Just got this game off E-bay for £3.20 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
So come on you RPG'er's fill me in please, details, what to do and not to do and the like.
Thoughts and opinions (but not <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />Thor's)Please. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

It's got a neat little story/universe hampered by a shoddy inventory system and poor combat.

I give it a 7/10 overall, definately worth that price.

I got it at about the same price and liked it a lot. Get the patch before you start <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/kitty.gif" alt="" />

I've tried it, but had the feeling as if I had done something wrong, because my char was too weak for the quests ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/disagree.gif" alt="" />

That's fair. It's also a bit unbalanced, being easier if you play a magicuser than a techno type. Harm (Necromantic 1) is overpowered, though great fun to use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> Make sure your charisma is at least 9, so you can get Sogg Mead Mug in your party in the Inn. He's great with an axe.

In a few words: good ideas. Bad execution.

Elaboration: clunky engine, the most awful combat I've ever seen (turn-based or real-time mode alike), so-so writing.

I only spent a few minutes, and the combat absolutely put me off. In turn-based, it was waaay too slow; in real-time, it was waaay too rapid and hard to manage.

Summary: Troika -- just say no.

Thanks so far.
Off course i always look for the latest patch, and some good varied views.
Remember, i played all the way thru LIONHEART so i have the patience of a saint, and i am still finding my way thru WIZARDRY8 .
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Gods, you played all the way through Lionheart? That doesn't require patience. It requires masochism.

I'll try to help where Arcanum is concerned, though. So feel free to shoot your questions. It's been a while, but still...

it is saintly to finish off lionheart. so spick, if i'm the pope, i'll beatify u. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

i remember deathatthedoor loves arcanum & he would be the best dude to look for when it comes to tips & tricks. winterfox also knows arcanum very well.

Hunky Dory...i'll let 'em know when i get started. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Hey spick, good decision, i loved this game and played it several times till the end. Its great, have many abilities to be good or evil (you could clean out a complete village ... or not), could even have a dog in your party, but it's too strong in my opinion.

Here is a link for you to rummage in what is expecting you:

Arcanum

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Cheers Rashida, here's a question for you...Can i name my characters? I do like chosing names, It makes the game more personal in my opinion.

There is a very in depth character creation system borrowing heavily from the SPECIAL system (Fallout).

In fact, I think it *was* the SPECIAL system. Don't remember.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> What a question.
You can use existing characters or create your own characters with their own names.

I have all my chars created myself, the system is really easy, you have only to think before creating, what kind your char should be (like always).

Even the choosen background take affect to the NPCs, your alignment is also important (some NPCs don't come or talk with your hero if you have the "wrong" alignment).

Ah, i just say too much, its my vice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

So what sort of character are you creating, Spick? What are his/her attributes, drawbacks, etc?

It's early doors yet! I have not installed as yet! But i will give it some serious thought. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" />


I love hearing the Fallout system called SPECIAL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" />(I know what it stands for, it's just funny seeing it)

I bought Arcanum two months ago myself and love it. In many ways, the game feels like a merger between Diablo II and <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/div.gif" alt="" />, with a crafting system that feels like Wizardry 8. Character creation is more advanced than the Fallout SPECIAL (heh). If you've played any of the three GOOD Fallouts (don't get me started on BOS, that game is a joke), you know how the NPC interaction system feels. If you're having a bad day, pull out your favorite weapon, find a town you've cleared of quests, and earn some evil points <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" /> (NOTE: I never actually do this as I'm too much of a goody-goody, but this is to show that there are very few limitations on what you can do.)

I finished F1 and F2 and i am currently meandering my way through W8, so it sounds like i should like this game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

I definitely recommend it, though expect a couple graphical glitches now and then, but nothing that can't be easily remedied. Also, definitely patch it.

I have got a brand new version compatible with XP, so i hope it is already patched, but of course i will check. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

You might want to grab a fate point guide from GameFAQs.com before you get too far into the game. Really comes in handy.

A what mate!!!, any links. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

lol. Because GameFAQs.com is picky about linking, I can't give you the link directly to the guide, but I can to the list.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/game/27326.html
One of the guides on that page will have a list of "fate points". The guide will explain it better than I could right now (my mind's still smoking after a recent, page-long bug report for BD 1.43). It'll be worth it to dig and find it.

ok those are very usefull information ppl. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

But could someone tell us about the game controls? I have read somewhere that you move your char. through keyboard (arrow keys) and the mouse is only for controlling the camera. That is the reason that I have not bought the game yet although from what I have read it must have an interesting story and a nice combnation of magic and technology.
Could someone please help? thnx in advance.

@Spicky have fan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cheers Lucretia i'm sure i will sweetpea. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/kissyou.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the info NEO' <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Lucretia, if you left-click on an unoccupied floor or piecce of terrain, your character will move there.

Hmm, than i have played an other game... *looks on the cover* No, seems to be Arcanum... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

In Arcanum you move your character like in other games, the mouse is the first control element...
Sure, you have the ability to use hotkeys or the keyboard for moving, but its only optional.

Don't worry, just buy it and be happy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Phew!! had me worried for a bit there, thanks you two. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

LOL, they did some things very wrong in Arcanum, but that wasn't one of 'em! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> I wish they'd given us combat control over party members like the Bioware products have. But then, perhaps they were afraid the enemy AI was so bad, that they'd rather stack the odds a bit by making your party's AI just as terrible.

Mmmmm.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

@ fable and Rashida
Thnx so much for the info. You can call me a bad gamer but I hate games when I have to move my char. from the keyboard and not the mouse. I suppose I like easy things... Arcanum is in a really good price those days here in Greece and I must admit that I was impressed by the graphics so it would be nice to buy it. The only thing that stoped me was the game controls. Now I will sure take it. Thnx again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

@ Spickey
You were worried too eh? Well now we will play togehter (if I find some time that is) and exchange notes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Edit : Spelling mistakes... as always <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/stupid.gif" alt="" />

Problems, problems... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />
What to do???
I now have got NWN Gold to play as well, recieved it this morning , got it off e-bay again,this time for £15, not a bad price 'cos i saw it town for £29.99!!
Still got to finish Wizardry 8 yet as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/suspicion.gif" alt="" />

An advice for people with a short attention span (like me) or people with a load of games:

When you get tired of a game, zip your saves and uninstall the game. When you feel like playing it again, reinstall the game and unzip your saves.
Also, I always put the date on the zip file.

Some games have tedious beginning: especially RPG games.

I am happy you finally got Arcanum, spick. As you know it's my all time favorite RPG, which happen to be highly underrated.

Spick, does NWN Gold come with the two add-ons? If so, the final add-on is definitely worth playing. FWIW, I was far less pleased both with the original campaign, and the initial add-on, neither of which used most of the RPG aspects of the game.

No Fable it only comes with Shadows of Undrentide, i guess i'll get the 2nd one at a later date.
@DATD, yeh i'm looking forward to playing Arcanum and picking your brains for advice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

NWN/HoTU is definitely worth it, but I wouldn't myself put aside Arcanum for NWN and SoU. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

NWN sucks. D&D pc games = party play or no sale.

I have to say that party play rules regardless, but that's just my opinion, and not backed by fact. Morrowind is great fun, even though it's singleplayer, and as much can be said for...

wait for it...

Divine Divinity. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> But with a party, you have an intermix of skills and strategies not available in an FPS, and the opportunity for fascinating personalities (PS:T) and great interaction (BG2). Arcanum doesn't have that interaction and its combat system is a mess, but still, the party principle is important.

A troll can smell a troll from a far. Especially if the latter has a smell of rotten meat.
Now, there are several reasons for you to post what you did:
1) To show that you dislike something others like and cause a fuzz.
2) To say something stupid and meaningless.
3) To say something no one gives a dog biscuit about.
4) All of the above.

Now if you say which was the reason, the concerned individuals could automatically adapt a convinient attitude.
If it's:
1) They would argue untill drool turns red.
2) They would laugh and then ignore you.
3) They would ignore you.
4) They would post something like I did.

Have a wonderful evening.

Or 5), point and laugh at the troll. Maybe toss it some fish jars labeled "Attention." That's what trolls usually crave, after all.

As troll attempts go, that was a fairly weak one, though.

Thats my boy DEATH <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
God i've been missing you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
...and you WINTERFOX, well said. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

That's trolling? No, I'm pretty sure it's stating the obvious. There is a reason D&D games have always allowed you to have a party: it's better. I look for deep combat in most rpg games (especially D&D), not Diablo.

Oh, goodie, who appointed you President of D&D Gamer Club?

Opinion != fact, mmkay. Kthxbaila~

Hm, party = party in the game or party = multiplayer ?

If (party = multiplayer) , then (no sale), because I don't play multiplayer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Well, at least until I find a girl-friend. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Realms of Arcania (DSA) allowed parties, too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

I'm gonna chirp in my small opinion here. I personally like playing solo. I am a simple bugger though so I can only concentrate on one thing at a time. Unless you have 'disposable heros' however. (Spellforce was excellent for that)
The one thing that irked me in D&D games was the rather clever AI sometimes. Having to run the weakest character constantly in circles(i.e. a low-level mage) was irritating to say the least.

I think Professional was just stating an opinion. Just the way he did it was a bit trollish.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Yes.

Yes.


Well, that's not obvious for me!


There's a reason oxygen exists on earth: that's better.
"That's better" is not a very convincing argument.


Mmmm... Dungeon Siege? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Party is clearly not everything.
P.S. And I do not like NWN either.

Dungeon Siege was the biggest flop ever.

As for NWN and non-party games...

Different situations call for different tactics. The idea of a party fits into RPGs to satisfy that.
And the combat itself is entirely too bland without a party; how can you suggest NWN is better off? There's no depth at all. Click click click. No thought involved.
Then there's items. What if you find the best item in the game, a +500 sword of total slaying, and you're a mage? That kinda screws you over, doesn't it? Then again to BD that matters not, as any weapon is the best in the game with Sharpen, and the best items can be bought rather than found.
So to even suggest that any RPG is better than it would have been with a party just escapes all my sense of comprehension.

And by party I'm referring to singleplayer side of things.

It's too bad that with all these people who have all the facts down pat, on opposite sides, the rest of us have to make due with humble opinions. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Especially when our own opinions are built on the exact same thing theirs are = experience. Doesn't mae sense how they can start an argument/flame war over opinions.

As for party vs. non-party, anyone remember an old DOS Forgotten Realms game called Dungeon Hack? One of the best random game generators ever, IMHO, and was single-player, single-character, dungeon-crawling shinyness.

How 'bout Hillsfar? Another game from the days when multiplayer barely existed apart from installing another mouse and keyboard and having a friend sit next to you.

Multiplayer = overrated
Party Play = overrated
old-school DOS roots = ownage

Al of the above = IMHO

I tried Net Hack but couldn't get into it.

I tried different games similar to hack. Rogue (the text-based one) was rather fun.

The best game ever made was Hammurabi.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

I'm far too shallow to play (or have played) text base games. Especially ones consisting of 50 lines of BASIC coding released before i was born.

When were you born?

85

lol, shows diversity in opinions. I was born in 84 and I still program BASIC as a hobby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[color:"yellow"] 1964 [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/exclamation.gif" alt="" />

1969

There's still the Birthday Thread around here , somewhere ...

Ah, you're 2 years oldern than me, then.

'51, dagnabit! And if any of ya give me grief, I'll chuck my teeth at ya! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" />

No WONDER I'm having to give you tips on computers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
j/k <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Hey, when I was young, we didn't even have a fully functional verbal language! We just called out "011 110111" to each other in greeting!

D1d y0u sh1t. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

... and what is going on with Arcanum may I ask?

Oh yeh....Arcanum, well i have not installed it as yet!
I really want to finish Wizardry8 which seems to be going on and on...currently have just got the Destinae Dominus off of Marten's ghost.Anybody know if i'm nearing the end from this info?

@ Come on Spickey. Load the game. I am dying to know if it is worth it to buy it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For all the time I am on this forum, I kept saying that I consider Arcanum to be the best RPG ever. Still, you have doubts, Lucretia <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />?

It may have to do with the fact that you're the only one saying it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> But I like the game. It's fun. I'm just surprised that so veteran a team made such basic errors regarding combat and the interface.

Shhhh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shhh.gif" alt="" /> I hear the beast waking up... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Guess which game I've now reinstalled for the 5th time? Hint: it's an RPG in an alrernative universe of victorian-age United Kingdom...

Honestly I've been thinking of replaying LH... there *are* worse games out there.

Ok i have installed now and taken a peak at the intro of the Zeppelin crashing and some old codger telling me what i have to do with his last dieing breath,almost drove me tears!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

The conversation with Vigil should cheer you up <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

Death...What sort of character should i create?, i want your advice mate please.

@ DATD If you say so I will buy it. I trust you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> But assure me that I will move my char with the mouse. Hate to use arrow keys... Just hate it! (Although other members told me that the moving is done with the mouse, I have read that you controll the camera with the arrows. Now this I can not understand... The interface and game control are the only things that prevented me up till now to buy it. Other than that I find the story and the concept very very attractive. I have also read that the char. portraits are hand painted. This will be great!)

To me, Arcanum IS a gopod game - but somehow I made m,istakes with my choice of skilles and got very weak at a point where I shouldn't have been.

Also it made my quite sad to see this disappearing of magic ... like today, it seems to me ...

Al what do you mean about "disappearing magic"? Are there any spells? You know I always play as a Mage... Will I be able to do so in Arcanum?

Well, you can play as a mage, of course !

But I meant the overall setting - industrial revolution, so to say. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Oh I see. Well in a short of way it might be fascinating to see the mix between the mideval magic and industrial environment... It would be perhaps a nice change for me. Since I don´t play scifi games (don´t like them) and I always play epic RPGS, well it could be a nice change for me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes, that was the reason why I bought the game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

@Lucretia...if you are running XP "Xplosive" have released a version that runs on XP, i picked my copy up off of e-bay uk for only £3.20, i suggest you try there also. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Absolutely. In fact, it's easier to play a mage than a tech-user. The game's not perfectly balanced. One player put out a mod to achieve that, but I think he went just a bit too far in the other direction. Play a mage; start out with the Harm spell as one of your first choices. You'll never regret it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

In the gameworld, magic has been dominant for a long time. Suddenly, within the last 50-100 years, science has moved from nowhere to a position equivalent to the mid-19th century. (*cough* happens all the time, of course! *cough*) Finding out what's going on is only part of the PC's quest in the game.

Oh Spickey thnx but I do not buy anything using the net and credit cards... I have found the game for 15.00 € which is a very good price but I have to check if its compatible with my XP. Now that you mentioned it...

Well, it works on my system and I have Windows Xp Pro.

You control the character in Arcanum the same way you control your character in Fallout or Beyond Divinity (but you have only one character: the NPC fight automatically).

Spick: Experiment, mate. I just created a fighter/watermage character and I intend to fight unarmed. All I need is a heavy pair of gauntlets <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />. The game's about experimentation. My first character I played was a techie.

fable: I'd have to disagree with you. The game's ranged weapons aren't too well balanced but that's all. If you play techie, if you take either poison, springtraps, molotov cocktails, you'll find it more useful than magic. As for harm spell, remember that if you use Necromancery often, your alignement lowers. Such is the cost of the dark arts <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

fable: I'd have to disagree with you. The game's ranged weapons aren't too well balanced but that's all. If you play techie, if you take either poison, springtraps, molotov cocktails, you'll find it more useful than magic. As for harm spell, remember that if you use Necromancery often, your alignement lowers. Such is the cost of the dark arts .

I've played through with Harm in my repertoire as my sole Necromancy spell, used it a great deal, and never experienced a dip in my alignment. I'm not suggesting going for the big spells in that group; but that spell is so overpowering in itself in the early stages of the game, that you'll have it all over a technie at that point. Sure, traps, molotov cocktails, etc, are great, but you don't have them for some time. I played through as a dwarven techie and an elven mage. In the latter stages, they were about equal, but my elf made it up to a very high point in about half the time it took the dwarf to proceed.

As for balance, some of the spell colleges are pretty useless, while others are ridiculously overbalanced. That one spell which stops time...? You can get that relatively early in the game, and it blows just about any enemy away. You have to build your character carefully and hoard mana-producing items, but it's really a god spell. So are a few others, which I'd remember if I had 1) my documentation handy, or 2) a brain that isn't slowly oozing into senescence. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

DEATH... my game is patched up to 1.06.04 but i se there is a 1.07.04 patch, i suppose i ought to update??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

You can find several modulues out there; RPGDot should have them mentioned somewhere or even a list.

Congeal Time you mean? Otherwise the spell which stops time is Tempus Fugit and it's the last in the college. If it's Congeal Time, then higher monsters are invulnerable to that.

You might check Gamebanshee if you can't remember the spells <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

Spick, go here to download the latest patch.

@lucretia: Your Mage won't be out of work! In Arcanum there are 80 spells divided in 16 colleges. Some are more efficient, some are nice to look or just fun.

A short overview, just to know for you, what possibilities you have:




You see, there is no chance for your mage to get boring...

I think I played a techie. Working around that inventory system was a pain, I always had so much useless tech junk around.

That's why there are rubbish bins <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />. Although I'll admit that I felt ashamed when the last time I played, my 45 level technologist had to look arround the rubbish bins for rags...

I played this game some time ago and I remember I liked it very much... I don't remember the controls or combat as being poor but that might just be my memory that fails me.

What I kinda disliked though was that, without really really telling me, I somehow leaned more and more towards tech because of some sword I used... and in doing so my healing potions became weaker and weaker without me having an alternative source of healing. I think that's why I stopped playing the game eventually <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

- Telemachos

If I am not mistaken, you can't get more tech simply by using tech: you need to have tech skills (Lock pick, Repair, Detect Traps and all the science). You can always check your magic/tech meter on the character sheet.

I tried to be in the middle - maybe that was the reason why I failed ?

Very much possible, Alrik: You see, the Tech/Magic meter means much: If you have high magic/tech, it means you're more likely to ressist/cancel the opposite. The poor player who finds himself in the middle, suffers extended damage from both sources <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

@ DATD + Rashida

Thank you both for the info. I will buy the game. I am sure my Mage wil have a lot of fun <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />

Had a little trial run out last night, chose a Human with some Army training as my background.
Just about got the gist of it ,but gee, do i need a manual!!
There is so much to tweak and i haven't got a clue what i was altering without the manual it was like trying to run before i could walk!!
I don't think there is even a manual on the Disc's!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/memad.gif" alt="" />

That is usual when you buy a game in such low price. I had the same problem with Morrowind. No manual at all. It was a special edition more cheap than the original and soon enough I discovered why it was so cheap. No manual at all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/suspicion.gif" alt="" />

@spick: here you can download the manual.

That's really too bad, cause the Arcanum manual was a true gem, a jewel in the crown of the RPG genre IMHO, better than some novels even <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Are you sure there's no PDF anywhere? All budget games I have, have PDF manuals on-disc...

Cheeeeers Rashida, i'll download the lot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
I'll also take a butchers at the other install disc's just in case.
Again thanks y'all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
.
.
.
.
[color:"yellow"] DOH!!! [/color] Guess what???
I just looked at the Install disc in windows explorer and there it was, The manual in PDF format and guess what else???....only the blinkin' 1.07.04 patch which i had downloaded only a couple of nights ago!!! [color:"yellow"] DOH!! [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" />

lol ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />

Yes, I must agree upon the handbook : It is one of the best one's I've seen so far (or should I say : In my short RPG career <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ) .

Another Gem is the Handbook to Homeworld I .

Ah, the wordy manual written in victorian english. It was a gem indeed.

Why I love buying games at low prices: there wasn't one case when there wasn't the patch and the manual on CD <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

Now i know, thanks for telling me mate!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

That is a relief. Cause I plan to go and buy the game today <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

By the way - you'll come across (small spoiler) a certain name: Nasrudin.

Actually, Nasrudin exists as a literary figure of humour in islamic literature. It is possible that he was once a real person who lived in Turkey, but that isn't possible to prove or disprove anymore. He has several names, I know him as Nasrudin Afanti, Effendi Nasrudin, Nasreddin, Mulla Nasrudin and such names.

There are many funny stories about him out there !

Ah yes, I remember stories about him <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.
Seems like Troika really had some fun mixing all they could lay their hands on in their game <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />.

He is the national joke in Greece. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/badsmile2.gif" alt="" />
Btw Al did you know that Efendi = afendi in Greek and it means "master"? (the tone to fe)

Thanks for the info, Luc ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I had thought that Effendi is the title given to one wo has been to Mekka at least once, but since I'm not into this field of terms, I cannot surely say.

Well Al I do not know how Turks mean it. Perhaps they use it in such cases. I am not familiar with their language too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think it's an honorific meaning "master." We've lost that in English; the closest we have to it is "Sir," not as in the English title, but in the American sense: "Thank you, sir." Effendi, though, implies more.

True. The English Sir shows respect and honnor. Afendi in Greece is not a good thing. Sir in Greece is the word Kirie (the tone to first i) and we use it exactly as "sir". The "afenti" means here the "boss" the "master" who has the control.



My feet are killing me.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/suspicion.gif" alt="" />

@Lucretia...Have you got Arcanum yet? and if yes, how are you finding it?

Edit:
From here on, I won't advise you reading untill you've been to the big mansion in the center of the industrial City of Arcanum.


I have noted a curious thing about Arcanum. Don't you find the name Gilbert Bates odd?
Gilbert can be shortened as Gil so we get Gill Bates. Switch the first letters and you get:
Bill Gates.
Now there's a rumour that Gates didn't invent DOS. He procured it from Apple. Apple wasn't interested in patenting DOS and let it "rust in a corner". Gates took the system and so created Windows.
Do you see the connection to Gilbert Bates in Arcanum?

I know the real story :

IBM wanted an OS for their new system, the forthcoming original IBM-PC.

They asked both Bill Gates and the chief of Digital Research.

The god man wasn't met, instead his wife, and the IBM people only wanted to speak to the man (sorry, Ive forgot his name), buit had to leave, because he wasn't there.

So the story goes that DR was not involved in that.

Instead, Gates agreed, and BOUGHT an already existing OS called "QDOS" ("Quick-and-dirty-Disc-Operating-System" was it's title, as far as I haver read it), and modelled it into MS-DOS, selling it with the Original IBM PC.

DR-DOS was created after that, and MS did everything to hinter it (it is proved that Microsoft included routines into Windows 3.1 in order to let it not work together with DR-DOS, then).

That's the real story.

Ressembles to Arcanum's Gill Bates' Steam Engine invention <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

Interesting. I didn't know that (never got this far in the game <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ) .

Also, I should perhaps keep away from this thread because of spoilers ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

My apologies. I thought that everyone were past this point, after all, the dialogue with Gilbert Bates preceeds your advance to the tenth level.
But if you think it's a spoiler, I can edit the thread.

Yes, for Lucretia, maybe. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Or : Too late, I've read it ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />

You know the new spoiler tag ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Ah yes, I noticed the spoiler tag but didn't have an opportunity to test it.
Let's see...

<span class='standouttext'>Spoiler : </span><span class='spoiler'>Don't run on ice.</span>

EDIT: Nice tag. Thank you, Alrik.

From here on, you may continue reading miscellaneous nonsence posted by yours trully even of you haven't been to the big mansion in the center of the industrial City of Arcanum.

@ Spicky
Well yes I got the Arcanum and I am playing two days now. As I said above my feet are killing me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> Cause till I discover that you can move by clicking on the map, I made all the way on foot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/stupid.gif" alt="" /> And thats because I have not read the manual <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/stupid.gif" alt="" /> Yes I know I am stupid but honestly I don't like manuals on pdf. I prefer printed manuals that I can read on bed time when everything is quiet. Yeap I know I can print it but Gods it is 90 pages! DATD was right though. The manual is a jewel.

Now the game is really interesting. I am fascinated by the plot. The mixture of mideval elements with victorian and industrial age is very fascinating. The only problem I have noticed up till now is the combat system but if you use turnbased system it is quite ok. You have better control in the battle. I like the graphics very much and you all know that I have no problem with 2D graphics. In fact I like them better. Since I am blind (the old age you see...) 3D graphics can be a pain in the no no word sometimes for me. Up till now I really do not know what I am doing in the game as far as my skills and char are concerned. I am not familiar with the skills system yet. It is not an easy game. But I find it very interesting (even if there is not one single redhead female elf for me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />). At a point I messed up things so I had to start all over. Could someone explain training for us? Aprentice etc? Do we have to do it? And if yes when? And what about if we already have one skill. Should we train to be aprentices or not? thnx in advance.

@ Al and DATD
thnx for caring. I have note read your previous posts but when I go a bit further I will. I am sure that I will find them interesting. For now I wouldn't want to spoil the fun.

Manual? Who needs a manual with having the ability to ask us? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Apprentice and so on: I advise you to train the important skills. If you have an fighter char, it's better, he is more trained than the opponents.
The skills even get more effective if you trained them. You don't have to train all skills, only this ones, you use often or want to use often.

You can train each skill three times: apprentice, master, expert. The teacher for the expert-mode aren't to find easily and often have a quest, that is quite hard. But don't mind, getting an expert need some work <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

What I really like: from the first quest on, you can decide, whether you walk the good or the evil way. It's on of the rare RPGs that offer this way really, with impacts on the game and all NPCs! That's fascinating.

Hey Lucretia!
Glad you like the game.

According to the manual, red and black hair are rare in the elven community so the elves are attracted to human with that colour <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.
A piece of advice: chose either magic or technology.

Spoiler on travelling :

<span class='standouttext'>Spoiler : </span><span class='spoiler'>If you travel along your planned route, you can happen to incidentally discover "spots" (locations) you didn't know before ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> </span>

The official website - hope it still exists - also has an interesting story about the world of Arcanum ...

Checked it : It still exists ... : http://arcanum.sierra.com

Yeah really who needs a manual if has frineds like you? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yeap it is extremelly fascinating how your actions reflect on NPCs. Even the smallest detail effect quests and interaction with NPCs. I always play as a mage and I usually (when this choce is available) I am an Elf (the size of the ears is more close to my real ears than the other races <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />). In this case I am a dark haired elf which is totally oposite with my real hair colour (I am a redhead) but that is ok. I am training in some skills but I am pretty unlucky with persuation. I could not free Ogre in the Tarant Museum so I lost that fait point. But I find so interesting the game´s story. It is the first time I use pickpocketing skill ever. I don´t like to be a thief but it seems that I don´t have any other choice sometimes.
Like the quest with Artcibald in the Docs and the ring. I had to pick pocket it because he did not want to give it to me ever. Even when I told him that the old lady was attracted to him.

I thank you all for advising. It is a great game and I am glad I bought it. Travelling with the map marks is really nice (now that I found out.) Imagine how much walking I did before <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/stupid.gif" alt="" />

Oh yeah! If you ever get scarred in battle, you lose one point of beauty. If such is the situation, you'd have to either ask Virgil for Full Healing (if he can) or seek a non-magical healer. The best is, of course, Doc Roberts in Shrouded Hills: to cure a scar, you need to get a critical in Healing. Roberts is a master so he has always criticals.


Yes, but if you had persuasion, you could've settled it without pick pockets and gotten more experience. Also you could've even made Archibald give you some money!


Don't forget that you can stop at ANY point of the map by clicking on the "GO" button or that small round window at the top left.

Ah, if you ever get bored, restart the game with a half-ogre male character with "Ran away with the circus" background. I promise, you'll laught to tears as Virgil will TRY to talk to you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />.

I've found a so-called "Fast Track Guide", an excerpt from the strategy guide at Prima's Homepage :

http://www.primagames.com/strategy/guide/1507

This one is about Arcanum. If you activate the link "next" there, you'll read more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

There is for example more about the char's backgrounds and bonuses got by this ...

But when you chose the background, you can see the bonuses you get anyway. What's the point?

I couldn't see them, maybe I didn't notice.

There is more there than that ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Bandit:
"You are a gun-toting bandit. Your lifestyle has earned you a bonus to your Firearms skill as well as a penalty to Charisma (-1). You ran afoul of the law and reached the IFS Zephyr just one step before the authorities. You have your gun and some ammo, but you don't have any money."
Doesn't looke like someone need a special description in addition to that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

Check www.gamebanshee.com for arcanum tips.

This game is huge. So many choices! I like that thing with background very much. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Not really a spoiler more a warning. theres a certain charecter in the first town you get to that if you kill them you will hit a certain point in the game, and will not beable to progress any further and you will have to start your game all over it happened to me.So be careful of who you kill in the first town.

They might have fixed that with any new patches but i havent played it for a while.I enjoyed the game but was kinda dissapointed in the graphics.I thought overall the graphics were better then Fallout 2 ,however the charecter animations were nothing to write home about, and the battle system is very ugly but other then that its a great game.

I have a feeling it was a modified Fallout engine. The graphics were only better because of the new particle effects (which dramatically drop the performance). The character animations is almost abscent but really, who plays for graphics <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />?
I see nothing bad with the combat system, though.

Ya i dont play much for graphics myself, but i kinda wish they were somewhat better but thats just nitpicking.I didnt mean i hated the actual combat as far as controlling combat. i just didnt like the animations i guess.I do have arcanum loaded up on my hd. im on an rpg kick as of late just finished up Torment and i have to say without a doubt, its my favorite rpg ive ever played.Working on Baldersgate 2 now then when i beat that going back to Arcanum:)

I am pretty far in the game so I am already thinking to restart the game when I finish. I made a background for my new character. Here it is. Please tell me if you think it's unbalanced:



Note that +4 is what you get when you spend one point in the skill (it's the Apprentice Level).

Sounds very plausable old bean,Pip pip.
I'm gonna be starting Arcanum some time this week, all sounds a wee bit complicated to me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />,I might just start another game of Wizardry 8 with all new characters though, really enjoying it now, i am at Ascension Peak at the mo'. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

@ Spickey it may seem a bit complicated but once you are in the game everything is clear enough. Trust me. Even I could manage to get into it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

@ DATD
Sounds good to me.

@lucretia, i hear ya , and you've convinced me, i'll start as soon as and if i beat Wizardry 8. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

@ Spickey good luck with W8 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Have fun. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

@Lucretia...I am, can't put it down at the momment. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Right then....Printed out a huge part of the manual for assistance and have played thru the guide in the manual, around the crash scene, sad to say i'm not overalled at this time!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/suspicion.gif" alt="" />
I will start a proper game tonight and try and make up my own Character which looks very complex to say the least!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I can see a lot of Fallout 2 in the game,which i loved,so hopefully this will turn me around into liking and hopefully loving the game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

Arcanum is made by the key members of the Fallout team. ANd I don't mean only the 3 founders of Troika.

Spick- Here's the advice I can give you.

Dwarves for Technology
Elves for Magic
Half-Elves for Warrior Mages
Humans for anything.
Gnomes for social people (gambling, high charisma, persuation etc)
Halfligs for thieves
Half Ogres for Fighter-technologists or Fighter-Mages
Half Ogres for big dumb fighters.

Beauty is not neccessary at all.
Strenght isn't very important. Leave it at 8 or advance to 9 if you really want to.
[color:"red"] Dexterity is VERY important. [/color]
Charisma isn't important unless you play a social character. Leave it at 8.
Leave constitution for now.
Willower is only required for mages.
Intelligence is important.
Perception is only important for thieves and marksmen.

[color:"red"]Choose either Magic or Technology. They cancel each other so don't mix unless you are an advanced player.[/color]
TECH:
Mechanics, Electricity and Explosives are the best tech. Gunsmithy is needed if you want to be a marksman. Smithy is great if you intend to become a fighter. You need 1 or 2 levels of Herbology.

MAGIC:
White necromancery's healing is useful as well as black necromancery's harm. Watch out for high-level necromancery as it tends to lower your alignement towards evil.
Water magic is useless. Fire magic is alright. Force magic is excellent.
Temporal is useful.

GENERAL:
Use only turn-based combat. Spacebar toggles between realtime and turnbased.
The Heal skill is useless. Gambling and Haggle are best for social characters.
Persuasion is good but not right away.
You can set an auto leveling option. Press the button on the high right of the character screen to choose a profession. The computer will automatically distribute the skillpoints once you reach the next level and tell you what he did.

TIPS FOR STARTING UP:
(For some fun, take a Half-Ogre with the "Run away from circus" background).

If you want a technologist, take a Half-Orc.
Background: Child of A Hero.
Give him one point of dodge, one of melee. One Herbology [color:"red"]or[/color] one point of necromancery white.

If Tech:
One point of throwing and one point of Explosives

If Magic: Force and Harm.

Gee thanks a lot Death <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
I'm sure this will be a lot of help in the setting up of my Character, who by the way i want to be Magical for a change, i nearly always go down the Fighter/Warrior path in most games.

The easiest way would be:

Level 1 Necromancery (black)
Level 1 Force
Wisdom +1
Level 2 Force

You might try to be an elementalist but do not take Water first.
Nature magic is good too but forget about clervoyance. Summoning is fun too.

If you want to go solo (no party), you'll need Heal. Soloing mage is possible.
There are several mages in the game and Virgil can grow strong.

Now a cryptic hint:
The best weapon for a mage is a bladed weapon you can buy in a place of cold mountains and home of a mythical creature.

All taken on board mate, but i do like to have a party if possible, i tend to collect an awful lot of junk, always worried i'm leaving something vitaly important behind, like when i played the "Demo" from the manual, i became Encumbered very quickly, but how am i to know whats worth keeping and whats not?
Especially around the crash site, i had broken guns, bottles of wine and other gunk!!

Ok, lets sort them out. You can give Virgil some items to wear, he collect himself items from the ground (especially wine and steel). So you could wear some more.

General warning: never in your life do items in a dust bin for storage! The bins are cleant every morning...

Ok, lets sort them out. You can give Virgil some items to wear, he collect himself items from the ground (especially wine and steel). So you could wear some more.

All the party NPCs (with the exception of Dog) will pick up items lying near them, on the ground. This becomes an annoyance when you purposefully want to drop stuff, which is why the developers added those bins. As you point out, they're cleaned regularly.

I'd suggest creating a few easy-to-access bases with chests in 'em, where you can leave items only to recover them as needed. There's one city fairly early on--the name escapes me--to the southeast of your starting point, where there are a pair of locked but unused guardposts. You can break them open and use the many chests they have for sorting and storing goods. Then, if you get the 5th level Conveynce spell, Teleportation (which is one of the best in the game, in my opinion), you can almost always spell your way back to this town. And since the guardposts are almost at the point where you enter, there's no tedious walking involved.

Actually they were added to get some ingredients for you tech gadgets. I used to run arround Tarant every morning collectiong rags for my cocktails...

Spick: You are playing as mage and the junk is for technologists.

Really? Where did you read that? I'm just curious. I interviewed Leonard Boyarsky for a preview before Arcanum was released, and he told me during a discussion of party behavior that the trash cans were included to counteract party NPCs grabbing stuff. I can see where it would serve both purposes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Spick: You are playing as mage and the junk is for technologists.

But if he has useful technologists in his party, that stuff can still come in very handy. It all depends on how you want to play.

For which site, fable?


a) Technologists in a magic party do not work well. You can't heal them and they never use health/poison/mana potions anyway.

b) You can always check the dumpsters.

fable: ever met a forum member named DAD here?

"Oh Gawd!!! ...Hope i'm taking all this in.I know,i'll keep coming back here and print these conversations." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

For which site, fable?

A magazine rather than a site, and with respect, I'm not going to say. I prefer to remain anonymous. I'm not anybody famous <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> but you'd be surprised at the kinds of grudges some people will carry a decade after you wrote a review or article they didn't like.

Technologists in a magic party do not work well. You can't heal them and they never use health/poison/mana potions anyway.

I've been able to heal 'em the potions they make. Many can also be healed with spells, but admittedly the spells are less and less effective as they shift through the game further over to the techno side.

As to technologists in a magic party (or for that matter, a magicuser in a techno party), I would agree: that doesn't work well. In fact, there's something to be said for an all-magic party, where you can forego all that parts-scavenging to make items which becomes pretty annoying after a while. With an all-techno or all-magic party, you have a mutually reinforcing party gestalt (not to get tooooo pretentious <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ), in which any positive skill possessed by a party member can affect all. In mixed parties, that's simply not possible.

On the other hand, I think a large, well-balanced party has a better chance of reacting successfully to any threat. There's also a greater chance that any loot you find will be useful to somebody in your group. And frankly, it's just plain fun, from my perspective. But I admit, that's just that last point is just personal prejudice.

fable: ever met a forum member named DAD here?

Can't say I have.

Yes, I understand, but could you PM me and tell me at least the country the magazine is from?


Yes, I forgot that after you take a potion you can click on whom you want to use it.


Personally I think the best party in Arcanum is the lack of it but that's because currently I am playing a technological assassin. I had Virgil when I was playing the very first time but just for the sake of the story <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.
But if you are a social character, for example, it's good to have a balanced bunch of people arround you.

PM's sent. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I agree, parties are of ambivalent value in Arcanum. Frankly, if the developers had only allowed you to direct your party members a la BG2 or PS:T, I think parties would be a lot more fun to play. As it is, combat's a disaster, unless--as you suggest--you're pretty much running only yourself.

Yay, i'm up and running now <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
I am going down the magic method and getting on fairly well now, i have chosen the Earth Magic scheme(Is that correct?)I am an Elve i think and a "bookworm " is my Background.
I have solved a couple quests and am now sauntering around Shrouded Hills trying to gather some cash, and have accepted another couple of quests.
I have Virgil with me but by using the F5 button i am doing most of the fights solo so as i can get the XP.F1 thru F6 all tell him to do certain things, i like this option very much. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
Unfortunately i'm on me summer hols from Saturday so i will have to leave it alone for 2 weeks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Death, thanks for the advice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Well, the combat isn't that bad in Arcanum. At the beginning of the game, I mean. At the end all I have to do is approach someone and poke him with something so he dies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the PM.

Spick:
If you can do the fights by yourself, it's fine. Virgil isn't the best fighter but it's good if he stays away from the fights and heals you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />.
Earth magic is a good decision again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />. Body of Earth, for instance, can kick... donkey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />.
Cheers. Enjoy one of my 5 favorite RPGs.
(The rest is: Fallout 1, Fallout 2, Vampire: Redemption and BG2. I feel that Beyond Divinity will be added too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />).

Spick, consider also Temporal Magic (Tempus Fugit) and Conveyance (Teleportation) for longterm investment, while the first level Necromantic spell, Harm, is simply the best thing around for a magicuser when you're starting out. Of course, there are many ways to success. I'm only pointing out the ones I really came to like while playing.

I take it I can and should change my "Scheme" sometime thru the game then?
Or should i come out of the scheme and apoint my own points from now on?
Another one for you 2(DATD,Fable),during battle when i hit somebody or thing all the battle messages are gone before you can blink!! and apart from the XP bar and bubbles is there anything i can do to see what Xp i have just earned?
And and and...the message panel isn't brill either, i always have to scroll backwards to see anything that was on there!!!!
@Fable, i have HARM thanks to Deaths advice and like you say...it kicks a r s e . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

You can go to Options > Message > Verbose. It would at least give you an idea how hard you hit.
I think you can see the Xp on your character sheet.

I take it I can and should change my "Scheme" sometime thru the game then?

Certainly. Though for longterm strategy, you'll want to start working on some attributes and magic colleges relatively early. Willpower, for instance, is required to learn more advanced spells in any college, so it's a good idea to start boosting it in order to have those high spells available when you want 'em.

I am now level 8 and willpower has just gone up within my current scheme.
Also just earned my first Fate point, i take it i should wait until i really need to use it,Yes?
Just crossed the bridge in Shrouded Hills and killed the gnome on the other side, fights seem quite easy at the momment!!

Fate Points: I store them but I rarely use them. Only to do something I normally don't have the skill for (pick pockets) or to pick a rather difficult lock... Use it as you wish <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Beware of the random encounters <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

Magical weapons??
I have currently a sword of some sort which has been identified by a lady just on the outskirts of Shrouded Hills, which is magical,a little window beside the message window, on the left if i'm correct, has the magic symbol and the numbers 00008!!! what is all that about?

I suppose it's Mage's Dagger?
Some magical items have their own mana. It gets uses before your own (fatigue, actually) and regenerates. That way you can cast more powerful spells without fainting.

Also you see a percentage in your weapon info: that's the percents of the weapon's full power which can be used with your magical aptitude. See why fable and I reccomended to stick to one side? The higher your magical apptitude is, the better protection you have against weaker powers, the more powerful your spells are and the stronger your equippement is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

Do magical weapos can be enchanted? I have a magic sword too and it has that strange window too. Only that it shows 000. The doctor gave it to me in Shrouded Hills when I helped him with the bank.

Ah, but that depends on your magical aptitude, Lucretia: you get the maximum spellpoints if you have a high aptitude. What is yours? (Check in the Character Screen).

Mine is 70, in the magic part.Early doors yet though i guess?

Bloody hell! What level are you, Spick?
(100 is the maximum).

only level 8 death??? mind your language please willl yeh, i've lead a sheltered life you know!!
We are talking about the gauge on the right side of the screen in the Character editor screen are we not? it is on the magic side and reads 70!!

Uh? Blood is something which flows in your body and hell is a word which figures in 90% of all RPGs. What's wrong? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Yes, it's the gauge. Level 8 with 70%? Strange: it took me much longer to get to 100 Tech aptitude... How many level 1 spells do you have?

Spick, how you wearing or using any items that add to your magic points?

Ah yes, forgot that some items add to your tech apptitude.

Uummm...hang on a mo'.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />
5 or maybe 6 level 1 spells and 3 or 4 level 2 spells including throw rocks or something? make sense??
I have some sort of magical sword with 100% magic on it, sorry but i am new to this you 2 RPG fanatics!!
Hope you 2 are not picking on me!

Now I am lost <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Well I will check it out and come back

I think that 100% on the sword means the success of the spells that sword casts depends upon 100% of your magical aptitude: the higher the percentage, the better. And yes, there are many items in the game that can really increase your magic potential. Some staves offer the ability to store magic, for example. You can leech the magic out of them for use, and let them recharge, again.

Okay, if Spick's playing Arcanum, then I'm definitely getting it. I have gone back and forth on buying Arcanum for months. But spick's the one who got me hooked on PS:T and that was by far THE best RPG I've ever played. Btw, I don't expect Arcanum to be up there with PS:T, I am buying it for the 'fun' factor alone and it sounds perfect for the type of characters I enjoy playing: neutral mage/wizard with the flexibility to be evil when I want.

So, I'm off to see the wizard about buying this game. Will post a note after I've played it. And yes, I will definitely patch before playing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" />


Faralas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mage.gif" alt="" />

Well back to the game then...hope i can remember what the Hell to do, it's been a long and excellent 2 weeks away. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hello,
I am now wandering aroun Tarrant and have picked up a dwarf by the name of Magnus, he can do something when i ask him but i have to put two things togeter for him to do it i guess?? eg.Herboligist.....how does this work then? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

He has to have the two items in his inventory. Example: If you have a Ginka Root and a Kadura Stem, you can give them to Magnus, ask him if he can do something for you, and you'll see the button turn green.

Right... i sort of guessed that, but is there a defining list or is it all guess work.?
There is an awful lot of "Junk" in the game in't there?

You can see the ingredients you need when you ask him to combine the items.

And yes, the game makes Technology worthwile.

All it says in the "Book" is Item 1 + Item 2?
Like i say it's guess work then??
On the maps is there no way to tag places , like shops etc.?

If you see "Item 1 + Item 2" it means you cannot make the object yet. If you can, it will show the ingredients.
Magnus can make items in the Smithy tech.

Shops are automatically marked.

"Magnus can make items in the Smithy tech."... Ummm....what does that mean mate?

It means that in the technology branch of smithing, that Magnus knows how to make items for you. He just needs the right materials. He will learn more as he goes up levels. Check his stats and the smithing tree to see what he needs to make each object and then try and find those bits.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/kitty.gif" alt="" />

I've just "Had" 3 girls at Madam Lil's, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> fell unconcious each time <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />, reminds me of an old joke...."What do you get after 5 days of sex?"...."A weekend".....Get it?...Weekend....Weak-end, get it!

Bloomin' stuck int I ! !
Can't get into the Bates place in tarrant, wandering around pretty aimlessly, starting to lose patience with the game!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/memad.gif" alt="" />

If you haven't completed sufficient quests to gain you legit entry to Bates, and you can't talk your way past his sentry, there's still a secret passage through the mausoleum. It's got locked doors and some pretty nasty traps, so be prepared.

I have done an awful lot of quests in Tarrant, any idea which one/one's i have to do to gain entry into the Bates place because my Lockpick skills or should i say Virgil's are pretty useless, even though i am currently level 15.
I have looked through my log book and can't see any quests left that are relevant to the Bates. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

Hmm, ask the guard before the gate after needing help. Then he should tell you, that one factory needs help with some intruders. After solving this quest you are able to go to Mr. Bates.

I ordered Arcanum and Amazon must have been in a rush to get rid of it because it came 2 days later (using UPS ground shipping which usually takes 5-7 days). I installed it, read most of the manual, began playing and got so confused with all the buttons on the interface, I uninstalled it. I think I'll save it for another time when my frustration level has moved up a couple of notches. For the time being, I'll stick with learning how to use Morrowind's construction set. That seems to be a whole lot easier. (Sad, but true!)


Faralas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mage.gif" alt="" />

It can seem quite daunting, i am currently level 17 mage type character and have still not managed to get any training from anybody and i couldn't open a tin of beans let alone a locked door!!!, but my mage skills seem quite awsome for the level i'm at!!

spick,
what kind of training are you looking for?

also, as a side note, it would appear your cider has gone bad on you. i'd not drink black cider. but that's just me, mr. vegas...

Hello Chud <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Any kind of training!! whoever i talk to say i have not got enough experience,just when do you have enough, Christ, i'm level 17 at the momment!!
And just how am i or Virgil supposed to open locks i have lockpicks but we fail every time.
Virgil always says "I'll do that for you" but he fails!!!
Oh and by the way Chud...It could be Cider and Black. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

all the training has certain preerquisites based on a base stat. so for melee, it's strength. you have to have a certain strength value and have put points in the skill before you can get teaching in it. for gambling, i think it's perception. if you give me a particular skill you want to learn i can tell you what the minimum stats are to learn it.

Chud's right. Experience isn't a matter of general level, as much as it's a matter of level in a given attribute.

Well i'm playing as an Earth Elementalist at the moment, what would you suggest?
I am playing as a mage but i have magnus in my party at the mo' who is a techie, my question is ...should i still collect junk for magnus or not bother with it?

ah, bach. ok. if you're using the autolevel scheme for earth elementalist, you won't be getting any points put into skills. the points automatically go into stats and magic. you can only master magic (once you get 5 points in a discipline) and all the masters are in tulla, which you are a long way from. however, even the autoleveler will only take you up to about l24 or so before you top out. the game was set up so you could take, at the least, a major and minor "career path". dodge isn't a bad skill for a mage, however i went with persuasion. fun skill, that; opens up lots more dialgue and lets you have more followers. stay away from tech skills, obviously. you could also go with bow, throwing (keep to boomerangs and such, no techie stuff). i have the autolevel up scheme for earth elementalists if your interested in where your points are going.

remember that in order to be an apprentice in any skill, you have to have 1 point already in it. 3 for expert, 5 for master. no one will teach you until you have at least that. plus the level before it taught. in other words, to be a master, you have to be an expert first; you can't go straight from apprentice to master.

magnus autolevels smithy and mechanical. check the schematics for those two skills and see what stuff you need for it. i wouldn't hoard a ton of crap unless you've got a house (which i would get if i were you). after that, just keep all the junk in a couple of chests/drawers and if you need 'em - hey presto!. most of the stuff he makes can be sold for a decent penny. oh, i have his autolevel scheme too if you want. he just goes to 4 on those two and then goes max hp, str, const, max hp, str, const.....

any other questions?

Right...so i'm level 19 in Earth Scheme,should i quit that now in your opinion and start putting points in those and some other skills for a while, because it has put up things like Intelligance,Constitution and the like as well?

depends on you how you want to advance your character. there's nothing wrong with a full on mage. i just happen to like the diplo-type character and arcanum is great for it. as it is, you're well on your way to branching out into other magic disciplines since you are building the background stats mages need to be effective. you can, instead of picking up skills you might not want/need, just put points into other magic schools. teleport is particularly useful, especially later in the game when you're trekking all over the world and can't ride a train.

unless one of the skills appeals to you, keep leveling up mage related stats and just keep getting more spells. no probs with that. i've always liked the diplo route myself, but that's just a personal preference. also keep in mind the stats you'll have to raise to take another skill, as you'll probably be a little behind in those unless you pick something compatible with magic.

fyi, the level cap for the game is 50, and if you do most of the side quests and stuff you'll hit it pretty easily (near enough to the end of the game that you don't get bored), so you got a ways to go in picking up points.

Thanks for the info Chud. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
Have you a list of what level in skills you need to get too to get some training?
e.g. Charisma =15 to train in blah blah blah and so on? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

i'm not positive off the top of my head, but i think it's 12, 15, and 18 or 20 for apprentice, expert, and master. don't quote me on that. when you get ready to bump a skill up, i think it show you what you need to do it. let me dig around and see if i can find something.

damn sam, you're actually making me work. had to come home and load up the game on the new box.

anyway, if you hover your cursor over a particular skill, it will show what the minimum stat is to raise it (like min cha =6 or something). if you put a point in that skill, next time you hover over it it'll say min cha = 9. so you have to raise your cha before you can put another point into that skill. every skill is based on a different base stat, but you can hover over each one and find what it is.

Bloomin' heck, changed to another Magic scheme and then the first point went into Disarm Trap which is a skill i already have and when i went into the character screen it did not show any different on the meter!!

Personally, I prefer to customize my character's development rather than use a level scheme. That's what I like I about computer RPGs.

In this game, I made an elf/fighter, who has 5 points into melee, backstab, dodge and has the spells Tempus Frugit (?) (+10 speed for party/-10 speed for enemies), invisibility and spatial distortion for backstab, and Open Lock spell plus teleportation for convenience. He does alot of damage because of backstab and because of the fact he can attack at least 10 times per turn. But the drawback is that I have to use the Amulet of Ntala to get his strength to 20 since he is an elf. I'd rather use elf because all of the other portraits look stupid and there is one badass elf portrait where he look really mad and is about to kill everybody. He is an elf who angry of the emergence of technology and wants to destroy it at all costs. Makes sense right? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, anyways... Arcanum rules. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i remember i was fooling around as an all powerful and mighty elf wizard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

I am thinking now that i will assign all my points from now on but i want to remain a good strong Mage, but i want to be able to unlock things ,that realy gets up my nose when i can't!!
P.S. can i bash open things like you can in some other games?

Do what I did: Use the spell Unlock Cantrip. Since you have high magical aptitude (you are a mage right?), you should be able to unlock pretty much everything.

/\

what he said. you can get the unlock cantrip which is a 2nd level (i.e. cheap) spell and iirc on your way to teleportation. quite useful. and yes you can bash things open. to force combat i think you ctrl/click on the object.

here's the tricky part: you'll damage the hell out of whatever weapon you use, or yourself if you're unarmed. of course, you can always have a cheap ax or something handy to use if needed. also, unless you call all your followers off, they'll tear up their weapons on the chests too.

Yay...got that unlock magic....well cool, but the locals in tarrant don't like it to much do they!!!

Yeah, the problem with it is that it is a noisy spell and I only use it when no one's around. Even then I prefer it over the lockpick skill because you waste less skill points. If you have high magic aptitude you can unlock anything. Plus, I like using the teloptation spell anyway.

My magic apptitude is 80 at the mo', that is the meter on the right in the character screen isn't it?
Also that disarm spell does work i was getting it mixed up with another disarm traps skill that i started the game with!!

i keep giving you just enough info to get you killed. yeah, the difference between lockpick and the cantrip is that the cantrip makes a lot of noise when the lock unlatches. if there are any locals around they'll hear it and know what you're up to.

and yeah, the disarm spell is pretty cool.

It's taken some time but ifeel i'm finaly getting into this game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
Another question....Magical weapons what is that percentage all about?and oh!...On the game screen there is sometimes a blue type of button near where your experiance shows, when i click on it another window opens showing some numbers on the left and some spaces on the right to put something in, i guess,what's that all about?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

That is percent of the weapons power. For example, if a weapon says it has 80% power, it is doing 80% of the damage it can do. A weapon can be used to its full potential only when your character has a high magical aptitude. How high your magical aptitude has to be before it is 100% depends on the weapon. If your character is very technologically inclined, it will be 0% and I don't think you would be able to use it at all

It's the same way with technological weapons too. Magic-inlined characters suck with them.

It is the nature of magic and technology in Arcanum.

Woo-Hoo My character now has a magical apptitude of 100...full steam ahead i believe.
I have been back to Dernholm with the Kings taxes and so lost the use of Dante, who by the way i replaced Magnus with, so it's just me and Virgil again.
I am now off to try and find some geezer called Liam who has been missing for two months now !, and his Mother is pulling her hair out with worry, so I thought I would help the poor lass out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

probably too late now, but you should definitely save on your quest for him...

Eh!!What do you mean??

oh.....nothing...



well, i got my butt handed to me on that quest.

C'mon you tease, spill the beans.
If it's a spoiler either use the spoiler code or better still PM me,OK. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

it's just a pretty tough fight. you'll see. just make sure you explore all the way down the path after you leave his house.

One more thing - the Liam quest is good to get extra experience if someone feels like it. Just wait with delivering the "coup de grace" (death-blow) until You feel like it or until no more opponents appear. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

They just kept coming so after some thought i chucked the Magical trap on the portal and hey presto! they were no more.
The news broke his mothers heart, i could never be a Copper delivering bad news like that!
Anyways i am now in the mines in the Black mountains down to level 3 at this time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Oh and i forgot to mention, i now have the Teleport spell, that should save some time, but will i miss out on random encounters???

yep, using teleport will preclude random encounters. if you're aching for a random fight, you can always just trudge out into the world map and wander about a bit. the teleport spell is good for *avoiding* random encounters. once you get up in level a bit they aren't so much fun anymore. one of the things that was supposed to be in the game that didn't seem to work was r.e.s leveling up with you.

enjoy the black mountains!

Right then, i have put a point into Spot Trap, but i couldn't spot a trap if it came up and bit me on the nose!!Why is that??
It does not show up when i select skills either but it does show up in the character screen so how do i use it?

i think traps are tech, but could be wrong. also you only have one point in it so you probably far enough into the game now that the traps are too sophisticated to spot with only one point.

i never did much with traps though, so i'm not a good person to ask...

Yeh I think you could be right there 'cos I have Disarm Trap as well and I couldn't Dis-Arm a Snake if you know what I mean! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" />

i did a little research and traps are definitely mechanical. also, it's a passive skill which means you don't do anything to use it. if you walk by a trap and "spot" it, you'll get a floater message.

A mage might use a special spell to spot traps - one can buy it in scroll form (one time use for a certain period of time) or learn it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

I had the scroll from the black mountain mines, they are two a penny in there as are the traps!

As far as I remember that is one of the few places where You can get a handful of those scrolls. In fact, I have found the spot trap ability (both magical and technological) rather useless besides two or three areas. However You may always look for spot trap scrolls in mages shops in You need them.

Spot Traps is a neutral thieving skill which has no effect on your tech aptitude. Disarm Traps is the tech skill you might be thinking of.

Unless of course I am hideously mistaken.

Woo-Hoo, even though my mage has a magical aptitude of 99 he at last managed to spot a trap this morning whilst I was exploring the Ancient Temple. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Spick, and how many did he step on before that? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

i think you're right about spotting traps not affecting your m/t aptitude. i was basing my comments on the fact that there are two kinds of traps - mechanical and magic. after you get (i think) expert in spot traps, you can spot both kinds; until then only mechanical. since there is a m/t bias involved in spotting traps, i figured that if you had a high magic app it might hurt your chances of spotting one.

of course, i could be horribly wrong as well...

It's based on your Perception. Get your Dexterity high enough and you'll notice yourself dodging even without any points in the skill.

Arcanum is complex, wonderful, and mysterious. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Oh....Only the odd Umpteen or so.
Also learned the control undead skill today, that is way cool. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
This game is getting better by the minute. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Ummm........Still don't know how to "Use" Magical weapons!! I read thru the manual and it says about being able to use magical spells that come with some magical weapons and putting the spells into the available slots on the weapon.
I can see the slots but can not seem to be able to put any spells in those slots.
I am not getting confused with the "Hot Slots" if that is what you might think.
[color:"yellow"] H...E...L...P...!...! [/color]

what spells in particular are you trying to use? iirc, if it's an offensive spell it works automatically on a hit but my memory is hazy. i do know the weapon shows what percent of the magic you get based on your apptitude, so you should be getting full effect.

Thats just it,,what spells can i use "In" the weapon slots and how do i put them in the weapon slots!!!

huh? i'm not sure what you're talking about. i don't think you can enchant weapons in arcanum (could be wrong). you find weapons with magic already attached them (like sword of flames or whatever does extra fire damage). are you talking about weapons with empty spell slots that you can put spells into? i don't remember that.

Yep..thats what i'm on about. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

again, i don't remember this but i checked the manual and the only thing i saw that might help is when you hightlight the weapon on the little screen with it's stats is the magic spell thing. click on that and it should give you the option of loading a spell in. let me know if it works; i can't believe i never got one of those...

[edit] btw, what's the name of the weapon?

Right hopefuly this is now cleared up because i have just bought a magical sword and this one comes with the spell Sucour Beast, i can click on the spell and the magical sword provides the mana for this spell not draining my mana.
It must be that my other weapons did not actualy have any spell with them even though they were magical <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> Mmmm,seems a bit of a waste of time to have a magical weapon that doesn't do any magic though don't it????

maybe it uses less fat if you have a higher magic app?


ok, here's the stats for "magik sword":

Magick Sword
0 N/A Value : 0 Weight : 80

D: 1-8 (+8) FT:1-4 (+2) Wgt:80 Spd:10 Hps:80


also for "magik staff":

Magick Staff
0 N/A Value : 0 Weight : 60

D:1-8 FT:3-12 (+12) Wgt:60 Spd:8 Hps:60

looks like you can get more damage out of it with a higher m/a, as well as use less fat.

I've just saved my game for tonite and tomorrow I'll be sailing off from Ashbury to The Isle of Despair, sounds a wee bit daunting. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

good sailing! the isle of despair isn't as depressing as it sounds.


much...

Going down into The Dredge tomorrow within The Wheel Clan.
I am quite a powewerful Mage now and struggling to think where best to put my Character points !!

excellent! where are you considering putting them?

I am currently putting my points into Perception so i can raise my Spot trap/disarm trap skills.
I already have some rather powerful if not too powerful spells for where i am in the game at the moment including Disintergrate!!

i never got that one. how is it?

Far to good a spell for where i am in the game, i used it today on some poachers that i had to kill and one hit on their leader registered 22,500 health points and there was nothing left of him to loot!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />

Can anyone tell some mods to download for the better balance of the game?

try this:

http://www.terra-arcanum.com/~chris/


i know chris had balanced guns and spells and fixed a lot of other stuff. he added also added a car. you can ignore a lot of his extra quests and stuff; the best part of his mods (imho) is the work he's done on balancing. he has just the balance mods available if you don't want the extra quests and stuff.

Looks GREAT ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />

A Car !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Can't really see that being of much use to me?? I have Telepotation.
Does adding mod's like this mean i would have to restart the game???
What other Mod's are out there and what is the point of it all???

i'm pretty sure the car wouldn't be of any use to a magic user. i doubt it would even work. but there's no tech equivalent to the teleport spell, so this is kinda it.

not sure if you would have to restart to use it.

the point (i guess): troika released the toolset used to create the game with the game. they hoped to create a large mod community. i don't know that i'd call it large, but there certainly is one. most mods are just mini-games; people make some quests and release it. just add ons to the game.

chris, on the other hand, sort of took it upon himself to improve what he thought were shortcomings of the game. like guns are underpowered and some magic is overpowered so he balanced it out.

Aaahhh...I see. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

He was not the first. In fact, if I am not mistaken, he just added Krupp's balancing mods and sound packs along with his mods.

oh no, he absolutely wasn't the only one to do it and probably not the first. i thought he worked on the balancing himself, but i could be mistaken. thanks for credit where credit is due!

[color:"orange"] You have got to be kidding me???? [/color]
I have just leveled up, or at least i thought i had to level 51 mage, but NO!!!!, i'm still at level 50!!!, Please don't tell me that you peak at level 50!!!!
I'm sure i have a long way to go yet in the game, and what have i to look forward too.No more new skills, no advancement in magic,Please someone tell me i'm wrong.

you're done. you'll still accumulate xp, and your npcs will level up (until they hit 50). sorry.

of course, you could install the cap remover...

Eh??? the what?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />
Whats the point of gaining Xp if you can't gain anything from it!!

the point being that since your npcs level up when you, if they hadn't done it that way your npcs would have been frozen at whatever level they were at when you hit 50. so that's nice...

several people made exp. cap removers for the game. you load them like you would any other mod. i never used one so i don't know where to get one, but terra-arcanum would be a good place to start. i've heard mixed reviews about how the affect the game - i.e. the game is built/balanced for a level 50 cap, so if you take it off it gets really easy.

Mmmm...yes, i think i'll leave the mods well alone, don't wanna spoil what for me has been a rivetting game so far.
Just seems a shame that the creatures don't evolve as i evolve thru the WHOLE of the game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/down.gif" alt="" />

yeah, there was a lot of whinging and moaning about the level cap, but what can you do? i can't remember the devs justification for it.

Fallout 1 had level cap at 50. Fallout 2 had level cap at 50. Arcanum has level cap at 50. Logical, no?

A higher level cap means that the developers would have to increase the difficulty rating. Not that it was difficult anyway: I finished the game at level 41 the first time I played, and it was rather easy.

Top Five Things You Should Not Do If You Want Arcanum To Be Challenging:


1. Do [color:"red"]NOT[/color] take Dog as your companion.
2. Do [color:"red"]NOT[/color] walk arround Ashbury cemetary and bash Zombies.
3. Do [color:"red"]NOT[/color] use Harm.
4. Do [color:"red"]NOT[/color] train Sneak and Backstab to Master.
5. Do [color:"red"]NOT[/color] overuse Molotov cocktails.

but i *loved* the dog!

Yes, I loved the Dog too. I loved the Dog in Fallout 1, 2 and I love it in Arcanum.

Last time I played, I was a tech rogue and here's what happened:

I was master in both prowling and backstab.
I had twenty two molotovs in my inventory and fifty more in the Tarant warhouse (I use it as my homebase).
I had Dog as my only follower.
I ran arround Ashbury graveyard to gain seven levels.

It was a mistake. Not only I kill with one slash but after I got the dog, I barely have time to get to my enemies before my canine friend feeds on their kidneys.
Not only that but I discovered that by making two charged rings I don't even have to raise my dexterity to be able to train as a master in Backstab.

Needless to say, I stopped playing Arcanum for now. I find KotOR better for no less than 11 reasons. Of course I noticed that KotOR was influenced by Fallout, Arcanum, Wizardry 8, Omicron and Baldur's Gate.

Ooops a daisy, i got the Dog,i named him Churchill,i also have harm.
Obviously i got to level 50 but not by using the Cemetry, just by doing shedloads of side quests i guess.
I am at Apprentice level in a few skills but that is it, how the hell do you get to Master before capping out???
The only other follower i have kept is Sebastion who is a Techie.

Update...Just completed the three quests for Stringy pete so i can now sail my own ship, thing is...i have forgot where i am supposed to be sailing too!!
Ahh well, better read my log book and find out, eh what. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

[color:"yellow"] FINISHED [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
Got to say the ending was nice...by that i mean i liked the way the story was told back to me by explaining how life went on after my succesful and not so succesful quests.
I would give the game a mark of....73%. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

out of 75?

j/k

congrats on saving the world!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />
I was especialy pleased the the city of Vendigroth was rebuilt, It looked absolutely fabulous. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Arcanum is awesome!! very fun and addicting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Got to borrow it again yesterday <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />, and I'm playing as a dwarven gun tec. I wonder how far I will get... Since I'm lvl 8, and picked miracle operation as my background I'm wimpy as hell for the moment, but I suspect it will change (maybe I'll be able to create that Tesla Gun I allways wanted...).

Übereil

I got the french version(my french is so so) and while im level 3...im not too sure about the mixing of tecnology and magic...having said that it does look a nice game..nice graphics...easy on the eye etc.

My first reaction on the graphics (four years ago, when it was new) was: EUGH! Those are the WHORST graphics I've saeen ever! Got used to them though.

What kind of character do you play? I accidentlly oversaved my dwarven tec (doh!) so now I'm playing a mage fighter, who focus on buffs (have strenght of earth and agility of fire for the moment. Will later invest in temporal, to end up with it's lvl 5 spell, Tempus Fugit, who hasten your group, giving them +10 to speed, and slows everybody else, giving them -10 to speed). I'm lvl 11 I think...

Übereil

Just like to mention that a no-CD, level 126-cap version of the 1074 .exe has been made available at GameCopyWorld.