Getting started. Need some help

Shodan · Post by **Shodan** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:39 am

The game has been sitting on my shelf for a long long time. Since I try to finish all the games I own I figured it was time to give Arcanum a chance again.

What I could use is some good tips. I don't want to build a character that totally sucks at all things but is good at a few things. Are there any party members I definetly should ignore, or should include? What things do are considered DONT TOUCH IT IT SUCKS

What are must haves? General tips and tricks are very appriciated

Mordred · Post by **Mordred** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:21 pm

Hm.. Invest three points on lockpicking. It's really useful if you want a lot of stuff and money (more info on lockpicking in a previous thread about opening barrels). If you're a techno-melee type, the pyrothechnic axe is a must have. (note: technologists make their own weapons) If you're a magick user, I hear harm (a level 1 spell) makes you god. Dog is by far the best npc for me. Hmm.. What else would you like to know? I hope this helps..

Jednj · Post by **Jednj** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:40 am

I am new to the game too . . . but a bit further along than you.

Frankly I have found the walkthrough helpful as a backup . . . to check my steps.

Tip #1 is SAVE OFTEN because there are many places where your path is irrevocably set (in terms of conversations and actions) and you may want to go back and do something over. I have also found that using Quick Save (F7) isn't enough in this regard. There have been a couple of times I found I wanted to restore two or three "stages" back to alter the path I had taken. So now I use ESC and SAVE to save and keep a game at any major new stage, and I use F7 to save as I go just to re-do conversation or lockpicking or a battle, etc.

I have found you need a point or two in PERSUASION . . . some quests do not open unless you have some PERSUASION.

I also exploited all the wolf hunting I could on the crash site screen and the canyons leading out of that area . . . I was a level 3 before I came to Shrouded Hills. Once you've killed all the wolves (wandering south from the crash site) you'll find SEVERAL screens with no wolves . . . then just use the World Map to beam to Shrouded Hills.

Hope that helps.

Deadalready · Post by **Deadalready** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 2:36 am

Generally the most common builds for mages are Summoning, Fire Blast and Dark Necromatic avoid in my opinion since they greatly reduce the appeal and fun of Arcanum to the point you (probably) won't have any real challenge or fun.

Technologists are good fun to play personally.

Lonelypilgrim · Post by **Lonelypilgrim** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:43 am

I mostly play with techo types myself and if you do the same then you should choose if you want to be a gunman or a melee.If you want to be a melee then better get some points to int. because schematics are fun and usueful to

f course you will need many points in dex. and str. to get the fighting on.If u choose to be the gunman then get as much fire arms as possible.That means that u need to spend some points to preseption too.Gunmans are far overpowered to my liking now.When i got my looking glass rifle i was unbeatable.If u favor mages more then technos then play with a elf and surely take harm.That is the key of all your magic damage,as it is probably the strongest damage dealing and lowest cost spell there.Teleport would be useful if you like it,but then you get fewer levels because of the mobs that you can encounter by walking and not by teleporting. From companions i favor Virgil,but with a gunman spend as little in charisma as possible.The Dog is too strong and makes the game easy,but that i leave for u to decide.Persuasion is always useful so with any char save some points for that too.

Grimar · Post by **Grimar** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:12 pm

ok. i will get this game tommorow, and i have never seen the game before. now which character do you recommend for me to make? i like powergaming, but i will still enjoy the game. so, can you give me an example for a powerfull, fun and enjoyable character? (i do have experience from games like D2, D&D[Pen&paper), and PS:T)

fable · Post by **fable** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:57 pm

I would suggest a magicuser. Get Harm, even if you have no intention of pursuing the Necromantic Evil college. It's a great spell that simply gets stronger as you rise in levels.

I would suggest focusing later on the Temporal and Conveyance colleges. The former has such wonderful spells as Hasten and Tempus Fugit, while the latter gives you the Unlocking Cantrip and Teleportation (moving among cities). Also, get these other level 1 spells: Shield of Protection, and Agility of Fire.

Box of Fox · Post by **Box of Fox** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 10:22 am

If you are going mage, these spells are vital, but at higher levels you might not need some of them:

Invisibility is a great spell. After higher levels I didn't need it so much, mostly because I could kill anything I wouldn't normally be able to back, but it helps.

Teleportation is, the best spell. The best. Seriously, I refuse to play a technologist character just because I can't do this spell.

Harm- I see you already got some detail on this, great spell. Kills most things quickly, and cast it constantly.

Jormund · Post by **Jormund** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:30 am

If a mage, you should also strongly consider the College of Force , because the Shield spell is VERY useful, pluss the lvl.5 spell Disintegrate does not allow a save. The only downside by this is that the items also get disintegrated, so dont use it on guys you know have the sword you want.

And all spells get stronger, not as you arise in levels, but Magickal Aptitude, so f.ex. the Shield of Protection raises your total Defense by around 60 when your MA is at max(100).