NS4 Praise and Condemnation

[Malatar]

I've been having a lot of fun with NS4 so far, and most of the comments that I can think of would simply be profuse gratitude for creating a world that looks like a lot of fun to explore.

However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few caveats.

1. Lack of NPC healing in the temple. I ran around forever with my int and con decreased from a disease that progressed too far before I could get a heal kit. No clerics were of high enough level to cast restoration, and the NPC clerics don't seem to be able to help. Perhaps allow them to heal people for fees? If you make the trek back to town, you'd like to be able to get fixed up by professionals.

2. Slowness of moving around. I personally don't mind the lack of haste, since there are other items that let you move a little faster. (Only being able to use it once every 25 real time minutes is a little harsh though for a 50% move rate boost with no extra attacks, AC, etc...)

3. Lack of easy party formation. Without some way to port to a party leader or something similar, it becomes prohibitively difficult to join up with a group that isn't in your immediate area. I don't mind the lack of any way to port back to town, but getting out there to join your group is important for people who don't have the time to spend running there. If I can only play for an hour, I don't want to have to cross a dozen large zones to get to a party...

4. Playing a wizard, I found that most of the magic items that I could buy in town increased things like STR and CON. I couldn't find anything to help with INT. I purchased a nice robe, and was told after I bought it that I couldn't use it till level 9. I don't mind ILR, but let us know before we spend the money, please.

5. The Jobs are fun little mini quests in their own right, and I love the system a lot. It's easy to check your progress in the job, too. Could we have some way to examine our progress in our chosen Trade Skill? I created around 4 magic items to see if I could get past Apprentice level, but had no luck. I was level 5, BTW.

6. Speaking of vendors, is there any way to allow multiple conversations with key NPCs? I spent a long time waiting in line to talk to the salesman in the Barracks in LA, until someone else didn't feel like joining the queue and just started a click fest. The orderly line system didn't last long after that...

7. Spawn times are going to be fine, in my opinion, once the levels get a little more evenly distributed, and people start hitting different areas.

I think that's about all I can think of right now. As I said, it's been a real joy playing so far, and I'm quite sad that the game will be down until Saturday or so. You've made a fascinating world, and my only true regret about NS4 is that I can't play for a few days, heh. Thank you very much for your time and efforts. They are appreciated, I can assure you!

[Alexiagold]

I'll help answer, since some things are simply misunderstandings.

2. Slowness of moving around. I personally don't mind the lack of haste, since there are other items that let you move a little faster. (Only being able to use it once every 25 real time minutes is a little harsh though for a 50% move rate boost with no extra attacks, AC, etc...)

Once you get used to it, its not bad. Also most areas really arn't that far away... Use things that boost movement speed only when you need to get some where fast or travel long distances. I for one will likely sell potions of expedious retreat later.

3. Lack of easy party formation. Without some way to port to a party leader or something similar, it becomes prohibitively difficult to join up with a group that isn't in your immediate area. I don't mind the lack of any way to port back to town, but getting out there to join your group is important for people who don't have the time to spend running there. If I can only play for an hour, I don't want to have to cross a dozen large zones to get to a party...

Just party with those in your area untill you know the server well enough to get somewhere fast. Its not that hard to find a group in your area/level range. And as said before, use your messenger item when your going to a group, not just to walk around fighting at a faster move rate...

4. Playing a wizard, I found that most of the magic items that I could buy in town increased things like STR and CON. I couldn't find anything to help with INT. I purchased a nice robe, and was told after I bought it that I couldn't use it till level 9. I don't mind ILR, but let us know before we spend the money, please.

There are helms for + to int and bonus spells. I think there was also another item that gave int boosts. Try playing a sorc if you want to complain, since we only get cloaks (so far). Besides you can wear a belt & gloves for con, helm for int. You're all set . I'll try and locate the other thing that gave + INT, since I think it wasn't supposed to exist.

5. The Jobs are fun little mini quests in their own right, and I love the system a lot. It's easy to check your progress in the job, too. Could we have some way to examine our progress in our chosen Trade Skill? I created around 4 magic items to see if I could get past Apprentice level, but had no luck. I was level 5, BTW.

This is why you should craft all at once . I agree seeing your exp might be nice, but really, its not that hard to simply make more stuff till you hit the level. (game will tell you when you level it). If you're worried about going over the level then make little things.

6. Speaking of vendors, is there any way to allow multiple conversations with key NPCs? I spent a long time waiting in line to talk to the salesman in the Barracks in LA, until someone else didn't feel like joining the queue and just started a click fest. The orderly line system didn't last long after that...

Seems to be only a real issue at the start, when everyone was heading there. After a few hours I never had a problem getting there with more than one person ahead of me. Granted it would be nice, but no where near necessary.

7. Spawn times are going to be fine, in my opinion, once the levels get a little more evenly distributed, and people start hitting different areas.

This one I agree with. I like spawns not coming back while you are in an area, since it permits clearing of a zone!

[Alatar_Locke]

There are some helms with intelligence boosts at the smithy in Melencia.

Even saw some items in Melencia with extra spell slots for casters.

Of course, Melencia is TC territory and they hate all arcane spellcasters :p

Go figure

[TGPO]

You can check your crafting level progression very easliy.

Now that I have told you it is possible, I'll let you figure out how. When you do your really gonna have a OMG DUH!!! moment.

[Billiard]

I think I know how - should we guess since the servers are down, or should I keep quiet?

[Gil-Este]

4. Playing a wizard, I found that most of the magic items that I could buy in town increased things like STR and CON. I couldn't find anything to help with INT. I purchased a nice robe, and was told after I bought it that I couldn't use it till level 9. I don't mind ILR, but let us know before we spend the money, please.

You can try on items before you buy them, and if they are too high a level for you it will say so in your combat messages box.

[KillingSheep]

When I first started playing I was in moan mode, I found bug slaughtering duties tiresome (and some what still do) BUT I'm really enjoying the party orientated focus - I played as ASH - the lovable effeminate dyke in the shadow legion and it was hilarious raiding Neversummer in a posse (we were all slaughtered on the way - resulting in much laughter).

More kommando raids will be what I seek when neversummer 4 goes live.

[Pettsson]

You can check your crafting level progression very easliy.

Now that I have told you it is possible, I'll let you figure out how. When you do your really gonna have a OMG DUH!!! moment.

Why not just tell? Although it's quite obvious if you just read what's over the thingy, I don't think anyone will see it as a "spoiler" or game element that should be discovered personally...

Leftclick any tradeskill info sign, those that are beside each crafting area, and you'll get your current experience, and if you need more time until you can achive the next level.

And as said before, use your messenger item when your going to a group, not just to walk around fighting at a faster move rate...

Now I wonder if I have missed something, messenger item?

[junksta]

one of the jobs in LA is messenger

and when you take it you get given an item that boosts your running speed to u can deliver messages faster

also whats with the diary? i clicked it and it doesnt work
what will we be using it for anyway?

[garrykasparov]

One thing I was curious about was whether the long term effects of "jobs" well ever be cumulative in any way. I noticed that my lvl 3 msger skill bonuses, along with the expeditious item, disappeared upon switching to guard duty. Would it be possible to retain these (possibly at a one level penalty, perhaps) ?

[Sir Sean]

Junksta: The diary is intended for use with the (planned but not implemented) quest system. [You can find this information out by checking some of the other options when you first log in with a new character.]

garry: Job bonuses are only persistent after you have mastered a job. However, you can switch back and finish mastering the job later if you want.

Sir Sean, DM Starknight
Oghma, Binder of What is Known

[sep caldessian]

i was under the impression that the diary saves your character on the server side in case of a crash. When i activated it in-game, it gave the message "Character Saved"

[Kirg]

Nah there is a location saving all few minutes and by resting. Diary is used as Sir Sean wrote.

BR

[Souldin]

What are the thoughts on things that port you back to town easily or something? I personally think it would be very convenient and useful.

[TGPO]

Well, you can always use the same trick I always did when I was too lazy to walk back to town. Suicide.