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Dark Souls II
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Steerpike
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March 26, 2014 - 12:11 pm
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GAAAHHH Licia of Lindeldt. Of course. Yes, I met her, and I even talked to her down in the contraption-room, but completely forgot she was offering to open a path. Of course. I looked around last night and met Vengarl of Forossa - nice fellow - but couldn't find any path I'd missed. Except that one.

After I un-petrified Rosabeth and convinced her to forgive me for setting my controller down to get the cat off me (thereby brushing R2 against the table and hitting her with my sword), I ran off to No-Man's Wharf to bring back Carhillion as a sort of peace offering. But he still won't talk to me. Apparently I'm "magic impaired," which is just bigoted on his part. It's true, my knight has an intelligence of 3, but I prefer to think he's just not book-smart, but is very world-wise. I can't stand the idea of playing a character who's dumb as a stump but I have better things to spend my souls on than vanity intelligence.

Speaking of which, is Gavlan going to come back? He vanished after the first time I talked to him and I could use some of the stuff he sells. Plus I have enough Varangian Leggings to open a secondhand Varangian Leggings shop.

I need more iron arrows. Where can I find more iron arrows? I'm severely iron arrow-deficient.

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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Synonamess Botch
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March 26, 2014 - 12:42 pm
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Gavlan shows up somewhere else later.  But he seems to always leave after you talk to him.  So when you find him again, make sure you're carrying everything you want to sell with you.

Still haven't found another iron arrow vendor besides the Majula blacksmith.

If you give Rosabeth some clothes, she'll relocate to Majula.

 

Rule #2: Double-tap

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Steerpike
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March 26, 2014 - 2:56 pm
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Oh yeah, I gave her some. She's not much use to me, though, since she's book-smart.

Found the Huntsman's Copse! Ominous, but definitely more level-appropriate than the Shaded Woods.

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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xtal
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March 26, 2014 - 5:31 pm
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Have you checked if McDuff sells iron arrows? He might.

Gavlan relocates twice, rather annoyingly. His first relocation is particularly missable: he hides in a cave in Harvest Valley and after one visit he'll leave there too. His final location is in the Doors of Pharros. Once there his wares become unlimited. This is of course very handy for his poison stuff.

I've discovered something ... insane. I'm not sure if it has to do with my progress, or my amount of Faith (36), but I've been checking in with vendors now and again to check their stock ... Licia now sells me unlimited miracles. Yes, you read that correctly: unlimited miracles. Not all of the miracles, mind you, but the ones she already sold I can now buy as many as I want. When you consider the max attunement slots, plus a particular ring, I think this means you could equip, for example, 187 Lightning Spears. That's fucking insane!!

No doubt this is probably the same for the primary sorcery/pyromancy/hex vendors. Or maybe just sorcery? Not sure. Game. Chizzanger.

 

Shrine of Amana was one of the most challenging areas across all the Souls games. One of the best too in terms of design, treacherousness and enemy combination. Probably my favourite area in the game ... until I got to the Dragon Aerie. Say what you want about the game's graphics on "aging hardware" but From Software can design the heck out of an area. The back end of the game is a lot better than the front end.

I am largely positive about the experience as a whole, and I know I'll be playing it for a long time. 

Oh, I also found the Brotherhood of Blood (invasion covenant). Interestingly enough, you don't get a Red Eye Orb. I don't think one exists anymore; there is also an in-covenant duel system, so I believe you have to duel other Brothers of Blood and the winner get cracked orbs to invade with. (You can buy the Red Sign Soapstone, though.)

I think that's kind of a neat system ... you have to earn the power to invade.

I know some of the changes haven't exactly made things easier but I don't think Dark Souls II should be about making better the complaints people had with DKS1's multiplayer. Most of the changes are growing on me. I think the absolute best change is that so much of the game is built around optional "end game" experience and side challenges. And really, that was a strength of DKS1 as well, though it was less intentionally designed in such a way. The challenge covenant, the Dark covenant, the bonfire ascetics ... I think the game will flourish, and if some of the more decrepit and crusty "community members" (wiki peeps) don't stick around then good riddance. My opinion has changed a lot over time about the Dark Souls community. I'm generally less positive about the people because they're so concerned with their controlled little environments and what soul level is acceptable and what weapons and spells and tactics and blah blah blah are acceptable. It's just silly. I used to try to stick to the "honorable" path but I'm done with that. I'm not bowing to invaders anymore if they bow to me; go ahead and bow, I'm not doing it. I'll only ever do that for Red Soapstone fights. Invasions: anything goes. If it's in the game and you can do it, it's legit. I enjoyed a particular video recently by a fellow with a similar stance; it was called The Absurdity of Rulesets. Maybe he comes off sort of dickish but I'm in agreement mostly. Look it up on YT if you care to.

 

P.S. Soul level 142 and still trucking along.

If being wrong's a crime I'm serving forever

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Steerpike
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March 27, 2014 - 11:05 am
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Alas, I haven't gotten the ember MacDuff wants so he still won't talk to me. I read somewhere that it's in the Iron Keep, so I still have to

  • Find the Iron Keep
  • Get the ember

We may have to record a podcast about the differences between DkS1 and DkS2 because even if I weren't naturally wordy I'd have difficulty summing everything up in a succinct way.

In general, and I can't speak for anyone else here, but when a game means as much to me as Dark Souls did, the sequel is doomed from the start. It can't live up no matter how good it is because I've come to value the predecessor to an unrealistic level. Bear with me here.

So what's most amazing about Dark Souls 2? 

It does. It does live up. At least, it does so better than I'd have ever imagined possible. It's actually managed to meet wholly unrealistic expectations. Psychologically, we want a sequel, but emotionally we want the exact-I-mean-literally-not-figuratively-EXACT same game. That paradox did more damage to my opinion of Thief 2 and STALKER: Clear Sky than anything about the games themselves. I'd resigned myself to some degree of this with Dark Souls 2 as well, and I'm seeing such a minuscule amount of it that I can only conclude the game is really, really fucking good.

I don't feel as at home in Dark Souls 2, but that's to be expected. I feel disoriented and naturally suspicious of some changes, but that's also to be expected; and when I look at the changes from a practical game-design perspective, they all make perfect sense. It's too bad that some of the wiki people are all up in arms. They've created their own disappointment, because there's just nothing about DkS2 that's complaint-worthy... except that it's not DkS1.

And that's a silly complaint.

What I'd like is to hear from someone like you, or me, or Botch, who didn't play DkS1. I bet they're reacting to this sequel the way we reacted to the original. And by the time Dark Souls 3 rolls around, they'll be uncomfortable in its skin and we'll be much more at ease.

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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xtal
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March 27, 2014 - 2:34 pm
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I'm thinking much farther into the future. I already can't wait for Dark Souls X-2 VGHD Violet-ray Remaster Collector's Edition!

Dark Souls II has surpassed my expectations in the same way Dark Souls did. This is why I'm not fretting about what's different.

When I finished Demon's Souls about 2 weeks after I had dipped my toe into Dark Souls I was so won over and blown away that it was an instant classic to me and I thought there was no way Dark Souls could live up to it. And it surpassed it in every way. The only knocks I can come up with against DKS1 are unfair ones: that it's not Demon's Souls. It has no Latria; it has no Nexus; it has no Old Monk; it has no Maiden in Black. Not fair, of course.

It's the same for DKS2. It has no Asylum Demon intro; it has no Sen's Fortress; it has no first-glimpse-of-Anor Londo; it has no every-other-part-of Anor Londo. Again, not fair.

I'm okay with those things. It has what it has. And what I've experienced so far ... it's pretty damn spectacular.

 

I'm now level 148. I upped my intelligence to 8 to get this Carhillion jerk to talk to me so I could buy the items and a ring he had. The good thing is I can use a Soul Vessel to get rid of the intelligence later!

I bested the Dragon Aerie and ascended the steps to the Dragon Throne. I've acquired an item that I'm pretty sure is leading me down the very final path ... though I'm still a bit foggy on what I'll be doing. I met an ancient beast who makes Kalameet look like a puppy. Some grandiose shit.

If being wrong's a crime I'm serving forever

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Dix
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March 27, 2014 - 3:39 pm
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As long as Dark Souls X-2 only allows for female protagonists in revealing armor who periodically do pop songs, I'm in.

"Home is not a place.  It is wherever your passion takes you."

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Synonamess Botch
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March 27, 2014 - 3:54 pm
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I'm in Anor Lo...excuse me Iron Keep now.  Just found a katana suckas!

I want to rant some more, in reply, about Dark Souls 2 but I can't at the moment.  I haven't read any "community" reactions about the game so I have no idea if it's mostly positive or negative.  I know ENB loves it, but I don't really consider him a reliable source in that regard since he's too close to it.

Xtal I'm with you about rules of engagement.  I play dirty in Dark Souls 2.  That guard break move is effective.  Almost too effective.

 

Rule #2: Double-tap

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xtal
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March 28, 2014 - 6:18 pm
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The ending path is ... kind of obscure. I know Dark Souls doesn't hold your hand, but if you were to play the game over a long period of time and forget about some ... things you had seen much earlier, you could reach a point where you legitimately would have no idea what to do or where to go. You really have to pay attention to some of the story bits, which is a bit at odds with the past two games, where you could more or less bludgeon your way to victory.

Enter one of the wikis, I suppose.

All you have to go on really is remembering those King's Gates.

I fought what must be one of the very last bosses ... it was a callback to the first boss. But, get this: it's a timed fight. Made it a hell of a lot more stressful. Feels like you've got no more than 5 minutes, which is not easy in a plodding blow-for-blow battle. It's officially the boss I've died the most on. I think I beat it on my seventh or eighth try.

If being wrong's a crime I'm serving forever

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xtal
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March 29, 2014 - 12:21 pm
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I defeated the final boss with the help of two NPC phantoms (thanks, meat shields!) ... victory is mine!

1 on 1 ... final boss is pretty darn tricky. With some help it's more manageable, and I like NPC help. It's fun but not overpowered.

 

Oh, one thing very much worth mentioning: defeating the final boss doesn't automatically push you into NG+. The boss falls, you do your ending thing, the credits roll (sweet, sweet Souls game credits) and then you're back in Majula. You can go around wrapping up unfinished business. Actually, there are some things I believe you're not even meant to be able to do before felling the last boss. It's another one of this minor but very much appreciated changes. You can stay on the main path if that's what you wish to do and then not feel like you've missed things.

You have the manual option, at the Far Fire in Majula, to proceed into NG+. I think I'll be doing some exploring before I go into that. I know there are a few optional bosses I didn't complete so there's that to do of course as well. I looked up NG+ on the wiki and it seems there are some really cool differences. Enemy black/red phantoms that weren't in NG will be in various places in NG+, some bosses actually drop different souls (cool!) and some bosses drop better versions of items they gave in NG.

 

I think now officially begins the character experimentation bonanza. Maybe a sorcerer first...

If being wrong's a crime I'm serving forever

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Steerpike
Subtropical Southeastern Michigan
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March 31, 2014 - 11:57 am
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I haven't played since Thursday because I was out of town, so I'm even further behind now. And the Skeleton Lords suck. 

It's boss. Singular. Not bosses. Since when do we have bosses? This is a flagrant violation of the very concept of boss-dom!

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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Synonamess Botch
Texas, y'all
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March 31, 2014 - 12:17 pm
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My interest is starting to wane.  Getting in on launch day had its charms, but the magic, if not gone, is fading.

I'm starting to run into very powerful invaders too.  I haven't played this or any game in a few days either, but other games are starting to vie for my attention.

 

Rule #2: Double-tap

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Pokey
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March 31, 2014 - 4:54 pm
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I'm getting back into the game after our modem failed and took a week to get another. I am at level 59 and I've defeated five bosses. The last was the Flexile Sentry in No Man's Wharf. Leucatile was a great help in that fight. My main weapons are the Fire Longsword +4 and the Bastard Sword +4. Also invested a bit in int and using soul arrow. I've reached McDuff and accidently hit him with my sword, but he forgave me. I tried the Ruin Sentinels with summoned help, but have been knocked off the beginning platform and then trounced.

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Pokey
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April 5, 2014 - 1:37 pm
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Some progress. Ruin Sentinels are done and I defeated the Last Sinner with help and that took quite a few tries. Lots of invaders in Lost Bastille. I was doing well against one more in my class when I got a message that help was on the way. A Blue Sentinel appeared and finished the invader off. That is the first time that has occurred. I wasn't even wearing the Way of the Blue ring. Glad that I have the Ring of Life Protection now to slip on when I hear the warning. I checked out all the directions at the crossroads bonfire in the Shaded Woods. Through the fog, I found the merchant and got the Chloranthy Ring +1 and found the far bonfire.

 

I went down the well yesterday. Died about four times, the first was because I forgot to put on the ring. I finally realized that I didn't have to make that tough jump and could just step off from the other end of the boards. I suppose I have to do some more jumping to get to the next area. I stopped at the first bonfire. I have Huntsman's Copse waiting too.

 

 

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Steerpike
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April 6, 2014 - 5:29 pm
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Nice work, Pokey! I'm glad to hear the Blue Sentinel covenant is working correctly after some false starts at launch.

I'm only slightly ahead of you - I've been through the Huntsman's Copse and defeated its boss with help from two other players. Keep an eye open for more of those cursing pots from the foggy woods when you visit. I'm now in Harvest Valley and rather scared to go one. Everything's so much larger than me here, and it all respawns.

Still desperate for iron arrows. I'm down to four. Holding steady at level 79.

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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xtal
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April 7, 2014 - 12:34 pm
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Pokey, Huntsman's Copse seems like the next logical area for you. The Shaded Woods is a far more difficult area.

Steerpike, the huge guys in Harvest Valley can one-shot you with their hexes, so be careful. Or be careless and bring more tales of woe!

If being wrong's a crime I'm serving forever

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Steerpike
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April 7, 2014 - 2:59 pm
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They don't quite one-shot me on account of my vigorous-but-dumb-as-a-stump Knight hit points, but they come damn close. I've noticed they tend to aim a bit high, though, which I use to my advantage when staying back and shooting them with arrows. So far I haven't had the courage to engage them close up. Also noticed that the mines area deviously uses low rock ledges to trap you and prevent backtracking, which cost me at least one life when those tubby hook-men bundled me into a narrow culvert and had their hooky way with me.

Harvest Valley is basically everything I fear in a Souls game. For some reason the Blighttowns and Latrias of the world, while scary, are less paralyzing for me than the Harvest Valleys and Stonefang Tunnels. I need to get through this place so I can get out.

The lady who sells rocks is dressed inappropriately for travel. A long skirt like that is just going to get tangled up on stuff and the hem will be filthy. She needs good boots and either a knee-length skirt or (better) some sturdy trousers. Still, I bought a rock from her.

Life is the misery we endure between disappointments.

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Pokey
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April 7, 2014 - 5:09 pm
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I've done most of Huntsman's Copse and defeated the Skeleton Lords with help, though their strategy was dumb. I checked out the next area and visited Gavlan. Hope to do the Chariot today. The Blue Sentinels have only showed up once in my dozens of invasions. I got a message twice but they didn't get there before I was killed. I don't think they are that effective in helping players. I was glad to actually see the one and will try harder to stay alive till one shows up. It usually happens in a terrible place. I am level 67 and using a Claymore most of the time.

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Pokey
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April 10, 2014 - 5:57 pm
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I'm in the Iron Keep now and wondering if I missed something. The last three bosses were pretty easy, but the Smelter Demon is really tough. Tried him twice with help and only got him 2/3 down on health. I probably could use some better armor with fire protection. I think the ember that the blacksmith wants is here, but I haven't found it yet.

....Smelter Demon is done and I found the ember. McDuff has unlimited large shards and iron arrows and heavy bolts now. I upgraded some things but didn't add any elemental aid to my sword since I'm not sure which I want. I liked lightning in the last game.

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Pokey
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April 14, 2014 - 9:00 pm
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I'm in the Gutter now and what an awful place. I don't know which way to go with all the ladders and platforms. I did a summon heading to the Black Gulch and it is worse--poison galore. The boss wasn't so bad though.

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