Argyle

Xavier45 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2002, 03:02 PM

ok, went for a test drive of the server...
1.) seems pretty neat.. big load time for the marketplace and alot of the areas, but neat.

2.) i like the scripted people running around everywhere

3.) I DIED AND LOST MY CHARACTER TO SOME GOD FORBIDDEN PLACE CALLED FUGUE OR SOMETHING!

4.) THE REST IS IMPOSSIBLE!

ok, maybe i'm a greenie and aren't used to D&D hardcore, but there's something to be said about going too far. i mean, honestly, are we gonna be spending 1/2 our life in that server?? cuz otherwise i just don't see how any of us can gain a high level... or even A level... sorry if i've stepped on any argyle enthusiast's toes.

Saigo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2002, 03:30 PM

The Hardcore Ruleset is like that. Death is permanent, just like PnP. Argyle, however, is harder than it needs to be, especially with the limitations on magic. I like to see a slow progression of levels, but the pace there is too slow. If you can survive long enough, that is. Most players have lost 30 or more characters while trying to get one to live past 2nd or 3rd level. Additionally, at least when I was playing on Argyle, once you get past a certain level, there isn't much reason to continue -- there's very little challenge and there are next to zero rewards.

On the other hand, Argyle is still just a test server, and I haven't played there in months. There may be more to it than there was. If they ever get the real server up and running, it should be more worthwhile. It will still be just as impossible, but, hopefully, more interesting in the long run.

As you may have seen, I have my own test server running (as often as possible) with HCR rules and a higher level of magic. I think mine comes closer to a real PnP environment. If Argyle gets too frustrating for you, give Darklight a try. I should have it up on a regular basis by the first of next week.

Whatever you do, have fun!

Xandax · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2003, 02:59 AM

Argyle is "marketing" itself on being very hard.

With "MageHate"(low magic in "anti-magic" world), perma death, low exp. gain etc. it is all but impossible to get to high level.

This can and will discourage many, but many of us find that to be part of the charm.

The hardness is partly to discourage powergamers, they wanted an envoiment for roleplayers, where it wasn't about getting the exp. but getting the experience.
Futhermore the DMs of Argyle will reward roleplaying exp. bonus, so your exp. dosen't have to come from adventuring.

I can only imagine the joy of getting a character to level 3-5 on the live server when it gets there, and the agony of loosing a level 5 character to death the moment after

My main concern with Argyle is the load time and lag/latency I will experience playing on canadian servers

smass · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2003, 08:38 AM

Just wanted to put in my two cents as a guy who spends 10 hours a week or so in Arygle.

Echoing Zandax's points - Argyle is all about roleplaying - and roleplaying is about character development and interaction with other roleplayers. In this sense the test server is a very good roleplaying experience. If you are careful - and try play your character in a well thought out way - you can gain a few levels along the way.

The slow level progression does give Argyle some limitations - if you enjoy using high level abilities, spells, and fighting high level foes you will be disappointed in the test server. There are only a handful of characters that are above level 4 at this time.

@Saigo - the test server has been beefed up considerably and the challenge for high level characters is now there. The temple is impossible to even enter with less than a level 3 char and several new areas have been added with giants and other high level monsters.

The difficulty and the emphasis on roleplaying does even the playing field - you can roleplay and have fun with a level one character in Arygle. On other servers I have played with many uber level chars - no one will even talk to you until you get to level 7 or 8 - that is just no fun for me.

Anyway - if you enjoy roleplaying in its pure sense you will probably love Argyle - a place where you can have a 30 minute real time discussion on the gods, philosophy, etc. If you need to kill something every 10 seconds and can't be bothered to develop your characters personality and interact with others - you belong on a different server.

Saigo · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2003, 10:09 AM

I shouldn't have written my response when I did -- I didn't have time to say everything I should have.

The reason I stayed in Argyle for so long, the reason I was willing to suffer through the nasty lag and the deaths of over 30 characters, was the players. The level of role play in Argyle is second to none, and the quality of the players is superior to that of any other server, period!

I just hope I can attract the same quality of people to Darklight.

smass · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2003, 01:04 PM

Hey Saigo - I am getting my DSL line installed on Jan 3rd. First big file I am going to download is your hak-pak - so I really will be joining you soon!

Aegis · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2003, 01:58 PM

Well, as everyone knows my general view on NWN (if you don't search the forums a bit), Argyle is the only, real, redeeming factor of the game. Because I'm a AD&D enthusist, as well as a P&P enthusist, Argyle allows me to play online, with people, and get the P&N experience, which, IMHO, is quite accurate. (anyone who says otherwise needs to find some new GM's). I, personally, (Smass and CM can vouch for this) have lost a ton of characters, a few of which were level 3 (Poor Aegisalonoth... He was the server's token ranger!). While frustrating at first, it is something that you learn to accept. While, I do think resurrections are too difficult (impossible currently) to buy, at least the function is there, so if you have a good group f players with you when you die, they might res you if they can.

Touching on some other things, the server, while boasting not being a combat orientated server, is a lie. With the latest changes, it has become to easy to level, if you know the right area. It went from having a nice balance of areas, all of moderate difficulty, to an extreme difference. Some places are overly difficult, while others are insultingly easy. But, the RP is still going strong. Just today, I was able to have an argument with a one of the guards (who won, due to the fact he's a gaurd and could skewer me), who fined me 50 gold, and my armour because I needed help. that sort of thing you won't find on other servers, which makes this one somewhat decent.

Oh well, Argyle is the only thing that keeps me playing a couple hours every few days.

Nightmare · #8 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 06:14 PM

I echo what the others have said. You will die quite a bit, but you need to form parties, and know when to run away...and never, ever try to take on a Goblin Elite.

The DMs sometimes are a bit unfair, but usually they are quite good. I've had some awesome DM controlled quests...

The only thing that I don't like about it is sometimes I lose a character that dies because a metagaming/powergaming/out-of-character PK. But, generally, I get over it, and start again.

You learn to master the character creation phase...

Aegis · #9 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 07:15 PM

Yeah... Those Elites are stronger then some level 5 players... I've seen Pinth have a hard time with them. I just about lost my dwarf to one just know. Luckily, I had gained a level, and used that to earn back about 6 HP... Now, I gotta wait until I can heal myself up before getting revenge.