How's it going folks?
I know, I know. I've been quiet lately (blame work). As such an update is in order.
First up, Bregel and Zylashiir of the Oathkeepers Legacy are finally together (awwww) and all set up. This is rather important.
I've had plenty of time to play games lately. I've a villain duo with Sephorus on City of Villains. My wife and I still have a duo on City of Heroes, and recently a duo I have with a good friend hit 50 and they've rerolled.
WAR though.... WAR is best in groups. In mobs. In rampaging armies.
I've no problem wandering through quests and pqs by myself or with random public groups to get the job done and get myself levels. But for the battle, for the fights and for the moments of complete win, it's better with friends. Failing that, with a warband to be in and another to fight.
So with them back, Leggit and Orrekai are pushing up the ranks again.
On the subject of Orrekai. It seems Dwarves are incapable of percieving anything above their own head height when there's Orcs about. Bregel is a fine Ironbreaker. I'm told I'm not a bad Rune Priest.
How then do I explain the fact that our Archmage and Shadow Warrior ended up buried under a mountain of Greenskins?
....There were Orcs to be killin....what'd you expect? And you better believe I can cause some serious AoE trouble.
On to the other war. Warhammer Fantasy!
The Battle for Skull Pass arrived today. Tomorrow I'll be swinging near the GOA offices and eventually tracking down NicGOA. He's getting Dwarves, I'm getting Greenies. Hopefully in a week or two I should have enough assembled and painted (badly) to blog a battle report!
GOA Meet March 9th.
Seems that Dublin Bus (rightly so) has stepped up its industrial action. There are to be no city buses from Sunday the 1st of March until.... some time. It could be that buses are running when everyone is here to meet the lads. It could be that the city is whimpering and curled up in the corner due to no transport. Either way, mark it in the calendar. It's happening!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
GOA Meet Travel Advisory
The RTÉ has this little story about Dublin Bus. The up, down and sideways of the issue aside, anyone coming to Dublin on March 9th for the GOA meet or leaving on the 10th (I'm looking at you Arb) should keep an eye on developments.
That said, for getting to and from the airport, there is still the Aircoach. For getting around the city, well it's small enough really and there's also the Luas.
Thankfully the bar chosen for the meeting is in the Temple Bar last I checked, so just a wee walk away from where the Aircoach would leave any of our would be invaders.
More on this as it becomes available and if it becomes terribly relevant, so far we'll just have to take a little more time and enjoy the chaos of a city without its main bus service. Personally till I remembered I was taking that day off, I had planned to walk to work to be amused by the traffic.
That said, for getting to and from the airport, there is still the Aircoach. For getting around the city, well it's small enough really and there's also the Luas.
Thankfully the bar chosen for the meeting is in the Temple Bar last I checked, so just a wee walk away from where the Aircoach would leave any of our would be invaders.
More on this as it becomes available and if it becomes terribly relevant, so far we'll just have to take a little more time and enjoy the chaos of a city without its main bus service. Personally till I remembered I was taking that day off, I had planned to walk to work to be amused by the traffic.
Night of Murder Post Mortem
Another short entry.
Partially to amuse people, partially to remind myself to bloody write damnit.
The Night of Murder ran from Feb 5th-16th. I only got home on the eve of the 7th. I had pretty much a week (except for Valentines day, yes I did all that) to play it and to my own shame, I didn't do much.
Why am I bothered? This was far easier to earn influence for than Kegs End. I got to the second reward on Leggit quite easily before it occured to me to try and do it all on my Dwarves who sadly got nowt.
What did everyone else think of the automated killmails? Personally I quite enjoyed getting my head sent to me in the mail. It gave me a goal, find that guy and kill him (I managed it). It gave me a pocket item, which I always enjoy having. It gave me a reason to charge blindly into my foes screaming as only a Goblin can...
..well I never need a reason for that last one, no matter who I am playing.
I'm not bothered that I missed out on an item that I can't use till level 35. As it is, I am going to have to get off my arse and get back to work on Orrekai. I've dawdled too long at 29.
In WAR related news, the official forums are there for people with active US accounts. Which I have, despite being a Euro. So far there's nothing in the healer forum, but I hope that will change soon. Granted when I say nothing, I mean literally nothing. No posts at all.
*makes eyes at the GOA guys for a EuroForum account so he can be globally nosey*
Partially to amuse people, partially to remind myself to bloody write damnit.
The Night of Murder ran from Feb 5th-16th. I only got home on the eve of the 7th. I had pretty much a week (except for Valentines day, yes I did all that) to play it and to my own shame, I didn't do much.
Why am I bothered? This was far easier to earn influence for than Kegs End. I got to the second reward on Leggit quite easily before it occured to me to try and do it all on my Dwarves who sadly got nowt.
What did everyone else think of the automated killmails? Personally I quite enjoyed getting my head sent to me in the mail. It gave me a goal, find that guy and kill him (I managed it). It gave me a pocket item, which I always enjoy having. It gave me a reason to charge blindly into my foes screaming as only a Goblin can...
..well I never need a reason for that last one, no matter who I am playing.
I'm not bothered that I missed out on an item that I can't use till level 35. As it is, I am going to have to get off my arse and get back to work on Orrekai. I've dawdled too long at 29.
In WAR related news, the official forums are there for people with active US accounts. Which I have, despite being a Euro. So far there's nothing in the healer forum, but I hope that will change soon. Granted when I say nothing, I mean literally nothing. No posts at all.
*makes eyes at the GOA guys for a EuroForum account so he can be globally nosey*
The Good
The lovely Sareini pointed me to a site a little while ago. It's called Gifts for Geeks. It says it is an Authorised Retailer for the Games Workshop.
What does this mean in practice? It means that I went and got the Battle for Skull Pass box set and paint set (with even more Goblins) for a price, including shipping, that is still €10 cheaper than the basic box in GW Liffey Street.
What does that mean in practice? That means ladies and gents that Ardy is go for getting a Warhammer army up and ready to take on NicGOA.
Now to the bad news for some.
I'm going Greenskins.
The poll results are actually 36% voted for Dwarfs (I love you all) and 30% for Orcs. However the offer of models from Magnus over in GOA, Nic himself, Mr Sareini and the models that I'll have in the box means a nigh 1000pt army from the word go. Which is far better than what I'd be at relying solely on the boxed Dwarves.
There we have it then. Despite online my heart belonging to the Dwarf side, my first WHFB army will be Greenskins.
Still could be worse. I could be trying to launch back into 40k. The world doesn't need another Necron player does it? (Speaking of which, anyone up for some Dark Crusade/Soulstorm?)
What does this mean in practice? It means that I went and got the Battle for Skull Pass box set and paint set (with even more Goblins) for a price, including shipping, that is still €10 cheaper than the basic box in GW Liffey Street.
What does that mean in practice? That means ladies and gents that Ardy is go for getting a Warhammer army up and ready to take on NicGOA.
Now to the bad news for some.
I'm going Greenskins.
The poll results are actually 36% voted for Dwarfs (I love you all) and 30% for Orcs. However the offer of models from Magnus over in GOA, Nic himself, Mr Sareini and the models that I'll have in the box means a nigh 1000pt army from the word go. Which is far better than what I'd be at relying solely on the boxed Dwarves.
There we have it then. Despite online my heart belonging to the Dwarf side, my first WHFB army will be Greenskins.
Still could be worse. I could be trying to launch back into 40k. The world doesn't need another Necron player does it? (Speaking of which, anyone up for some Dark Crusade/Soulstorm?)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Catching up
I forgot to mention I was back.
I'm back. Yaaaay.
So while I catch up on work, cleaning and the blogosphere, bear with me. Hopefully I'll be back to blathering inanely soon.
In other news, I've ordered the Warhammer stuff (more on that sooner than the previous soon) and should be ready to field an army within a month. I say a month because I really am an awful painter.
I'm back. Yaaaay.
So while I catch up on work, cleaning and the blogosphere, bear with me. Hopefully I'll be back to blathering inanely soon.
In other news, I've ordered the Warhammer stuff (more on that sooner than the previous soon) and should be ready to field an army within a month. I say a month because I really am an awful painter.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hit the polls!
Nic over at GOA has asked me for some Warhammer Fantasy battling.
How can I say no to that?
Well... plenty of ways. I've never played tabletop WHFB. I've always been more of a 40k nut (NECRONS!). I'm lousy at painting (Necrons are metal, done). I don't have an army (good reason that one).
Still, that's all just blathering. I'm going to pick up a set of paints and the Battle for Skull Pass set.
The plan is to build an army slowly, skirmish at first and build up to massive battles.
To that end, I ask you. What army should I play properly?
Two added questions. Given that I am a lousy painter and generally better on computers than with putty...
Should I a) use one of my two Collectors Edition Orc models or b) attempt to model one of my WAR characters for use in the army?
How can I say no to that?
Well... plenty of ways. I've never played tabletop WHFB. I've always been more of a 40k nut (NECRONS!). I'm lousy at painting (Necrons are metal, done). I don't have an army (good reason that one).
Still, that's all just blathering. I'm going to pick up a set of paints and the Battle for Skull Pass set.
The plan is to build an army slowly, skirmish at first and build up to massive battles.
To that end, I ask you. What army should I play properly?
Two added questions. Given that I am a lousy painter and generally better on computers than with putty...
Should I a) use one of my two Collectors Edition Orc models or b) attempt to model one of my WAR characters for use in the army?
Slayers: A Reason.
This one is for you T.
In Karak Kadrin there is a very special Slayer. Specifically the King Ungrim Ironfist. Long long ago there was a Dwarf King who undertook the Oath of the Slayer. He did the normal, shaved his hair, spiked the rest, tattoos. The lot of it.
Unfortunately, his oath of kingship came first. He couldn't well abandon his rule and his people. So then the original king passed on this grudge and this Slayer Oath to all his descendants. Ungrim Ironfist is a King first, a Slayer second. He cannot simply throw away his duty for an honorable death.
Now we have Slayers in the Age of Reckoning. Dwarfs join the Oathbearers. From the Armies of WAR page:
Any Oathbearer active, has sworn their service to the High King. Any Dwarf who shamed themselves while in said service could become a Slayer. In this way you can argue for Slayers for the game. They fight, recklessly as they would, but accept aid from the others because they've not yet fulfilled the oath. To see the Doomstrikers forged and the armies ranged against all Dwarfs fought.
The best (or worst) Slayers grow in power. They can't just commit suicide and be freed of the shame. They have to always improve in skill and power. They are supposed to seek the toughest foes and greatest evils to fight an epic battle. One that will destroy them and wipe away the shame.
You know... that or Mythic can just say they've popped over from the Slayer keep.
"'Ere lads, go smack up those armies. Live long enough and you'll get a fine axe and we'll go invade the Inevitable City"
In Karak Kadrin there is a very special Slayer. Specifically the King Ungrim Ironfist. Long long ago there was a Dwarf King who undertook the Oath of the Slayer. He did the normal, shaved his hair, spiked the rest, tattoos. The lot of it.
Unfortunately, his oath of kingship came first. He couldn't well abandon his rule and his people. So then the original king passed on this grudge and this Slayer Oath to all his descendants. Ungrim Ironfist is a King first, a Slayer second. He cannot simply throw away his duty for an honorable death.
Now we have Slayers in the Age of Reckoning. Dwarfs join the Oathbearers. From the Armies of WAR page:
Such was the importance of their task; any Dwarf wishing to join the Oathbearers
would be required to swear an oath to the High King himself.
Any Oathbearer active, has sworn their service to the High King. Any Dwarf who shamed themselves while in said service could become a Slayer. In this way you can argue for Slayers for the game. They fight, recklessly as they would, but accept aid from the others because they've not yet fulfilled the oath. To see the Doomstrikers forged and the armies ranged against all Dwarfs fought.
The best (or worst) Slayers grow in power. They can't just commit suicide and be freed of the shame. They have to always improve in skill and power. They are supposed to seek the toughest foes and greatest evils to fight an epic battle. One that will destroy them and wipe away the shame.
You know... that or Mythic can just say they've popped over from the Slayer keep.
"'Ere lads, go smack up those armies. Live long enough and you'll get a fine axe and we'll go invade the Inevitable City"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Yep
Eeeeveryone else is mentioning what I was a little slow on getting.
Slayers and Choppas. AXE FOR ALL!
Also, three live events, a new zone, new scenario and other new newnews.
I would have preferred the Hammerer, but hey. AXE!
Slayers and Choppas. AXE FOR ALL!
Also, three live events, a new zone, new scenario and other new newnews.
I would have preferred the Hammerer, but hey. AXE!
Final countdown
It's 29/01
Or 01/29 if you're from Americaland.
The big news comes today. Is it actually the Choppa and Slayer? Are they toying with us? Will it be something else entirely?
Why'd I have to be busy today?
Or 01/29 if you're from Americaland.
The big news comes today. Is it actually the Choppa and Slayer? Are they toying with us? Will it be something else entirely?
Why'd I have to be busy today?
Monday, January 26, 2009
GOA Meet, March 9th
Cheap Accomodation
Rough Directions
Bus Fare Information
Dublin Airport
Ardys Twitter
For anyone flying in, getting into the city is a doddle. There's a million buses that'll do the trick.
If you're going on a one day over and back trip, I suggest the €6 All Day Rambler. You can get the 747 to the centre of the city, wander about as you please and be able to head back that night.
If you're taking two days or more, the top link is to a very affordable and rather nice hotel. Sure if only a few come, I can see about putting you up, otherwise feel free to have a bed and breakfast on the Ripley Court. Walking directions have been included because well....shush I was bored and it seemed like a good idea. Also available is the three day Freedom of the City bus ticket at €25 which will get you from the airport and back, give access to Dublin bus tours and is also good for regular routes. If you're here for beer, games and GOA, two one day ramblers is better.
Anyone in Dublin/Ireland, you'll be able to find your way. Tail end of the Temple Bar area, 'nuff said.
There's also a Games Workshop in the area if we all feel like descending upon them for whatever reason. GOA's offices are in a dark mysterious place deep in the middle of somewhere that was boring, we can ignore those.
Rough Directions
Bus Fare Information
Dublin Airport
Ardys Twitter
For anyone flying in, getting into the city is a doddle. There's a million buses that'll do the trick.
If you're going on a one day over and back trip, I suggest the €6 All Day Rambler. You can get the 747 to the centre of the city, wander about as you please and be able to head back that night.
If you're taking two days or more, the top link is to a very affordable and rather nice hotel. Sure if only a few come, I can see about putting you up, otherwise feel free to have a bed and breakfast on the Ripley Court. Walking directions have been included because well....shush I was bored and it seemed like a good idea. Also available is the three day Freedom of the City bus ticket at €25 which will get you from the airport and back, give access to Dublin bus tours and is also good for regular routes. If you're here for beer, games and GOA, two one day ramblers is better.
Anyone in Dublin/Ireland, you'll be able to find your way. Tail end of the Temple Bar area, 'nuff said.
There's also a Games Workshop in the area if we all feel like descending upon them for whatever reason. GOA's offices are in a dark mysterious place deep in the middle of somewhere that was boring, we can ignore those.
One of those annoucement posts.
Eurotrip!
Ladies and Gents. Dawi and pansy Elves. Chaos filth and Uruk scum. I bid you welcome. March 9th The Book of Grudges and GOA are having a get together. Seeing as they're having it in my city (yes, I own all of Dublin, get your mitts off) I will of course be there. More importantly, I am here as well. So anyone with any questions about accomodation, travel, dates, times, location, squigs, food and anything else can feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you.
Age Of Blogging!
The Age of Blogging continues! Blogs for the Blogroll!
Click the wee picture to the side or my Age of Blogging post link to get involved.
A little note to the new folks on Blog Warhammer. I was double xping. I will be doing that thing that I do on the site shortly.
29/01/09
Where will you be? Me? I'll be in work. However time difference works in my favour. If Mythic decide to delay till after lunch, yours truly will be at home while America works. Anyone who wants can follow me, or any of the bloggers, on Twitter for the news as we get it.
Ladies and Gents. Dawi and pansy Elves. Chaos filth and Uruk scum. I bid you welcome. March 9th The Book of Grudges and GOA are having a get together. Seeing as they're having it in my city (yes, I own all of Dublin, get your mitts off) I will of course be there. More importantly, I am here as well. So anyone with any questions about accomodation, travel, dates, times, location, squigs, food and anything else can feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you.
Age Of Blogging!
The Age of Blogging continues! Blogs for the Blogroll!
Click the wee picture to the side or my Age of Blogging post link to get involved.
A little note to the new folks on Blog Warhammer. I was double xping. I will be doing that thing that I do on the site shortly.
29/01/09
Where will you be? Me? I'll be in work. However time difference works in my favour. If Mythic decide to delay till after lunch, yours truly will be at home while America works. Anyone who wants can follow me, or any of the bloggers, on Twitter for the news as we get it.
My City Weekend.
This weekend just gone it was Double Xp weekend in City of Heroes.
As much as I love Warhammer, I do still play in the City with Shannon and others and really... double xp? How can you not?
A little recap of the achievements.
Robo-Buddy Mk III (Crab Spider) went from 47 to 50, making him my 6th 50.
Tempestas Silex (Controller) went from 46 to 48, on the cusp of 49. Two more levels and the great staminaless duo (a conversation for another time) will hit 50.
Specialist Mitchell (Shield Tank) went from 21 and a bit to 31ish. I say ish because Shannon is at home, playing the last of DXP and our Specialists are using level pact. It is entirely possible that I could log in when I get home and hit 32.
[Breaking news : Ding 32]
A few other characters got some work, including my scrapper and Warshade.
DXP weekends are always food for thought. Seph for one DXP weekend thought ahead and made sure to buy in groceries and dinners that could be cooked quickly to ensure minimal downtime due to food. His lovely other half Erin also got plenty of xp that day.
I myself made sure to have snacks on hand, no plans and a clear idea of who I wanted to get where in the grand scheme of things.
Then there's folks (who shall remain nameless) in the coalition who all but drove themselves into the ground. Missing sleep, missing meals and practically making themselves sick... all because of double the normal reward.
City of Heroes isn't that hard any more. It really isn't. Without doing the crotchety old guy schtick, when I started, debt was a big deal. Missions were worth the same as random mobs in the street. You slogged to 14 (travel power), then to 20 (Stamina), six slotted it to squeeze the best out of it and rejoiced at 22 when you got Single Origin enhancements.
Now there are Yin-Os and IOs. There are missions to get a travel power from level 5. There is patrol xp, rewarding you with faster levelling for taking a break and more besides. Yet people organise their weekends around these events and others.
Is it good to see?
Yes and no.
One or two Double Xp weekends a year is all you should have. Any more and the novelty is undone. Also you want people to keep playing your game, if it was DXP the last weekend of every month, everyone would hit the cap with very little effort in very little time. People are everywhere, work is done. It's a good time for most.
The dark side is of course the people who will play insane hours to their own detriment or the inevitable complaints from people who can't play. DXP regularly puts Virtue server in the red and unstable. It population locks Freedom Server. You can imagine what the boards look like after a crash or an inability to log in.
I had a good weekend. But I wouldn't do it often.
As much as I love Warhammer, I do still play in the City with Shannon and others and really... double xp? How can you not?
A little recap of the achievements.
Robo-Buddy Mk III (Crab Spider) went from 47 to 50, making him my 6th 50.
Tempestas Silex (Controller) went from 46 to 48, on the cusp of 49. Two more levels and the great staminaless duo (a conversation for another time) will hit 50.
Specialist Mitchell (Shield Tank) went from 21 and a bit to 31ish. I say ish because Shannon is at home, playing the last of DXP and our Specialists are using level pact. It is entirely possible that I could log in when I get home and hit 32.
[Breaking news : Ding 32]
A few other characters got some work, including my scrapper and Warshade.
DXP weekends are always food for thought. Seph for one DXP weekend thought ahead and made sure to buy in groceries and dinners that could be cooked quickly to ensure minimal downtime due to food. His lovely other half Erin also got plenty of xp that day.
I myself made sure to have snacks on hand, no plans and a clear idea of who I wanted to get where in the grand scheme of things.
Then there's folks (who shall remain nameless) in the coalition who all but drove themselves into the ground. Missing sleep, missing meals and practically making themselves sick... all because of double the normal reward.
City of Heroes isn't that hard any more. It really isn't. Without doing the crotchety old guy schtick, when I started, debt was a big deal. Missions were worth the same as random mobs in the street. You slogged to 14 (travel power), then to 20 (Stamina), six slotted it to squeeze the best out of it and rejoiced at 22 when you got Single Origin enhancements.
Now there are Yin-Os and IOs. There are missions to get a travel power from level 5. There is patrol xp, rewarding you with faster levelling for taking a break and more besides. Yet people organise their weekends around these events and others.
Is it good to see?
Yes and no.
One or two Double Xp weekends a year is all you should have. Any more and the novelty is undone. Also you want people to keep playing your game, if it was DXP the last weekend of every month, everyone would hit the cap with very little effort in very little time. People are everywhere, work is done. It's a good time for most.
The dark side is of course the people who will play insane hours to their own detriment or the inevitable complaints from people who can't play. DXP regularly puts Virtue server in the red and unstable. It population locks Freedom Server. You can imagine what the boards look like after a crash or an inability to log in.
I had a good weekend. But I wouldn't do it often.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Catching up
A quick recap for both me and for anyone reading.
First. January 29th. Stick it in the calendar. Big things are coming.
Second. Bloggers, I shall be catching up shortly. Though I'm enjoying the idea from Arb with regards villages and such.
Third and most important. Go to the Book of Grudges my little euros. Go now and vote about a Eurogettogether for GOA/Mythic/Us.
My recap.
Guests are lovely. For a bit. You can have one person for ages, or lots for a few days. Never try to have 6 for a week.
And in my highlight, I did that Marriage instance thing with Shannon and all we got were lousy bind on equip rings. Someone needs to check the loot tables.
\o/ WIN!
First. January 29th. Stick it in the calendar. Big things are coming.
Second. Bloggers, I shall be catching up shortly. Though I'm enjoying the idea from Arb with regards villages and such.
Third and most important. Go to the Book of Grudges my little euros. Go now and vote about a Eurogettogether for GOA/Mythic/Us.
My recap.
Guests are lovely. For a bit. You can have one person for ages, or lots for a few days. Never try to have 6 for a week.
And in my highlight, I did that Marriage instance thing with Shannon and all we got were lousy bind on equip rings. Someone needs to check the loot tables.
\o/ WIN!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Age of Blogging Continues!
Just a quick note on the Age of Blogging.
We've now infiltrated the Warhammer Grab Bag!
Hop on over to Blog Warhammer for more on blogging about WAR.
We've now infiltrated the Warhammer Grab Bag!
Hop on over to Blog Warhammer for more on blogging about WAR.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Oh! Blogroll!
Stolen liberally from Blog Warhammer because I'm a moderator and I can :P
Blog Warhammer Blogroll
Asuryan's Flames
Alt Much?
Blame the Healer
Boathammer
Book of Grudges
Bootaes Bloody Blog
Boredom Blogging
Bow & Stab
Bugmans Best
Cabal of War
Casual Chaos
Classy Gamer
Cry Moar Noob
Da Bloggy Tingy
Denizens of Xibalba
Echoes of Nonsense
Epic Slant
Fires of WAR
From the Forging of Ice and Fire
Garrison of WAR
Goblin Rampage
Grumble And Mutter
Healer At Heart
High Magic
High On Chaos
Incoming Pull
In The Xone
Kiss my Bolter
Laughing Lion Tavern
Lets not have a Breakdown
Metro Gamer
One Side of The Fence
Rainbow MMO
Reroller
RP That Way ===>
Schlotzkys Game Blog
Skurm
Sneaky Gits
Stunty Stomper
The Greenskin
The Grumblings of Gorebash
That's Skar With A K
The Slurm Factory
The Weekend Gamer
The White Lion Blog
Waaagh!
WAR! For Casuals
WAR Roleplaying for Dummies (And Zealots)
Warhammer Addons Reviewed
Way of the Chosen
Werit Blog
Wizards & Wenches
Word of Shadow
Zizlak's Travel Diary
Blogger and Blog Friend Guild
Casualties of War
Dev/CM
Blogs
Paul Barnett's blog
Josh Drescher's blog
Doubt the Stars
Elvish Parsley
Fierce Kitten
Adventures in MMO Community Management
Other
Warhammer Alliance
WarhammerOnline.tv
Hammer of War
MMO News
Links
Massively
Ten Ton Hammer
Respect Thy Enemy.
A blog post in progress. Or rather, I'm half asleep and sure I'll become annoyed with my ramble later. Enjoy for now.
I am not saying you need to like your enemy. This is Warhammer. You don't even have to like your allies, neighbours or friends. They're all likely heretics, mutants or Elves anyway.
I do however have a current problem with disrespect. There is a side in this battle. They have many members who constantly insult their opposition. Call them derogatory names. Belittle their intelligence and resolve.
It's Order on Ostermark.
I mentioned previously a tactic that consists of breaking into a keeps inner doors and weakening them to the point of failure before backing off (in good order I might add). I've not seen it since, but then again I've not been playing nearly as much. Perhaps the ringleaders on Destruction have hit T4. Perhaps it's a tactic for later hours than mine.
Now Seph has stated that a guild on Ostermark-Order has used it, and it was his understanding that it tended only to crop up in guild-only or guild-majority warbands. That too could be true.
However having the ability to get 20 some odd rampaging characters to fight to a point and then break off? That's something worth admiring. The "legality" or fairness of the tactic aside. Sucessfully pulling it off is, to me, an achievement.
Why then do alot of Order players feel superior to Destruction? You didn't sucessfully defend, they sucessfully left. You didn't rout them, they've another objective in mind.
I've alot of respect for Destruction but I will still play the role of my character. Defeated Orcs and Goblins get laughed at. Defeated Elves aren't worthy of attention. Bloody manlings get a bit of glare (Allied manlings and Elves typically rate a glare as well, depending). However, that doesn't mean I think they aren't worthy of my time.
Shittalk is one thing. Bragging about what you have done and how easily the others fell before you? If they did, go right ahead. Calling Destruction names because you can't bring them to the battle? I'm sorry, in that instance, even if every zone is locked for blue, they're better because they're playing a game above you.
Order needs to grow up substantially.
Destruction are the enemy and I love them for it. They are the bar, they aren't there for ridicule, they're there for me to do better than. They are an enemy worth our while. Stop insulting them, you only insult your own side.
I am not saying you need to like your enemy. This is Warhammer. You don't even have to like your allies, neighbours or friends. They're all likely heretics, mutants or Elves anyway.
I do however have a current problem with disrespect. There is a side in this battle. They have many members who constantly insult their opposition. Call them derogatory names. Belittle their intelligence and resolve.
It's Order on Ostermark.
I mentioned previously a tactic that consists of breaking into a keeps inner doors and weakening them to the point of failure before backing off (in good order I might add). I've not seen it since, but then again I've not been playing nearly as much. Perhaps the ringleaders on Destruction have hit T4. Perhaps it's a tactic for later hours than mine.
Now Seph has stated that a guild on Ostermark-Order has used it, and it was his understanding that it tended only to crop up in guild-only or guild-majority warbands. That too could be true.
However having the ability to get 20 some odd rampaging characters to fight to a point and then break off? That's something worth admiring. The "legality" or fairness of the tactic aside. Sucessfully pulling it off is, to me, an achievement.
Why then do alot of Order players feel superior to Destruction? You didn't sucessfully defend, they sucessfully left. You didn't rout them, they've another objective in mind.
I've alot of respect for Destruction but I will still play the role of my character. Defeated Orcs and Goblins get laughed at. Defeated Elves aren't worthy of attention. Bloody manlings get a bit of glare (Allied manlings and Elves typically rate a glare as well, depending). However, that doesn't mean I think they aren't worthy of my time.
Shittalk is one thing. Bragging about what you have done and how easily the others fell before you? If they did, go right ahead. Calling Destruction names because you can't bring them to the battle? I'm sorry, in that instance, even if every zone is locked for blue, they're better because they're playing a game above you.
Order needs to grow up substantially.
Destruction are the enemy and I love them for it. They are the bar, they aren't there for ridicule, they're there for me to do better than. They are an enemy worth our while. Stop insulting them, you only insult your own side.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Armor Addendum
You know... it's like life plans these things out.
"Oh Ardy is ambivalent about the Devestator Set" ... "Oh he likely will ignore it and use WarDB to plan something else or get the oRvR stuff"
So Ardy helps take a keep and goes to the vendor. There's the Runemantle. Teasing me. Buy me. I'm only 8 Gold.
FINE!
Then to make matters worse, the next keep? I manage to snag #1 contribution. Devestator Skullcap.
Now I have to go find the last piece. Curses.
"Oh Ardy is ambivalent about the Devestator Set" ... "Oh he likely will ignore it and use WarDB to plan something else or get the oRvR stuff"
So Ardy helps take a keep and goes to the vendor. There's the Runemantle. Teasing me. Buy me. I'm only 8 Gold.
FINE!
Then to make matters worse, the next keep? I manage to snag #1 contribution. Devestator Skullcap.
Now I have to go find the last piece. Curses.
Dawi's got a brand new bag
What do you wear?
Werit recently got his Annihilator set on his engineer a ways up in t4. Orrekai my Rune Priest recently got the title, Captain of Consignments. What this means is I have the Tracker and Stalker sets. I also have the Decimator set and am working on my Devestator. Norri my Engineer, down in T2, has the Tracker set and two bits of the Obliterator set.
Now, here's the thing. By the time I got to getting the tracker pieces, I had outleveled most of them, but wore them out of an idea that the buffs were worth it somehow. By the time I got myself the Stalker set, well I had again outleveled bits, was wearing some of the oRvR stuff and have even more of it ready and waiting for my next renown level.
This introduces a problem. T4 beckons my friends and myself. Alot of us are 31-28 and ready to rock. A few others are just a tiny bit behind. Should we intentionally Auction/grind for the purposes of getting a particular set or should we continue to hodgepodge?
Even if we all decided we'd be the Oathbearers Legacy all outfitted in Annihilator armor... we're not like Werit. He's kept his rank and renown rank even. I'm in a position myself where they arent too far off (28/26). I'm unsure about the others in the guild, but one I know (yes you, you arrow throwing Elf) has a rather large gap between rank and renown.
We've all come from City of Heroes were there is no armor and life is simpler. There's not the added restriction of "Why yes, you're high enough level to wear this...but you're just not badass enough. Get more renown".
Should we all pause on the cusp of T4 and plan what to do to maximise potential?
I think not. If the wood flinging elf isn't getting much rvr done, so be it. We'd not exclude. If the talkative heretic hunter is constantly rank and renown matched, there's an advantage, but only in that certain options exsist but others may not.
Werit has done fantastic and now looks it on his engineer.
But would he have been 40 by now if he wasnt getting the renown up? Or does it come so thick and fast later that we cannot all help but take our levels in badass?
Me? I'm going to continue having fun in the manner I see fit. Right now, that happens to be making a nuisance of myself in oRvR. It has benefits and if my friends come along, it's better again. If not, well we can all go PvEing.
I just need to shake this armor habit.
Werit recently got his Annihilator set on his engineer a ways up in t4. Orrekai my Rune Priest recently got the title, Captain of Consignments. What this means is I have the Tracker and Stalker sets. I also have the Decimator set and am working on my Devestator. Norri my Engineer, down in T2, has the Tracker set and two bits of the Obliterator set.
Now, here's the thing. By the time I got to getting the tracker pieces, I had outleveled most of them, but wore them out of an idea that the buffs were worth it somehow. By the time I got myself the Stalker set, well I had again outleveled bits, was wearing some of the oRvR stuff and have even more of it ready and waiting for my next renown level.
This introduces a problem. T4 beckons my friends and myself. Alot of us are 31-28 and ready to rock. A few others are just a tiny bit behind. Should we intentionally Auction/grind for the purposes of getting a particular set or should we continue to hodgepodge?
Even if we all decided we'd be the Oathbearers Legacy all outfitted in Annihilator armor... we're not like Werit. He's kept his rank and renown rank even. I'm in a position myself where they arent too far off (28/26). I'm unsure about the others in the guild, but one I know (yes you, you arrow throwing Elf) has a rather large gap between rank and renown.
We've all come from City of Heroes were there is no armor and life is simpler. There's not the added restriction of "Why yes, you're high enough level to wear this...but you're just not badass enough. Get more renown".
Should we all pause on the cusp of T4 and plan what to do to maximise potential?
I think not. If the wood flinging elf isn't getting much rvr done, so be it. We'd not exclude. If the talkative heretic hunter is constantly rank and renown matched, there's an advantage, but only in that certain options exsist but others may not.
Werit has done fantastic and now looks it on his engineer.
But would he have been 40 by now if he wasnt getting the renown up? Or does it come so thick and fast later that we cannot all help but take our levels in badass?
Me? I'm going to continue having fun in the manner I see fit. Right now, that happens to be making a nuisance of myself in oRvR. It has benefits and if my friends come along, it's better again. If not, well we can all go PvEing.
I just need to shake this armor habit.
Shifting lines
How quickly can lines shift? How quickly can an almost complete victory shift into an almost total rout?
Apparently as long as it takes me to sleep.
Before going to bed last night, T3 Ostermark was a battle zone. We had two warbands of Order (Including Relaenas first big taste of running a warband in that tier) versus likely two of the same. Cue either Duel of Fates or the Benny Hill theme depending on the particular time of the battle.
The main shift, the focus of the "endgame" was tier 4. Before Orrekai said his goodbyes and I took myself off to sleep, Order had locked Praag, Thunder Mountain and Dragonwake. Dragonwake was especially nice to see as from my understanding of what filters down on OrderRvR its been one hell of a battle lately.
This morning, Praag remains in the righteous/bloody manling/sissy elf hands of Order. Dragonwake is contested once again.
Dwarf Versus Greenskin though has gone from a reasonably long lock on Thunder Mountain with action in Black Crag to a push all the way back to Kadrin Valley.
Only time will tell if the t4 folks will swing back just as hard. On the bright side though, being Rank 28 (rr26) I can hop up there and join in if there's a real big push going on. Not that I will be terribly useful, but I seem to make my presence felt on occasion.
Back to T3 and what went on last night.
Tactics. The most efficient win. The most bang for your buck.
When do good tactics become poor gameplay? Some people complain about being ganked when they were unprepared. Sometimes by higher characters, other times when they were in the middle of a mob. On paper though, that's entirely fair. You are at war, war won't stop for breaks or niceities. You kill the other guy when you can, as hard as you can.
Rambling related story. I wanted my pistol on Norri as previously mentioned and to begin with I was in Dwarf Chapter 6 in the Marshes of Madness. One of the Versus PQs. Who will get to stage II first? Well... the Dwarves were always going to win this one. There were three of us and none of them. Then there was one, a Squig Herder.
Me feeling playful, I flagged and taunted the squig loving Grobi. I never honestly expected him to flag back, after all I had 7 levels on him and we were no were near the lake. No bolster for the mushroom gobbler.
He waited till I was busy with some mobs and he went for it. Ganker? No. Good sense.
Did it work? Ehhh no. Unfortunately for him I was much higher as mentioned and I could take what the pve mobs were throwing, so I dealt with the greater risk. Three times.
Don't look at me like that, I never expected the fight, I was being silly. He gave it his best shot though and always looked for opportunities against me. He just happened to get beaten.
So now I got to experience something I am told is quite the topic on forums. RvDoor I think someone called it.
Warband runs up, warband fights tooth and nail to breach the first door and fights twice as hard to lay siege against the second door and then... leaves. Just like that the assaulting force packs up and legs it. A victory some think. Defense in the face of overwhelming odds, we broke their spirit etc etc.
No... they weakened the inner door and then left. And now they're doing it to another door somewhere else.
This was the start of the evening for me yesterday. Relaena, Walton of the Templars and myself went to kill a hero for my Stalker set and happened to run into goings on. We joined in. Orlun (Witch hunter) was running a band, and as previously mentioned Relaena ended up with one as well. Destruction would show up somewhere. Fight as hard as they could in the face of defense if there was any and then evaporate just before breaking through. Other times while we were busy recapturing battle objectives or locking zones they would take other keeps. Many complained.
Personally I admired. It's a clever tactic. It keeps us wrong footed and off balance. You cant defend everywhere at all times. People always want to clump up into bigger and bigger groups. Relaena told me though that once, at an ungodly hour, two people managed to duo a keep from start to finish. If half the work has already been done by weakening the doors, well that just makes it easier. Two full warbands can become four half strength ones with just enough muscle to quickly convert a few keeps all over the place.
Apparently the damage can be undone by Archmages or Warrior priests in T3 by targetting the door and the ram pad and using particular skills which boil down to "I hit you, so the door feels better". Later Tanks get a skill I am told to properly repair doors, but it will only ever come into play up in the top tier. Repairing it is tedious but leaving it that way is dangerous.
So my hats off to Destruction. From a personal point of view, playing the game and wanting to fight, it's annoying. They appear to run every time the fight gets to fever pitch. From a tactical point of view, and remember we're all in this war to win, it is genius. They can come back at any time, strike any keep and have done most of the work before.
Order claims it is above such practices, but how long until I find myself in a band where that is the modus operandi?
The late part of that evening showed me another type of shifting line. What to do in a big big bust up.
The answer is run around like a lunatic until something half baked works or until something occurs to whomever shouts loudest (apparently me at times).
Our two warbands headed for Stoneclaw Castle in High Pass to take it back. We ran into two Destruction warbands headed the other way as they stopped to take Ogrunds Tavern. Hilarity ensued.
First it was a fight to maintain our hold. Come into the tavern, dont come in. Fight in front, try and flank. Everyone rally and move together, yes we know half of you are dead. Rez me rez me rez me, oh you're dead. Well rez me anyway.
Then it was a desperate fight to take back the point in three minutes, a fight we likely wouldnt win because well... they stuffed a warband and a bit inside the tavern. Cue new objective, keep them in the tavern and slaughter them as they leave.
It was total chaos and for me at least, exhaustingly fun. So much changed so rapidly. Geography broke lines of sight and made for rdps hills. Order partially zerged on the basis that you could spit and hit the warcamp. Several times Destruction was treated to a kamikaze Rune Priest if only because it made me laugh (and Rune of Battle wasnt going to kill them but I like seeing all the pretty numbers). All in all neither side achieved much, well.. they got the tavern but we got the fight people had been complaining about being deprived, and I ended the night satisfied.
Did we retake High Pass on my late watch? No. But we fought hard at times, defended hard at others, I learned some tricks and I got a good laugh. Win or lose, it was fun.
However tonight, time to try win.
A final question though. Those of you who read this and who run or are up there in guilds. Do you think new recruits should read the Art of War? Do you think your guild should instill a sense of honour in always fighting, even if it means certain doom? Or do you play to win?
Know thy enemy or pwn thy enemy?
Apparently as long as it takes me to sleep.
Before going to bed last night, T3 Ostermark was a battle zone. We had two warbands of Order (Including Relaenas first big taste of running a warband in that tier) versus likely two of the same. Cue either Duel of Fates or the Benny Hill theme depending on the particular time of the battle.
The main shift, the focus of the "endgame" was tier 4. Before Orrekai said his goodbyes and I took myself off to sleep, Order had locked Praag, Thunder Mountain and Dragonwake. Dragonwake was especially nice to see as from my understanding of what filters down on OrderRvR its been one hell of a battle lately.
This morning, Praag remains in the righteous/bloody manling/sissy elf hands of Order. Dragonwake is contested once again.
Dwarf Versus Greenskin though has gone from a reasonably long lock on Thunder Mountain with action in Black Crag to a push all the way back to Kadrin Valley.
Only time will tell if the t4 folks will swing back just as hard. On the bright side though, being Rank 28 (rr26) I can hop up there and join in if there's a real big push going on. Not that I will be terribly useful, but I seem to make my presence felt on occasion.
Back to T3 and what went on last night.
Tactics. The most efficient win. The most bang for your buck.
When do good tactics become poor gameplay? Some people complain about being ganked when they were unprepared. Sometimes by higher characters, other times when they were in the middle of a mob. On paper though, that's entirely fair. You are at war, war won't stop for breaks or niceities. You kill the other guy when you can, as hard as you can.
Rambling related story. I wanted my pistol on Norri as previously mentioned and to begin with I was in Dwarf Chapter 6 in the Marshes of Madness. One of the Versus PQs. Who will get to stage II first? Well... the Dwarves were always going to win this one. There were three of us and none of them. Then there was one, a Squig Herder.
Me feeling playful, I flagged and taunted the squig loving Grobi. I never honestly expected him to flag back, after all I had 7 levels on him and we were no were near the lake. No bolster for the mushroom gobbler.
He waited till I was busy with some mobs and he went for it. Ganker? No. Good sense.
Did it work? Ehhh no. Unfortunately for him I was much higher as mentioned and I could take what the pve mobs were throwing, so I dealt with the greater risk. Three times.
Don't look at me like that, I never expected the fight, I was being silly. He gave it his best shot though and always looked for opportunities against me. He just happened to get beaten.
So now I got to experience something I am told is quite the topic on forums. RvDoor I think someone called it.
Warband runs up, warband fights tooth and nail to breach the first door and fights twice as hard to lay siege against the second door and then... leaves. Just like that the assaulting force packs up and legs it. A victory some think. Defense in the face of overwhelming odds, we broke their spirit etc etc.
No... they weakened the inner door and then left. And now they're doing it to another door somewhere else.
This was the start of the evening for me yesterday. Relaena, Walton of the Templars and myself went to kill a hero for my Stalker set and happened to run into goings on. We joined in. Orlun (Witch hunter) was running a band, and as previously mentioned Relaena ended up with one as well. Destruction would show up somewhere. Fight as hard as they could in the face of defense if there was any and then evaporate just before breaking through. Other times while we were busy recapturing battle objectives or locking zones they would take other keeps. Many complained.
Personally I admired. It's a clever tactic. It keeps us wrong footed and off balance. You cant defend everywhere at all times. People always want to clump up into bigger and bigger groups. Relaena told me though that once, at an ungodly hour, two people managed to duo a keep from start to finish. If half the work has already been done by weakening the doors, well that just makes it easier. Two full warbands can become four half strength ones with just enough muscle to quickly convert a few keeps all over the place.
Apparently the damage can be undone by Archmages or Warrior priests in T3 by targetting the door and the ram pad and using particular skills which boil down to "I hit you, so the door feels better". Later Tanks get a skill I am told to properly repair doors, but it will only ever come into play up in the top tier. Repairing it is tedious but leaving it that way is dangerous.
So my hats off to Destruction. From a personal point of view, playing the game and wanting to fight, it's annoying. They appear to run every time the fight gets to fever pitch. From a tactical point of view, and remember we're all in this war to win, it is genius. They can come back at any time, strike any keep and have done most of the work before.
Order claims it is above such practices, but how long until I find myself in a band where that is the modus operandi?
The late part of that evening showed me another type of shifting line. What to do in a big big bust up.
The answer is run around like a lunatic until something half baked works or until something occurs to whomever shouts loudest (apparently me at times).
Our two warbands headed for Stoneclaw Castle in High Pass to take it back. We ran into two Destruction warbands headed the other way as they stopped to take Ogrunds Tavern. Hilarity ensued.
First it was a fight to maintain our hold. Come into the tavern, dont come in. Fight in front, try and flank. Everyone rally and move together, yes we know half of you are dead. Rez me rez me rez me, oh you're dead. Well rez me anyway.
Then it was a desperate fight to take back the point in three minutes, a fight we likely wouldnt win because well... they stuffed a warband and a bit inside the tavern. Cue new objective, keep them in the tavern and slaughter them as they leave.
It was total chaos and for me at least, exhaustingly fun. So much changed so rapidly. Geography broke lines of sight and made for rdps hills. Order partially zerged on the basis that you could spit and hit the warcamp. Several times Destruction was treated to a kamikaze Rune Priest if only because it made me laugh (and Rune of Battle wasnt going to kill them but I like seeing all the pretty numbers). All in all neither side achieved much, well.. they got the tavern but we got the fight people had been complaining about being deprived, and I ended the night satisfied.
Did we retake High Pass on my late watch? No. But we fought hard at times, defended hard at others, I learned some tricks and I got a good laugh. Win or lose, it was fun.
However tonight, time to try win.
A final question though. Those of you who read this and who run or are up there in guilds. Do you think new recruits should read the Art of War? Do you think your guild should instill a sense of honour in always fighting, even if it means certain doom? Or do you play to win?
Know thy enemy or pwn thy enemy?
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