brian puts my ass on the ground with a single hit...and then takes the nearly 1000GP I'd been saving, as well as my Wolf Knife, which was my only melee weapon. I need that money back and I also don't want to be reported as a thief, though my only non-lethal attacking option has now become my fists...but if I lure him away and pop a couple of hits on him with my Bow, I just 'might' be able to take him down with a nice clean uppercut. "He's not a terribly strong guy but he still has almost half of his 'life-bar' so I can probably afford to put another hit on him without the risk of making a kill...oh shit! Damn dude, don't die on me!...Oww!"
My burglary had turned into a murder. I'd been talking to him the previous day about his plans to leave the city once he'd completed his apprenticeship...and now I'd killed him for a few crummy coins. Still, no-one needed to know that I was the culprit and the body was in the woods below Lobart's Farm. I'd just take back my Wolf Knife, loot the body and make sure to avert my eyes whenever I passed the grind stone he used to work hard at all day. So I reach down and pickup the Knife and then move to search his pockets..."There's nothing to be had here" ... "Nothing there" ...

Huntsman

14.09.2007, 06:27

Sikkibahm's Mage

I've just entered the 4th chapter and reached level 36, and am on my way to the castle to begin the dragon slaying quests. Do demons work well against all of the dragons, or just some of them? I'm wishing at this point that I had saved the Shrink Monster spell for a dragon, but I wasn't really expecting to make it this far, so I used it earlier on the black troll.

I had quite the exciting night last night when I returned to Khorinis after getting the eye. I saw all of the Knights down by Martin, and thought of how much xp they must be worth. I started thinking of ways to harvest said xp, and ended up standing in the middle of them all and casting ice wave followed by rain of fire, which brought them down to about one hit each. I then went around and hit them each with my sword so that they wouldn't die. I then did the same thing to all of the sleeping Paladins in the upper quarter. In all I knocked out 10 Knights and 7 Paladins, got thousands and thousands of xp (I think they were 500xp each), tons of loot, and I only got a 250 gold piece fine from Andre :p
Hey, man, looks like you know what you're doing (forget my previous remarks :p ). Pretty high level for chapter 4 - don't mess it up now, Hall of Fame is waiting for you ;).

My burglary had turned into a murder. I'd been talking to him the previous day about his plans to leave the city once he'd completed his apprenticeship...and now I'd killed him for a few crummy coins. Still, no-one needed to know that I was the culprit and the body was in the woods below Lobart's Farm. I'd just take back my Wolf Knife, loot the body and make sure to avert my eyes whenever I passed the grind stone he used to work hard at all day. So I reach down and pickup the Knife and then move to search his pockets..."There's nothing to be had here" ... "Nothing there" ...
Now that's fun, you definitely wouldn't get in that kind of situation in a normal game §hehe. Very amusing diary log.

Sikkibahm

14.09.2007, 08:33

Huntsman

14.09.2007, 09:36

Sikkibahm's Mage

My mage is dead. I managed to get to level 40, and had killed two of the four dragons. I was exploring, and found a pack of dragon snappers, which I lured to a nearbly cliff. I stood on the small cliff shooting them with arrows, and suddenly they all bugged up the cliff and started attacking me so fast I couldn't move. I think I'm going to give up on the hardcore method for a little while and start playing Gothic I, which I haven't played in over a year. I'm planning on giving the hardcore method a try in Gothic I after I play through it once so I can remember how everything works/where things are.
Oh it's really a shame your character has died - dragon snappers are hard enough to kill on their own, let alone in packs.

If you want to play Gothic 1, I say try hardcore anyway. It's not nearly as stressfull as Gothic 2: NoTR, I dare say it's quite easy. You can say...start as a hardcore character, and when and if you die, reload.

Hellbilly

14.09.2007, 10:18

Up until very late in the game, Gothic 1 is even too easy for hardcore if you play with a little care. Heck, apart from the orc warrior, the only tough spots I've had have been due to my own recklessness and a few buggy incidents.

The most recent one was when going to get the focus from the ruined monastery. I was trying to get on the stump to get across the ravine... well, I needed to jump and having learned acrobatics, he did a somersault, hit the trunk, turned to the right automatically... and fell down the ravine! I was like "f***k f***k F***K!!!!!!!" as I fell... only to land with a tiny, tiny bit of health left! I couldn't believe I survived it!

Moments later I was in for a big laugh as I saw Gorn tumble down that same ravine, obediently following me. It looked so comical especially in my state of relief after the dreadful drop.

So... still alive and kicking even after many close shaves!

Petyamester

14.09.2007, 14:45

Diary ep. 2.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: Mercenary
Level: 19
Experience: 97.480
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Rapier (100 damage) - found at the trolls; Composite bow (65 damage)
Armor: Medium mercenary armor
Strenght: 61
Dexterity: 75
Life: 467

I spent a lot of points to dexterity, so I started pickpocketing everyone I can, then went to the addonworld, after doing every quest in Khorinis. I gained a level there too, found the +20 life potion in the swamp, gathered all the stone tablets in Khorinis, and I've used all the 1. and 2. level tablets, I gained +50 life from them too. I donated 1000 gold at Daron, and I got +15 life from him in total I think. Now I'm in the valley, with Diego.

Hellbilly, use the strafing glitch to survive these falls ;)

I've started a G3 HC char too, I'm at level 17 with it, but I'll write about it only, when my G2 char dies.

Sikkibahm

14.09.2007, 20:38

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Character

I decided to take Huntsman's advice and give the hardcore method a try in Gothic I, since I can just keep playing if I do die at some point. I started out by killing all the small animals by the start, and the ones you have to climb the cliff to get to. I then climbed over some cliffs to the troll and goblins, grabbed the shrink monster spell before the goblins could attack me, lost the goblins, shrunk the troll, and killed it for 2000xp to get me to third level. I then went to the Old Camp and talked to some people (and unfortunately forgot to spend my learning points) before going with Mordrag to the New Camp. I noticed that Mordrag wasn't taking me on quite as large an expedition as Lares did in Gothic II NOTR, so I decided to try to get him to kill some more stuff for me, since he is invincible at that point. I got him to kill quite a few creatures he usually doesn't by getting a creature to follow me, then running past Mordrag. Mordrag would see the creature, and chase it, and the creature would chase me to other groups of creatures, which Lares would then attack. By doing this (and doing the talking quests in the New Camp) I managed to get from level 2 to level 5 without even drawing a weapon. Beating up Shrike finally ended that streak. I'm about to head back over to the Old Camp to get an escort to the Sect Camp. By the way, how high do you have to be to take the Rice Lord? I don't remember him being too hard, but I can't remember.

It's been a lot of fun playing the hardcore way, in both games. So far the only downside to playing hardcore is that I keep running out of lockpicks because I can't load after I figure out the combination. Thanks for brining up the idea!

Petyamester

14.09.2007, 21:08

Diary ep. 3.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Level: 22
Experience: 127.930
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Rapier (100 damage); Composite bow (65 damage)
Armor: Light dragon hunter armor
Strenght: 85
Dexterity: 83
Life: 523

I brought the proof to lord Hagen, joined the dragon hunters, did some quests in chapter 3, pickpocketed everyone in the monastery, and now I'm gonna do the addonworld, before getting the eye of Innos back - those seekers look tough even alone. Got to spend some more lps on dexterity and bow skill (I'm on 30% now) if I want to kill the dragons later easily.

But first, it's time to hunt with Jack:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h262/Petyamester/diary5.jpg

Huntsman

15.09.2007, 06:54

Sikkibahm

15.09.2007, 08:17

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Character

Wow Gothic I is so much easier than NOTR. I'm currently at level 10, and have joined the New Camp on my path to becoming a water mage. I'm up to 75 strength, and used Lares' Axe for a while until I just got Scar's sword. It took forever for him to finally go to bed so he could be away from awake people. His sleep patters seems erratic for some reason. I've just gotten the assigsnment to find out what's going on in the Sect Camp, so I will head over there after wandering the forrests collecting some more xp, since I've already beat up everyone I can in the Old and New camps.

I do have one problem, and I'm not sure what to do, or if I need to do anything about it. I was originally going to join the Old Camp, but after getting cleared to go before Gomez, I tried to talk to him and he said something about coming in without authorization and whipped out a big-ass sword causing me to run like hell as he chased me around the throne room. I tried talking to the guy in the outer area of the Old Camp who can "fix" your relationship with influential people, and he took my money, but if I talk to Gomez it starts all over again. Do I need to talk to Gomez if I'm in the New Camp, or is there any way to un-bug him? Thanks.

Petyamester

15.09.2007, 12:10

Diary ep. 4.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Level: 25
Experience: 169.490
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Rapier (100 damage); Ash bow (80 damage)
Armor: Heavy bandit armor
Strenght: 90
Dexterity: 92
Life: 559

It's just a small update. We cleared out the canyon, killed the orcs there, and then I started working for the bandits. Went to the mine and it's time to kill Bloodwyn and free the prisoners. Finally I got a new bow, I don't know where I've found it.

Sikkibahm, how could you kill Scar at lvl 10?

Dez

15.09.2007, 12:40

I can't resist this anymore. For some reason my notr didn't start up and I see that many of here are already playing g1..so lets make things more intresting! shall we? Yes i'm stupid enough to choose gothic 3 :D. I KNOW this is very STUPID, but I've played the game 3 times through and I hope to have a clear picture where the danger lies and how it could be avoided and conquered.

As we all know fighting system in g3 is at best unreliable and I can't take the risk of letting any of those blasted orcs or monsters in weapon range. Archery might be fun, but I can't liberate towns with just a bow. So nope. I'm going to make a full time mage because magic is the most powerfull of three ways and like said it lets me keep everything far away (atleat I bloody hope so!). As for the sidearm, i'm going to use staves because some of them grant protection bonuses and have long reach which usefull in a tight spot. also undeads have a weakness to staves.. At begining though I'm using just spear. To be honest I plan to avoid combat as much as possible. So are not going to see "bandit killing or orcs slaying" anytime soon..

goals:

1) get Acient knowledge to 100 asap and learn fast learning
2) learn icelance from porgan and how to make manapotions, Also buy every manapotion recipe
3) bump up ak till its 250 and get mana regen
4) get more mana, health and learn more magical arts...but lets see if i can make it even this far...

To get alive out of Ardea is my first objective. but Its not too hard since I have such a powerfull friends with me and I've done it before. And i can fight without stress now..dieing won't give me a heartattack yet.

To be perfectly honest I tried playing hardcore somedays ago, but died horribly near the hills of montera first time and second time i got montera, but I tried the grain thieves too early and third time got me as far as the rebel camp of reddock, lol.. My mind wasn't yet ready for this task. I hope i have adjusted it through these trials&errors for the long (or short) road ahead of me.

Game: gothic 3
Name: Arnórr
Level: 1
desired class: Fire mage
build: magic caster with staves/spears
Side: For the innos!

I'm going to work against the rulership of orcs and hashisins. (not saying i'd wouldn't collect the easy experience from towns first). but you won't see me killing rebels or free nomads or doing any evil work for zuben.. I'm mostly trying to stick to innos magic, but ice spells are just too good to be avoided and tame animal is a must to have in this long adventure of mine :)

Let the adventure begin..:D

Dez

15.09.2007, 16:29

Diary enttry 1.: Innos grant me the power of your blessing!

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd51/Arnorr_photos/sunset.jpg?t=1189870066

First five days behind and I'm feeling like a new man. The fresh air is doing good for me. Been doing lots of stuff lately, to my fellow humans and those blasted orcs. I've come to notice that its the only way to get contact with the orc leaders and find out where that traitor Xardas is hiding.

Innos has set us all a task to get stronger and so shall we all do during these hard times. Only in prayer shall we find wisdom to do what is right. Can't say it wouldn't sadden me a bit to see beautifull village of cap dunn in the hands of those animals. Atleast Ardea is free now. Besides I never could have quessed how strong orcs are here. Two of them nearly killed me during the liberation of Ardea..blasted xardas. Because of him my runes don't work anymore! What good is this for us humans? the necromancer shall pay. Xardas do you hear? I'm coming for you.

Morever my friends left in all directions, but I shall meet them again later. We all must do what innos sets on our path. Speaking of it..found the rebel camp of reddock. Lads there seemed to be very organized so I gladly gave them a helping hand. finding a new smithy, some weapons, few healing plants for the former fire mage etc.. It goes without saying that it warms my heart to find a brother of my former order alive!

He informed me what I already knew. The situation was hopeless, but my order has found a way to restore magic of our brave paladins. Innos your blessing is the light for us all! This plan must succeed or everything is lost.

the mage showed me the way of acient magic, more powerfull than the runes..We trained all night how to channel it. I'm not yet very strong, but i can feel the arcane powers just out of my reach. At the following morning prayed innos during the sunrise and by surprise he granted me the fireball spell!

Also killed some scavengers for food, few lonely wolves and couple of bandits who were bothering old jack. I never used spear before in the island of khorinis, but I must say it is an effective weapon, although not very strong. What surprised me most was the arena of cape dunn. I even managed to beat two very strong mercenariers.. It however could have been my last mistake as I accidently hitted one of the orcs. The monster chased me out of cape dunn, but luckily those angry wolves were more intresting to him than my sorry hide.

so far so good :)

lv9

100 ak (found 2 stone tablets and 2 books)
fastlearning
fireball

Huntsman

15.09.2007, 18:06

@Dez

I'm glad you've decided to join our contest, especially because you've chosen to play G3 hardcore. Good luck!

Your diary is very interesting so far, I can't wait to see what's Gothic 3 like first hand (can't play it and I don't think I will anytime soon).

P.S. Two thousand people have read this thread so far :). It's good to see a lot of people interested in this way of playing, don't be afraid to give it a shot.

Gerrard

15.09.2007, 19:40

P.S. Two thousand people have read this thread so far :). It's good to see a lot of people interested in this way of playing, don't be afraid to give it a shot.

Well what can I say... Splendid Idea!!! Really Gothically:D:D:D
I shall right away get myself into Gothic 2 classic cause I think G3 is way too easy for hardcore play. I remember that my first death when I played game first time was against Gotha demon or some skeleton in it. Really this is something splendid- Gothic is game for such play, but totally realistic makes you to catch for a game and live it through as yourself!;););)

Dez

15.09.2007, 19:43

Yeah..it is going to be intresting. in the spirit of thread, I chose to do this experiement with hard difficulty :).

It is actually like an other game. I was REALLY afraid of attacking those bandits near jack's tower. I didn't even have the fireball spell so I attacked them at night. First lured out the only bandit who was awake and killed him. Then sneaked the sleeping bandits with spear ready. I managed to kill one of the on the spot, but other two had shields. I nearly got killed there. one of them blocked my spear hits with ease and striked me down and my health was nearly zero. For some reason the guy missed the killing blow. so I made a running escape. Drinked 2 potions and came back only to be nearly killed again :). I had to attack&retreat 3 times before I was able to kill them.

It is very tense because you can't make any mistakes, yet much more rewarding..:). I'm afraid of orcs most,. The only reason why I wasn't killed in ardea was "gorn, diego and milten". I basicly hid behind their backs and only attacked the same orcs as they.

Anyhow I'm going to continue my adventure tomorrow again..I think I'm ready to visit montera. One can earn lots of easy EXP there.

Sikkibahm

15.09.2007, 22:10

Sikkibahm, how could you kill Scar at lvl 10?

I am a Master at one handed weapons, had 65 strength, and was using Lares' Axe which does (I think) 65 damage. I stood behind him and started slashing left to right then back again and it took him a little while to get his weapon out. By the time he did he was down to only two hits, which I managed to get in before he swung at me. I'm sure he would have downed me if he got a hit in.

Sikkibahm

16.09.2007, 00:06

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Character

This just seems to get easier as it goes along. I know it will get harder once I get to the orc shamans, but right now it's a cake walk. I've bumped my strength to 100, and am just going around killing everything I see. I just killed the Skeleton Mage, the Fire Lizards, Shadowbeast, Orc Dogs, and even some Orc Warriors whenever I can lure one or two off by themselves. I'm at level 14 right now, close to level 15. Unfortunately I didn't remember when the second chapter kicked in, and accidentally went into it before I could finish killing all of the things that come back once the second chapter starts. I did nearly die at one point from the group of snappers by one of the focus stones, and ended up with only three hit points left.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8288/neardeathgv9.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=neardeathgv9.jpg)

So far that's been the only scare. I refuse to even approach the edge of cliffs, as that seems to be just about the only way I'll die right now.

Bastardo

16.09.2007, 08:23

BASTARDO'S MERCENARY WARRIOR - DIARY #4
stats without the eye of innos
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee44/Bastardo90/Gothic22007-09-1419-02-18-65.jpg
I'm in Irdorath island..I'm going to open the 4 mechanism door! A few seekers and I'll face the undead dragon:scared:
I didn't managed to raise strenght more than 100. I rememer it's possible, or it was only NotR?
I guess I was very lucky cause I risked to die many, many times. The worst was when I activated one of the mechanism and two zoimbie orcs and a dark skeleton spawned! they let me with 10 HP... Use care also with the fire golem near fire dragon, if he catches you, most probably you'll fall down from the cliff.

Petyamester

16.09.2007, 12:34

Diary ep. 5.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Level: 29
Experience: 224.740
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Rapier (100 damage); Beech bow (110 damage)
Armor: Light dragon hunter armor
Strenght: 94
Dexterity: 112
Life: 622

I've finished the addonworld, found all the tablets, and killed Raven. Now I'm hunting for shadowbeasts for their horns (quest) and searching for more beasts to kill, gotta learn the language of the priests for more bonuses. The dragons are getting near.

Anyways, don't try G3 in hc. One bad move, and a whole city is out to you. That's what happened to me.

Gerrard

16.09.2007, 13:23

Today I start playing gothic 2 on this new way- I played game 3 times but never as fire mage so I shall try not to get killed till I become novice

Introduction

Game: Gothic 2 clasic
Desired Class: Fire mage
Build: Magic (One-handed)

Info: I shall try to become fire mage so I am on my way to Khorinis to earn that 1000 gold on some way, try to get on Onar farm for sheep and hardly get myself and poor sheep into monastery- I hope learning secrets of alchemy and most of spells of magic circles to easily break into castle in valley of mines from where I shall follow my path which Xardas shown me

Diary entry

Day 1.

Level 1.
I am on my way into Khorinis where I will try to get some experience in handed combat- to easily start getting more experiences- most easily and best I shall try to become aprentice of Harad to easily earn 1000 with self forged swords. I hope I won´t get myself killed on way to khorinis where I will feel myself more protected. Let strength of Inoss shine over my soul in this holly mision!

Diary

Day 1. (2)

At end of day I became aprentice of Harad and already forged swords. Now I have 500 gold
lvl 2
20 str
self forged sword

Day 2.
I get myself after some jobs in town to direction of Monastery where I would become novice and try to get more experience for learning in monastery. I pray Inoss to protect me on my woyage for his service!

Huntsman

16.09.2007, 16:40

A question : do you think I can kill the Dam Lurker at Level 5 and with 55 Strength. I am too scared to try.
Judging by your strength - yes. However, it's best that you leave that quest for later, when you join a guild. There is no point in risking it without a good armor.

HardCased

17.09.2007, 01:16

Diary #2: Attempt #3

Game: Gothic 2: NoTR
Chapter: One
Level: 12
Experience: 45300
Guild: Guildless
Weapon: Composite Bow / Wolf's Tooth
Armor: Leather Armor
Circle of Magic: 0
Strength: 27 (+5 Belt, +10 Amulet & 2x Thekla's Stew)
Dexterity: 60 (+5 Ring 'purchased' from Bosper)
Mana: 17 (+2 from Daron)
Life: 269 (+heaps from Daron and +20 potion from Erol)
Bow: 35%
LP: 1

Yep, I've been grinding hard. Screenshot taken just before joining the Magicians of Fire - I've completed all of the quests that I deemed possible and the lands are 'almost' free of beasts - the exceptions being Wargs, Shadowbeasts, the Snorting Dragon Snapper and a few Skeleton entities. My Bow is useless against them and I can't afford any more of the spells that Zuris has left to sell...I've cleaned out his Death to the Undead, Fire Arrow, Fire Ball and Ice Arrow supply. :D

I've had several 'near death experiences' though none of them are really worth writing about - though trying to reap as much EXP. as I could from Dexter and his cronies was perhaps a little reckless - because Greg spawns there immediately, I jumped up on the roof (right above Dexter) and let loose. There's probably a little more than 2000EXP. to be had there and I think I pulled in at least half of it. It came at the cost of me almost crapping myself though...I managed to lure Dexter out to the bridge where he gave up the chase; I had about 2/3 of my HP and he was almost full - I knew that my recently acquired Bow was capable of some pretty high damage and that my accuracy was also quite good...but do you think I could score a hit before he was right in my face? No. Suddenly, I couldn't hit the side of a football stadium from 10ft. He closed in quick and nailed me with a swift strike. My health decreased rapidly. It was now too low for this fight and as I turned to run, I strapped my Bow and pulled out my Sword - just in case. I'd taken no more than 3 steps when I got stuck on an edge..."Oh nooooes!" I had to rely on my measly melee ability now - the fight ended 'right' on the very narrow and very tight 180 degree corner in the track, just before the bridge...a scary spot to maneuver at the best of times. Dexter fell to my barely competent Sword hand and I was left standing on the very edge of a cliff with 13HP.

When I load up later on, I'll join the Magicians of Fire (which will take me to lvl13) and then I'll have a go at the Test of Fire...I'll make sure that my back's against a wall when I take on that Magical Troll. I seem to recall him sending me flying with arms flailing, to my death, on more than one occasion - though having a decent (+280) number of hitpoints by then, will hopefully keep me alive if I happen to do some sky-walking.

I can't see how to attach screenshots here so this is a link:
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/8449/capture17092007113619amdq0.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=capture17092007113619amdq0.jpg)

Sikkibahm

17.09.2007, 05:21

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Character

Once again I am dead. My mercenary reached level 26, and was about to get the last focus stone at the place with the Harpies. I can never make the jump across to the platform as a human, so I transformed into a Lurker and jumped, and I died when I hit the ground. I have done this everytime I have played the game and never even taken damage from it before. Anybody have any tips on how to get across for next time? This time I'm hopefully going to be able to join the Old Camp. I'm not sure what I did to piss off Gomez, but hopefully I won't do it again this time.

Sikkibahm

17.09.2007, 10:24

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Fire Mage

Yet another character has been begun. Once again I began by shrinking the troll and getting the 2000 xp. After that I did the talking quests in the Old Camp, then went with Mordrag to the New Camp. After doing the talking quests there, I was level four. Then I beat up Lares and took his amazing axe, and went to see Lefty and the Rice Lord. I was expecting to get beat up a few times, but I downed the Rice Lord with just one swing while I was only level four. It must have been a crit I guess. After wasting all of the peasants and rogues in the New Camp, I wandered through the forrests killing everything I came across (besides snappers and shadowbeasts). I finally returned to the Old Camp, and went with my guide to the Swamp Camp. By this time I was already level seven or eight, and I ended up killing most of the things we came across to save time (with Lares' Axe, 65 strength, and Master One-Handed I can kill everything I've come across this time through but Snappers, Shadowbeasts, and Orc-Dogs with one hit). I did the quests there, and returned to the Old Camp to finish making all of the influential shadows happy. I didn't want to take any chances fighting in the arena, so I beat my opponents up before I challenged them so they'd already be on one-hit left. I finally made my way to Gomez, and was very pleased to see that he actually talked to me this time through. I've now just reached the second chapter, and am currently level 12.

BTW, thanks for the tip Calin. I had forgotten that that spell existed. Also, when do I become eligable to join the Fire Mages? Is it after I clear the Old Mine? Thanks.

HardCased

17.09.2007, 13:25

I didn't want to take any chances fighting in the arena, so I beat my opponents up before I challenged them so they'd already be on one-hit left.

How is it that you were able to talk to them after you had attacked them but not knocked them down? I haven't played Gothic for quite a while but as I've recently started up Gothic II again (thanks to this thread) I can verify that if I take a swipe at someone and don't finish the job, or, if I then run away, they don't forget about it.

I know this because I had a go at Sentenza - I got one hit in before he hit me and reduced my health to almost naught - so I ran. He came after me every time I went near him for about 5 days...I haven't been near him for a while but I think he may still be angry at me. He'll pay when I'm tough enough. :D

Gerrard

17.09.2007, 13:42

Diary
level 3
Guild: Guildless

Dead

Cause: Lurker on way to Onar farm

Damn! I was killed on my way from Inn Dead Harpy( I think that is called) to Onar farm by lurker near lake. First I take my way to farm, but then I saw plenty of wolves, bloodflyes and lurker on path- I jumped in lake, easily exited and suddenly lurker attacked me! I tried to run away but it was too late- he killed me it 2-3 attacks§cry§cry§cry§cry§cry§cry§cry
Now will be more carefull on every step- but that was my big mistake- I known that he is there- so I will try defeat him- really I misjudged him!:(

Introduction

Game: Gothic 2 classic
Desired Class: Mage
Build: Magic

Info: I am going again in same direction and path as I was in 1st.

Introduction

Game: Gothic 2 clasic
Desired Class: Fire mage
Build: Magic (One-handed)

Info: I shall try to become fire mage so I am on my way to Khorinis to earn that 1000 gold on some way, try to get on Onar farm for sheep and hardly get myself and poor sheep into monastery- I hope learning secrets of alchemy and most of spells of magic circles to easily break into castle in valley of mines from where I shall follow my path which Xardas shown me!

Diary 2: entry

I am on my way to Khorinis to repeat my aprenticeship, earn 1000 gold, equip myself from attacks of beast and go to monastery- this time more patienced and skillfull

Diary

lvl 9
Fire mage
chapter 2

I suceeded in my way of joining monastery, prayed to Inoss which after some tasks choosed me. I become Mage- learned 2 circles of magic and take myself after talk with Hagen in WoM where I hope to break into Castle without get myself killed. There I shall earn some exp killing Orcs to learn secrets of alchemy, learn one handed combat and learn forge ore weapon how can I make longsword( I think) which will use till end.

The Preserver

18.09.2007, 01:48

Diary 2

It's been a while, and I've accomplished a fair deal. :)

My last save was actually right before attacking Dar, which I did again, and pounded his face in quickly. I then went down to the valley and took care of the two trolls by slicing up their backsides. After Training my strength some more, I went over to Bengar's farm, killing all the beasts on the way, and took care of his militia problem (irony? :D) After finding my way back to Khorinis, I joined up with the militia, and started working on gaining some more levels. I went back to Akil's with Mika, and let him do the work this time...

I then ventured into the woods, and took on the bandits in the cave, barely defeating the last one.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6935/gothic23ht8.th.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gothic23ht8.jpg)

With my new fish-letter, I went back to turn in Halvor, and report my success to Hakon. After speaking with some more people in Khorinis and knocking out Valentino, I wandered the woods near the city, and found my third Dragonroot that took me to 50 strength, enough to use my Fine Sword :)

With my new weapon, I decided to take on the bandits on the bridge by Akil;'s farm, which I did fairly easily. After returning the stones to Erol, I followed him to his hut and bought the +10 strength amulet from him, which took me to 60, enough for my cutlass!

Here are my stats so far:
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/3107/gothic24mv9.jpg

I'm using the light Militia Armor, a Pirate's Cutlass, +5 Strength belt, +3 Strength ring, +3 Armor ring, and +10 Stregth Amulet (good investment)

I've eaten 3 dragonroots and goblin berries, and drank the dex potion in the feild raider cave by the farm.

HardCased

18.09.2007, 03:10

^ If I can offer a little advice - I'd recommend saving your Dragonroots if you intend to continue boosting your strength. Because the cost of adding +5 to a stat. increases by 5LP every 30 points, you stand to gain more from those items if you save them until it costs more to train. Eating a Dragonroot will always give you +1 Strength but if you save them up, eating a Dragonroot when your strength is at 70 will effectively save you 3LP versus eating one when your strength is at 20; that will only save you 1LP. It can make a huge difference later on.

Also, if you do intend to keep putting points into strength, learning to make strength potions could be a good idea - the initial cost is high (20LP) but if you learn it reasonably early in the game and then refrain from making any potions, you might find yourself with quite a few Dragonroots - which each turns into a +3 strength potion. Having to find the required King's Sorrel is just icing on the adventurers cake.

Sikkibahm

18.09.2007, 08:05

How is it that you were able to talk to them after you had attacked them but not knocked them down? I haven't played Gothic for quite a while but as I've recently started up Gothic II again (thanks to this thread) I can verify that if I take a swipe at someone and don't finish the job, or, if I then run away, they don't forget about it.

I know this because I had a go at Sentenza - I got one hit in before he hit me and reduced my health to almost naught - so I ran. He came after me every time I went near him for about 5 days...I haven't been near him for a while but I think he may still be angry at me. He'll pay when I'm tough enough. :D

I do knock them down. Otherwise it wouldn't work.

HardCased

18.09.2007, 08:38

Whatever floats your boat.

Petyamester

18.09.2007, 12:25

Diary ep. 6.

Game: G2Addon
Name: Zac Efron
Guild: Dragon Hunter
Level: 37
Experience: 360.000 + (?)
Type: One handed/Archer hybrid
Weapon: Master Sword (120 damage); Beech bow (110 damage)
Armor: Light dragon hunter armor
Strenght: 102
Dexterity: 117
Life: 893

Boosted my life to the skies, collected the set of the healer, that gave me +160 life in total, learned the language of the priests, and from the stone tablets, I had +90 life more. Repaired the Eye, and now I'm in the Valley again to kill the dragons, but I haven't faced one yet. I pushed my archer skill up to 73%, and my 1 handed skill is at 74%, so it's pretty balanced. The dragons will be a piece of cake with my bow.

Gerrard

18.09.2007, 17:15

Diary 2

lvl 15
chapter 3
circle 2

I hardly break into castle- elite orc almost killed me, speaked to chief paladin which gave me task to find out about ore- I earned lots of exp killing orcs so I learned new spells like fireball and ice arrow, returned in Khorinis with proof and now I am on my way to monastery to get the Eye of Innos which will help me to kill dragons in WoM

BtW: how can take some screenshots of my character?

Huntsman

18.09.2007, 18:27

BtW: how can take some screenshots of my character?
The easiest way?
1. Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard
2. Start->Accessories->Paint
3. Paste

HardCased

19.09.2007, 00:01

BtW: how can take some screenshots of my character?

And if 'PrtScn/paste to paint' doesn't work for you, I recommend HoverSnap:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Graphic-Capture/HoverSnap.shtml

Sikkibahm

19.09.2007, 02:15

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Water Mage

A lot has happen since I last posted. I've reached the Orc Temple, and have killed two of the undead orc shamans. Nothing especially worth noting happened since my last post, other than my accidentally spending all of my learning points on magic circles and realizing once I had reached third circle that I only had enough to by 10 manna. I'm now level 33, and hope to make it to the invincible (for now) shaman sometime tonight. So far it's been easy fighting them, as I just smack them around with Scar's Sword before they have time to cast anything on me. The puzzles are rather unfortunate, as it has been quite a while since I did them last, and there don't seem to really be any clues. Are there any that just kill me if I get them wrong (other than the one you have to shoot an arrow at), or do they all just summon things? Thanks.

Huntsman

19.09.2007, 06:32

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Water Mage The puzzles are rather unfortunate, as it has been quite a while since I did them last, and there don't seem to really be any clues. Are there any that just kill me if I get them wrong (other than the one you have to shoot an arrow at), or do they all just summon things? Thanks.
There is one with the falling ceiling, there is some sarcophagus with spikes all around it, and I suppose you do know that you need to go through the "window" in order to get to the chamber where Uriziel is, not run through the spikes. Apart from that, I don't think there is anything else worth mentioning.

Sikkibahm

19.09.2007, 07:35

Thanks for the tip about Uriziel, I didn't remember that. Unfortunately I didn't read this until after I had played a but (luckily I stopped to check here before I went further into the temple to Uriziel) and fell in the other spike trap, but it didn't do much damage to me, and I could walk freely through the spikes without taking any more damage. I now have Uriziel, and am about to go the ore mound to charge it. If all goes well, I should finish the game sometime tomorrow.

Black Sphere

19.09.2007, 13:25

Hi. Over two pages of reading to catch ... some nice stories ... Hard Cased, I'll 'monitor' your character 'extra closely' as you're tend to play as me (G2 NotR Magitian);).

Played yesterday again sooooo ...

- Black Sphere's Mage

- G2 NotR

As planned I went into the bandit's camp in Jharkendar, entered into a gold mine, killed Bloodwyn (didn't wanted to risk a direct duel so I attacked from a distance; I fried him with 4 Fire Bolts first and finish him with Fire Arrows), and freed the slaves. Then I went after Raven but naturally he slammed the temple's doors right infront my nose. So I must to go to Quahodron to collect the 'key'. Infront the Quahodron's tomb I used Fire Arrow for Harpies and Goblins, then I summoned four Goblin Skeletons to help me kill a Troll.

I had some problems answering correctly on Quahodron's questions, it was a bit too long since my last playing, I even went back to the mansion of scollars to read those 'stone anals' again. After several tries I answered correctly, and he gaved me a stone tablet with a 'pass'.

At first trap I almost blew it as the adequate stone tablet is useless for any hint, but fortunately I know/remember the combination begins with first button with warriors on it, and this button was on the left, so it was

left-right-centre not right-left-centre

as I predicted in my previous post. But let me tell you, I felt like I'm 'there'; my mouths went dry and I almost started to sweat when Nameless was about to press that first button, it was really a tense moment (for me). I do remeber the next traps, so I didn't had much of fear with them. When I reached Raven I didn't went to him to start a chat and later a duel, that was too risky in my eyes, my Wand is not a powerful weapon, I estimated I need to hit him (too) many times to kill him, and he have a Claw ... instead I right away frozed him with an Ice Block, then I summoned a Stone Golem, as was my plan from the beginning to deal with Raven. Golem smacked him only twice to kill him, so I maybe even overestimated Raven, but safe is safe;).

I went to Xardas to show him my new trophy (Claw Of Beliar), he drooled a bit over it, then by praying to Beliar I converted the sword into a magic rune (magitians can't use a Claw), and as for now I'm only at first circle of magic I got a Root Snare (it makes the oponent motionless-helpless for 20 seconds). I think this spell will be of a good use to me, especially against The Seekers.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g5_1.jpg

First I'll probably go into the monastery to learn and make Create Goblin Skeleton rune (to use it in combination with Root Snare), then my next destination will be the VoM. This afternoon ... ;)

HardCased

19.09.2007, 15:06

Nice job on Raven Black Sphere! I see that you also like to hoard Learning Points - feels good to have a few in the bank. However, we do play a little differently in that I am focused on archery as my secondary skill.

The only thing that I have to report right now is that I just picked up a second 'Stone Tablet' that failed to show up in my inventory. Has anyone else experienced this? I lost one in the Goblin cave behind Onar's farm and the second one in the 'pit' (that looks like an empty swimming pool) near the temple teleporter where Saturas is first met. I picked both of them up but they never went to my inventory. I hope that neither of them had an archery or a magic bonus...

EDIT/ I forgot to add that I think the 'Root Snare' spell is 'broken' once an enemy is attacked - unlike 'Ice Block'. It's a good spell to cast when you're faced with more than one opponent though, or when you need a little time to think about your next move - like drinking potions etc. Best of all, it's free...and I just noticed that you're still in the first circle so it's the only spell available to you at the moment...WOW, you're a lvl23 magician who's still in the first circle...is there any particular reason why you haven't progressed through the circles yet?

Black Sphere

19.09.2007, 18:10

The only thing that I have to report right now is that I just picked up a second 'Stone Tablet' that failed to show up in my inventory. Has anyone else experienced this? I lost one in the Goblin cave behind Onar's farm and the second one in the 'pit' (that looks like an empty swimming pool) near the temple teleporter where Saturas is first met. I picked both of them up but they never went to my inventory. I hope that neither of them had an archery or a magic bonus...

Weird bug, never happened to me. I don't remember what is 'on them'.

I forgot to add that I think the 'Root Snare' spell is 'broken' once an enemy is attacked - unlike 'Ice Block'. It's a good spell to cast when you're faced with more than one opponent though, or when you need a little time to think about your next move - like drinking potions etc. Best of all, it's free...

Just noticed something like that. Still, a good spell, but I'm expecting some nasty stuff from this 'Beliar rune' on the upper circles. And it's not completely for free; it costs HP (5 for now);).

and I just noticed that you're still in the first circle so it's the only spell available to you at the moment...WOW, you're a lvl23 magician who's still in the first circle...is there any particular reason why you haven't progressed through the circles yet?

I was more concetrated on character's magic stats building; I needed those Learning Points elswhere; for instance, I was in hurry to fill Mana till 60 (as I'm now in hurry to fill it till/over 90 - have three days for it) before it's filled by mana I'm receiving right now by praying for instance. Also, there're no some spectaculary dangerous spells in that second circle (that I would badly need), so why to invest (yet) LP into second circle. For now I'm buying spell scrolls, and this tactic works quite nicely, and the Fire Arrow served me extremely well, thou like the weakest 'battle' spell it was quite usable.

But this will soon change, you'll see.;)

Sikkibahm

19.09.2007, 22:33

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Mage

I made it to the sleeper at level 40, was doing fine, and then the FREAKING SLEEPER WALKED OFF HIS PLATFORM TO ATTACK ME!!! I just fell asleep and he pounded me with fireballs until I died. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Here's a screenshot:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/7094/sleeperhp9.th.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sleeperhp9.jpg)

I am so pissed at this game right now. I think it will be a while before I try it again.

Huntsman

19.09.2007, 22:44

Sikkibahm's Gothic I Mage

I made it to the sleeper at level 40, was doing fine, and then the FREAKING SLEEPER WALKED OFF HIS PLATFORM TO ATTACK ME!!! I just fell asleep and he pounded me with fireballs until I died. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

I am so pissed at this game right now. I think it will be a while before I try it again.
Wooo, that's incredible. I didn't know he could move :eek:!
I couldn't help but laugh when I read this, you asked for it man, pissing off the Sleeper himself :p!
You were so close, such a shame really. Still, a damn worthy try.

HardCased

19.09.2007, 23:50

Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Yep - I consider it to actually be a bug if the Sleeper doesn't or, more precisely, if it can't move. I'm guessing that you don't work or study? It takes me weeks to play these games and you've blazed through in a matter of days - dedicated! If you've got so much free time, you might as well try again - at the rate that everyone else seems to be playing, you could probably get in another half dozen attempts and still be the first to pull it off. Bad luck getting so close...but you should play again. ;)

DTR

20.09.2007, 00:12

lol.

9 out of 10 times the sleeper stays put when Im playing. Actually I can do pretty much whatever I want and he just wont budge... Originally I thought that I had made it in time, and that the Sleeper was still sleeping.

Could the game be any more obnoxious? It is the same thing in effect when your downloads get stuck in 99.99% 5 kilobytes to go and 0 kb/down... Hilarious.

Sikkibahm

20.09.2007, 00:52

Yep - I consider it to actually be a bug if the Sleeper doesn't or, more precisely, if it can't move. I'm guessing that you don't work or study? It takes me weeks to play these games and you've blazed through in a matter of days - dedicated! If you've got so much free time, you might as well try again - at the rate that everyone else seems to be playing, you could probably get in another half dozen attempts and still be the first to pull it off. Bad luck getting so close...but you should play again. ;)

Well, I've never had him move before, and he stopped right in front of one of the hearts and just sat there, so how was it possible for me to win the game? It was rather frustrating.

I've had enough time to play because I've been putting off school work (I'm working on a M.A.), and I can only push it back for so long before I have to start actually doing something. I think I'll probably spend a few weeks getting stuff done and then come back and give Gothic another go.

Black Sphere

20.09.2007, 13:26

... the FREAKING SLEEPER WALKED OFF HIS PLATFORM TO ATTACK ME!!!
Wow ... never happened to me, and I think this shouldn't happen. Did he really walked or he fell from the platform when/because of turning?

Well, I've never had him move before, and he stopped right in front of one of the hearts and just sat there, so how was it possible for me to win the game? It was rather frustrating.

What a bummer. That's one of my greatest fears with hardcore playing; such bugs. Not that in such cases you can't re-play from last saving (not in this competition of course;)), but a deterrent is that usually it's a lot to re-play. Once I played - it was early when I got this game -, I went a bit to explore (to find any hidden goods) and I got stucked in a narrow 'ravine' between two rocks. So not killed but stuck. I had played that 'seance' quite long (whole afternoon and evening), so I had so much to re-play that I simply hadn't the will to re-play it, so I dumped the adventure and 'left' a game for a while.

Not need to say I don't do such extreme exploring anymore.:D

Sikkibahm

20.09.2007, 21:09

Wow ... never happened to me, and I think this shouldn't happen. Did he really walked or he fell from the platform when/because of turning?

I'm not sure. I went around the side to kill the first heart, and when I looked over the sleeper was on the ground.

Bastardo

23.09.2007, 06:14

I'm just outside the dragon room...I would appreciate some advices! If he kills me now.........

Black Sphere

23.09.2007, 12:53

... he'll kill you now. ;)

WernerTWC

23.09.2007, 13:22

I'm just outside the dragon room...I would appreciate some advices! If he kills me now.........

Summon something (Demon).

Gerrard

24.09.2007, 19:29

Sorry for not writing, I had some problems and I started from begining in path militia-paladin. I have mage path saved and soon I end this path I will continue where I stopped ( lvl 13. I think, Ch. 3) I was playing that path first time so I wasn´t be strighted into story.
NOW I am lvl. 18-19 and killed first dragon- almost killed 4 times ( seeker, ice golem, orc elite and wolf- yeah, almost while runing from orcs) I prefered on holy arrow and hardly rised mana on 50- easily recharging with mana essences, so now I shall rise my fighting skill till 70-80, crossbow to at least 60 and make my way to Irdorath as a true warrior of Innos:mad:§burn§burn

Gerrard

24.09.2007, 20:06

Here it is- my character screen:cool:
http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hardcorecharacterscreenth6.png
I hope it will work:rolleyes:
It is not working
well here is page where it is on Image shack:
http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hardcorecharacterscreenth6.png

Hellbilly

24.09.2007, 20:10

DIARY

I have four of the five focus stones, and the fifth is ready for me to grab. Fetching them has been pretty much a walk in the park, although I did not recall that the harpies were that dangerous! My first encounter with them nearly cost my life, but luckily I managed to turn around, flee, heal and approach them more carefully.

But trolls, bloodhounds, all the rest have been really easy to deal with. Even the undead guardian under the circle of stones was a piece of cake... I didn't even need to use the scroll.

I currently have 60 LP saved up, but I am uncertain whether this will be enough for me to do a mage character. Perhaps it would be wiser to learn archery and two-handed fighting? I could of course butcher the old camp soon (some risk) and the orc town (virtually no risk) for a few levels, but I am a bit hesitant especially about the old camp since the guards with their crossbows can sometimes be nasty. I will have to see.

I am also thinking about passing on the Chromanin-quest. That nasty surprise in the end has almost cost me my life before, and this time around that would be even less desirable than normally.

To end things, a picture of me and Milten having a dinner party:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_006.jpg

Black Sphere

25.09.2007, 19:46

Time to continue with my adventure ...

- G2 NotR

- Black Sphere's Fire Mage

So, I went into the Valley of Mines. Of course I got an assigment to check how much ore had dug in those mines. But I must get to Diego; he's a real help with following, you can clean a vast part of VoM with him. To reach him I've used Transform to Fire Lizard spell scroll, I have this spell and Trasform to Shadowbeast, but I know Orcs are attacking the Shadowbeasts so ... Damn that Fire Lizard is a powerful creature, I wish I would had more of these transform spells; on my way to Diego I attacked Snappers as a Fire Lizard; two fire breaths and Snapper is no more, I killed 5 Snappers literally in few seconds! After I talked to Diego I firstly ... knocked him down of course to equip him with some better weapondry; with Torturer's Axe and Ash Bow, but he picked up only the axe. I forgot that NPCs don't pick up ranged weapons. No problem, then I will play the archer with my Fire Arrow. So as mentioned we cleared vast portion of the VoM, on our way Bilgot (man-at-arms) from the 'middle' mine joined me/us, and I got all the info about the ore chests. Diego is helluva fighter (Bilgot seemed and acted as a rookie and he paid this with his life, Dragon Snapper got him), but his Shadow Armour is not so protective so he 'costed' me about 40 Healing Essences. A low cost for all those easy exp. points and in connection with it a couple of levels.

When we reached the exit from the valley I went into Khorinis to prepare myself for the continuing; to enter the 2nd Circle of Magic; my Magic Wand is loosing its power as a weapon, so I'll be more and more dependent from the magic when meeting tougher and tougher opponents. A Fire Arrow spell has also becamed too weak. This spell served me very, very well, but it's time for something stronger. I would really need something against The Seekers or I can be in trouble, so I was eager especially to see which spell from Water Mages is available, I bouth a book where those spells are listed but it doesen't say from which circle is some spell (in 1st circle there were none), also I hoped the 2nd circle spell from the 'Beliar rune' will be 'something of use'. So I went into Jharkendar to Water Mages. To my big surprise and great joy there were two available 'water' spells; Ice Lance and Dust Devil. I wanted them both, but I didn't had bloodfy wing needed for Dust Devil, I do remeber I had them but I sold them, and I can't remember to whom. And I got Steal Energy from praying to Beliar. Both Ice Lance and Steal Energy are giving the impression of a powerful spells, I can't wait to continue the adventure and go back into VoM to test them. I hope at least one of them will be effective against The Seekers.

I leaved some LP in reserve to enter the 3rd Circle as soon as it will be available (I want that Ice Block!)

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g6_1.jpg

Hellbilly

25.09.2007, 20:13

DIARY

I decided to go the mage way anyways. I didn't remember the increase in cost per circle is only 5 LP, so I got to the fourth circle straight away. The problem is mana: I only have 25. However, that is enough for a Death To The Undead-rune and five shots with it; invaluable in the Temple when I reach it.

I shall concentrate on getting to the sixth circle. Lee teaches a water mage two-handed fighting, doesn't he? If it looks like I won't make the last circle, I'll learn two-handed fighting level 1 and just wield Uriziel instead of the rune.

I reached Xardas without any problems and took out the guards outside the gate to the Old Camp. The runes I use now (whose names I forget) are a tad underpowered, but they'll do. With strength around 120 (I think), I am a more than formiddable melee fighter.

I will not concentrate on mana until I see if I'll reach the sixth circle of magic. If/when I do that, I will spend all remaining LP's on mana. But the main reason I wanted to become a magician was Death To The Undead. With it, the Sleeper's temple is made much easier. And with it, I am thinking that doing the Chromanin-quest would give me some needed XP...

Bastardo

26.09.2007, 18:08

wow the cemetary is getting full...
I don't have killed the dragon...gothic crashed after the door open and wont start:dnuhr: Now I've got to find time between a joint and another to reinstall

Black Sphere

26.09.2007, 22:12

I don't have killed the dragon...gothic crashed after the door open and wont start:dnuhr: Now I've got to find time between a joint and another to reinstall

Yes I remember something similar happened to me. I'm positive game crashed on me when killed the dragon and instead that the cut scene kicks in ... game crashed. But it's THE END anyway, so ... ;)

About my adventure (very briefly): As it seems Steal Energy spell works only gainst the human oponents, but it's great spell. The Ice Lance is a good spell, it needs 4 hits for Dragon Snapper and Orc Warrior, and 12 hits for The Seeker. Good, because those tough sons of bitches are totally 'imune' on weaker spells like Fire and Ice Arrow, and you must to hit him like billion times with Fire Bolt to kill him.

Btw, about the runes, I found quite some out there, in the nature; Fire Arrow (irrelevant as you make one to pass the Test Of Fire), Ice Arrow (knewed for it and where is lying - nice replacement for Fire Arrow, quite good against the animals), Fear and heal medium Wounds (both Level 3). I also have 9 blank rune stones§list.

Now I'm Khorinis and ready to enter 3rd Circle. And to kick some ass!

Bastardo

26.09.2007, 22:21

But it's THE END anyway, so ...
no, that appened before the boss.....

Black Sphere

27.09.2007, 00:15

no, that appened before the boss.....

I know, I talked about my case...

Sikkibahm

27.09.2007, 01:19

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

I've started up again after about a week long break, and am back into Gothic 2 NOTR. This time I'm going Mercenary, as I have never made it past the third chapter with them before, and would like to see how it works. I'm going with strength based one handed weapons this time, and have just joined the Mercenarys at level 11. So far everything has gone smoothly. I've done this first part so many times now I hardly have any problems. I read about the Black Troll being slow, and decided to try attacking him without shrinking him, something I've never done before. It was rather scary until I realized how hard it would be for him to hit me, and it worked out fine, so I did the same thing to the two trolls by the Mercenary camp.

Dino

28.09.2007, 18:51

this sure is a lot fun ^_^

I'm starting with

Gothic 1

Desired Class:Fire Mage>Water Mage>Necromancer
Build: One Hand and Magic
Primary Attributes: Strength and Mana

Diary: I just got into the Barrier. Now I'm headed for the Old Camp. I'll try to join as fast as I can

Hellbilly

29.09.2007, 08:57

I'll try to join as fast as I can

My advice would be the opposite: stall joining any camp for as long as you can and collect all XP from the easy admission quests for each camp. The LP you earn this way will make the start of the game easier.

DIARY

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_007.jpg

Taking back the not-so-free mine was a bloody but ultimately not too difficuilt task. A few risky situations aside, my cunning ploy of attacking them from the rear seemed to throw the old camp guards off guard.

The entrance to the mine was risky; a lot of guards and bolts whirling left and right. Instead of risking my life there, I left Gorn to deal with them and went myself into a side shaft dealing with a few minecrawlers (making sure to pick up their scales). There are a few beams there through which I could walk (glitch or not? Dunno) and drop down on the platform of the poisoned orc slave. I got him his potion and he agreed to make me an Ulu-Mulu if only I bring him his ingredients.

From there, I worked my way back to the entrance, using mainly magic to dispatch of the guards, although in a few places I had to carve my way with a sword. The crossbows of the guards are nasty, especially since the spells I use are chargeable and hence it takes time to cast them... a real disadvantage when fighting enemies who use ranged attacks! To my dissatisfaction I often had to cast half-charged spells on them, but I got the job done.

In the end Gorn, who'd probably killed like one guard, said what a tough fight it was... yeah right, what's that lazy git complaining about? I did all the work! :D

Now it's time to fetch the things for the Ulu-Mulu. I already got the shadowbeast horn, and I think only the fire lizards may pose a threat to me. But that remains to be seen. The ones down by the beach are reasonably easy to take out.

I reached Magic Circle 5, so now I need 35 LP (right?) more. I think I might make one more level when getting the pieces for the Ulu-Mulu, and I don't think it's impossible to gain two or even three levels in the temple before obtaining Uriziel. If I do so, I will probably skip the Chromanin-quest and maybe even skip going to the old camp (no point in taking extra risks when playing hardcore!). If not, It's Chromanin - kill orc town - old camp until I get the required experience to reach the sixth and final circle.

I also bought a necklace and a ring that enhance my mana, so now I have 50. That's enough, although I will still spend any extra LP on mana after I reach the sixth circle.

Onisuzume

29.09.2007, 11:56

Introduction:
Charname: Elisabeth.
Game: Gothic 2 Die Nacht Des Raben. (german version)
Desired Class: Mercenary/Dragonhunter. (Söldner/Drachenjäger)
Build: Swordmaiden.
Comments: Yeah, two-handers. So that means a lot of strength...
And in NotR: that is a *lot*.
I've also played NotR a couple of times before, so I think I'll have a good chance.
Planned ending weapon: Großer Erz-Drachentöter. (160 str, 140 reach, 180 damage)

Appearance:
A tough Nordmarian women who stands about 168cm tall. Her long black hair falls over her shoulders and down her back.

History:
There she was, laying buried underneath a ton of rock. She remembers banishing the sleeper once and for all, and then it happened; the entire temple came crashing down all around her. She sprinted towards the exit but to no avail; in a lapse of awereness, a rock fells ontop of her. Luckily; her ore armour took most of the force; cracking in several places. But still; she was alive, alive and stuck under a rock several dozen yards underneath the ground. Noone would come looking for her. Noone knew she was there, except for that necromancer, Xardas. She was going to die a lonely death. She wondered what would happen first; dehydration, starvation or suffocation. After a long time, though she was unsure of how long, she felt the distinct tingling of magic teleportation; was Xardas finaly going to save her?

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day One.
I was right; Xardas managed to get out of the Sleeper's temple. Then he told me the bad news, and the worst news. Dragons have come... and Beliar's wrath has grown even bigger due to me banishing the Sleeper. He told me to go to Khorinis and get an amulet from the Paladins, some Eye of Innos. On my way to khorinis I stumbled across a cave with some goblins, a few moments and goblins later, I found myself in a small valley. There I met Lester. I told him to go see Xardas about the shadows he saw. Continueing to khorinis I saw cavalorn, who had problems with soem bandits. He told me about the "Ring of Water" and gave me a message for vatras, the watermage. After doing some work on Lobart's farm, I met a pirate who was desperate to enter the city, so I sold my hard-earned clothes to him; and made 20 gold profit! Making my way around the city, I managed to reach the lighthouse, where I turned back towards the city, over the cliffs, thus avoiding the city guards. Walking around the harbor, I met another old friend, Lares this time. After a little chat, I decided to become a Mercenary with Lee again; still, I needed to reach Lord Hagan, who stays in the city's upper quarter. Asking around; I've been told that only citizens can get there. Thus I continued on with my next quest; becomming a citizen. After getting Gritta's money for Matheo, I delivered Cavalorn's message to vatras, and got his blessing. On the market I bought a rightstaff, as well as the blessing from the firemage. With my new weapon in hand; it was time to get that ork weapon...
Luckily; on my way to the lighthouse I noticed a cave with an ork weapon stuck in a corpse, so it was time to get it. On my way there I picked the herbs that Constantino wanted, all except for the King's Sorrel. Asking around at the market, I found out that I could find one at the stone circle near Lobart's farm. After getting the last herb, it was time to visit Constantino again, who was suprised to know that I managed to find all the herbs. The only task remaining now is getting the wolfskins for Bosper...

Dino

29.09.2007, 17:24

Onisuzume

29.09.2007, 19:24

Dino

29.09.2007, 21:26

Reminds me; I once beat silas and lester while wearing nothing but digger's clothes. If you feel confident enough; you might want to do the same; Lares' axe is a really sweet weapon at have, since you probably won't find anything better till chapter 3 or 4.

I did that. after that, I was crazy enough to attack jackal, who's axe was like 1 dmg below silas'
and that wasn't enough for me. I kicked the ore baron's asses. Well, I hit 'em 2 times, they kick my ass, I stand up again,another 2 hits on 'em, they beat the crap outa me and I repeat that 'till they fall on the ground. Gomez only stands aside and enjoys the fight. Now I have Arto's, Scar's and Raven's Swords. Chapter 2, level 9(or 10) I'll upload a screenshot tomorrow.
also, I have the heavy shadow armor which costs 1200 ore.After that I had nothing but 50 ore nuggets. and guess what? I made a fortune outa them. I bought a raw steel blade, sold some of my previous weapons and bought some lockpicks. I made around 50-60 Crude Swords(got half of them from a chest, that's why I needed the lockpicks), which are 50 ore each. So, atm I am rich and strong:cool:

Sikkibahm

29.09.2007, 22:34

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

I'm beginning to think that this will be the time I actually beat it. It's sooo much easier playing as a Mercenary and using strength based weapons. I hadn't realized just how hard being a mage was until I tried something else. Anyway, I'm currently at level 36, and have killed two of the four dragons. It's been cool getting quests which I've never gotten before, since I've never played as a Mercenary. So far nothing has gone extremely differently than the last time I made it this far, other than my stats. Right now I've got 165 str (while wearing Franco's amulet and a belt of strength), and need only five more to be able to use that amazing bezerker's axe. Unfortunately I didn't plan to use two handed weapons at the beginning, so I'm currently using the Claw of Beliar (which is one handed) until I train two-handed high enough to use the stronger weapons well (I'm not using them until I get to Master in two handed, and I'm currently ten short). Also, Jan the Dragon Hunter smith told me he could make me some armor if I brought him 20 dragon scales, so I spent learning points to learn how, and now he's charging me 12,000 gold pieces for the Medium Dragon Hunter's armor, and it says the damage prevention is worse (80,80) than my Light Dragon Hunter's armor (100,100). What the heck? Am I missing something here?

One other interesting thing has happened. I didn't realize that the Mercenaries/Farmers would love me so much that they would attack whoever I attacked. I attacked Till to get his xp, and after I knocked him down his own father came over and plunged his sword into him!

Huntsman

30.09.2007, 10:02

Diary:
I died in the damned mine cuz I'm an idiot :D not such a big deal, I played like 1 hour to "equip" my hero with digger pants and some weapons.

started all over again, now I'm in the new camp, just finished carrying the water for the peasants. I'll not give Mordrag's ring to Lares. I have better use of it. Once I get some more strength, I'll kick Lefty's ass.
Please provide details as to how did your character die, no matter how stupid the reason might be. That's the way this thread has operated so far - I enlist every character death in the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard. :)

Hellbilly

30.09.2007, 10:15

DIARY

I now have the Ulu-Mulu. The shadowbeasts were a piece of cake with magic. I also tested my power against the orc dogs both in the pass and by the river; no problem with them either. The swampsharks... bwahah, don't kid me! A walk in the park.

The troll was a bit tougher, though. They've got a ton of hitpoints and magic isn't very useful against them. I tried summoning skeletons to help me out, but they were like gnats to the troll, who anyways mostly came after me. One hit took more than 50% of my HP, so it was tricky. I got him in the end though with a bit of hit and run-tactics.

Whilst there, I also took out Quentin's bandits. I think one got away and I didn't bother chasing him (or returning to the spot later when he'd be there again). I picked them out one by one or two at a time by standing on the cliffs surrounding their camp. And seeing me made them flee, so it was another stroll in the park.

The fire lizards always scare the s**t out of me. One hit from them can prove fatal even to high-level characters, so there's every reason to be careful around these powerful critters. Heck, there's evidence of that among the unfortunate adventurers in this thread as well! So instead of harvesting XP by killing all of them, I just killed one of the fire lizards at the beach and took the tongue. Didn't feel like sticking around a second longer than necessary!

So, now I have the Ulu-Mulu and I will be heading to the orc town. I will not kill the orcs there at the moment. I still need 25 XP to reach the sixth circle, but I will wait and see how much I get from the temple and Xardas' old tower before attacking the orc town.

But I am determined to survive the temple and the Sleeper. I am already itching to start playing G2: NoTR hardcore, but first I shall complete G1.

Dino

30.09.2007, 10:48

Please provide details as to how did your character die, no matter how stupid the reason might be. That's the way this thread has operated so far - I enlist every character death in the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard. :)

ok then:

I tried to trick the game and make a guard commit suicide from a high ladder so I can rob him but instead of the guard I fell from the ladder and died :D ^^
I forgot to press ctrl and I only pressed W and 1 sec after that the hero was dead. the damned guard was just standing there watching my corpse

Onisuzume

30.09.2007, 17:56

Well, just saying that I noticed that I made some critical mistakes with my character and thus started a new game. Currently on Lobart's farm. The "story" will stay the same though.

Dino

30.09.2007, 18:51

Diary

DEAD

I tried to take over the new mine all by myself. I almost made it, I was too stupid at the bottom. there were 4 mercs shooting at me and I didn't hide. too bad. level 15, high mage of the circle of fire, chapter 3, circle 3, 70 str, scar's sword, 10k ore and 21 mana ^^

Hellbilly

30.09.2007, 22:02

DIARY

DEAD!!!

Things were going so well. The Sleeper's Temple was not very challenging and I was just about to fetch Uriziel when a momentary memory lapse sealed my fate. I remembered that the spikes were active only when I was leaving the chamber... think again!

The moment I realized my mistake was excruciating. Mortifying. For a fraction of a second I was about to reload, but then the terrible fact hit me. This was it. Dead. Finito. Over. Impaled by some friggin' spikes! What a unworthy way to go.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/j_dread/gothic1diary/gothic_1_diary_008.jpg

I came so close. The challenge is over, but I think I'll load my game and play it to the finish outside of it, and then start G2. Hardcore, of course!

EDIT: I was level 27 when I died.

Onisuzume

01.10.2007, 17:11

Sorry to read that you came that far only to die to a trap.

Anyways; I've started notR over, again.
And yes, again due to me realizing that I made some fatal errors.
Btw; for anyone else wanted to do NotR on hardcore: don't learn how to smith the ruby blade early on; it's definitly not worth it yet. (yeah, I wasted about 20 LP to find that out... 20LP that could've been spend on something more imporant... like strength/weaponskill)

New char:
Introduction:
Charname: Elisabeth.
Game: Gothic 2 Die Nacht des Raben. (german version)
Desired Class: Mercenary/Dragonhunter. (Söldner/Drachenjäger)
Build: Swordmaiden.
Comments: Yeah, two-handers. So that means a lot of strength...
And in NotR: that is a *lot*.
I've also played NotR a couple of times before, so I think I'll have a good chance.
Planned ending weapon: Großer Erz-Drachentöter. (160 str, 140 reach, 180 damage)

Appearance:
A tough Nordmarian women who stands about 168cm tall. Her long black hair falls over her shoulders and down her back.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/Onisuzume/G2NotR_Hardcore_Elisabeth.jpg
Note: this image is for reference purposes only. No actual gaming will be done with it, except for a possible death picture.

History:
There she was, laying buried underneath a ton of rock. She remembers banishing the sleeper once and for all, and then it happened; the entire temple came crashing down all around her. She sprinted towards the exit but to no avail; in a lapse of awereness, a rock fells ontop of her. Luckily; her ore armour took most of the force; cracking in several places. But still; she was alive, alive and stuck under a rock several dozen yards underneath the ground. Noone would come looking for her. Noone knew she was there, except for that necromancer, Xardas. She was going to die a lonely death. She wondered what would happen first; dehydration, starvation or suffocation. After a long time, though she was unsure of how long, she felt the distinct tingling of magic teleportation; was Xardas finaly going to save her?

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day One.
I was right; Xardas managed to get out of the Sleeper's temple. Then he told me the bad news, and the worst news. Dragons have come... and Beliar's wrath has grown even bigger due to me banishing the Sleeper. He told me to go to Khorinis and get an amulet from the Paladins, some Eye of Innos. Probably easier said than done. Near Xardas' tower, I saw a small lake with a waterfall and a goblin standing on the shore. Time to kill that dreksviecher! It only took me a few blows before the goblin was down, after which I noticed a small pier leading to a cave. My adventurer's spirit lighting up, I entered the cave. While exploring the cave, I came across a few more goblins as well as a pair of young fieldraiders, all of which were easily dispatched. I soon found out that the cave I was exploring, was, in fact, a tunnel instead, leading to a secluded valley. There I met Lester again. Who told me what had happened after the barrier collapsed. He also told mer of a way to enter the city, as a herb collector for one Constantino, an alchemist who lives in Khorinis. He also told me that he thought that he saw a dragon. So I told him that Xardas might be interested in hearing about it. After that, I explored the valley, though my fear of the wolves kept me away from them. Eventually I stumbled across a small cave with a few giant rats in it. And though I would've prefered some mutton, ratmeat is also edible, so into a stew they went. Inside the cave I found an old sword, a tombstone for some "Lotar" as well as two stone coffins. Considdering the valley explored, I back-tracked my way through the tunnel and started my way to Khorinis. Unfortunatly; a wolf blocked my way with no way around. So I drew my heavy branch and threw it over the cliff, hoping that the wolf would jump after it... but it didn't. So I drew another heavy branch and prepared for the worst. Luckily, the worst happened to the wolf instead. Up ahead I saw a campfire with a man fighting some goblin, which were quickly killed by him. I remember seeing him before, somewhere between the old camp and the new camp. I think that "Cavalorn" was his name. I asked him about the odd armour that he was wearing, and was told that it's the armour of the "Ring of Water". He was appearantly robbed by bandits, and left as food for the goblins. I asked if I could help him, and he offered me a Wolf Knife and some healing potions, which I thankfully accepted. I decided to take a look at the bandits before helping him kill them. The bandit told me that half of Khorinis is looking for me. He told me to go speak to his boss, but I learned long ago never to trust a bandit. So I asked him if it wasn't a trap, since I fell into a trap like that back in the colony. After which he become a lot more friendly. He even gave me a potrait of mine, which appearantly a lot of bandits recieved from someone. I decided to press him for a name. "Dexter" came the reply. A former Shadow from the old camp. In return, I told him that problems were coming. So he fled down the road. I walked back to Cavalorn after which we cleared out the remaining bandits. I also picked up their leader's Spiked Club, which would serve me a lot better than a heavy branch. And back on the road to Khorinis it was, though the road appeared to be very long at that moment. After a small part in the road, I came on an open field. Along the road was a shrine dedicated to Innos. A few pieces of food were laying infront of the shrine. And I took them all, since I needed them more then a piece of rock would. In the distance I saw a shepherd, some sheep and a farm. I decided to see if there was something to be gotten. The shepherd struck up a conversation with me, telling me that I was lucky to come down the mountains now and not three weeks ago, since they would've mistaken me for an escaped convict(which I, infact, was). I told him that I was attacked by bandits on my way here, at which he told me that they've had some problems with the bandits. He was happy to hear that those problems were over and gave me a few bottles of wine as reward. A short time later I found the farmer, Lobart he was called. I asked him if he had work for me. And he did... I had to pick all the turnips from the field... after some hard work I was tired and went to sleep in the barn.

Huntsman

01.10.2007, 17:54

Onisuzume

01.10.2007, 18:27

@Onisuzume

Wonderful diary! Now that's how I imagined diaries in this challenge to be. Keep it up!
Oh and are you just imagining your NH to be a female, or are you using some mod I don't know of that really makes him (her) woman?

My college has started so I doubt I'll have time to play Gothic anytime soon. Your characters are really making me drool all over the keyboard guys :(.

P.S. Updated the Unfortunate Adventurers' Graveyard list with new arrivals.
Ever heard of an testactor called "face-helper"? (insert fc in g2/notr)
It pretty much allows you to play with any human appearance.
Including as a woman.
However; it does break some parts of the game.
The most notable ones is that you can't read books from bookstands or sleep in beds.

Thus; due to this being a Hardcore challenge, I'd only use it for possible screenshots. (I think it might also break the plot in chapter 5 or so, the hidden library under the monestary)

Oh; the cinematic you get in the "red lantern" doesn't change either. (would've been fun, but no)

And since my modden talents are at an absolute 0.
I'll be playing with the regular hero for most of the game.(pretty much *all* of the game)

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day Two.
I woke up around eight 'o clock. Time for another day of working on the farm. Hilda, the farmer's wife, told me that a travelling merchant was nearby, and send me to him to buy her a new pan... When I talked to the merchant, he offere me a pass to get into the city. I declined, knowing that I would find a way into the city myself. After that, I sold him some of my loot that I hard gathered thusfar. I also bought a new pan for Hilda. On my way back, I stopped by Vino, and asked if he could use some help in the field. The only "help" he wanted was me and a bottle of wine. I told him that he could forget about me, though I did give him the wine. Afterwards, I returned the pan to Hilda, and got some stew as reward. Finaly some real food! Reporting back to Lobart, I asked how much some farmer's clothing would cost me. "30 gold" he said. The gold change hands, and he told me that I would find the clothes in a chest inside his house. When I went to get the clothes, however, I noticed that they wouldn't fit me. So I took everything out of the chest instead. That should teach him not to cheat on someone! I walked around the farmland to clear my mind, only to find some more dreksviecher, which I dispatched. I also came across a man with an eye-patch who wanted to get into the city, so I sold him the farmer's clothes for 50 gold. Not bad if I do say so myself. I noticed a ditch next to the city gate, probably a long dried-out moat. I decided to follow it, in hopes of finding an other way in. I came to the east-gate, and still no sign of an unguarded entrance... Maybe from the top of that lighttower up ahead I could see one? While walking up the path to the lighttower, I noticed a cliff extending to the left of it, and what appeared to be right up to the city's wall! Now, if I could only climb over that cliff... A sudden noise behind me startled me, and I ran for it, straight towards the cliff. I managed to climb ontop of some rocks. Which appearantly saved me from a boar! Quick prayer to Innos later, I was slowly making my way across the cliff towards the city wall, and into the city. I made it! While I was walking across the harbour, I met Lares, who asked me if I swom into Khorinis! We talked a bit about the Mercenaries, and after that I continued my way across the harbour. On the other side I met Farim, a fisherman, who had some problems with the Paladins. I offered to help out. Not far away I found Martin, the quartermaster, who said that he could help with Farim's problem. Farim was thankful and gave me an aquamarine as reward... which was nice, except for the fact that aquamarines don't colour well with my eyes! At least it wasn't part of some jewelry... Making towards the only real ship in town, I was stopped by some knights saying that I wasn't allowed on board. Making my way back to town, I noticed an old pier to my left. And, after making my way past tons of crates, barrels and sacks, I found something worth the effort; a piece of magic ore! I gonna save that for later, since you never know when it might come in handy. Making my way through town, I met a woman called Edda who as making fishsoup, and offered to make soup for me as well. She also said that I could sleep in her hut if I wanted to; what a nice woman. Near the southgate, some Paladin named Lothar talked to me, asking me how I got in town. He quickly forgot about it when I said that I had an important message for the leader of the Paladins though. I told him that dragons had come, at which he almost put me in jail! He said that a guy named "Diego" was in town a few weeks ago telling stories about dragons as well. He was especially suprised when I asked him about the Eye of Innos. He told me that I'd have to talk to lord Hagen for that though. He also told me that there was no way that I could see him, since I needed to be a citizen to be allowed into the city's upper quarters. He also told me the city's rules.. I think I fell half asleep after the first rule though. I asked one of the merchants, one Matteo, how I could get into the upper quarter of the city. He told me that I'd have to be a citizen for that, and that he could help me become one. Though he wanted 100 gold for it, that shark! Luckly, he told me that it wasn't my money he was after, but that of one Gritta. Who appearantly lives with one of the other masters, one Thorben. I also talked to Bosper, one of the masters, he was willing to take me on as an apprentice, though he wanted six wolf furs before I could become his apprentice, or the apprentice of one of the other masters. Next I spoke with Thorben, who was willing to give his approval, if I got the blessing of a priest of Innos and a priest of Adanos. Great, where can I find those anyways? Anyways; I nxt spoke to the smith, who wanted an ork weapon! Like I could fight an ork, I'd have to find an ork weapon somehow though... last on the row was Constantino, who I knew was an alchemist. I asked what it would take to be his apprentice. Innitially, he refused, saying that he didn't want to risk losing yet another apprentice. In the end, though, he would considder it if I'd bring him eleven different herbs. Thank Innos I lready had most of them. All I needed was a King's Sorrel and a Fireroot. Up ahead I saw a figure in a blue robe, that had to be a watermage. "Vatras" was his name he said. I remember that Cavalorn told me to give a message to Vatras, so I give him the letter. He told me some more about the "Ring of Water" and asked if I wanted to join. Eager to join, I said yes. He told me that I'd only be considdered to join if I could find out where all the missing people went... great, as if I'd just stumble across the lot of them having a party in some valley or something. I almost forgot to ask him for his blessing before leaving for a priest of Innos. The marketplace wasn't far away from Vatras' temple, and it was there that I found a firemage named Daron. Who would give me his blessing in return for a donation. A donation of 50 gold that is! Still; I gave him the money and he gave me the blessing. I noticed a potion merchant, and asked him if he made the potions himself. Instead, he told me, he gets them from Constantino. Intrigued I asked him if he knew where Constantino got his herbs from. He told me that the place was just outside the eastgate! He also told me that you can't find a King's Sorrel there though. So I asked him where I could get one. Near stone circles he told me, he also told me that there's a stone circle near Lobart's farm. So it's off to find it. Along the way to the southgate I told Thorben that I got the blessings of the two priests. Then it was off into the wilds for a King's Sorrel and some wolf furs. But where to find some wolves? I made my way to the stone circle, and after an hour or so of searching I finaly found it, though it had gotten dark. I decided to go look for the Fireroot and the wolves next morning. Back at the southgate, the guards wouldn't let me in untill I told them I was gathering herbs for Constantino. I showed them the stacks of herbs I had with me and they let me in. So for now, I decided to pick up on Edda's offer. Thankfully, she was still awake when I arived at her hut, and after a short chat, I went to bed.

Sikkibahm

01.10.2007, 23:35

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

I've made it to the Halls of Irdorath. Later tonight I'll venture inland. I've only actually finished the game once (the first time I played), so I don't remember it much at all. Usually I get bored after defeating the dragons and stop playing, but it's hard to get bored when you're playing the hardcore way. I'm currently level 40 something (don't remember exactly what it was) and can fight anything I've come across with ease. I've got my destroy undead spells ready for the final boss, so hopefully he'll go down easily. Anything I should beware of before I venture in? Thanks. I think I'm really going to make it this time. There's no damn Sleeper to bug off of his platform this time.

Hellbilly

02.10.2007, 06:11

@Hellbilly

That's a damn shame your character died that way. I remember warning Sikkibahm about those spikes because they killed my reloaded-dead-hardcore character once, but you probably haven't seen that post or forgot about it.
Your character was the oldest hardcore character - he was there since the very beginning. R.I.P. ;)

Yes, it was a real "beginner's error"... heck, nobody who's played Gothic through as many times as I have should make that error! But, a moment's slip, a temporary lapsus, and it's all over when playing hardcore. That is what makes it so much more involving; the further you get, the more intolerable the mere thought of dying gets, and the more careful you play. That is, until you make one single stupid mistake.

it's hard to get bored when you're playing the hardcore way..

I totally agree. Continuing to play after my character's unfortunate demise, I noticed it is not at all as involving and exciting as it was prior to it. I usually get really bored when I come as far as the Sleeper's Temple in G1 and play it through just because I don't want to leave it unfinished, but not this time around.

Onisuzume

02.10.2007, 10:35

Also, Jan the Dragon Hunter smith told me he could make me some armor if I brought him 20 dragon scales, so I spent learning points to learn how, and now he's charging me 12,000 gold pieces for the Medium Dragon Hunter's armor, and it says the damage prevention is worse (80,80) than my Light Dragon Hunter's armor (100,100). What the heck? Am I missing something here?
Well, yeah.
But is it just the dialogue that says it's worse?
Mondgesänge says that it gives 120/120 protection though.

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

I've made it to the Halls of Irdorath. Later tonight I'll venture inland. I've only actually finished the game once (the first time I played), so I don't remember it much at all. Usually I get bored after defeating the dragons and stop playing, but it's hard to get bored when you're playing the hardcore way. I'm currently level 40 something (don't remember exactly what it was) and can fight anything I've come across with ease. I've got my destroy undead spells ready for the final boss, so hopefully he'll go down easily. Anything I should beware of before I venture in? Thanks. I think I'm really going to make it this time. There's no damn Sleeper to bug off of his platform this time.
Well, you're playing NotR, so I actually sorta hope you don't make it.
That way I got a chance to be the first one to finish it. ^^

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day Three.
It all came to me when I woke up. I left a couple of wolves alive back when I was exploring Lester's valley. So I set off to find them. On my way there, not far from the shrine of Innos, I notice a pair of young wolves. Must've been my lucky day I thought. So I drew my spiked club and beat the head of one to a bloody pulp. Ewww! Gross... Thankfully, nothing splattered over me. The other wolf was less dramatic about it. Continueing my journey, I passed Cavalorn, and told him that I had delivered his message to Vatras. Nearing Xardas' tower, I decided to go see how Lester was doing before going to the wolves. Though I knew it was just an excuse to hide my fear of wolves. Lester was still pretty tired, though he was happy to hear that his idea of getting into the city worked. I also asked Xardas if he learned anything from Lester. He told me that things didn't bode well, and if what Lester told him was true, I would need protection from magic. He gave me a ring which does just that. Neat! I quickly put the ring around a finger and started walking towards Lester's Valley. On my way there I wondered how many wolves would be there, and if I could get enough furs from them. There were a total of five wolves down there. Those, along with the two wolves near Lobart's farm would yield enough fur for Bosper. Now, all I needed to do was get an ork weapon, as well as a fireroot... So back to the city it was, and time to deliver the furs to Bosper. He was happy to see me bring in the six furs, though when I asked if he would allow me to become the apprentice of an other master, he tried to convince me otherwise, but agreed in the end. On my way to the eastgate I passed several merchants. One of them, Jora, was appearantly robbed in broad daylight by some Rengaru. I told him that I'd get his money back. When I confronted Rengaru about it, he took off as fast as he could. When I wanted to persue him, one of the other merchants, Canthar, appoarched me with an offer. I was to put a message into Sarah's goods. I said that I'd take care of it, and went to Lord Andre instead. Explaining the situation, he quickly put Canthar behind bars. Now, where did that Rengaru go? I think I saw him running behind the barracks... And there he was, in the small meadow where I first entered the city. I managed to get the merchant's gold back, though I let Rengaru go after he told me that it could be beneficial to me. Back at the marketplace, I told Sarah about Canthar's plan, and she gave me a pirat's saber as reward! Too bad that I couldnt use it yet. And even if I could, I prefered two-handers. Jora wasn't happy to know that Rengaru got away, though he was happy to have his gold back. Next I decided to go find that fireroot, Zuris said that I should be able to find it just north of the city. And he was right, I decided to gather some other herbs as well. I also came across a small cave, and inside I found an ork weapon without an owner, so I adopted it. This must really be my lucky day! Back in town, I visited Constantino, who was more than suprised to see me bring all eleven herbs back to him. Next, I showed Harad the ork weapon I found in the cave, and he said that he'd give his approval. Now I had a big choice to make, with who did I want to be an apprentice? I didn't fancy the idea of fetching herbs for Constantino or poisoning myself, so it was either Bosper or Harad... I decided that Bosper probably only needed me to get furs, so Harad it was! Time to become a smith! Maybe, someday, when I finaly get back home, they'll be proud of the swords that I make. But that's probably years from now. Still, that's more then enough time to refine the art. After that I talked to several people in the city about the missing people. Some of them new of someone who had disappeared, though noone could tell me any more then that. I also spoke with an odd fellow from varant, some abu..something. He told me of the future. Orks, the valley of mines, men in shining armour, a mage, a friend who awaits me, some old city, ruins, and Quarhodron in Jharkendar, who is being called. Though I have no idea what it all means. Afterwards, I donated a large sum of gold to Daron, at which he said that the blessing of Innos is always with me. With the stars shining bright in the dark sky, I decided to go to sleep after a short chat with Edda.

Oh, and I might decide to put the dairy in the creative corner.
When it's finished that is. Though I'll probably have to do G1 before that...

Fogotick

02.10.2007, 15:41

Hey guys, I've been reading about the hardcore experience of the gothic games and wanted to try that myself. I'm not exactly the most experienced gothic player but from what I read from you guys, hardcore playing sounds like fun.

Most likely I'll end up decorating the graveyard but I wanna challenge myself to see how far i can get without dying. So here's what I've been planning:

Game: G2-NotR
Charname: Fogotick's Hardcore Militia Archer
Desired Class: Militia/Paladin
Build: Archery/DEX Swords

I chose archery as my build cause I'm not much of a swordman and I'd rather climb a higher ground and snipe my opponents. I'll only use swords in the beginning and when I don't want to kill my opponent. Also I'll be using as much of spell scrolls as possible since of the low mana usage and the fact that they deal a lot more damage.

Ok, I'm starting my challenge now, wish me luck...

Fogotick

Black Sphere

02.10.2007, 17:28

Wow, a lot had happened since my last report. I am so sorry for all that deaths, Dino, Hellbilly (what a blunder there mate!:p), so so sorry ... not.:G *just kidding guys*

Good luck, Fogotick.;)

- G2 NotR

- Black Sphere's Fire Mage

I'm now into Chapter 3. I entered the 3rd Circle of Magic and learned Ice Block, then first thing I've gone to see which spell in 3rd Circle offers 'Beliar' rune. There were two; some 'battle' spell (can't remember its name, have 200 damage for 100 mana - not an optimal ratio) and Create Stone Sentinel. Good, I need some summoning spell to use it with Ice Block so I can save some LP with not learning Create Skeleton magic. I also learned Small Fire Storm, and now I can use Fear and Heal Medium Wounds I found 'out there'. I feel so 'strong' now, I'm also much more brave, I'm not running away if I just smell the fight is not going my way (I have now also those teleport spells as the last resort for retreating).

By the way I finished some quests I left behind in Khorinis and some new ones like freeing Bennet from the prison and to collect the forged mining shares and so on. In the monastery I learned that Pedro went under the influence of dark forces and he stole the Eye. Of course now I must find him and the Eye. Here I must point out my joy as I didn't remembered quite well this part of the game. I felt excellent! But on the road again it sadly camed back to me. On my way towards the Stone Circle Of The Sun when I met first Seeker I realised Stone Sentinels are not such a good fighters. I went back into monastery and learn Create Skeleton. Then I maded a test; I summoned both, Stone Sentinel and Skeleton (I estimated they'll attack each other) to see what happens. Stone Sentinel were no match to Skeleton, it surprisingly quickly dealed with the Sentinel. So I teleported myself to Xardas to change Create Stone Sentinel into Steal Energy. True that spell works only with humans, but it's excellent spell for its purpose; later I had a great fun with this spell when meeting Sentenza and his boys, when he again wanted to frisk my pockets; one Steal Energy sucked all HP from Sentenza and filled mine with it. But the best part is, the spell don't kill the victim, so one swing with a sword and he's flattened.

To cut story short, I obtained the Eye from the Seekers, went to Pyrokar with it, then to Vartras, then to Bennet to repair the Eye (by the way I finally kicked Bullco's butt), then to Xardas to provide me the proof for Pyrokar, then back to Pyrokar ... That proof was at Sekob's farm, and his house was infested with Seekers. Hm, had to be careful here. I used the nearby piles of straw for the cover when I 'refilled' my Mana, and Seekers patiently waited on the other side of the pile to continue with our fight, or better said with our spell firework. In the Xardas' chest I beside the proof for Pyrokar also found Create Goblin Skeleton rune. So here is hiding this rune, I knewed it's somewhere out there, but I didn't knew where. If I would remember it's in this chest I would (maybe) learn it sooner, and not wait to find it; at this stage it's 'obsolete'.

I bringed repaired Eye to the stone circle, the mages got stoned with swampweeds I gave to them, and they performed a bonding ritual. After the Eye were charged I received a High Fire Robe from Pyrokar. It was about time cuz I've started to use the Priests' intead of Warriors' 'trinity' (necklace + 2 rings).

I went back to monastery to see if I can now enter the 4th Circle. I could, so I learned Lightning. I would also like to learn Create Stone Golem, but I don't have the heart of stone golem to create the rune.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x48/ostalaroba/g7_1.jpg

Now I'm ready to go after the dragons. And after the Orcs. I will probably help myself with the dragon hunter (can't recall his name) which follows/help you there. I tend to provoke him and defeat in the duel to replace his axe with some better two-hander. But all this next time playing;)...

Fogotick

02.10.2007, 17:32

Ok, so I've started my challenge and I'm loving it, how every fight against some insignificant goblin feels more exciting cause you know that this could be it, the end, just like in real life.

DIARY:

Part 1:There I was, standing in Xardas' tower, listening something about an amulet, didn't make much of it until I heard the words: "Anything that looks useful to you, you may have". Big mistake, since I took everything that wasn't nailed down. After leaving the tower I did my most heroic deed so far, killed a sheep, but the adventure is far from over.

Part 2: May rats rain upon thee, said Beliar. And so it did. There I was, killing monsters in the walley where Lester was hiding when rats starter falling from the sky. Apparently they we're out to get me and jumped off the cliff above me. Can you believe it, the rats these days.

Part 3: After leaving the walley I stumbled across and old frind, Cavalorn. With hes assistance, I cleared the bandits in the cave and kept on going towards the farm. After working for lobart I finally got the work clothes and sold them to Greg, the pirate standing outside of town and followed him into town telling the guards I have some plant for the alchemist.

Here's my character at the moment, I've just gotten into the city.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc232/Fogotick/stats01.jpg

Fogotick

Onisuzume

02.10.2007, 18:37

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day Four.
I woke up around eight 'o lock again. I started the day with some fresh fish soup made by Edda. Afterwards, I helped with the dishes and I was off to find Lares, who I still had to give that ornament piece. I asked him if he could bring me to Onar's farm. He was, though I had to find some relief for him first, so he gave me his aquamarine ring, which I had to wear, and talk to one of the merchants. Great... this day was starting off pretty badly, since aquamarines really don't colour well with my eyes. I just hope that noone will notice... So off to the market it was. There, I noticed that Baltram was staring a my ring, so I asked him about it. I told him that Lares needed relief at the harbour. And he told me that he'd take care of it. Back to Lares it was then, and off to Onar's farm. On my way back to Lares I noticed a shepherd who appeared to have a problem. So I asked him about it, and I was right. Alwin told me that some Fellan guy keeps hammering all day long and that it's driving him and his sheep crazy. I offered to solve his problem. A short chat with Fellan later, and I knew that he'd only stop if thoroughly beaten. So I drew my old sword and started hitting him, he could barely retaliate before he was laying on the ground. I took his stuff and his shortsword for good measure as well. After he got up, he was quite eager to stop hammering. Considdering the job completed, I returned to Alwin, who was so happy that the hammering had stopped that he even gave me 5 gold more than promised! Maybe this day wouldn't turn out so poorly after all? Walking down the main street to Lares, some guy who was standing around the entrance of the One-legged klabouter came looking for problems. And he found them. A heavy branch is no match for (not so) solid steel, and after exchanging blows for a few moments, he bit the dust. That should teach him not to bother a woman again! After that, I told Lares that it was all taken care of, and we were off to Onar's farm. Along the way we came across some wolves, some molerats and a goblin. All of which Lares dispatches with skill in a few blows. Though shortly after we passed a tavern named "The Dead Harpy", he told me to follow the road, and he went back to the city. Great... Lets just hope I don't come across anything nasty... Up ahead I saw a couple of wolves, to my right a lake with lurkers and bloodflies... great. Wolves are bad, but lurkers are even worse. So, mastering my fears, I faced the wolves. It was easier than I thought. I continued along the shore of the lake, picking herbs and swampweed as I went. Walking along the edge of the cliff, I returned to the road, and shortly after, a fieldraider came charging at me. Readying my sword, the bug charged right into it. I tried to dodge it's flailing claws, though one of them cought me square in my side, making a small gash. Angered, I tried to cut the sword upwards with all my strength, and, after a few seconds, the sword was free of the bug, just as it's head. I drank one of the healing potions I had with me, and I felt the wound closing almost instantly. Satisfied at my victory, I walked towards the farm I saw up ahead. When I neared the farm, a mercenary with grey hair halted me, and demanded that I payed 50 gold. I payed him the gold since I doubted that I could beat him in a fair fight, let alone with the to mercenaries next to him. On the farm I met another old friend, Wolf. After a short chat, he told me that he's looking for work, though not in the city. I bought some steel from Bennet, the local smith, and forged me a better sword, since my current sword was, well, getting a bit old. I also met Cipher, who's still on swampweed. He told me that he'd vote for me if I could bring him ten sticks of swampweed. Bodo, one of the farmers, was nice enough to give me a stick. Cord would help me become a mercenary after I said that I "live under Lares' wings". He agreed to teach me how to fight. A bit further ahead in the meadow, I met Pepe, the sheperd. He had some problems with a couple of wolves who were eating his sheep. Feeling pity for the poor guy, I said that I would help. A short walk into the forst later, and I saw the four young wolves. It was time to quench my newly made sword in the blood of some enemies. During the battle I marveled at the craftsmenship of my sword, it was perfectly balanced, as well as a sharp edge. The wolves didn't stand a chance. Pepe was happy to hear that the wolves were no longer a problem, and he also told me that it was actually Bullco's job to guard the sheep from predators. Now, where was Bullco again? Asking around, I heard that he usually hang out with his friend Sylvio at the tavern. I tried to confront Bullco about it, but all he did was tell me to get lost. Jarvis, an other mercenary a the tavern, told me that I would get his vote if I would beat up three of Sylvio's men. Standing near the small shrine was Dar, a mercenary who was stoned on swampweed. I asked if he had seen Cipher's package of swampweed, but he didn't. He did give me a stick of swampweed though. One of the mercenaries stopped me when I tried to enter the big house, asking me what for business I had in there. I told me that I wanted to see Lee. He then asked me what I wanted from Lee. At which I told him that I knew him for before. He didn't believe me, but let me in anyways. Lee was suprised to see me, he thought I was dead! He told me that Gorn was captured by the Paladins and send back into the valley of mines. Poor guy. He also told me what I had to do if I wanted to join the mercenaries, and send me to Torlof afterwards. Torlof told me that I had to gain the respect of the mercenaries. Most of them would vote for me after I completed a test, while some would only vote for me if I either beat them up, or did something for them. The "test" was either to collect the rent from one of the farmers, or to beat up some militia who were bothering an other farmer. I decided to do the latter. Next I decided to make some sticks of swampweed for Cipher, yet to do that I would need an alchemy table... the closest of which was in the city. So back to the city it was. On my way back I killed some more fieldraiders, as well as a few scavengers and a giant rat. Back in the City I stopped by Constantino to make a few sticks of swampweed. After that I delivered some more swords to Harad. Considdering the day well done. I went towards Edda, after a chat with her I looked up at the sky and saw the stars blinking me a goodnight. The bed was not far from that.

Day Five.
Edda woke me up this morning with som breakfast, she really is too nice. After thanking her for the breakfast I decided to explore the valley south-east of the city. I came across half a dozen of fieldraiders, all of which I quickly dispatched. I also saw some wargs further down the valley, and decided not to try my luck. I decided to go to Bengar's farm, and see what I could do. On my way there, I stopped by Akil's farm, who was being troubled by a pair of mercenaries. I decided to help Akil out, and all hell broke loose. In the end both mercenaries were dead. Akil thanked me, and asked if I wanted a reward. Knowing how bad the times were for the farmers, I decided not to ask for one, something for which he was very thankful. So I continued my way to Bengar's farm. There was a small cave underneath the stone bridge, something I hadn't noticed before. So it was time to explore it. Two molerats were waiting inside, and shortly after they were waiting with their insides outside. After this, I decided to go to the Monestary first. The trip was uneventful, except for a few dreksviecher. The gate guard, Pedro, didn't want to let me into the monestary, so I found an other way in, buy climbing over the roof. After a bit of talking with the various novizen and mages, I decided to leave. Except that the door was locked. A quick chat with Gorax later, and I was standing outside. I then decided to explore the area around the tavern. I stumbled upon an old cemetary, which I cleared of molerats. Near the cemetary were some fieldraiders, which could soon be carried there. I also saw a cave, which was closed by a locked door. An other cave near the cemetary was filled with goblin skeletons, some creatures I didn't want to fight yet. On my way back to the tavern I found two bloodflies. Both of which were eviscerated shortly after. Seeing that it was getting dark already, I went to The Dead Harpy, there, Orlan kept staring at my ring. "Damn!" I thought. I forgot to take that ugly thing off! I asked him why he was staring at my ring. He told me that he wasn't sure what to make of it. So I said that it was an aquamarine. He then thought I was a member of the Ring of Water, and gave me a room key for free after I asked for a room. Well, I guess that that damn thing was good for something after all. Once in my room, I locked the door and went to sleep.

Sikkibahm

03.10.2007, 03:25

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

Finished!

I did it! The Halls of Irdorath were a real pain in the ass, though. The first part was easy, but the stupid puzzle thing took a while. Nothing exceptionaly dangerous, other than the three shadow warriors at a time. After the puzzle (and numerous bouts with poison gas as I hit the wrong button combinations) I nearly got wasted by a large group of seekers, so I fled and healed up before wiping them out. The final boss was a heck of a lot harder than I imagined. I thought I remembered using a couple destroy undead spells on him the last time I beat it (without NOTR), so I just whipped them out and cast them, expecting the fight to be over. Unfortunately they had no effect, and he fried my sorry ass as I fled to hide behind a pillar and heal up. I next tried summoning an army of darkness, and attacked him from the rear while my skeletons distracted him, but I did almost no damage to him despite having 170+ strength and a big-ass sword, so he just turned around and fried me again. After that I started looking through my scrolls to see if I had anything useful, and saw that I still had my Shrink Monster spell. I summoned a demon and tried to cast it on the undead dragon while he was distracted. It let me cast it, and it made the shrinking noise, but nothing happened, so I fled again to make a new plan. I finally realized that I still had a few rain of fire spells, so I summoned another demon, and cast rain of fire a few times and the undead dragon finally died.

I don't quite understand why they make you run all the way back to the ship to end the game. It seems rather anti-climactic and just plain boring. Also, why can you even loot the dead dragon and get some undead dragon stone thing? Unless I'm missing something there's no point to it. Well, I ran back to the ship, and ended up barely short of reaching level 50. Here's the screenshot right before I talked to Jergen to end the game:

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5909/finishedbn4.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=finishedbn4.jpg)

Again, thanks for starting this thread, Huntsman. It's never been so satisfying to finish a game as it was this time. I think I'll take a break from Gothic for a little while, and then I'll try it on Gothic 3. I've only played it once (and wasn't especially fond of it), so I'd like to give it another try, and hopefully trying to do it hardcore will add a bit of excitement to it.

Onisuzume

03.10.2007, 10:36

Well, congratulations sikkibahm! §prost§keks
Though I would have prefered the undead dragon roasting you...
Then I could've claimed the honour of being the first to complete a game.

*sigh*

Oh well...

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day Six.
I woke up a few minutes past eight. It was time to go to Bengar’s farm. Though on my way there, I noticed a pair of boars, and, remembering my last encounter with a boar, I decided to turn around. To the mercenaries then. On my way there, I killed a few more bloodflies which were dancing around the shore of the lake. When I approached the cabin, one of the mercenaries spoke to me, I think I saw him back in the colony. Buster, I think, was his name. He told me that I didn’t look very dangerous. I told him that I wasn’t. He then went about to boast that they fought orks and the like. I acted as if I was impressed. He told me to pass along. I decided to follow the cliff this time instead of the road. It brought me to a few more fieldraiders, as well as a bandit’s epee, but with no bandit it sight… maybe they ate him? I also saw a small pass between two cliff faces, I killed the scavengers which were standing there, before returning to the farm. I gave Cipher ten sticks of swampweed, after which he said that he’d vote for me. I gave Dar some Appel-Mushroom tabacco. He told me not to smoke it, that stuff is crazy. After some training with Cord, he said that I was good enough to become a mercenary, and said that I had his vote. One of the other mercenaries, one named Rod, said that I wasn’t strong enough to become a mercenary. I told him that I bet that I could handle his sword. And I could. He got kinda angry when I said that I wouldn’t give back his sword, so I beat him up. I also challenged Fester to a dual, which I easily won. Next I decided to explore the surroundings of the farm for now. After killing several fieldraiders, wolves, scavengers and bloodflies, I stumbled upon a shrine of Innos, and not far from there, a cave. Inside that cave I met Saggita, who asked me to get a Sun Aloe, which only grows in the faecies of a black troll… great. Exploring a bit further, I saw a bandit camp up ahead. I decided not to check it out. On my way back, I came across a pair of goblin skeletons. The first as upon me before I knew they were there. Still, I am thankful that goblins, even in death, are stupid humanoids. I managed to take both of them down without too much trouble. Finding myself on Sekob’s farm, I noticed that it was already dark, so I made my way back to my room in The Dead Harpy. Sleep came mercifully fast.

Fogotick

03.10.2007, 14:01

I've done lots of quests in Khorinis and hunted some beasts outside of town. Everything went smoothly untill a couple of fights I lost to Alrik that really left a bad taste in my mouth.

Here's my char at the moment, just reached level 4...
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc232/Fogotick/stats02.jpg

Fogotick

Huntsman

03.10.2007, 14:21

Sikkibahm's Mercenary

Finished!

I did it! The Halls of Irdorath were a real pain in the ass, though. The first part was easy, but the stupid puzzle thing took a while. Nothing exceptionaly dangerous, other than the three shadow warriors at a time. After the puzzle (and numerous bouts with poison gas as I hit the wrong button combinations) I nearly got wasted by a large group of seekers, so I fled and healed up before wiping them out. The final boss was a heck of a lot harder than I imagined. I thought I remembered using a couple destroy undead spells on him the last time I beat it (without NOTR), so I just whipped them out and cast them, expecting the fight to be over. Unfortunately they had no effect, and he fried my sorry ass as I fled to hide behind a pillar and heal up. I next tried summoning an army of darkness, and attacked him from the rear while my skeletons distracted him, but I did almost no damage to him despite having 170+ strength and a big-ass sword, so he just turned around and fried me again. After that I started looking through my scrolls to see if I had anything useful, and saw that I still had my Shrink Monster spell. I summoned a demon and tried to cast it on the undead dragon while he was distracted. It let me cast it, and it made the shrinking noise, but nothing happened, so I fled again to make a new plan. I finally realized that I still had a few rain of fire spells, so I summoned another demon, and cast rain of fire a few times and the undead dragon finally died.

CONGRATULATIONS SIKKIBAHM!!!

You are the first to complete the challenge and take the place of honor in the "Hall of Fame". You have been the most devoted to this challenge so far and you truly deserved to beat it. Again, I'm glad someone finally proved it could be done. Well done, lad.

Again, thanks for starting this thread, Huntsman. It's never been so satisfying to finish a game as it was this time. I think I'll take a break from Gothic for a little while, and then I'll try it on Gothic 3. I've only played it once (and wasn't especially fond of it), so I'd like to give it another try, and hopefully trying to do it hardcore will add a bit of excitement to it.

It was my pleasure :) and I'm really glad so many people followed and tried to beat the challenge. Hopefully, your victory over the challenge will inspire more to try the hardcore way.

Fogotick

03.10.2007, 16:19

DIARY:

DEAD

What can I say, I got greedy and tried too tough bandits too early. I tried to kill those bandits who robbed Hakon the merchant at level 4 and actually killed the first one but then I got hit by an arrow and lost 90% of my health and then they just finished me off.

I think NotR is a bit too difficult for me, so maybe for my next hardcore challenge I'll try Gothic 3. I'll let you guys know how that works out. ;)

Fogotick

Huntsman

04.10.2007, 17:46

Onisuzume

04.10.2007, 18:53

I've decided to put my my NotR hc challenge on hold for a while, and do G1 instead. That way it's easier to put it into a story for the creative corner.

Introduction:
Charname: Elisabeth
Game: Gothic 1: German version.
Desired guild/class: Mercenary/Söldner.
Build: Swordmaiden.
Comments: Two-handed swords at it. So naturally I'll be using Uriziel when I get it.(180 reach!)

Elisabeth's Diary:
Prologue
There I was, chained to the wall of my cell, remembering how I got here. I was born in a small village in Nordmar, not far from the wolf clan’s holdings, though it was destroyed about ten years ago when the orks came. Still, I remember it like the day of yesterday; it was an especially harsh winter that year. Far harsher than even the village shaman could remember. It was then that the orks came, noone knew from where. They swept across the land like a plague, destroying almost everything in their path. They eventually came to our small village. That was the last time I saw my father who, like all men capable of holding a sword, died. Our houses were burned. The survivors were captured by the orks as slaves. I remember little of those days though, as the days flowed into weeks and weeks into months. A few years ago; A group of slaves, including myself, managed to escape into the mountains. There we build a new home, and tried to fight the orks when the occation allowed it. Most of us were women, though a few men were there as well. They were mostly wandering rebels in search of shelter. One of them even tought us how to forge swords. I was one of the few lucky ones to be taught. An other man tough a few of us how to fight. And again I was one of the lucky ones. After training for months I became one of the best fighters in our camp. It was then that I decided to venture out on my own and wreak vengeance upon the orks. A few weeks later, I came across a small ork patrol. It was finaly time to test my skills. I took my bow from my shoulder and nocked an arrow. Drawing the string back as far as I could before letting it go. The arrow whistled through the air before hitting one of the orks in the neck, killing him outright. I managed to kill one more ork before they were too close. Dropping my bow, I unsheathed one of the greatswords that I had forged myself. It was still a rather crude weapon, though it was one of the better weapons we had at the camp. Somehow, I managed to parry the first few attacks of the orks. They were surprised to see a woman fight that well. Taking advantage of this, I struck out, scoring a gash on the shoulder of one of the orks, who roared in pain. His anger getting the better of him, he left an opening in his guard, and my sword slipped in and sank deep into his flesh. Blood foamed at his lips, he was done for. I drew my sword out of his body and he slumped to the ground, gurgling his last few moments in this world. The other ork, who had seen three of his fellows die to a single “Morra”, took off. He almost didn’t know how fast he could run. By the time I had nocked another arrow on my bow, he was out of range. In my folly, I didn’t persue him, but decided to find shelter instead. The next day he came back with reinforcments. I knew that I couldn’t possibly fight them all, so I fled south. I managed to outrun them. Normally, I would’ve been happy for this, if I wasn’t running right into the army of King Rhobar the second. Thinking I was a spy for the orks, they captured me. They interrogated me for weeks, trying to get information about the ork army’s whereabouts. I knew nothing. Even after they began torturing me I couldn’t tell them anything. Eventually, they decided that I was speaking the truth, and decided to let me rot in jail instead. That was a few weeks ago. I heard one of the other prisoners say that some of them were being send to Khorinis to mine ore for the King’s army.

The klinging of the guard’s keys drew me out of my memories. The celldoor swang open and my shackles were taking off. I guess that it was my turn this time to go to Khorinis. I was handcuffed and led onboard a ship along with another prisoner, another woman. We were thrown into the cargo hold. A few matresses were set up in a corner, while a few buckets were in another. The trip took only a few days, though I felt nauseous for almost the entire journey. Once arived in Khorinis, we were thrown into the town’s jail. A day later, we were led to the valley of mines.

This is where my story really begins.

Day One.
They brought me to a small cliff with a lift. On the platform of the lift were some good, as well as the other prisoner, who was stilled handcuffed. They were send down first, and a few minutes later, crates of magic ore were brought up. The town’s judge was starting a speech, about why I was send into the colony. I wondered why they didn’t do the same with the other prisoner. Thankfully, the judge was interrupted by a firemage, who asked me if I wanted to deliver a message to the leading firemage in there. He told me that they’d give me anything I wanted, so naturally I accepted, though on one condition; that I didn’t have to listen to the rest of the judge’s speech. The firemage agreed, and the guards pushed me through the barrier and I fell into the water below. I didn’t know how to swim and I nearly drowned, but somehow I managed to reach the shore of the small lake. There, one of the armoured men punched me in the face saying “welcome to the colony”. And what a welcome it was; he knocked me out cold! When I came by, they were gone except for one guy with black hair, who told me to get up. He introduced himself as Diego. He told me that he had a proposition for me; to join the old camp. He also told me a bit about the colony. He also told me to get a weapon, naturally, I asked him where I could get one. “You’ll find something suitable in the old abandoned mine down the road.” He said, and he walked away, probably to this “old camp” he was talking about.

I looked around the exchange site in hopes of finding something useful. The only “useful” stuff I found was an old torch, a bottle of beer, and a piece of ore. I remember that the smith in my old village used to forge weapons with this magic ore. Unfortunatly; noone taught me how to smith weapons from that ore. I decided to keep it anyways, just in case. Down the road was an old, abandoned mine, just like Diego said. I managed to find a pair of pickaxes there as well as a rusty old sword across a bridge. Wandering nearby was a molerat, and, using the sword that I found only moments earlier, I managed to kill it in only a few blows, though it managed to bite me in my left leg. Hopefully, it wouldn’t infect. Walking further down the path, I found another sword, as well as some large birds. I’ve never seen one of those large birds before. Appearantly, they make some sort of crowing sound when threatened, because shortly after it came charging at me. I barely managed to ready my sword before it started pecking at me. I tried to parry it’s beak, though it slided right over my sword. Taking advantage of this, I cut off its head. The wound sprayed blood for a moment before stopping. Down the road I saw another large bird, this time I was ready for it and killed it in seconds. To my right, the cliff extended while to my left it gave way to an abyss. At the bottom I could see a small river. A creaky old wooden railing was all there was between the road and a watery death. Sticking to rocks on my right, I continued down the path. The path led down the mountains and into a forest. Up ahead I could see a two hunters. I learned from them that the large birds were called “Scavengers” and that they used the magic ore as currency. Didn’t they knew that they could fashion extremely powerful weapons from that?! They also told me that they were from some “new camp” and that the old camp was further down the road. I guess it couldn’t hurt to check it out.

I managed to reach the old camp without any problems. Inside, I met Diego again, he told me a few thing about the camp, as well as the barrier. Thorus was only a few feet away. He appearantly had problems with a guy named “Mordrag”, the same guy that one of the hunters mentioned. Thorus also told me, that if I wanted to join the old camp, I had to speak with Diego. Who told me what I had to do to join the old camp. Still, I wasn’t convinced if I wanted to join the place. I met a cook he told me of a new recipe he thought of, “meatbug ragout” he calls it. He told me he needed some ingredients before he could make it, and I said that I’d get them for him. A bit further into the camp I met Fingers, Diego told me that he could learn me something. He turned out to be a thief, though he could help me join the old camp if I proved that I learned a thieving skill. Down the road I saw an arena, the owner told me that he’d be impressed if I beat one or two of the fighters there. He also told me that he trains fighters. Maybe something to remember.

Walking further, I saw a ruined tower, as well as an old hut. Inside the hut I found some meatbugs, which I easily killed. That was the meat that that cook needed, now for the mushrooms. Standing near an other gate was a guy who wore armour that was similar to those of the hunters I met earlier. He was kind enough to walk me to the new camp.

Along the way there, he told me more about the new camp.
Stuff that I liked the sound off: no boss telling you what to do.

Once we reached the new camp, Mordrag gave me a ring. He told me that it was my entrance ticket to Lares. On my way further into the new camp, some guy named lefty told me to give the farmers some water, like hell I would, what do I look like? A maid? So I snuck away without him noticing. The new camp is appearantly made in a large cavern. Near the entrance I saw a guy in robes who needed spreading swampweed among the bandits. I offered to help, and in return I got three magic scrolls from him. When I approached Lares’ hut, a bandit named Roscoe halted me. I told him that Mordrag send me and that I had a ring for Lares. Appearantly it was good enough for the grumpy bandit. I decided that he needed to be a bit more happy to see me, so I used one of the magic scrolls on him, and it worked instantly. Once inside the hut I have the ring to Lares. Who told me what I had to do to join his bandits.

Once I was outside of his hut I noticed that the stars were already in the sky. Asked where I could sleep and they pointed me towards the hut where the farmers sleep. Oh well… at least it’s a bed to sleep in.

Fogotick

05.10.2007, 12:29

Stats please :rolleyes: :D...

Fogotick's Hardcore Archer
by Fogotick
Level: 4
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Bandits that robbed Hakon the merchant

Hope thats enough since I forgot to take a screenie of my dead chars stats...
And by the way, since you recommended it, I think I'll give NotR another chance. Maybe I'll get my revenge on those bandits. ;)

Oh yeah, And congratulations to Sikkibahm on defeating the game :D

Fogotick

Onisuzume

05.10.2007, 17:11

Ok, I've opened a story thread and story discussion thread in the creative corner. The full write-up will be posted there, while a quick synopsis will be posted here.

Huntsman

05.10.2007, 19:11

Ok, I've opened a story thread and story discussion thread in the creative corner. The full write-up will be posted there, while a quick synopsis will be posted here.

Onisuzume, your last diary log was very good. I finally got myself to read it (I admit, I was a bit thrown off at first by it's size), but pretty soon I realized it's a lot of fun. I don't have time to play Gothic right now, but your stories make a fine substitute.

Oh, and I don't mean to spoil the fun, but don't all the women go straight to Gomez' harem in the colony?

BTW, thread in the Creative Corner is a great idea.

Fogotick's Hardcore Archer
by Fogotick
Level: 4
Guild: Guildless
Cause of Death: Bandits that robbed Hakon the merchant

Hope thats enough since I forgot to take a screenie of my dead chars stats...
And by the way, since you recommended it, I think I'll give NotR another chance. Maybe I'll get my revenge on those bandits. ;)

Oh yeah, And congratulations to Sikkibahm on defeating the game :D

Fogotick

Perfect, you saved me the time arranging the stats for the list :).

So you've started another NoTR character? I'm sure you'll do fine, just act like a chicken until you're absolutely sure you can handle the situation.

Onisuzume

05.10.2007, 19:38

Onisuzume, your last diary log was very good. I finally got myself to read it (I admit, I was a bit thrown off at first by it's size), but pretty soon I realized it's a lot of fun. I don't have time to play Gothic right now, but your stories make a fine substitute.

Oh, and I don't mean to spoil the fun, but don't all the women go straight to Gomez' harem in the colony?

BTW, thread in the Creative Corner is a great idea.
Normally they would.
Though my guess would be that the people responsable for that would've been gone by the time she was thrown in, with jus a few guards more or less on the way back. Possibly to counter any ideas that the bandits/mecenaries had.

Besides; how many of the women who were thrown in there had single-handedly killed three orks? (which may or may not have been a deciding factor about the decision)
Besides; we don't know what the Judge would have said if he wasn't silenced by the firemage.

And I expect the story to be nearing the 30 days/chapters for G1 alone.
With probably another 30 or so for NotR.
Combining it with I don't know how many posts for G3.

Bamfy

06.10.2007, 18:05

Onisuzume

06.10.2007, 19:31

Introduction

Game: Gothic II
Desired Class:Mercenary/Dragon Hunter
Build:Two Handed/Crossbow

Info:My character will be a typical dragon hunter,with heavy weapons and heavy armour...
G2 classic I assume?

at the begining of the game,i will not become a fighter at two handed,but at one handed because,at begining of the game,one handed are more useful and more powerfull and don`t needs a lot of str
One-handers aren't more powerful than two-handers.
Not if you know where to find them.
And since you plan to be a mercenary; just boost your str to 30 and get Rod's two-hander. You can do that even at level 2! (don't know if you can beat him then though)

...after all of this,i will use my lp on str,and then on two handed weapon...when i finnish with melee weapons,i will use lp on dex,enough to have a good crossbow,then i will try to be at level 2,at crossbows...then,again,focus on dex,to be able to wield the best crossbow...
You need str to wield crossbows, not dex...

Elisabeth's Diary:
Day two.
Went to free mine, got digger's clothes, went to bar, got swampweed from Baal Isidro, sold it to the bandits, gave 400 ore to Lares, walked back to old camp, killed the 4 molerats in th cave near cavalorn, went to sleep in the old tower.

Day three.
Got up, went to huno and bought some steel, made some swords, gave snaf his ingredients, talked with thorus, sly, whistler, game crashed when I neared fisk. >_>
So I have to do the day over again.

Lesson: do save often in case of a crash.
I *always* save after sleeping.

Bamfy

06.10.2007, 20:27

classic..and,i need dex not str...in gothic 3 you need str for crossbows...indeed,rod sword`s is a good idea..thx for the advice

Onisuzume

06.10.2007, 21:04

classic..and,i need dex not str...in gothic 3 you need str for crossbows...indeed,rod sword`s is a good idea..thx for the advice
In NotR you need str for it as well ya know...
Must've forgotten that G2 classic still used it with dex.

Huntsman

06.10.2007, 22:17

YoTcA

06.10.2007, 22:48

Introduction:

Game: Gothic II NotR (german version :D )
Desired Class: Paladin
Build: one handed / healing Magic

Info: I have never played gothic in "hardcore-mode" before. So i think to try it with the easiest class first. I am going to boost one handed skill as fast as possible, while skilling as much str as i need. In late game i am going to learn some healing skills.
Wish me luck ^^.

Bamfy

06.10.2007, 22:50

Day 6

Diary

Current quests:
-Bottoms Up
-Member of the city guard
-A Great Challenge
-Apprentice in Khorinis
-Wanted Notes and Bandits
-The Eye of Innos

Completed Quests:
-The experiment
-the gold of a merchant
-a brazen thief
-baltram`s shipment
-mad fellan
-the blessing of the gods
-mateo and gritta
-the bandits at lobart`s farm
-for a bottle of wine
-a pan for hild
-bring the turnip yo hilda
-harvest the turnip field
-lobarts`s work clothes
-how to get into the city of khorinis

lost duels:to alrik and lehmar
location:khorinis

Black Sphere

07.10.2007, 01:43

Lesson: do save often in case of a crash.
I *always* save after sleeping.
Right. While G2/NoTR is pretty stable so you can let yourself go and enjoy the hardcore, saving only when exiting the game, G1 tends to crash every once in a while. I should change the tip in the intro of this thread :).

Well, I don't know how good idea is this. In such saving is hiding a (big) temptation to 'cheat', or at least a possibility of a drop off in concentration, and related with it a careless and sloppy (re?)playing. In my eyes there's no real difference in saving after every sleeping, and saving after every minute, this thing is simply not a 'feature' of a hard core playing.

Is G1 really so unstable? I don't remember it is. But I guess it also depends from the PCs. I do understand the game might crash on you, it happened to me also, but I didn't changed my hard core saving habits because of it knowing this would destroy the expirience and the joy of hard core playing; not saving, or better said non-frequent saving is the essence, the backbone of the hard core playing.

Also it's not 'appropriate' to just jump or switch from one game to another before finish it (or death) just because you've started the adventure badly (for me such thing is an additional challenge not a deterrent) or something similar, this is no better than a re-playing; it's not a serious and 'responsible' hard core playing. Or because it's better for a story in a creative corner here. Onisuzume, do you play hard core just to write about it (this is not a critique -like the whole this post is not-, just a question because I've found this a bit funny but, it's you business;))? Such and similar things like which game to start should be considered and thouth out earlier, this really shouldn't be a hard thing to do.

Hellbilly

07.10.2007, 08:34

In my eyes there's no real difference in saving after every sleeping, and saving after every minute, this thing is simply not a 'feature' of a hard core playing.

Saving itself is not against hardcore, loading at every obstacle or minor failure is.

I saved approximately 250 times during my hardcore Gothic 1-game, and reloaded only the most recent save and never because of some failure or whatnot. And it was worth to do it, as Gothic 1 is unstable and buggy from time to time. I had four or five game-stopping or crashing bugs; sometimes I had been playing for over two hours when they came, so if I'd only saved when I ended a session, I'd been forced to re-play more than two hours. And in my experience, G2 is even more unstable.

Some people may fall for the temptation to re-load frequently, but personally I didn't find it hard at all to resist. Why? Simply because playing hardcore was so enjoyable.

Onisuzume

07.10.2007, 13:28

Black Sphere, no offence, but how would you like it to have your game/computer crash after hours of playing without saving?

The Gothic series are the games which taught me to save often because they'd sometimes crash. A couple of years ago I saved approx. every 5 mins without looking at a clock. Just because of the (in)frequent crashes.

And one of the major reasons *why* I save after sleeping is so that I can write up another part of the diary. Because sometimes, especially G2, is an arse when it comes to alt-tabbing. One time it even crashed because of it.

And while a crash doesn't destroy the joys of playing hardcore; it does destroy the joy of having hours worth of playing-time vanish.

Likewise; saving in G1 before using a winch shouldn't be considdered cheating. Simply because the winches in G1 are known to get bugged every now and then. I know of at least 3 cases in which it could be game-breaking. (old mine, minecrawler gate, ork cemetary, troll focus stone)

And while it's probably possible to use a debug command to bypass it; it's still not fun to use, since it means you have to enable the console first, which can lead to cheating.

Or because it's better for a story in a creative corner here. Onisuzume, do you play hard core just to write about it (this is not a critique -like the whole this post is not-, just a question because I've found this a bit funny but, it's you business)?
Playing hardcore; if the character would die; I'd write it here, then reload and continue with the story. Or if it's NotR/G3 I might simply write up a nice death-scene. (mostly because I already wrote up some NotR story which I don't want to waste)

Besides; I know the colony like the back of my hand. So the chance of running into a too strong an opponent is slim. (though that wolf near the free mine almost killed me >_>)

Sikkibahm

07.10.2007, 19:10

Likewise; saving in G1 before using a winch shouldn't be considdered cheating. Simply because the winches in G1 are known to get bugged every now and then. I know of at least 3 cases in which it could be game-breaking. (old mine, minecrawler gate, ork cemetary, troll focus stone)

And while it's probably possible to use a debug command to bypass it; it's still not fun to use, since it means you have to enable the console first, which can lead to cheating.

I thought playing through the bugs was a part of hardcore gaming. If you are allowed to simply load if a bug pops up, then I should have been able to load when the Sleeper bugged off his platform and stopped me from being able to beat the game. I just thought that it was a part of the risk. The Sleeper coming down was a game breaking bug in my game (I checked. It was literally impossible to finish the game with him standing directly infront of one of the hearts), and I considered my game to be just that: broken (as in I was finished).

Black Sphere

07.10.2007, 20:09

Black Sphere, no offence, but how would you like it to have your game/computer crash after hours of playing without saving?

As I said, it happened to me also, and of course I didn't felt happy about it, is this even needed to point out? But it didn't happened to me so often (as I said it also depends from the PCs), that I would be forced to as I said change my saving habits, because in my eyes such frequent saving simply don't fits in there. If I would had such problems with Gothic while playing hardcore then I simply wouldn't play it hardcore, it's simple as that because it's pointless and most of all it wouldn't really be possible to play it like this.

Of course you can play 'hardcore' however you want, and save game whenever you want (or even to re-load whenever you want), don't get me wrong, I don't care about it, I'm just trying to point out some 'rules' there should/must be implemented with hardcore playing if you really want to enjoy such playing. You certainly won't play and you certainly won't feel the game the same knowing you've saved it just 5 minutes ago, or knowing every little mistake you make can be a fatal one, and the last saving is so back it simply discouraging you to re-load. If I would be killed and I would had a savegame just 5 minutes 'away' I don't know if I would resist to re-load, you see, all are not so strong in will and character as Hellbilly is:p (from the above is I hope also evident that I don't agree with Hellbilly's statement that "saving itself is not against hardcore, loading at every obstacle or minor failure is" - in my eyes frequent saving and re-loading are inseparably connected; that's why frequent saving is for, to re-load).

I must point out here I don't remember G1 well, I didn't play it for ages now, and I want to forget about it as much as possible, so when next time playing I won't remember it much.

@Sikkibahm - Good point you have there. Unfortunately you were a victim of 'unpredictable circumstances'; of a bug, which was even unpassable, you just had a tough luck there, like me when in one of my adventures I got stuck between two rocks when exploring the world for some goods.

In my book it would be perfectly OK if you would re-play the situation but, how 'back' you had that saving?

Hellbilly

07.10.2007, 20:24

in my eyes frequent saving and re-loading are inseparably connected

No, it isn't automatically so... you just don't reload except when you continue playing, or the game crashes. Then, they are not connected in any way.

Black Sphere

07.10.2007, 20:27

No, it isn't automatically so... you just don't reload except when you continue playing, or the game crashes. Then, they are not connected in any way.

Yes they are, in every way (now I won't add "in my eyes" cuz you're also claiming 'for sure').

As I said, we're not all so strong in will and character as you are dude.

Hellbilly

07.10.2007, 20:32

So, how was it in my case linked? And how did I break this vicious certainty when I saved often, but re-loaded only after quitting the game, and four times after it had crashed? That's not "frequent" by any definition of the word. ;)

It may be a question of willpower, but it's no universal, automatic certainty that they are linked. And, please note to avoid misunderstandings, I did not claim they are never related, I merely claimed they are not automatically related. Which I consider proven by my hardcore experience.

Black Sphere

07.10.2007, 20:45

So, how was it in my case linked? And how did I break this vicious certainty when I saved often, but re-loaded only after quitting the game, and four times after it had crashed? That's not "frequent" by any definition of the word. ;)

You had four crashes with G1? Well that's alot. As I said, I really don't remember well G1, and I don't remember that I had so much crashes with it, especially not in one game. It would be interesting to hear from others which played G1 how much crashes per game they had.

It may be a question of willpower ...

Hehehe, you really bought it man!:p

...but it's no universal, automatic certainty that they are linked. And, please note to avoid misunderstandings, I did not claim they are never related, I merely claimed they are not automatically related. Which I consider proven by my hardcore experience.

I really don't want to repeat myself, but as evident I personally would not find any joy in such playing, and certainly there would be the absence of a thrill also; it would feel like a 1 meter bungee jumping.

Hellbilly

07.10.2007, 21:06

I really don't want to repeat myself, but as evident I personally would not find any joy in such playing, and certainly there would be the absence of a thrill also; it would feel like a 1 meter bungee jumping.

Well, I don't see the thrill in replaying hours and hours of a game just because you don't want to save. That's like riding the same ride in a theme park a hundred times when it wasn't fun after the third time. So it's just a matter of preference :)

...and when you play hardcore, the frequency of saving does not lessen the thrill or danger, since actually using those saves "frequently", or using any other than the most recent at any other time than when starting the game, would be cheating. It doesn't make it an ounce more "safer" unless you want to resort to cheating, it just saves time and nerves when the game does crash and you are forced to continue from your previous save.

Oh yeah...
INTRODUCTION

Game: Gothic 2 NoTR
Desired Class: Paladin
Build: One handed & magic

I'm planning to make a character able to deliver the first strike to just about any foe with deadly paladin magic, and then slug it out in a duel against one or two strong foes. I will be stocking up on spell scrolls to complement the paladin runes and in particular the lack of summoning runes. One-handed weapons are my preferred style because they are faster; their shorter reach is a negative aspect, but the speed of the swing compensates for that, I think, and I've never really felt at home with two-handed weapons in G2.

The main emphasis in my LP-spending will be on the melee fighting. I will take up apprenticeship with Constantino and learn to brew strength potions, and I will use the stone tablets and 'shrooms to boost my mana instead of spending too many valuable LP's on it.

DIARY

So far I've not done much. Helped Cavalorn, did the tasks at the farm to get the togs, gave 'em to Greg and snuck past the blind and/or stupid guards who didn't notice a guy climbing up from the moat and running past 'em. Creme de la creme, these militiamen of Khorinis! I talked to the annoying paladin at the gate, helped Matteo to retrieve his gold and checked around with the other masters what I should do to get their approval. Talked to Vatras, then to Lares. I'll be completing the various small errands in the harbour town first, then ask Lares to take me to Onar's farm, do stuff there and leave the more demanding stuff for last.