Your starting decisions (background, first skill pts...)

[Mr_PeaCH]

Hello all. YAM&B n00b here. I have been browsing the forum and have seen a lot of great threads on a variety of topics, but not so much that would be of interest to me starting out. So I'm asking...

How much do your starting decisions matter long-term. ie the 'background' element (squire, hunter, merchant... clergy?) and where you put your first 'stat' and 'skill' points? What do you usually do and why?

With the three characters I've begun (2 hunters, 1 squire) the apparent distinction was that the squire would be initially advantaged with hand-to-hand fighting and the hunter with the bow. Likewise the squire was gifted with addl. strength and the hunter with agility. However, I rolled a merchant and the intelligence was something off the charts like 29 to start... what up with that? (And he really didn't have that many more skill points to use either.) This one I haven't played at all so I don't know what the ultimate advantage of so much INT will be.

Finally, what are the 'must have' skills to start with; which are the ones you take higher than 1 or 2 pts eventually. Do most people recruit another 'hero' early on to help with the distribution of so many different 'party' skills? (tracking, prisoner handling, etc.)

Apologies if I've missed a comprehensive 'newbie' thread which explains these elements in more detail. All I really want to know right now is "now that I know fundamentally how to play the game, what are some good things to know early-on strategically?" Thanks

 

[Demiminigod]

I mostly play squire, with alot of melee skills, and i start killing some pirates to level up, then i Hijack Borcha to use to slavery as pathfinding, healing.. and stuff

 

[Homie]

in the long run, starting decision of character class will not effect you in the late stages of the game. It doesn't effect armor restrictions, weapon restrictions, horse restrictions, etc. Different classes just make the early game different. But no class choice will limit you at higher levels. In fact, past level 20, it's hard to even tell the difference between the classes. It's all about how you build your character. I've made characters and haven't even been able to remember what class I was.

 

[DaLagga]

However, I rolled a merchant and the intelligence was something off the charts like 29 to start... what up with that?

I think you're playing version .701. You need to download the .702 .exe as the starting stats were bugged. It doesn't really matter too much as to what you start as. Although i always play as a squire or hunter, since combat is just more fun IMO. Although the priest is good for having a large army early on.

 

[jrawlings]

I agree with the above, the choice of starting profession only affects the early game.

If you want to start off being able to do decently in hand-to-hand, then squire is a must. Use this character and start going after those river pirates ASAP.

Another option, choose a class that starts you off with a fast horse, like the lady if I'm not mistaken. You can then begin a life of trading early on and make some really decent cash to buy good equipment etc etc..

The priest is a good option if you want to raise an army early. Go priest, get a bunch of peasants and then tackle those river pirates, staying back behind your army of course. They should do OK against small parties if commanded well.

In the end of things, starting class really isn't that important, what is important is chosing a style of play that suites you best and a style of combat you are comfortable with. Focus on those skills pertinent to your choices and no matter your starting character profession, you will be OK.

 

[Mr_PeaCH]

Great to hear; thanks everyone. OK, I won't obsess about 'gimping' my character out of the gate and instead let the game and my own perogative take their course.

Yeah, I'm going to patch up to 0.702 right now and have just registered the game officially. Lvl 7 here I come.

 

[Sir Saladin]

This latest version is tough when it comes to making some money but I like it this way, don't get discouraged.

 

[Skanky Burns]

Apologies for changing the width of the forum. Silly big images.

Some comments:
Women have more starting attribute points. Women also have more skills *I* find useful when playing the game. Their combat skills are lower, but that doesn't matter for long.

At least one point should be put in Prisoner Management so you can get Borcha in your party as soon as possible, thus gaining 2 in tracking, spotting, pathfinding and trade. You will travel faster and have a non-dying party member.

 

[Sir Saladin]

Yes, it's tough to be a man in Calradria. Nice sheet Skanky Burns.