Questions about Avlis before I log in...

[A Wanderer]

Before I begin, I'm pretty much a newb to NWN and PWs. I've never had a char past lv 6 because I'm still looking for a PW that I REALLY like (hope this one is it!). I played pnp DnD back when I was a teenager, but since have been playing PC games (of which pretty much zero have been RP).

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First off, I've figured out my first build, up to level 40. To what level should I expect to get to inside of 6 months? The faq says getting to 20 inside of 6 months would be impressive, but that notion seems in conflict with other things I read, in general (I'd give specific examples, but I've read so much info on this site, I honestly can't remember where). Anyway, it would be nice to think I'll be getting to the epic part of the build, which is were the build gets interesting. I'm wondering how long it would take, currently, to reach lv 20 if I play around 10 hours a week.

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Second, I know roleplay dictates that skill points are spent in area's your character would spend them in, and not in what is more powerful than some other skill. While I definitely agree this is a good idea, different worlds have different levels of use for each skill. I don't want to, and it doesn't make IC sense to, spend a lot of "time" training open lock if there aren't a lot of openable locks on Avlis (openable as apposed to plot locked). How would my character get so good at opening locks with no locks to practice on? Or if the locks peak at a certain level, how would my character get any better than the best locks? Basically, I'm asking which skills are in use more on this server than normal, less than normal, or not at all?

A second example is heal: my character will invest time in this skill, but how much is necessary? He wouldn't spend much time on this if heal kits are few and far between. Some servers use a lot of heal kits, while potions are scarce. Others are the reverse. Which is it here?

Skills I'm thinking my character would specialize in:

Stealth (Hide and Move silently): Is there a lot of true seeing on this server? If so, these two skills would be worthless, and my character would not see much point in spending lots of time learning them, up to maybe enough to sneak around normal city npcs, which seems would be a small amount.

Open lock: as stated above.

Heal: as stated above.

Spot: Mainly this seems like a PvP skill, which I'm not sure how much there is on this server?

Disable Trap: Are there a lot of traps? If not, why or how would my character want to advance in this skill?

Crafting: The crafting system on this server is unique, right? If not, I'll spend some skill points in weapon craft. My character likes to make his own bows, or at least be able to check the craftsmanship on any bows he's considering using.

Basically, the irony here is that I am new to the server, but my character has lived here his whole "pre-adventurer" life (200 years for an elf?). He knows which skills he needs, but I don't, yet I'm choosing those skills before I know what he already knows. He may not know what skills are needed in an epic dungeon, but he knows at least enough up front to choose which skills he will work on during his first ten levels , it would seem.

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Also, just so I'm clear, all elves start out as chaotic good?

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Thanks in advance! I've been checking out servers and character builds for so long. I can't wait to actually start playing!

[Eponine]

Welcome to Avlis!

Just don't spend any points in crafting here and its hard to go wrong.

I know nothing about character builds (staff druid, isnt it obvious ) but leveling is slow so you have plenty of time to sort it out. The IRC forum is a good place to hang out and ask these types of questions.

I think Trueseeing is very common, not sure everyone would agree though.

I have been here six months and never fought another character but some do it all the time.

[Significant Owl]

True seeing has been modified to give +2 Spot/level, to a max of +50, so you can sneak around if you have a good enough hide.

[Alphonse]

With a playing time of 10 hours a week dont expect to hit level 20 for at least a year.

It took me 9 months playing almost constantly

[Nitro18]

Welcome to Avlis!

First off, don't use a pre-defined build. Get some ideas for your backround, then let the world shape your development.

Playing a static PC is dull, not to mention the fact that events that transpire here Will affect the way your character grows.

Keep an open mind. Remember that on Avlis, it's possible for a level 1 to have more influence than a level 20 in a lot of things. The community doesn't respect high levels, they respect high levels of RP.

If you're expecting uber-loot... don't.

If you're expecting quick leveling... don't.

If you're expecting a great community of really nice people that will help you develop both your own personal RP skills and help you to create and flesh out your character concept into something damn-near 3-dimentional, that's what you'll get.

My main hit lvl20 a couple weeks ago. He's over a year old and sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be quite that high.

[thelamia]

Oh, and don't bother planning all the way to 40. You'll find a lot of things are customized on Avlis, to the point where some things you might think useful are actually not. Then, you have the fact that your character may develop in some way and will completely change the way you approach levels after that At 10 hours a week (if constant), it'll probably take a couple years to get to level 40. That's also assuming you do a lot of adventuring.

Also, just so I'm clear, all elves start out as chaotic good?

Nope, you can make them any of the nine alignments on character creation. Only thing that would limit this is class.

[tygermoon]

Before I begin, I'm pretty much a newb to NWN and PWs. I've never had a char past lv 6 because I'm still looking for a PW that I REALLY like (hope this one is it!). I played pnp DnD back when I was a teenager, but since have been playing PC games (of which pretty much zero have been RP).

First of all, Welcome to Avlis!! It's great here, and the community is the best ... and I think you've started off on the best foot, asking questions.

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First off, I've figured out my first build, up to level 40. To what level should I expect to get to inside of 6 months? The faq says getting to 20 inside of 6 months would be impressive, but that notion seems in conflict with other things I read, in general (I'd give specific examples, but I've read so much info on this site, I honestly can't remember where). Anyway, it would be nice to think I'll be getting to the epic part of the build, which is were the build gets interesting. I'm wondering how long it would take, currently, to reach lv 20 if I play around 10 hours a week.

Well.... I've been here like, hrm.. 10 months now, and I play quite a bit, almost every evening after my son goes to bed, and weekends whenever I can (like when son is asleep, or hubby is working), and my main character has just made 17th. I think making epic in 6 months would put you in danger of one of the "no-no's" of Avlis, powergaming. (Read the players guide online to get a better understanding of how that's viewed here, as well as other "no-no's". ) This is a role-playing server, which means lots of talking, lots of getting to know folks, and adventure with others. Look into guilds and adventuring groups. There are a number of characters who also specialize in escorting newcomers about.. and most players have fun helping out new people, as well.

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Second, I know roleplay dictates that skill points are spent in area's your character would spend them in, and not in what is more powerful than some other skill. While I definitely agree this is a good idea, different worlds have different levels of use for each skill. I don't want to, and it doesn't make IC sense to, spend a lot of "time" training open lock if there aren't a lot of openable locks on Avlis (openable as apposed to plot locked). How would my character get so good at opening locks with no locks to practice on? Or if the locks peak at a certain level, how would my character get any better than the best locks? Basically, I'm asking which skills are in use more on this server than normal, less than normal, or not at all?

Don't bother spending any skill points in the Bioware skills of Craft armor, weapon, etc. Avlis has its own crafting system, and it rocks.

A second example is heal: my character will invest time in this skill, but how much is necessary? He wouldn't spend much time on this if heal kits are few and far between. Some servers use a lot of heal kits, while potions are scarce. Others are the reverse. Which is it here?

Heal is a very valuable skill, and healing kits can be made by characters who wish to spend the time in game to learn recipes to craft their own. Potions can be made this way, too, and scrolls. These are the herbalism, alchemy and artificing skills... which are earned through hard work in game.

Skills I'm thinking my character would specialize in:

Stealth (Hide and Move silently): Is there a lot of true seeing on this server? If so, these two skills would be worthless, and my character would not see much point in spending lots of time learning them, up to maybe enough to sneak around normal city npcs, which seems would be a small amount.

Open lock: as stated above.

Heal: as stated above.

Spot: Mainly this seems like a PvP skill, which I'm not sure how much there is on this server?

Disable Trap: Are there a lot of traps? If not, why or how would my character want to advance in this skill?

Crafting: The crafting system on this server is unique, right? If not, I'll spend some skill points in weapon craft. My character likes to make his own bows, or at least be able to check the craftsmanship on any bows he's considering using.

Spot is used a lot, esp. in DM events. The other skills, stealth, hide, move silently, are also used a lot here, but I'll leave someone else whose characters use those skills to answer those questions. The disable trap skill, in my opinion, is a valuable one.

Yes, the crafting system here is unique. Don't waste skill points on the Bioware skill areas, like craft weapon. (See above).

Basically, the irony here is that I am new to the server, but my character has lived here his whole "pre-adventurer" life (200 years for an elf?). He knows which skills he needs, but I don't, yet I'm choosing those skills before I know what he already knows. He may not know what skills are needed in an epic dungeon, but he knows at least enough up front to choose which skills he will work on during his first ten levels , it would seem.

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Also, just so I'm clear, all elves start out as chaotic good?

Let me say that you can be whatever alignment here you want. There are two caveats-- it's really hard here to start out with an evil character, because there are a lot of "accepted" conventions and traditions about how CvC (character versus character) interaction goes on. We don't do PvP here (player versus player)-- all altercations should be strictly in character. So, with that said, it's a lot easier to start with a neutral or good character and feel your way about the world. Some folks say to start with a throwaway character, and try things out, then start with a new one..... but I still have the same character I started with, ten months ago. The other caveat is that if you plan on playing a cleric, or druid, ranger or paladin, you have to match your character's alignment to the deities' alignment, in order to receive divine magic.

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Thanks in advance! I've been checking out servers and character builds for so long. I can't wait to actually start playing!

Can't wait to meet your character in game! The best servers to start on are Elysia and Mikona, as they are the most friendly places to start out on, (followed by Le'Or and Ferrell) as they have a lot of things specifically designed for new characters. I have also heard that Kuras is a fine place for new characters as well... But be aware that northern avlis (Kuras and Visimontium) are VERY far away from the rest of Avlis (Elysia, Ferrell, M'Chek/Mikona, Le'Or/T'Nanshi, and the known Wilderness).

Have fun, keep asking questions, read up on stuff, and game on!

-Tyger-

[Psyco]

First off, I've figured out my first build, up to level 40. To what level should I expect to get to inside of 6 months? The faq says getting to 20 inside of 6 months would be impressive, but that notion seems in conflict with other things I read, in general (I'd give specific examples, but I've read so much info on this site, I honestly can't remember where). Anyway, it would be nice to think I'll be getting to the epic part of the build, which is were the build gets interesting. I'm wondering how long it would take, currently, to reach lv 20 if I play around 10 hours a week.

6 months, 10 hours a week. I have seen a few go epic in this time, realistically you should be somewhere in the early to mid teens.

Stealth (Hide and Move silently): Is there a lot of true seeing on this server? If so, these two skills would be worthless, and my character would not see much point in spending lots of time learning them, up to maybe enough to sneak around normal city npcs, which seems would be a small amount.

Avlis does not give bioware true seeing through the spell, and items with it are not allowed to be handed out, so bio true seeing is rare. If you get those skills high enough they will be effective.

Open lock: as stated above.

most player housing has plot locks, the odd "boss" area also has plot locks. Other than that everything is unlockable.

Heal: as stated above.

If you don't have enough kits, stop being lazy and make your own

Spot: Mainly this seems like a PvP skill, which I'm not sure how much there is on this server?

with no bio true seeing, spot is quite usefull

Disable Trap: Are there a lot of traps? If not, why or how would my character want to advance in this skill?

plenty of traps if you go to trappy places,

Crafting: The crafting system on this server is unique, right? If not, I'll spend some skill points in weapon craft. My character likes to make his own bows, or at least be able to check the craftsmanship on any bows he's considering using.

Do not take the crafting skills.

And wouldn't checking the craftsmanship be appraise or even lore?

Also, just so I'm clear, all elves start out as chaotic good?

Those that start out as CG do, the others start out as something different. You are not alignment restricted.

[A Wanderer]

Wow thanks for all the quick feedback!

My character will have lore, but it seems to be universally useful, so I didn't mention it.

One last thing: I want to be able to roleplay and also enjoy character advancement. I think I can do both here, although I'm not sure (this is why it's been hard to find a server that fits me).

- Most RP servers have very detailed worlds, great quests, and amazing crafting, but lack good character advancement.
- Most action servers have great character advancement, but are cheesy and have either unfinished, unbalanced, or unimaginative/non-existent quests (sometimes all of the above).


I've read up on servers that are almost purely roleplay: The highest characters are about lv 12. I've read up on servers that are almost pure hacknslash: All newbie 'dudes!' have flaming +5 swords of the GODS. Is there a way to do a bit of both here? I want to roleplay, but I also like to watch my character advance in skill and power. Build strong IC relationships while also defeating harder and harder dungeons and foes. I'm looking for a server where I can adventure and hang out, do some great quests, explore awesome content, and see my character advance and mature into the epic levels all while IC. I DO NOT expect any server to bend to what I'm looking for. What I do expect is to find a server that meets most of what I'm looking for, and what it does not meet, I adapt to.

Thoughts?

[thelamia]

Wow thanks for all the quick feedback!
- Most RP servers have very detailed worlds, great quests, and amazing crafting, but lack good character advancement.

Depends on how you define "character advancement", really. For me, it's about roleplaying and advancing my character's experiences that way. The levels that come with it are just the icing on the cake. If you mean advancement speed level wise, prepare to work hard at it. Expect 1-4 xp from most monsters, sometimes a bit more, but on average this holds true.

I've read up on servers that are almost purely roleplay: The highest characters are about lv 12. I've read up on servers that are almost pure hacknslash: All newbie 'dudes!' have flaming +5 swords of the GODS. Is there a way to do a bit of both here? I want to roleplay, but I also like to watch my character advance in skill and power. Build strong IC relationships while also defeating harder and harder dungeons and foes. I'm looking for a server where I can adventure and hang out, do some great quests, explore awesome content, and see my character advance and mature into the epic levels all while IC. I DO NOT expect any server to bend to what I'm looking for. What I do expect is to find a server that meets most of what I'm looking for, and what it does not meet, I adapt to.

Thoughts?

+5 is extremely, extremely (I can't stress enough) rare on Avlis. The most you will see are +2, and sometimes +3. Don't expect to get any of those for awhile, though. Most of the more powerful things are through DM rewards. The highest craftable weapons are +1 only, with some other minor property (like +1-2 elemental-type damage).

Keep in mind, Avlis is a low magic world. If you're looking to obtain power quick, well.. it doesn't happen over night

For me, I find it fulfilling that I advance slowly. It makes me feel as if i've accomplished something. The low magic nature of Avlis also causes people to party up and socialize a lot more.

[Aradan Kir]

I've read up on servers that are almost purely roleplay: The highest characters are about lv 12. I've read up on servers that are almost pure hacknslash: All newbie 'dudes!' have flaming +5 swords of the GODS. Is there a way to do a bit of both here?

on a scale of 1 - 10, where 1 is pure hack 'n' slash and 10 is pure roleplay, I'd personally put Avlis at about 8.

However it's like many things in life - you get out what you put in. Spend all your time worrying about getting xp and levels and you'll get a lot less enjoyment out of the experience than if you just concentrate on creating a believable and interesting character and let the rest follow naturally.

One of the most interesting and well-known characters in Avlis' history only ever got to about level 7 I think. You're more likely to make a name for yourself with other players here with your roleplaying, not your character sheet.

And welcome by the way If you see me online and need someone to show you round, send me a TELL.

[Fifty]

If you mean who I think you mean I think he reached 8. Maybe even 9.

[Jhevon]

With a playing time of 10 hours a week dont expect to hit level 20 for at least a year

*has been playing for nearly two years, has had only two characters, and not reached 14th yet ...*

Hehe, then again I have to admit I don't really try hard enough ...



Jhevon

(PS - Welcome, and YES this IS the PW you've been looking for!!)

[Tesh]

hehe

I've been playing since December last year, some weeks I'll get in plenty of time (> 20 hours) other weeks, like last week I got none due to RL constraints My main is now.... 8th level about to hit 9th.

This said I have seen him advance from getting pwned in the Elysia sewers to now being able to go solo right into their center....

I too started with a very fixed idea of where I wanted to take my character..... He's now very different to where I envisaged him, mostly because I allowed him to be shaped by the influences of the world around him, heck he even has human friends now, which at his inception was unthinkable.....

The two best things about avlis IMO are the crafting system (I love that I can craft my own arrows and heal kits) and the other players, the quality of RP is high as is the fun level.

[A Wanderer]

Well after reading these replies, I think this is probably not the server I'm looking for.

While I agree with the level of roleplay, the level progression seems sluggish. I still don't understand why Roleplay has to equal extremely slow level progression, but like I said, I don't expect servers to bend to what I'm looking for. The people playing think it's great, and that's what matters.

Anyway, thanks for all the feedback! I'm glad I asked up front!

[Eponine]

Well after reading these replies, I think this is probably not the server I'm looking for.

Give it a try for a week or two, you may be surprised.

[Fifty]

The level progression has never actually felt very slow to me, but if you feel you need to get epic inside of 6 months in order to be having fun, you may be right in going elsewhere.

[Kareth]

The level progression has never actually felt very slow to me, but if you feel you need to get epic inside of 6 months in order to be having fun, you may be right in going elsewhere.

I agree my level progression feels natural - I could have got to where I am on a PG world much faster, but I have never felt excluded from an event because I was not a high enough level.

There was a time in my mid teens where level progression felt very slow - but apart from that it has felt fine.

[girlysprite]

I agree, try it. I made my first levels pretty fast with my second char...its just where you put your time in. but xp is indeed lower...I think 1/4 of the bioware campaigns on cds.

[rshampshire]

At the risk of being accused of powergaming....

I've been playing on Avlis for a month and hit level 7 last night. It's a fantastic place, full of fantastic people and is totally and utterly addictive.


I created my character based on the characters I have played in the single player NWN campains and intended to go down the same lines with progression but I actually found that after a few levels it made much more sense to take levels based on what I was doing at the time.

My character started as a Fighter in Elysia but then journeyed to Deglos and decided to become a master armour crafter. Since this involved spending lots of time spent in woods or caves I've recently taken Ranger levels. I'm now skilled to the point where I need to find new mines to work and will start becoming a bit of an explorer/scout so as a result I'll likely take a Rogue level next, though Avlis seems to have a habit of altering any set plans you make.


You raise the issue of fast character progression and specific character levels are slower than in the single player campains, however, Avlis has Crafting levels that are seperate from character levels and for me this is actually now more important than the character level and in my opinion offers more RP opportunities.

[A Wanderer]

I'll have to at least give it a try. I'm too curious as to what the world is like, since most PWs leave something to be desired. And I like crafting. Arg! Damn you Avlisians! (Is that what you would call people from Avlis?)

For now I have to go to Starbucks and get some work done. I'll roll up a character later today, hopefully.

[Red]

Leveling is slow, but what fun is a world in which after six month's you've no room to advance and you have to roll up a new character for any challenge? Avlis is a world that has been around for years and, if Toran deems, will be around for years to come.

I think you'll find that after a while, levels don't matter. You'll have friends that you adventure with that are ten levels higher than you and some that are ten levels lower than you. There are plenty of places for your 1st leveler to get pwned, and plenty for your 21st leveler to do the same.

And if you love crafting, how could you not love Avlis? Seriously. The recipes are awesome, everything is well thought out. Crafting on Avlis really kicks ass.

Hope to see you around.

[Tangleroot]

I don't think anyone posted this link yet, so...

wiki/index.php/Avlisdocs%3APlayer_Guide

That player's guide is fun reading, and I really wish it had been around when I made my first character here.

[Deider]

Thoughts?

All of your questions would be answered by playing here for a week. All the stuff about which skills you'll need, how quickly you can level, what the RP atmosphere is like here... better to experience it yourself than to take our word for it.

[Nightshade]

Following Deider the Sage's line of thinking (although you should feel free to call him the Great Ganoom), you may start off by building a character, getting to know the place, and then building another character to serve as your main. It will give you a really good feel for the place in general, and you can decide for yourself which skills and feats and builds are well suited to the place.

Keep in mind the restrictions on prestige classes and such... it always sucks to reach a certain point with a certain build in mind and then find out you can't take a class or it's very difficult to get a certain class or piece of gear you were counting on.

Oh, and welcome.

Cheers,
Shade