Stronghold

[bleedthefreak]

Are the huge stone mauls the Illoke shamans sometimes spawn with crit weighted? It seems I am utterly fucked when they hit my head/neck. I'm in some plain ol' metal breastplate.

My guess is no and I'm just not used to getting a big ass maul swung at my head. Maybe they're trying to tell me its time to get into full plate. Here's a couple clips:

An Illoke shaman swings a huge stone maul at you!
AS: +303 vs DS: +204 with AvD: +47 + d100 roll: +34 = +180
... and hits for 30 points of damage!
Solid strike caves your skull in, resulting in instant death!

An Illoke shaman swings a huge stone maul at you!
AS: +352 vs DS: +229 with AvD: +47 + d100 roll: +39 = +209
... and hits for 30 points of damage!
You hear several snaps as your neck is broken in several places.

An Illoke shaman swings a huge stone maul at you!
AS: +363 vs DS: +254 with AvD: +47 + d100 roll: +69 = +225
... and hits for 25 points of damage!
Shot to your neck scrapes away skin.
Some nasty bleeding.
You are stunned for 3 rounds!

[Khariz]

There is varying theories on that, but I'm going to go with no.

Like you said, you are likely not used to heavy crush criticals against heads. The maul is the worst. It's real bad.

And when those do't kill ya, the stone fists will!

Welcome to hell.

Oh, and I'm the ultimate glutton for punishment. I started the Stronghold at 50, the Bowels at 68, and now I'm 87 and still there! What the hell is wrong with me!

[Amber]

What the hell is wrong with me!

Too many heavy crush crits against your head. :bleh:

[Latrinsorm]

First thing: your guy's redux blows. I hope he's a rogue or something, because dang.

Also, those "mauls" (really mattocks) are definitely (and massively) crit weighted. The broken neck hit has a pre-weighting/padding crit rank max of 3, and the crit is a 6, for instance.

Finally, I'm pretty sure you're in augmented breastplate. Maybe you have greaves on by accident? If you're only trained for MBP, that would be a bad thing to have.

[thefarmer]

Why would greaves with MBP be a bad thing for head crits?

[Drew]

Those mauls are incredibly crit weighted.

[Latrinsorm]

Why would greaves with MBP be a bad thing for head crits?Greaves with MBP without proper training would be bad in the stronghold because there are some maneuver-based attacks there. Maneuver-based attacks, in general, frown very heavily upon being undertrained for a suit of armor. It doesn't relate to the "getting hit in the head with a ginormous hammer" part.

[bleedthefreak]

Ha well shit I can't believe I've been wearing augmented breastplate this long and never noticed. I'm sure getting into some real MBP will help a ton with the stonefists and what not.

Does my redux really look that bad? I am a rogue and can't really see it being that much different from other rogues like level(60). Redux skills are 1xPT,2xCM,2xBlunts,2xDodge,2xAmbush,80 ranks of armor, and 4 spells.

Thanks for the info guys, gave me all I needed to know and more. I'll keep tuggin' away at the stronghold as it's one of the more fun areas I've hunted up to this point. I was hunting the blighted forest for a while, but it was retardedly easy.

[Drew]

I just had some flashbacks to my ex-gf.

[Celephais]

I just had some flashbacks to my ex-gf.
Pounding on your head till it bleeds?

[Latrinsorm]

Does my redux really look that bad?Not for a rogue, no, especially a rogue with spells. The difference between rogue and warrior PF and spells alone would push the redux almost .1 higher, incidentally, which is why if your guy was a warrior your redux would be atrocious.

[Some Rogue]

Come on Latrine, where's the "LRN 2 TRAIN A ROUGE!!!!" at?

[Latrinsorm]

It's just not feasible to attain warriorly redux with a rogue build.

Where's the "U NOT CAP U NO KNO" at? :D

[Some Rogue]

Because warriors are boring and anyone can cap one of those without even trying?

[Khariz]

Because warriors are boring and anyone can cap one of those without even trying?

LOLOLOLOLOL!

Surely that was sarcasm. Considering there are like 5 capped warriors (kind of a joke, but preportionately not).

[Some Rogue]

LOLOLOLOLOL!

Surely that was sarcasm. Considering there are like 5 capped warriors (kind of a joke, but preportionately not).

Because they got bored and rolled something else?

[Khariz]

Because they got bored and rolled something else?

Yeah, Maybe. It's boring, sure, but I love my warrior, and I don't wanna be anything else.

[Some Rogue]

Yeah, Maybe. It's boring, sure, but I love my warrior, and I don't wanna be anything else.

If I want to fry quick and just kill stuff, I'll play my warrior but normal, everyday hunting just bores me to tears. :shrug:

[bleedthefreak]

fuck I really hate those mauls...



An Illoke mystic touches the ground, feeling for vibrations.
>stance offensive
You are now in an offensive stance.
>amb mys right leg
You leap from hiding to attack!
You swing a viciously spiked rolaren mace at an Illoke mystic!
AS: +359 vs DS: +182 with AvD: +30 + d100 roll: +11 = +218
... and hit for 55 points of damage!
Hard blow breaks the femur!
The Illoke mystic is knocked to the ground!
The Illoke mystic is stunned!
Roundtime: 6 sec.
>
A giant stony fist suddenly thrusts out from a wall, and in a heartbeat a massive Illoke shaman steps forth from its surface!
>hide
...wait 5 seconds.
>l sha

You see a fairly typical Illoke shaman.
He appears to be in good shape.
He has a huge stone maul and a grey stone crescent symbol (worn).
>stance defensive
...wait 2 seconds.
>stance defensive
...wait 1 seconds.
>
An Illoke shaman swings a huge stone maul at you!
AS: +361 vs DS: +232 with AvD: +53 + d100 roll: +77 = +259
... and hits for 37 points of damage!
You hear several snaps as your neck is broken in several places.
Your SIGN OF SWORDS is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF DEFENDING is no longer effective.
You sense that your attunement to the minds of others has ceased.
Your SIGN OF STRIKING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF WARDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SMITING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SHIELDS is no longer effective.



Roundtime: 2 sec.
You attempt to blend with the surroundings and feel confident that no one has noticed your doing so.
>amb sha head
...wait 1 seconds.
>amb sha head
You leap from hiding to attack!
You swing a viciously spiked rolaren mace at an Illoke shaman!
AS: +359 vs DS: +133 with AvD: +30 + d100 roll: +97 = +353
... and hit for 103 points of damage!
Brain driven into neck by mammoth downswing!
The Illoke shaman grumbles in pain one last time before lying still.
An Illoke shaman glances around, looking a bit less confident.
An Illoke shaman seems hesitant.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around an Illoke shaman.
The air about an Illoke shaman stops shimmering.
The bright luminescence fades from around an Illoke shaman.
The silvery luminescence fades from around an Illoke shaman.
Roundtime: 6 sec.
>
A giant stony fist suddenly thrusts out from a wall, and in a heartbeat a massive Illoke shaman steps forth from its surface!
>l
[Stronghold, North Hall]
Deep shadows have collected where one of the braziers bolted to the slab walls of the hallway has fallen dim, creating a pocket of darkness upon the stone slabs of the floor. Overhead, the high ceiling is lost to view. The hallway stretches away to east and west, its expanse a hollow cavern that would dwarf a mammoth. You also see an Illoke shaman, an Illoke shaman that appears dead, a war mattock and a heavy backpack.
Obvious exits: east, west
>l sha

You see a fairly typical Illoke shaman.
He appears to be in good shape.
He has a huge stone maul and a grey stone crescent symbol (worn).
>stance defensive
...wait 2 seconds.
>stance defensive
...wait 2 seconds.
>stance defensive
...wait 1 seconds.
>
An Illoke shaman swings a huge stone maul at you!
AS: +352 vs DS: +237 with AvD: +53 + d100 roll: +57 = +225
... and hits for 35 points of damage!
Solid strike caves your skull in, resulting in instant death!
Your SIGN OF SMITING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF STRIKING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SWORDS is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF DEFENDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF WARDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SHIELDS is no longer effective.

[Khariz]

Here's what I hate. Mobs spawning with spells prepped. BULLSHIT.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see an ancient Illoke elder approaching. He must be the creature that you've been tasked to kill!
R>
>wt feint
[Roll result: 127 (open d100: 10) Bonus: 20]
You feint low, the Illoke elder buys the ruse and twists awkwardly to block the blow that never came!
Roundtime: 3 sec.
R>
R>at
You swing a jagged glaes battle axe at an ancient Illoke elder!
AS: +509 vs DS: +395 with AvD: +38 + d100 roll: +97 = +249
... and hit for 96 points of damage!
Powerful slash!
The Illoke elder's right leg is severed at the knee!
The Illoke elder rumbles in agony as he teeters for a moment, then tumbles to the ground with a thundering crash!
Roundtime: 5 sec.
R>
An ancient Illoke elder summons the wrath of his god as he gestures at you!
A massive stone hand appears in the air before you!
The huge grey fist wraps around you before you can move to avoid it! The massive hand clasps you tightly in a crushing grip, and your brain seems to scream as you feel your bones snapping!

... 60 points of damage!
Blow to back crushes your spinal column.
Talk about no backbone!


It seems you have died, my friend. Although you cannot do anything, you are keenly aware of what is going on around you...

You mentally give a sigh of relief as you remember that the Goddess Lorminstra owes you a favor.

...departing in 13 mins...

[bleedthefreak]

I'll see your prepped bullshit and raise you another! I had just started the hunt, sneaking around waiting for the first Illoke to spawn. GS at its finest ensues.

>sneak se[Stronghold, Southeast Skew]
The corridor dwindles into nothing, choked by rough piles of rock and walls that draw together into a pinched termination. Strewn with boulders and choked with thick piles of dust, the floor quickly grows impassable. Marks are noticeable on the rough stone walls, the scores of chisel, hammer and pick. You also see an Illoke mystic.
Obvious exits: northwest
Roundtime: 1 sec.
>An Illoke mystic sinks his hands into the ground!
A wave of russet ethereal ripples moves outward from an Illoke mystic.
You are buffeted by the russet ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
You are forced out of hiding.
Roundtime: 19 sec.
... 70 points of damage!
Blow to your back removes the spinal column!
Your SIGN OF WARDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF DEFENDING is no longer effective.
You return to normal color.
You sense that your attunement to the minds of others has ceased.
Your SIGN OF SMITING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SHIELDS is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SWORDS is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF STRIKING is no longer effective.

[Khariz]

You swing a jagged glaes battle axe at an Illoke jarl!
AS: +509 vs DS: +225 with AvD: +38 + d100 roll: +16 = +338
... and hit for 119 points of damage!
Wild downward slash severs the Illoke jarl's left foot!
Bloody stump, anyone?
The Illoke jarl rumbles in agony as he teeters for a moment, then falls directly at you!
In a vain attempt, you leap to dodge the massive falling creature! The jarl strikes you squarely, crushing you beneath him and the ground!

... 30 points of damage!
You hear several snaps as your neck is broken in several places.

[Aaysia]

Because warriors are boring and anyone can cap one of those without even trying?

Omg blasphemy!

My (capped) warrior is uber fun. My favorite character hands down. Tied for second are my wizard and rogue.

[Shifted]

probably the least damage i've taken and died

[Stronghold, South Hall]
The cavernous hallway continues to the east and west, its tall stone walls interrupted on its southern expanse by the lintels of an immense ora door. Across from the door is an alcove, the entrance surrounded with a dense halo of carved sigils. Ora braziers are set into the rock to either side of the alcove. You also see a stone giant, a stone giant and an Illoke mystic.
Obvious exits: east, west
>
Your disk arrives, following you dutifully.
>
An Illoke mystic summons the wrath of his god as he gestures at you!
w
A massive stone hand appears in the air before you!
The gigantic hand wraps around you, gripping you tightly as it clenches. You let out an agonized scream as you feel your bones shattering under the crushing force!

... 25 points of damage!
Strong blow breaks your neck!

[bleedthefreak]

Stronghold's douchebag of the day goes to Mikoguchi. Thanks for the help slick.

A stone mastiff tries to bite you!
AS: +351 vs DS: +175 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +35 = +236
... and hits for 24 points of damage!
Neck vertebrae snap.
You are stunned for 1 rounds!
>
You are still stunned.
>
A stone mastiff tries to bite you!
AS: +339 vs DS: +131 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +48 = +281
... and hits for 38 points of damage!
Solid blow gouges a chunk out of your left leg.
>stance defensive
You are still stunned.
>
Mikoguchi just came through a massive ora door.
>
Mikoguchi just entered a small alcove.
>
A stone giant throws her head back and roars, shaking off the stun!
>
Mikoguchi just arrived.
>stunman move w
...wait 2 seconds.
>
Mikoguchi rubs his wiregrass bracelet.
A wave of dark ethereal ripples moves outward from Mikoguchi.
A stone mastiff is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A stone mastiff is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
A stone giant is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves.
You are buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
Roundtime: 18 sec.
>
Mikoguchi just tried to pull you to your feet, but you couldn't stand on your own and you fall over!
>
A stone mastiff slowly barrels in, growling in pain!
>
Mikoguchi pulls you to your feet.
>
Mikoguchi just went west.
>
A stone mastiff growls as she scrambles to her feet!
>stand
...wait 11 seconds.
>
A stone mastiff tries to bite you!
AS: +351 vs DS: +162 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +90 = +304
... and hits for 34 points of damage!
Slice to your left fingers.
Nice move.
>
A stone mastiff claws at you!
AS: +331 vs DS: +144 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +66 = +278
... and hits for 20 points of damage!
Minor puncture to the chest.
>stance defensive
...wait 5 seconds.
>e
...wait 4 seconds.
>e
...wait 3 seconds.
>e
...wait 3 seconds.
>e
...wait 2 seconds.
>e
>
A stone mastiff tries to bite you!
AS: +351 vs DS: +144 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +49 = +281
... and hits for 38 points of damage!
Hard slash to belly severs a few nerve endings.
Your SIGN OF DEFENDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF STAUNCHING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SWORDS is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF WARDING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF STRIKING is no longer effective.
Your SIGN OF SHIELDS is no longer effective.
You sense that your attunement to the minds of others has ceased.
Your SIGN OF SMITING is no longer effective.

[Khariz]

Nice.

[bleedthefreak]

Can't believe this shit happened twice now. Three shamans in the room and she thinks I'll be cool if she just e-waves me and takes off east. Drag, unstun, or better yet leave me the fuck alone(few more seconds and I would have been out that bitch via stunman). All are viable options besides giving me 18 hard RT./rant

An Illoke shaman calls forth the wrath of his god as he points at you!
A massive stone hand appears in the air before you!
The gigantic hand wraps around you, gripping you tightly as it clenches. You let out an agonized scream as you feel your bones shattering under the crushing force!

... 20 points of damage!
Good blow to your left leg!
You are stunned for 3 rounds!
... 10 points of damage!
Brushing blow to your right hand.
... 5 points of damage!
Strike hits close to your right eye making you flinch!
An Illoke shaman looks weakened!
>l
[Stronghold, North Hall]
Deep shadows have collected where one of the braziers bolted to the slab walls of the hallway has fallen dim, creating a pocket of darkness upon the stone slabs of the floor. Overhead, the high ceiling is lost to view. The hallway stretches away to east and west, its expanse a hollow cavern that would dwarf a mammoth. You also see a heavy backpack and an Illoke shaman.
Obvious exits: east, west
>
Your internal strength fully recovers from your most recent attempt to tap into it.
>
An Illoke shaman thunders, "Let the Lord of Stone crush his foes with his terrible might!"
An Illoke shaman swings a massive granite hammer at you!
AS: +362 vs DS: +251 with AvD: +37 + d100 roll: +42 = +190
... and hits for 12 points of damage!
Blow raises a welt on your left arm.
>
Your body relaxes as your thoughts stray from the shadows.
>
Linsha just arrived.
>
Linsha just went east.
>stam
An Illoke shaman rises out of the ground and shouts, "Death to the invaders! You shall feel the cold grip of Illoke on your soft corpse!"
>
Stamina points: 90 remaining: 90
Linsha just arrived.
>
An Illoke shaman reaches down and grabs a large rock, hefting the rock in his massive fist.
An Illoke shaman throws a large rock at you!
AS: +372 vs DS: +267 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +55 = +196
... and hits for 12 points of damage!
Jarring blow to your back.
Momentum carries a large rock past you to land nearby.
>
A giant stony fist suddenly thrusts out from a wall, and in a heartbeat a massive Illoke shaman steps forth from its surface!
>stance defensive
Linsha traces a simple rune while intoning a short, mystical phrase...
Linsha gestures at an Illoke shaman.
A wave of dark ethereal ripples moves outward from Linsha.
An Illoke shaman is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
An Illoke shaman is buffeted by the dark ethereal waves and is knocked to the ground.
You are buffeted by the dark ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
Roundtime: 18 sec.
>
...wait 18 seconds.
>
Fine cracks snake across the surface of the gigantic fist that clasps around you, and the massive stone hand crumbles into rubble. The rubble slowly decays into powdery sand.
>
An Illoke shaman mutters a prayer to his god.
>
An Illoke shaman lurches to his feet!
>
Linsha traces a sign that contorts in the air while she forcefully incants a dark invocation...
Linsha gestures at an Illoke shaman.
CS: +310 - TD: +263 + CvA: +20 + d100: +3 == +70
Warded off!
A blood red haze eddies and swirls around an Illoke shaman before it dissipates.
>
Linsha just went east.
>
An Illoke shaman lurches to his feet!
>
An Illoke shaman calls forth the wrath of his god as he points at you!
A massive stone hand appears in the air before you!
The great stone fist clamps around you, crushing your body in a terrible grip!

... 25 points of damage!
Strong blow to your left hand!
You are stunned for 2 rounds!
... 5 points of damage!
Blow connects with your abdomen winding you.
An Illoke shaman looks weakened!
>
The ground around you seems to shake violently, making it hard to stand.
Suddenly, the ground seems steadier.
>
An Illoke shaman turns to face an Illoke shaman, intoning a rumbling chant. The two figures raise their hands together, touching palms, and a sudden tremor shakes the area!

You hear the creaking and grinding of stone as a stone gargoyle comes alive right before your eyes!

blah blah nicked on till I die. On a slightly positive note I've never seen two shamans summon stuff.

[Latrinsorm]

Yeah, brutal. Sometimes they can summon roa'ters, too, just to corner the market a bit more on aggravating maneuvers.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I was in there the other night and they summoned an earth elemental that wailed on me with that double pounding thing.