Doesn't anyone play Lionheart anymore?

[Ravager]

If you haven't already, try the patch/update that's posted on this forum. It adds a bonus area and merchant to Barcelona. That was quite good.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

I don't think my char will be able to use those nice melee weapons. She is exclusively Ranged, with ridiculously low melee points. Ah, well, can't have it all ways.

You can use bows a lot at least. And there are spells and items that incease melee skills at least temporarily.

As for the Helm of Bargaining I think I just keep mine equipped permanently. The charisma boosts Mana I think. Definitely the best helm I've seen in Lionheart.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

Anyway - you are right about Fortitude. VERY useful. I didn't realise just how much damage I was taking from poison and disease previously. Fortitude and Smite are a good combination. There is also a neat little spell in Tribal: either Feral Lash or Natures Balance. It ACTS like Feral Lash, but in the game it is being called Nature's Balance, even though it has the Feral Lash icon.

I don't think I've used that spell, does it just increase the damage you do?

[Fljotsdale]

[quote=Ravager] If you haven't already, try the patch/update that's posted on this forum. It adds a bonus area and merchant to Barcelona. That was quite good.
I don't have my games computer on-line, so I can't. This computer that I use on-line had to be reformatted SO many times due to viruses and worms that when I got my new computer I swore I would never risk it on-line. I had what I thought was good anti-virus software, too, automatically updated. But the worm even corrupted that!


[quote=Ravager]You can use bows a lot at least. And there are spells and items that incease melee skills at least temporarily.
Yes. And my current char has pretty good Ranged skill and weapons. And yes, I use stuff that boosts skills!

Originally Posted by Ravager

As for the Helm of Bargaining I think I just keep mine equipped permanently. The charisma boosts Mana I think. Definitely the best helm I've seen in Lionheart.

I only use it for buying/selling. I prefer the Hlmet of The Eagle/The Falcon/ and Protection (or a Resistance).

Originally Posted by Ravager

I don't think I've used that spell, does it just increase the damage you do?

It's the one with a fist enclosed in a pink circle. It causes damage to the enemy who hits you. Pretty much the same effect as dragonscale armour. It's not much at low level (which is what my char has), but it should improve a lot with more points. I'm keeping it in mind for when I use a Feralkin, rather than spending points on it now.

Anyway; my char, properly, at level 19:
Demokin.
Elemental Spirit.
Wielder, Favoured of Saladin

STR 4 (7)
Per 7 (9)
END 5
CHA 6
INT 9
AGI 7 (8)
Luc 6

Racial: Forked Tongue
Traits: Ascetic, Good Natured

Tag: Ranged, Divine:Smite, Divine:Fortitude

Perks:
Swift Learner 1 & 2, Educated, Mastery of Smiting, Mastery of Fortitude, Enlightenment.

Freebies:
Galileo's Magic Battery, Stargazer, Eloquent Works (book +15 Speech), Book of Death (+15 Necromancy), Rio Ebro Monument (Wielders only), Luck Potion (from Druid), Scholar of the Crescent, Bramble's Patience.

Currently Equpped items:
Full Plate: Protection/Fortitude/Carrying - +11 AC, +12 Fortitude branch, +50 Carry

Helmet: Protection/Falcon/Eagle - +3AC, +8 One-hand Melee, +5 Locks, +4 Sneak, +8 Ranged, +5 Locks (aggregate 10 ), +7 Find.

Bow: Icy Carnage - +20 Cold Damage (spells, items of cold), +20 Piercing

Amulet: Protection/Exorcism/Elemental Attunement - +12 Exorcism, +1 Perception, + 2 skill points Divine:Heal and Tribal:Balance of Nature

Belt: Titan Strength/Cold Resistence/Thief - +2 STR, +5% Resist cold, +10 Locks/Find

Gauntlets: Blessed Archery/Thievery/Gladiator - +23 Ranged, +12 Locks/Find, +1 STR, +5% Slash damage, +10 Two-hand melee.(not that the last two are any use to me...)

Boots: Adder/Loadbearing/Spirit Regeneration - +20 Resist poison, +10 Poison Ring spell, +50 Carrying, + Increased mana regen.

Ring: Protection/Divine Attunement - +4 AC, +2 skill all Divine branches

Ring: Protection/Crush Resistance - +5 AC, +8% Crush resistance.

I also have a variety of rings & necklaces, including Voodoo neclance, and a Voodoo belt (but I only equip those two just before I notice I am due to level up), the Helm of Hard Bargaining, and the stuff collected in the Quest Objects list, some of which are VERY useful.

What level is your char, now? And where is he? Have you completed the Crypt?

[Fljotsdale]

Erm...

What to do with a big blue robot thingie? When I got this far before, I just reloaded and pretended it wasn't there, LOL! Does it have something to do later in the game, or is it just useful backup in tricky situations? I was thinking it might be handy in the Crypt.

[Ravager]

I'm about half-way through the crypt, just completing the second floor of it. Not sure of the character level though. Maybe 21.

What to do with a big blue robot thingie? When I got this far before, I just reloaded and pretended it wasn't there, LOL! Does it have something to do later in the game, or is it just useful backup in tricky situations? I was thinking it might be handy in the Crypt.

Sounds like the Lightning WarGolem. Quite a useful companion. Electric damage heals it and it packs quite a punch. I'm using it throughout the Crypt myself.
Just make sure it doesn't become a target itself, otherwise it won't last long.
That may be more trouble for you if you're using a bow, the golem is moe likely to approach the enemy, probably getting more attention in the process.
Like with all companions I just tell it to stay in a location and lead bigger groups/tougher encounters into it's sight and then get aid as necessary.
If you don't want it with you just talk to it, and release it from service, it should stay in the same location (for as long as you can access the area anyway).

[Fljotsdale]

Thanks, Ravager.

Erm... how do you control the companions you get options for? My game just seems to give the option to let 'em go. Maybe I'm doing things wrong...

[Ravager]

There's a little button that has two walking figures on it which tells the companion to stay or follow. That should be at the bottom of the screen.
If you tell the companion to stay it will stop in that area unless it sees an enemy. Also, if you enter a new area (when the game loads up a new area) your companion will appear beside you.
If there are lots of enemies or you're going to a new area where you know you're going to be attacked, talk to the companion and get it to leave the party temporarily. When it's safe again, you can always return and get it back.

[Fljotsdale]

I've never noticed that button. Only the conversation options. I'll go check it out. Thanks!

[Ravager]

Did you find the button?

Some more of my character stats...
Demokin
Level 27- Current XP 354487
208 HP
528 Mana

Fighting 444
Unarmed- 43
One-Handed Melee- 87
Two-Handed Melee (Tagged)- 160
Ranged (Tagged)- 85
Evasion- 69

Thieving 278
Find Traps- 94
Pick Locks- 93
Sneak- 21
Diplomacy- 70- Barter- 105
Speech- 125

Divine Magic 235
Divine Favour- 88
Fortitude (Tagged)- 90
Smite 57
Protective 0

I haven't shown the rest because they're all under 10.
I'm currently starting level 3 of the Crypt, having cleared out all of it so far. Including all the sarchophagi with multiple Revenants. Normally I end up having to avoid most of them, but I'm managing to cope so far.

[Fljotsdale]

Yes, thanks, I found it right away. My eyes must have looked at it a million times, but my brain (what brain?!) never registered it. Duh!

Well done with the Crypt! Killing all the Revenants, too! Wow! You must be feeling very pleased with yourself.
You know what I hate? Those disemboweled things that look like the ghost of Captain Morales, but they explode.
My char has just arrived outside the Crypt. I could have continued on in, last night, but I had just completed Nostrodamus and I (not my char, ME) felt exhausted! It wasn't that the Caverns of Nostrodamus were so difficult in themselves - though the first one, Clan of the Hand was a bit tricky until I figured there were places it was deeply unwise to use aggressive magic - but I had very few healing potions, and by the time I got to Nostrodamus I had none at all. As a consequence those last 3 opponents kept killing me no matter what I did. In the end, 5 barrels of gunpowder dropped all in one go almost got the two weaker ones, and Exorcism finished them off; then it was a matter of run and shoot Celestial Smite at the armoured guy before he got me. I had been doing this before, but he always got me first. The last time worked, though I only had 2 health points left, lol! Oh, for just ONE potion of Extra Healing! It would have made it easy! Now I'm outside the Crypt with a miserable few potions (went back to Barcelona) and 3 kegs.

My char is now level 24. I will post her Fighting, Thieving and Magic totals as you have done, when I copy them out.

I see you chose Two-hand melee, Ranged and Fortitude. Considering we both have Demokins, they couldn't be more different! Don't you find Two-hand slow? Heh! Seems to be working for you anyway, lol!

Here are her stats (some are enhanced by equipped items, and, like yourself, I only show significant totals):

Race: Demokin
Level: 24 Current XP: 281058
HP: 155
Mana: 944
Crit Chance: 12

Fighting Aggregate: 214

Ranged 142 - Tagged
Evasion 35

Thieving Aggregate: 251

Find Traps/Secret Doors 85
Locks 85
Sneak 21
Diplomacy 60
...... Speech 120
...... Barter 115

Divine Magic Aggregate: 263
Fortitude 128 - Tagged
Smite 128 - Tagged

Thought Aggregate: 74

Electrical 34
Ice 30

Tribal Aggregate 73

Nature's Fury 44

You are more sensible when allocating skill points than I am. I tend to spread them around a bit...
The last perk I took was Increased Rate of Fire. In future games I will take that MUCH earlier. It is very good - when the game remembers I have it.

[Ravager]

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

You know what I hate? Those disemboweled things that look like the ghost of Captain Morales, but they explode.

I just shoot those from a distance. If you kill them they're worth 100+ XP and sometimes you can avoid getting injured when they explode. Otherwise just retreat to a place and Heal after they blow up.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

As a consequence those last 3 opponents kept killing me no matter what I did. In the end, 5 barrels of gunpowder dropped all in one go almost got the two weaker ones, and Exorcism finished them off; then it was a matter of run and shoot Celestial Smite at the armoured guy before he got me. I had been doing this before, but he always got me first.

That's one of the toughest battles in the game as you can't retreat. But that's what I always do, drop a bunch of barrels and use lots of healing potions. By now, I have over 20 stockpiled. They're cheap and light to carry, so definitely worth buying at any opportunity.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

The last time worked, though I only had 2 health points left, lol! Oh, for just ONE potion of Extra Healing! It would have made it easy! Now I'm outside the Crypt with a miserable few potions (went back to Barcelona) and 3 kegs.

Well, I've done the opposite. I cleared out the Crypt and I'm about halfway through the Clan of the Hand cave. It's proving easier than usual, must be the two-handed weapons. And the Amulet of Crushing Carnage.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

I see you chose Two-hand melee, Ranged and Fortitude. Considering we both have Demokins, they couldn't be more different! Don't you find Two-hand slow? Heh! Seems to be working for you anyway, lol!

This is the first time I decided to focus on two-handed rather than one-handed weapons. It's working out well though. The Everlasting does a lot of damage (even to non-goblins) and adds 15 points to the 2-handed weapons. The damage done counters for the slower speed and when combined with Weaken Enemies a crushing weapon does even more damage.

Your character has 900 Mana?!
Wow, mine has just under 600, I think it depends partly on the points put into Magic skills. It seemed to increase when I equipped a weapon with a spell bonus.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

The last perk I took was Increased Rate of Fire. In future games I will take that MUCH earlier. It is very good - when the game remembers I have it.

I think that has high requirements. Level 24 and 8 Agility, I looked at the manual to see if there were any perks I should take that would lead to better ones. There are a couple of good ranged ones (including Rate of Fire) but they require 8 Agility and/or Perception, so I decided to increase my agility. It's still only 7 though. Maybe when I equip a weapon that adds a further point to Agility it will help, but I doubt it.
As for the game 'forgetting' you have the ability it might just look that way or you could have been slowed by a spell. Secondary effects of spells cast by Hujark Acolytes/Shamans and Artic Sucubbus for example.

[Fljotsdale]

Yes, Mana seems to depend to some extent on equipped items. I was surprised at the level myself, and waited a good five minutes to see if it was going down before recording it, but it stayed at that level. It is VERY useful having so much Mana, since I use high-mana spells a lot.

Yes, I thought it might be due to slowing, but there was no icon at any time indicating that. I think it might be a game glitch, but not sure. It seems to not always kick in when I load up the game, though it was working perfectly before I exited. Then, for no reason I can figure, it kicks in again. *shrugs* It works most of the time.

I have completed the top level of the Crypt and got Mace of Divinity and the Blade of the Berserker (VERY fancy handle, lol!) - not that I can use either.
I'm now on the Doomed Plateau, and I have done a fair bit of it. I have located, but not yet spoken to Jehane D'Arc, because I want to finish the area first.
I am also managing to do all the coffins. This char is much better than the one I tried with previously. I am beginning to have confidence in her. I hope it is mot misplaced!

Bonus Rate of Fire (it's not called Increased rate, as I posted) is available at level 14, with Ranged at 50, 7 Agility, 6 Intelligence.

Yes, I've found the Disemboweled Ganglers are best killed using the shoot, run, shoot method. I still don't like 'em. But Screaming Terrors are worse, because wearing full plate armour, as my char is, gives you a minus value on Electrical resistance. I depend heavily on scrolls and the Greater Resistance spell. Did you realise that pretty much the only electrical resistance items are shields? And you can't use shields with Ranged. I HAVE found other Electrical resistance items, but they seem to be rare, and they are usually not much good otherwise - I found leather armour, once. Not much good in the Crypt.

My char is now level 28 and I'm pondering which of 4 Perks to take at level 29:
Bonus Ranged Damage 2
Disease Ward (but I have spells and potions)
Gain Endurance (Endurance is only 5, so low HP for level)
Deadly Accuracy (but skill is already about 150 now, and requires 2 skill to add 1 point. Not sure if I will get the 20 bonus or if it will be halved to 10. and is it worth it anyway?)

In the end, I expect I will just choose on impulse!

[Ravager]

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

Yes, Mana seems to depend to some extent on equipped items.

I think your high mana may be due to all the points you placed in spells. In my case a weapon increased a spell by 22 points and through that increased my Mana.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

I have located, but not yet spoken to Jehane D'Arc, because I want to finish the area first.

There's still quite a bit left after you talk to her. Including a complete floor or two.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

But Screaming Terrors are worse, because wearing full plate armour, as my char is, gives you a minus value on Electrical resistance. I depend heavily on scrolls and the Greater Resistance spell. Did you realise that pretty much the only electrical resistance items are shields? And you can't use shields with Ranged. I HAVE found other Electrical resistance items, but they seem to be rare, and they are usually not much good otherwise - I found leather armour, once. Not much good in the Crypt.

I didn't have as much trouble with them as usual, a few hits from the Everlasting destroyed them. And I was using Hauberk and Plate Armour (mainly because I haven't found any really good plate/full plate armours). One funny thing happened in one of the small Crypts off the main route. Two Screaming Terrors were behind a barrier firing their electrical missiles. I had the Lightning WarGolem as a companion. I postioned it near them and they kept firing away the whole time. Not only was the Golem immune, but the spells actually healed it!
Mostly I lured them around a corridor and killed them in 4 hits.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

My char is now level 28 and I'm pondering which of 4 Perks to take at level 29:
Bonus Ranged Damage 2
Disease Ward (but I have spells and potions)
Gain Endurance (Endurance is only 5, so low HP for level)
Deadly Accuracy (but skill is already about 150 now, and requires 2 skill to add 1 point. Not sure if I will get the 20 bonus or if it will be halved to 10. and is it worth it anyway?)

Have you got the trading perks yet, such as Master Trader. Those are very beneficial.
As for Deadly Accuracy, perks like that I leave to the very end, when you need 3 or 4 points to advance it. And they don't get halved. So it's the equivalent of you putting in 60 or 80 points.
And the bonus means you hit more creatures more often, unfortunately the game doesn't show the armour rating of enemies or the hit bonuses you receive but they definitely exist.

EDIT: My character is Sylvant, not Demokin as I originally posted.
How's the Crypt going? Once you finish it, you'll lose access to most of the previous quests, merchants and companions, so be warned.
A tip so you know whereabouts that is - If you find the little teleporters on the ground. They appear as small grey circles with four blue gems in those (should be on the 3rd level down) you'll be very close to the end of the Crypt. Then you might want to go back to Bacelona and Montaillou to restock before the lose the opportunity.

[Fljotsdale]

Originally Posted by Ravager

I think your high mana may be due to all the points you placed in spells. In my case a weapon increased a spell by 22 points and through that increased my Mana.

Yes, that's true. But equipped items also have an effect, such as the one that give 50 extra mana.

Originally Posted by Ravager

There's still quite a bit left after you talk to her. Including a complete floor or two.

I didn't have as much trouble with them as usual, a few hits from the Everlasting destroyed them. And I was using Hauberk and Plate Armour (mainly because I haven't found any really good plate/full plate armours). One funny thing happened in one of the small Crypts off the main route. Two Screaming Terrors were behind a barrier firing their electrical missiles. I had the Lightning WarGolem as a companion. I postioned it near them and they kept firing away the whole time. Not only was the Golem immune, but the spells actually healed it!
Mostly I lured them around a corridor and killed them in 4 hits.

Yes, my char is now level 30 and on the next level down. I have found one teleporter and gone to that area.
I tried to take Jehanne with me to that level, but the game crashed every time. It is fine without her, but crashes if I try to take her through the door. *shrugs* Annoying, but I usually fight alone anyway. Easier that taking care of followers!
Yes, I know the bit with the screamers behind the fence. Good thing I saved, because they killed Jehanne first time. So I dropped her off where she couldn't see them and dealt with them using Ranged. Ranged and spells go through places melee don't.

Originally Posted by Ravager

Have you got the trading perks yet, such as Master Trader. Those are very beneficial.

No. I'm not that fussed about getting lots of gold. I have concentrated on Perks to put up XP, Extra skill points, Combat and Magic. After all, you can find a lot of good stuff, so I don't feel I need to buy much apart from potions and scrolls.

Originally Posted by Ravager

As for Deadly Accuracy, perks like that I leave to the very end, when you need 3 or 4 points to advance it. And they don't get halved. So it's the equivalent of you putting in 60 or 80 points.
And the bonus means you hit more creatures more often, unfortunately the game doesn't show the armour rating of enemies or the hit bonuses you receive but they definitely exist.

This was an interesting experiment. I had Ranged wanting 2 (or maybe 3) skill points to level 1. So, when I leveled up, I saved game, noted that the manual said Deadly Accuracy gave +20 points to Ranged, and the game itself said 15 points. And, as you know, I wondered if I would get the full amount whichever it was. So I saved game before allocating the Perk, allocated it, and noted that I was given 12 points. So I reloaded and selected Gain Endurance instead. Which put up my HP nicely. I might take Deadly Accuracy another time.

Originally Posted by Ravager

EDIT: My character is Sylvant, not Demokin as I originally posted.
How's the Crypt going? Once you finish it, you'll lose access to most of the previous quests, merchants and companions, so be warned.
A tip so you know whereabouts that is - If you find the little teleporters on the ground. They appear as small grey circles with four blue gems in those (should be on the 3rd level down) you'll be very close to the end of the Crypt. Then you might want to go back to Bacelona and Montaillou to restock before the lose the opportunity.

Thanks for the tip! But are you saying I should go back to Barcelona before I complete the Crypt? Or right afterwards?

I haven't been able to play much over the past couple of days - even us retired people get to be busy sometimes.

A question or two:

1. Do you multiloot chests and things to try to ensure getting good items? Or do you see it as cheating?

2. Have you ever tried starting a character and taking it so farthrough the early stages of the game - say to level 4 or 7 (just before leveling up to 5/8), then saving the char to use in a new game, effectively giving the char a head start? I'm considering doing it next time to see how effective it is - or if it it just evens out by the time you get to the Crypt or wherever

[Ravager]

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

Yes, that's true. But equipped items also have an effect, such as the one that give 50 extra mana.

True. Buying or finding some Boots of Spirit Regeneration may help. They're supposed to increase the Mana regen. rate. Useful if you have 900 points worth.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

I tried to take Jehanne with me to that level, but the game crashed every time. It is fine without her, but crashes if I try to take her through the door. *shrugs* Annoying, but I usually fight alone anyway. Easier that taking care of followers!

Hmm, I haven't had that problem before. Pity you can't get the game patch. That might contain a fix for it.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

No. I'm not that fussed about getting lots of gold. I have concentrated on Perks to put up XP, Extra skill points, Combat and Magic. After all, you can find a lot of good stuff, so I don't feel I need to buy much apart from potions and scrolls.

Having high Barter not only decreases the prices the merchants sell at and increase the buying rate, but some merchants have an inventory of much better items only accessible if you have sufficient Barter. Alvaro at the Crossroads for instance. Plus, their normal stock is still available, so you get to choose from both sets.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

Thanks for the tip! But are you saying I should go back to Barcelona before I complete the Crypt? Or right afterwards?

Before. After you complete the area, the game will change substantially and it might be a while before you get to sell anything again, so you might want to create some space in your inventory so you can hold some of the equipment gained before the next chance to sell things.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

1. Do you multiloot chests and things to try to ensure getting good items? Or do you see it as cheating?

I don't normally do that. Occasionly I have reloaded the ethereal encounters (the random encounters from the crystals) as that treasure seems to change every time it is revealed. Also when I loot sarcophagi in the Crypt that have encounters tougher than I had expected/prepared for and so had to reload (also changing the treasure gained). It feels like cheating though, even more so than trying to trigger random encounters to get high-level treasure and XP.

Originally Posted by Fljotsdale

2. Have you ever tried starting a character and taking it so farthrough the early stages of the game - say to level 4 or 7 (just before leveling up to 5/8), then saving the char to use in a new game, effectively giving the char a head start? I'm considering doing it next time to see how effective it is - or if it it just evens out by the time you get to the Crypt or wherever

AFAIK the XP gained off encounters and quests remains constant and doesn't decrease as the character level increases.
I haven't tried that before though. I expect you would stay at least slightly ahead of a character starting at level 1 though.
Maybe even the equipment you gathered before you export a character would stay with you but I doubt it.
I might look into it myself at some point.

[Fljotsdale]

Originally Posted by Ravager

Hmm, I haven't had that problem before. Pity you can't get the game patch. That might contain a fix for it.

Ah, well. At least it only crashed for Jehanne, not for my char.

Originally Posted by Ravager

Having high Barter not only decreases the prices the merchants sell at and increase the buying rate, but some merchants have an inventory of much better items only accessible if you have sufficient Barter. Alvaro at the Crossroads for instance. Plus, their normal stock is still available, so you get to choose from both sets.

Erm.. he always seems to have two lots of stock - and often, the 'regular' stock is better than the 'special' stock. I didn't realise it was Barter-based. I've never had a char with a particularly high Barter skill.

Originally Posted by Ravager

Before. After you complete the area, the game will change substantially and it might be a while before you get to sell anything again, so you might want to create some space in your inventory so you can hold some of the equipment gained before the next chance to sell things.

Ah. I guess my girl will go take a trip to Barcelona before she goes much further. I have stuff dumped by the exits from each level...

Originally Posted by Ravager

I don't normally do that. Occasionly I have reloaded the ethereal encounters (the random encounters from the crystals) as that treasure seems to change every time it is revealed. Also when I loot sarcophagi in the Crypt that have encounters tougher than I had expected/prepared for and so had to reload (also changing the treasure gained). It feels like cheating though, even more so than trying to trigger random encounters to get high-level treasure and XP.

Yes, it does feel like cheating, doesn't it? I don't do it all the time, but when I'm looking for something specific - like an item of Electrical Resistance or am seriously in need of Healing potions - then I do.

Originally Posted by Ravager

AFAIK the XP gained off encounters and quests remains constant and doesn't decrease as the character level increases.
I haven't tried that before though. I expect you would stay at least slightly ahead of a character starting at level 1 though.
Maybe even the equipment you gathered before you export a character would stay with you but I doubt it.
I might look into it myself at some point.

I would doubt the equipment would remain. But the Perks would have to, I think, so you didn't get them again. I'm thinking of Stargazer, which you get early on. It would be unfair to get it twice. Nice, but unfair!
I'm not sure if it would be worth trying, but I may, when I've finished the current game.