Newbie hEELLP :) [Archive] - The Gemstone IV Players' Corner

Raoswith

02-11-2010, 07:18 PM

So I'm getting the hang of this overall, but here are a couple specific questions.

I am in Icemule Trace. After the sprite quest, the sprite recommended going to the well to fight rats. Well, after I climbed into the well, there wasn't anywhere else to go, something about branches and things and nowhere else to go. So I gave up on that and thought I'd go find some monsters or something--- I picked a random gate (north gate) and that got me nowhere. Now that I'm trying to go back through the gate, a guard stops and says "That'll be five silvers entrance fee, just like everyone pays."

I have tried everything. "give guard five silvers"; "give guard entrance fee" "pay guard" "pay fee" "give fee" every last thing and so on, you get the idea. I can't get back into town. It's so frustrating! :P So my question is, how do I pay this fee? I have 300 silvers on me and get seem to give it to the guard.

Other questions: How do I tell what stats an item gives me? For instance, I have two shields in my pack, both described very beautifully... but it doesn't really tell me anything about them (defense + 5, things like that)..

Is there a website or thread with basic commands and things? I've read the new players guide but it doesn't tell me much besides how to move around and do basic attacks and the like. I really want to give gemstone a fair shot, but at this rate I'm about to call it quits-- would really appreciate some pointers!!! Thank you

Bobmuhthol

02-11-2010, 07:20 PM

give guard 5 silver

I don't think the system likes words for numbers.

Raoswith

02-11-2010, 07:22 PM

OHHHHHhhh.. *slaps forehead* ... it's always so much simpler than you'd think.. thank you !

Archigeek

02-11-2010, 07:24 PM

Q1: "Give guard 5".

Q2: This is more complicated. Generally, the first thing to look at is the material. All materials have an innate enchant in Gemstone. You can find those on the website. But it's a bit more complicated than that. Items can have enchants that are different than their base. You can figure those out by trial and error, or find a bard and they can sing to it for you. Or, you can trek down to Wehnimer's Landing and visit the Abandoned Inn and there is a crystal there that will tell you the enchant in increments of +5. I'd suggest that in your case though, you just find a bard in Icemule. Also, talk to people. A lot of people know a lot of things and will help you a great deal in game, especially if they know you're really new.

Q3: You can get a lot of basic commands via the "help" command. Also, there are several websites out there with verb lists. Someone else can probably help you a lot more with this one, IE: pointing you to one of the precise websites that has just about every verb there is on it.

Good luck,

Kerl

Another odd duck

02-11-2010, 07:29 PM

http://www.sylvanfair.com/ has a quite extensive verb list that I still find helpfull.

BriarFox

02-11-2010, 07:42 PM

Gemstone has a bit of a learning curve, but if you stick with it for a few, you'll come to really like it. If you haven't yet, get "a crystal amulet" and "rub" it to connect yourself to the thought net - it lets everyone in town with the spell active talk to each other, either publically or privately, and it's a good place to ask questions (just phrase them in character, or ask if someone can give you a hand getting acquainted with the town or such). Icemule has a fairly low population, but it can be a good place to start. Personally, I think the Landing is a little easier, though, and it's certainly more lively. You might get someone to escort you there if you like.

On another note, I'd be happy to answer questions in-game or OOC for you. You can shoot me an IM at GS4Nuadjha.

Showal

02-11-2010, 08:20 PM

I'm not in all that often, but feel free to ask me questions in game too. Character's name is the same as my handle. AIM name is meathedwarf.

Or send me a PM on this too

Asrial

02-11-2010, 10:45 PM

Another FYI with Icemule.. they made an outer loop a while back so you can run to another gate where there's no guard, to get back in.

Also, check out http://www.tsoran.com for maps. Here's one for Icemule: http://www.tsoran.com/IMT-icemule.html

They're some of the best around and will GREATLY help you as you move around and try to find things to hunt :)

waywardgs

02-11-2010, 11:23 PM

Out of curiosity, how did you hear about gemstone anyway?

Latrinsorm

02-11-2010, 11:27 PM

On the topic of trying to navigate, if you use the StormFront FE real objects will generally appear hyperlinked. GemStone's room descriptions unfortunately contain many objects that you either cannot interact with at all or can only interact with through specific verbs, which can be very frustrating.

Your three basic sets of character parameters are stats, skills, and inventory. Pretty much everything else follows from these: attack strength, damage reduction, etc. There is no way to permanently cripple a character through any of these three sets, so really feel free to experiment with them. If you would like general recommendations for your particular profession, reading the official forums (http://www.play.net/forums) under your specific profession's folder is a good place to start.

Celephais

02-12-2010, 12:09 AM

Out of curiosity, how did you hear about gemstone anyway?
Curious about this too... if you're a genuine newbie you're a rare sight indeed. Quite a few lessons simu could learn about not alienating newbies from you... the sprite quest wasn't always around and is a great addition, but it still really leaves people at the whim of others .... and the world isn't as populated as it once was, finding good, non-jaded help is hard.

The fact he's asking here instead of the officials is pretty telling to how crappy their forum system is. Simu should be thankful the people here have been so friendly as they have been (although we're pretty helpful, we'll also tell it how it is, which is the last thing simu wants).

DaCapn

02-12-2010, 12:26 AM

A NEW player? As they said, there's a bit of a learning curve. This is true for any language-based environment in existence (as opposed to graphical environments). Though, I think there's more power in language.

As far as places to look for information:
- It's not very good as a guide but if you need to look up something specific, check the wiki: http://www.krakiipedia.org
- You're already here...
- Play.net is... whatever it is...
- As stated already, maps, select general info, and an excel character planning spreadsheet are available at: http://www.tsoran.com
- Some other info: http://www.nilandia.com
- There are some links on play.net but so many are defunct GS3 geocities websites with animated fireworks backgrounds and stat counters.

Drew

02-12-2010, 01:03 AM

Another FYI with Icemule.. they made an outer loop a while back so you can run to another gate where there's no guard, to get back in.

Originally could you only access the south gate? I don't remember the loop ever being added.

Asrial

02-12-2010, 01:59 AM

Originally could you only access the south gate? I don't remember the loop ever being added.Yeah. Sorry. It was a really long time ago and I should probably stop referring to things like that.

Also, to clarify as I just went up and checked to refresh my memory, the EAST/WEST/SOUTH gates are connected by an outside loop. The NORTH gate is secluded (and I think it's to prevent bigs things wandering into that area to kill little characters).

Without delving too deeply into it.. yeah.. any new player stuck outside the north gate with no money is screwed unless they have the knowledge, and skills, to hunt the "Icemule version giant rats" nearby. I think they drop some money but not sure.

Anyways, yes.. back in the day.. all the gates were separate so if you were just bypassing Icemule to get to Pinefar, you still had to go inside first.

Drevihyin

02-12-2010, 03:24 AM

The mentors in Icemule are very knowledgeable and willing to help a new player ge pointed in the right direction. Just watch out for the one with the sharp teeth!

Parker

02-12-2010, 08:42 AM

I'm actually really amazed and gratified that so many people stepped up to help out.

For the Original Poster,

If you're willing to drop a character name publicly, I'm pretty sure that just about anyone would be willing to check in on you when you're wandering around and they happen to pass by.

If not, I have a couple characters out that way, and I'll be happy to help you learn what I can teach you, shoot me a PM if you like.

Endaar

02-12-2010, 09:52 AM

Seriously awesome that a new player actually found their way into the Lands. I echo the sentiments of a few others... how did you find out about us? 'cause however you did, send that word around! :-)

Paradii

02-12-2010, 12:38 PM

I am pretty sure he has already quit.

Showal

02-12-2010, 04:16 PM

I am pretty sure he has already quit.

hahaha

Also, in Icemule, just hide at the guard or the next room, sneak in, and then sneak through the gate.

waywardgs

02-12-2010, 04:40 PM

I am pretty sure he has already quit.

Bitterness and resentment about monks, duh. Only takes three days.

Raoswith

02-12-2010, 08:58 PM

Thanks for being so helpful everyone! I killed a rat today! hahaha... faantastic. :) ... If I see "A clean miss!" one more time I am going to scream but i'm sure that will change with time (I'm a wizard, trying to put more into 'spell aiming' I think). Oh and for the record I found a travel guide and made my way to Wehnimer's Landing. And thank you so much for the links to maps and things; it's incredibly helpful.

Anyway I found out about gemstone because my laptop is pretty slow and can't even handle flash games, let alone something like WoW. (I'm on a mac using the Avalon front). I remember my brother playing these text-based rpgs when I was a kid (some really early version of this or something). I remember asking him what could be so fun about it and he was like, "Because you can do anything; look I'm a Bard and I just sang and made this guy's head explode." This was years ago and that's all I remembered. Pretty great :) ... I thought that sounded fun so I started researching something like that-- something my computer could handle, and I found gemstone iv. It's really cool, like playing through a good book.

My only problem at the moment is still just getting used to where to go, what to do, things like that-- I found the Adventure's Guild thanks to the map links, and currently I'm trying to collect fire opals for the gemcutter. I think like.. I mean this is such a cool world, but there are times, like this, when I'm like .. "Well.. ok, fire opals.. where the heck do I go to find those?" I was thinking of picking a random gate and just wandering around, but I went to the town square to ask other players instead. People were quick to hand fire opals right over to me, which was super nice, but what I'd like to know is where to find stuff like this--- just explore and creatures drop them or something?

Anyway thanks again soo much! I'd have more to say at the moment but I have to run to work.

Character's name is Raoswith

PEACE

Drew

02-12-2010, 09:03 PM

For your fire opal question, when you get a gem task from the adventurer's guild you need to hunt a creature that has gems as treasure when you loot it. Kobolds for instance have gems. There are all kinds of gems they can carry but if you assigned the task they have a much better chance of dropping fire opals when you loot them.

As for questions you can ask here, ask someone via IM, there's also the Mentors at Silverwood Manor. If you don't have the map just type DIR SILVERWOOD MANOR and it should guide you there, then pull the rope to ring the bell and a mentor should arrive who can answer questions.

EDIT: Also just wandering around is a good way to get yourself killed, if you are in the Landing and you go out the gate you should be fine if you just wander ways with cardinal directions (N, E, S, W etc) but don't go down any paths or things like that. If you want a map look at the outside gates map on Tsoran.com for the area immediately surrounding the landing.

Second Edit: There's nothing wrong with being a wizard, but they are more advanced class than a warrior or rogue for instance. They have a lot more to learn young and they kind of stink as hunters during the younger levels. Warriors and rogues are easier to play at younger levels. This is not to say you should reroll, but if you're very frustrated it's something to consider.

Showal

02-12-2010, 09:26 PM

I will sign on tonight and look for you. I will also hide and try to shoot at you.

Drew

02-12-2010, 09:32 PM

Another tip: If you want to enjoy the game for a long time don't fall in with people like Showal.

Showal

02-12-2010, 09:36 PM

Haha im not bad

Farn

02-12-2010, 10:47 PM

While wandering around at random is definitely a good way to get yourself killed, it's also a lot of fun. Exploring around on your own can be very dangerous, but in my opinion, it's much more exciting and rewarding than always knowing exactly where you're going and what you're getting into. Some of the most fun I had in Gemstone was just wandering around and drawing my own maps as I did so (and often running like heck from newly-discovered creatures).

Your opinion and experience may vary, of course. I hope you have a lot of fun. I miss the good old new-and-exciting days. Hey, you should ask around about getting a 'trap door party' together to hunt thyrils under the sewers. Check out as many of the lower-level hunting grounds as possible before you gain too many levels. You outgrow them really quickly with the new super-fast-early-levels system (boo). Adventurer's guild tasks should send you to a good variety.

Shari

02-13-2010, 12:04 AM

Wow. A real newb. Welcome to Gemstone!

Its a lot to swallow at first.

http://www.virilneus.com/roomdata/room.php
Its used for foraging for herbs but its point and click by town and areas within it. I use it for everything.

Starting out as a wizard is HARD, but it is so, so SO worth it in the end. I have one that's level 63 and I rarely die anymore. I'd recommend sticking with rats until you hit level 10 and then move on to firephantoms (Also around the Landing area) and you can snuff them out with the water spell.

If you have any other questions or need me to run over and help you out IM me at petitedollie and I can do my best to assist you.

Asile

02-13-2010, 06:45 AM

Most of the major websites you need have already been mentioned, so I'll just toss in my welcome and invitation to bug me if you need help around the Landing. Look for Traiva or IM me at LyrrahC.

Oh, and one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet: If you're still under level 4, go see the Clerk in Moot Hall (in Town Square East, go hall, go office, east/west) and ASK CLERK FOR JOB. He'll give you a message to deliver somewhere around town, usually to one of the gatekeepers/doorkeepers of the old Great Houses or to the wandering runner or gypsy. It gives you some exp and coin, and can help you explore/learn your way around the Landing. I do that as much as I can with my spellcasters, 'cause hunting them at low levels sucks.

Elgrim

02-13-2010, 06:52 AM

Showal

02-13-2010, 08:25 AM

Don't forget to see the thrak for something like 5k exp. Go to Thrak's in, West, go curtain ... Then sit for a long long explanation of stuff, answer a few questions, then get your exp!

Farn

02-13-2010, 11:37 AM

If you're in Icemule you can see ... isn't it Trevor Dabbings? Somewhere in the western room of the Thirsty Penguin, if I remember right. I think it's in a niche or something. Same general thing as seeing Raging Thrak in Wehnimer's.

Showal

02-13-2010, 01:48 PM

If you've gone to the Thrak, will you still benefit from going to Trevor Dabbings?

Drew

02-13-2010, 02:29 PM

If you've gone to the Thrak, will you still benefit from going to Trevor Dabbings?

No, they are the same script essentially. It's funny how going to the Raging Warrior Thrak or Trevor Dabbings was such a vital part of my character start up back then, the experience was just irreplaceable. Now I generally don't even bother anymore.

Asile

02-13-2010, 06:55 PM

I think he's in Icemule, but I believe you can do the same there. You need to go once west from the town center, then south I think? There is a building there and inside is the clerk, somewhere...

I have been considering heading up to Icemule. If I see you, I'll try to introduce myself!

I thought he said he'd gone to the Landing like a smart person. Granted, I was reading this thread very early in the morning and I don't feel like going back through it now.

Askip

02-15-2010, 10:27 AM

<< (I'm a wizard, trying to put more into 'spell aiming' I think). >>

Spell Aim is THE skill for wizard offense, always keep it trained to the max.

Welcome aboard!

:D

AnticorRifling

02-15-2010, 10:29 AM

<< (I'm a wizard, trying to put more into 'spell aiming' I think). >>

Spell Aim is THE skill for wizard offense, always keep it trained to the max.

Welcome aboard!

:D

Lies!

Polearms and CM is where it's at!

AnticorRifling

02-15-2010, 10:31 AM

The less you get caught up in the out of game drama that is the love hate relationship with GMs, expectations, fixes, new shit, etc. the longer you'll love the game.

yesicj

02-15-2010, 10:37 AM

No, they are the same script essentially. It's funny how going to the Raging Warrior Thrak or Trevor Dabbings was such a vital part of my character start up back then, the experience was just irreplaceable. Now I generally don't even bother anymore.

You also get much less now.

BriarFox

02-15-2010, 10:46 AM

You also get much less now.

True, and it's based on your level. I always go there with a newbie right after I run around town at level 0 getting experience for visiting places. After that, I do the sprite quest.

yesicj

02-15-2010, 12:59 PM

True, and it's based on your level. I always go there with a newbie right after I run around town at level 0 getting experience for visiting places. After that, I do the sprite quest.

I think my lowbie bard got 750 or something ridiculous like that for going. Can't remember exactly though.

Showal

02-15-2010, 01:34 PM

The less you get caught up in the out of game drama that is the love hate relationship with GMs, expectations, fixes, new shit, etc. the longer you'll love the game.

I don't think I've ever really cared about this stuff. I've never held my breath for monks (although I'll sometimes just make a comment about it), never gotten too involved in stats or numbers, and never given too much of a shit about GM stuff or merchants, etc. I think the only thing that bothers me is the small population now, fewer people to interact with. Other than that, I still think the game's great.

The only thing that's taken me away in the past or made me lose interest is stuff in my own personal life taking priority ... but that's healthy.