As was foretold, we've added advertisements to the forums! If you have questions, or if you encounter any bugs, please visit this thread: https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/240191/forum-advertisement-faq-and-reports-thread/
We're funding a new Acquisitions Incorporated series on Kickstarter right now! Check it out at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pennyarcade/acquisitions-incorporated-the-series-2

[Dark Souls 2] Estus: Don't Leave Majula Without It.

1141517192099

Posts

  • PolaritiePolaritie Sleepy Registered User regular
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.

    You can get their armor?

    Steam: Polaritie
    3DS: 0473-8507-2652
    Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
    PSN: AbEntropy
  • heenatoheenato Alice Leywind Registered User regular
    Polaritie wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.

    You can get their armor?
    Later in the game, yeah.

    M A G I K A Z A M
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    hahaha midget sentinel!

    Drangleic Castle spoiler
    You should invade and stand in front of one of the sentinel rooms. :D

    Morninglord on
    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • PolaritiePolaritie Sleepy Registered User regular
    heenato wrote: »
    Polaritie wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.

    You can get their armor?
    Later in the game, yeah.

    Where? Is it NG+ only, or? (I've already beaten NG twice)

    Steam: Polaritie
    3DS: 0473-8507-2652
    Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
    PSN: AbEntropy
  • I needed anime to post.I needed anime to post. boom Registered User regular
    Polaritie wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Polaritie wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.

    You can get their armor?
    Later in the game, yeah.

    Where? Is it NG+ only, or? (I've already beaten NG twice)
    the sentinels in drangleic drop it

    liEt3nH.png
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    So I've used 3 or so of the item to reset my stats. I stopped using a Faith build for PvP because I never used any of the spell, I always ended up dying when I did. So now I have 40 strength and I kind of hate the ultra weapons for PvP and I can't find a good great to use. So frustrating. I just want to get 7 more scales to hit rank 3 with the dragons.

    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    Oh yeah, you wanna know something weird?

    You know the npc invaders?

    I have way more trouble with them on my Cov of Champs character and it isn't just because they have more health (and I don't think they do actually have more health, incidentally, I think they just have a bit more defence).
    None of my weapons are anywhere near as good at stunlocking the light/medium armor wearing versions of these bastards as my power stance in caestus was. I could just unload an entire stamina bar on them, back off, wait till they open themselves up, and do it again. They were all really easy kills. Only the heavily armored guys were a real threat. (Although in terms of a difficulty spike compared to any other invader they were a sheer cliff compared to the slight speed bump of all the others)

    With slower weapons that use more stamina I have to, like, actually fight all of them and judge distances and roll and shit because I can't kill them in one go. I can't get anywhere close. The damage to endurance ratio of caestus is incredible.

    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.

    I have fought the sentinels under drangleic repeatedly, but only ever gotten one piece to drop. :(

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    I just managed to defeat the Lost Sinner.

    And by defeat I mean I tanked her with the Demon Ring from shalquoir while Lucatiel and a summoned ally smacked her.

    Jolly cooperation.
    Who should I unpetrify? The one by Benhart or the one in the Lost Bastille? I'm interested in miracles.

    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
  • RubycatRubycat Registered User regular
    The one by Benhart will open up a new area, the one in lost bastille will sell some stuff and can make early boss weapons from souls

    steam_sig.png
    PSN: Rubycat3 / NintentdoID: Rubycat
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    I really feel like the armor in this game is a step back. Armor in Demon's Souls, for example, was a giant, giant, giant noob trap. You are programmed by other games to think that the biggest, heaviest armor you can wear is a great idea. Less damage = good!

    But armor in demon's souls didn't just do almost nothing to mitigate incoming damage, it also lowered your stamina regeneration ON TOP OF all the loss to mobility and the SL needed to wear it very efficiently at all.

    Dark Souls solution to this was Poise, and it was a pretty good solution for the most part, except for the Dark Wood Grain Ring, which let you have amazing mobility on top of stacking poise. Unforunately their solution in Dark Souls 2 appears to have been nerfing the shit out of poise alongside removing the Dark Wood Grain Ring, so heavy armor is back to being mostly a noob trap.

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    heenato wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.
    I just really hate the boss fight against them.

    Especially since it appears that the co-op scene for that boss has died completely.

    Use a blunt weapon. It worked for me.

    That or the mace is broken. MVP = Mace Valuable Player. :P

    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
    Extreaminatus
  • heenatoheenato Alice Leywind Registered User regular
    heenato wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.
    I just really hate the boss fight against them.

    Especially since it appears that the co-op scene for that boss has died completely.

    Use a blunt weapon. It worked for me.

    That or the mace is broken. MVP = Mace Valuable Player. :P
    I am. But this run I am refusing to use a shield. This is part of the problem, I guess. It's just I don't like how the fight starts on such a small goddamn platform, and if you go down to the bottom before the first one is dead, you're probably fucked.

    M A G I K A Z A M
  • Hiryu02Hiryu02 Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    So I rolled a new character for my dirty tricks build, and I thought I'd try my hand the whole writing bit. With apologies to Gilbert and @Wyborn.
    Part One.
    My name is Eszrah. Of that at least, I am certain. Right now, I’m not certain of much. I remember bits and pieces. I remember...Her. She…melted, like a tallow candle held too close to a flame. It was her and – the babe. Running in rivulets to the floor. It was like a damn dream, a fug, one that I’m just now awakening from. I half-remember old hags, dressed in red, telling me I was going to die. That I was cursed. I tell myself it was a dream, anyway. I’m afraid of it not being one.

    The red-haired girl is asking me questions passing strange. She asks if I am the next king, or pawn, or some other bloody chess piece. She is prattling on about how I need to meet the King, Vendrick. So there is a king? Why is she asking me if I’m going to be a king? I don’t quite understand how I got here. I am in some coastal hamlet that has seen better days. All the buildings seem worn and rundown. The despondent fellow seated near the monument on the hillside tells me this place is called Majula. He too is going on about “the curse” and how no one can escape it. I have no idea what anyone here is talking about. Undead? I’m hale and healthy, and better yet, armed. Somehow I have with me two swords, straight and curved in turn. It feels good to have steel at my side again. Again? I don’t know why I’m thinking that. I do know that I can defend myself well with these, though I would prefer something more…personal. A dagger or somesuch. None the less, these will do.

    The girl, did I mention she has red hair? And wears a green hood and cloak? Ah, it is of no consequence. She is saying I need to meet the king, but that my soul is weak. My soul? Again the ceaseless talk of souls. And the curse. Talk of Hollows and Undead. She gives me a strange flask, filled with a golden liquid. It will ease my burdens, she intones. She tells me to seek four beings with great souls, and to return once I have found them. I see no reason not to. There is nothing for me in this sad village. The sad chap by the monument, he is or was a warrior once, from his talk. He tells me to go to the Giant Forest, but to be wary. He says too to travel to some Flame Tower, farther down the coast. I elect to try the forest. I sit at the bonfire for a moment, and close my eyes. I feel strangely refreshed as I arise from where I sat. Before I leave, I also note that there is a merchant here. His story is that he’s from some place called Volgen and that he traveled here to seek better business. I don’t think he chose wisely, not much you can sell in some seaside shanty. There is also a blacksmith, a dour fellow. He is locked out of his workshop and bades me to find his key, like I’m some errand boy! This place is filled with either the witless or the addled. The blacksmith also seems to suffer from some ailment of the complexion. His skin is near green, and is musty, almost like a dead thing…

    In passing, I glean that this land is called….Drangleic. It seems a familiar name, though I have never heard it before.

    From the monument, I head north. Through some old tunnels that eventually lead out into a forest. To my right a stream flows, to my left – a bloody bastard is attacking me! He tries to gut me with a rusty knife; I dodge, rolling to the side. His movements are sluggish, stilted. Nevertheless I press the attack. I lay into him with both weapons, two cuts and he is brought down. His groans bring another miscreant to the area. This one is armed with a knife as well, but like the first, he is slow and awkward in moving, like he is in the throes of a fit. I dispatch him with no more trouble than the first. My blood is pumping in my veins. The immediate area is clear, but the stream turns to the left ahead, and I’m damn sure there are more…men…there?

    The fighters I just killed, their skin is mottled and decayed! Their eyes blank and rheumy, like a hard-boiled egg left to spoil. A faint smell of death is on the breeze. That can’t be right!? I didn’t pay much heed to the finer details of the face of one who is trying to bury a knife in my liver, at least not while I’m trying to thwart his goal. However, it appears that these men are dead, and have been so for quite some time. Yet they attacked me! They moved! Is this the curse that they spoke of? The dead walking without rest? Undead?

    I have no explanation for this, and no time. I must press on. As a last precaution I check the bodies. They are dressed in simple quilted armor, a metal helmet that flares at the side like a certain hat. Leather gloves, and boots. All their gear is in various states of disrepair and looks dirty and damaged. Not worth looting right now. They appear to be wearing the same type of kit however, which tells me they are part of a larger group. Are they from an army or militia? I’m curious, but I shelve the questions to the back of my mind for now. On with this.

    I round the bend of the stream, blades ready. My caution is rewarded. Two more of the fighters, or are they soldiers spot me and advance in a dead run. They move no more smoothly and swing no more accurately that the first two. This time I strive to look closely at their faces while they are still attacking. No mistake. They too are decayed and rotting, eyes empty, motions stiff. Still they attack, and I defend. I lay them out with an economy of motion, which is just as well. I have no sooner bested the pair when a whistle fills my ears and I dive to the side instinctively as an arrow whistles past. There is a bowman some distance ahead across the stream on a rise. I dash across the stream and cut down the archer before he nocks another arrow. I pause, breathing hard. I glimpse movement out of the corner of my eye and narrowly avoid being spitted on the sword of yet another soldier. He had apparently been hiding in an alcove formed by the vegetation, out of my line of sight whilst I attacked the archer. I had no idea he was there. He must have been still as the dead. I smile bitterly to myself at that forced humor, and turn my attention to killing him. This one wields a sword and shield, but like the others, he moves like something long dead and creaking. I fell him in moments.

    After the battle, I feel oddly exhilarated. I feel full, though I don’t recall the last time I ate. It’s an odd sensation, almost as if I was drawing strength from defeating my opponents. This is a strange land. With no immediate threats, I take stock of my surroundings. I see the hillside rising up to a small tunnel. Looking back the way I came. I spot another bonfire not far from where I had first entered this forest. I felt an unexplained compulsion to light it, so I walked back and did so. I did not rest this time. I wanted to keep going, but the act of lighting the bonfire felt comforting. The bonfire itself looks very much alike to the one in Majula, which is strange, but I did not dwell on it at the time.

    I return to the tunnel. There is a ladder, leading upwards. Upon viewing the tunnel and hillside from a slight distance it appears that the hillside is actually part of a large ruined tower, with the ladder leading to a higher floor. The whole thing is in shambles and is covered in overgrowth. Roots and moss are everywhere, it is as if a tree is growing out of the tower itself. I steel myself and begin to climb. As I reach the top, I realize that I have just shown myself to no fewer than three soldiers, who beforehand were wandering aimlessly. I scramble upwards and quickly scan the environs. I am in a large open area, the tower walls rise on every side, but the roof is gone, and so this floor is open to the sky. There is a large tree growing incongruously near the middle of the room I am in. But there is no more time. I note an odd white shape near the base of the tree, and then the soldiers are upon me. I fight defensively, backing up and letting them fall over each other in their attempts to reach me. In turn I slay them one by one as they are overextended and exposed. The whistle comes again. There is another archer, this time sniping from an upper level along the parapet. On a hunch I dash for an opening in the wall not far from the ladder landing. My instinct is rewarded. There is a ladder on the outside wall leading up and to some stairs. The stairs are clogged with two more soldiers. Hollows? Is that what these dead men are called? I remember the red-haired girl saying something like that.

    I am used to them now. I know what to expect. They are little challenge, and I ascend in search of the archer. Finally I am on the ledge leading to the bowman. I dash headlong at him and cut him down, rolling to avoid a final arrow. It is quiet now. I use the respite to look around. I see what appears to be a strongbox further down way, on the same ledge. However there is a gap where the masonry has fallen away. I try not to look down. I leap the gap and open the chest, to find a shortsword, much like the one I already have. It feels good in my hand though, more familiar that the scimitar I have in my left hand. I decide to use both shortswords. Such is my familiarity that I’m able to wield them both in concert, swinging the two blades as one. This is good.

    I climb back down to the lower floor. And this time I realize what was the patch of white against the tree. It appears to be a knight. He is clad in old chainmail, a tattered cloak and a greathelm. He shows no flesh that I can see, as he is armored from crown to sole. He is just sitting there. Do I attack? He has offered me no harm, yet something whispers to me that he is a threat. I listen to the dark voice in my ear. I slip up behind him, he gives no sign that he knows I am there. Good. I deal him a terrific blow across the shoulder, surely this will – he is getting up!

    Gods above and below, he is getting up! He bleeds not. His armor is rent where I struck yet he shows no sign of pain. Nothing behind the eyeslits of his helm. He swings at me. I barely dodge. I am caught a glancing blow and the pain is lancing through me with every step. He’s still coming! I manage to strike him again, once, twice. He doesn’t slow. There’s my chance! He overswung, I have his back! I can end him. NO! It was a feint! He is swinging backhanded! I CAN’T DODGE-



    It….?!
    What in the? I’m alive? Why am I at the bonfire by the stream? He had me dead to rights! I remember him feigning with a backswing that should have taken my head clean off. No way I could have dodged it in time. Not with that cut he gave me. Where is the cut? I could have sworn he got me right …here…
    Why are my hands green…?
    Gods, no. The stream, I need to see my face, I need a mirror, a mirror! The water will do the water will…do…
    My skin is dark and sallow. My eyes are blank and staring, like a dead fish. My gut feels empty, I feel hungry, hollow. I am one of them. I am Undead.

    Hiryu02 on
    Sev: Your gameplay is the most heavily yomi based around. Usually you look for characters that allow you to force guessing situations for big dmg. Even if the guess is mathematically nowhere near in your favor lol. You're happiest when you have either a 50/50, 33/33/33 or even a 75/25 situation to go crazy with. And you will take big risks to force those situations to come up.
  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    Rubycat wrote: »
    The one by Benhart will open up a new area, the one in lost bastille will sell some stuff and can make early boss weapons from souls

    Does it take a long time to get another branch? I want Sunlight Blade.

    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
  • RubycatRubycat Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    by the time you can get sunlight blade you'll have many more from the areas leading up to it.
    -I have 3 or 4 after un petrifying everything in my first run of the game-

    Rubycat on
    steam_sig.png
    PSN: Rubycat3 / NintentdoID: Rubycat
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    Also, if you're going a faith build, you can get a weapon that casts sunlight blade on itself for free.

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    edited April 2014
    I think I'm just going to respec to a Dex build. I'm not a fan of Strength builds in Dark Souls 2 so far and Dex seems to have a lot of fun stuff.
    Hiryu02 wrote: »
    So I rolled a new character for my dirty tricks build, and I thought I'd try my hand the whole writing bit. With apologies to Gilbert and @Wyborn.
    Part One.
    My name is Eszrah. Of that at least, I am certain. Right now, I’m not certain of much. I remember bits and pieces. I remember...Her. She…melted, like a tallow candle held too close to a flame. It was her and – the babe. Running in rivulets to the floor. It was like a damn dream, a fug, one that I’m just now awakening from. I half-remember old hags, dressed in red, telling me I was going to die. That I was cursed. I tell myself it was a dream, anyway. I’m afraid of it not being one.

    The red-haired girl is asking me questions passing strange. She asks if I am the next king, or pawn, or some other bloody chess piece. She is prattling on about how I need to meet the King, Vendrick. So there is a king? Why is she asking me if I’m going to be a king? I don’t quite understand how I got here. I am in some coastal hamlet that has seen better days. All the buildings seem worn and rundown. The despondent fellow seated near the monument on the hillside tells me this place is called Majula. He too is going on about “the curse” and how no one can escape it. I have no idea what anyone here is talking about. Undead? I’m hale and healthy, and better yet, armed. Somehow I have with me two swords, straight and curved in turn. It feels good to have steel at my side again. Again? I don’t know why I’m thinking that. I do know that I can defend myself well with these, though I would prefer something more…personal. A dagger or somesuch. None the less, these will do.

    The girl, did I mention she has red hair? And wears a green hood and cloak? Ah, it is of no consequence. She is saying I need to meet the king, but that my soul is weak. My soul? Again the ceaseless talk of souls. And the curse. Talk of Hollows and Undead. She gives me a strange flask, filled with a golden liquid. It will ease my burdens, she intones. She tells me to seek four beings with great souls, and to return once I have found them. I see no reason not to. There is nothing for me in this sad village. The sad chap by the monument, he is or was a warrior once, from his talk. He tells me to go to the Giant Forest, but to be wary. He says too to travel to some Flame Tower, farther down the coast. I elect to try the forest. I sit at the bonfire for a moment, and close my eyes. I feel strangely refreshed as I arise from where I sat. Before I leave, I also note that there is a merchant here. His story is that he’s from some place called Volgen and that he traveled here to seek better business. I don’t think he chose wisely, not much you can sell in some seaside shanty. There is also a blacksmith, a dour fellow. He is locked out of his workshop and bades me to find his key, like I’m some errand boy! This place is filled with either the witless or the addled. The blacksmith also seems to suffer from some ailment of the complexion. His skin is near green, and is musty, almost like a dead thing…

    In passing, I glean that this land is called….Drangleic. It seems a familiar name, though I have never heard it before.

    From the monument, I head north. Through some old tunnels that eventually lead out into a forest. To my right a stream flows, to my left – a bloody bastard is attacking me! He tries to gut me with a rusty knife; I dodge, rolling to the side. His movements are sluggish, stilted. Nevertheless I press the attack. I lay into him with both weapons, two cuts and he is brought down. His groans bring another miscreant to the area. This one is armed with a knife as well, but like the first, he is slow and awkward in moving, like he is in the throes of a fit. I dispatch him with no more trouble than the first. My blood is pumping in my veins. The immediate area is clear, but the stream turns to the left ahead, and I’m damn sure there are more…men…there?

    The fighters I just killed, their skin is mottled and decayed! Their eyes blank and rheumy, like a hard-boiled egg left to spoil. A faint smell of death is on the breeze. That can’t be right!? I didn’t pay much heed to the finer details of the face of one who is trying to bury a knife in my liver, at least not while I’m trying to thwart his goal. However, it appears that these men are dead, and have been so for quite some time. Yet they attacked me! They moved! Is this the curse that they spoke of? The dead walking without rest? Undead?

    I have no explanation for this, and no time. I must press on. As a last precaution I check the bodies. They are dressed in simple quilted armor, a metal helmet that flares at the side like a certain hat. Leather gloves, and boots. All their gear is in various states of disrepair and looks dirty and damaged. Not worth looting right now. They appear to be wearing the same type of kit however, which tells me they are part of a larger group. Are they from an army or militia? I’m curious, but I shelve the questions to the back of my mind for now. On with this.

    I round the bend of the stream, blades ready. My caution is rewarded. Two more of the fighters, or are they soldiers spot me and advance in a dead run. They move no more smoothly and swing no more accurately that the first two. This time I strive to look closely at their faces while they are still attacking. No mistake. They too are decayed and rotting, eyes empty, motions stiff. Still they attack, and I defend. I lay them out with an economy of motion, which is just as well. I have no sooner bested the pair when a whistle fills my ears and I dive to the side instinctively as an arrow whistles past. There is a bowman some distance ahead across the stream on a rise. I dash across the stream and cut down the archer before he nocks another arrow. I pause, breathing hard. I glimpse movement out of the corner of my eye and narrowly avoid being spitted on the sword of yet another soldier. He had apparently been hiding in an alcove formed by the vegetation, out of my line of sight whilst I attacked the archer. I had no idea he was there. He must have been still as the dead. I smile bitterly to myself at that forced humor, and turn my attention to killing him. This one wields a sword and shield, but like the others, he moves like something long dead and creaking. I fell him in moments.

    After the battle, I feel oddly exhilarated. I feel full, though I don’t recall the last time I ate. It’s an odd sensation, almost as if I was drawing strength from defeating my opponents. This is a strange land. With no immediate threats, I take stock of my surroundings. I see the hillside rising up to a small tunnel. Looking back the way I came. I spot another bonfire not far from where I had first entered this forest. I felt an unexplained compulsion to light it, so I walked back and did so. I did not rest this time. I wanted to keep going, but the act of lighting the bonfire felt comforting. The bonfire itself looks very much alike to the one in Majula, which is strange, but I did not dwell on it at the time.

    I return to the tunnel. There is a ladder, leading upwards. Upon viewing the tunnel and hillside from a slight distance it appears that the hillside is actually part of a large ruined tower, with the ladder leading to a higher floor. The whole thing is in shambles and is covered in overgrowth. Roots and moss are everywhere, it is as if a tree is growing out of the tower itself. I steel myself and begin to climb. As I reach the top, I realize that I have just shown myself to no fewer than three soldiers, who beforehand were wandering aimlessly. I scramble upwards and quickly scan the environs. I am in a large open area, the tower walls rise on every side, but the roof is gone, and so this floor is open to the sky. There is a large tree growing incongruously near the middle of the room I am in. But there is no more time. I note an odd white shape near the base of the tree, and then the soldiers are upon me. I fight defensively, backing up and letting them fall over each other in their attempts to reach me. In turn I slay them one by one as they are overextended and exposed. The whistle comes again. There is another archer, this time sniping from an upper level along the parapet. On a hunch I dash for an opening in the wall not far from the ladder landing. My instinct is rewarded. There is a ladder on the outside wall leading up and to some stairs. The stairs are clogged with two more soldiers. Hollows? Is that what these dead men are called? I remember the red-haired girl saying something like that.

    I am used to them now. I know what to expect. They are little challenge, and I ascend in search of the archer. Finally I am on the ledge leading to the bowman. I dash headlong at him and cut him down, rolling to avoid a final arrow. It is quiet now. I use the respite to look around. I see what appears to be a strongbox further down way, on the same ledge. However there is a gap where the masonry has fallen away. I try not to look down. I leap the gap and open the chest, to find a shortsword, much like the one I already have. It feels good in my hand though, more familiar that the scimitar I have in my left hand. I decide to use both shortswords. Such is my familiarity that I’m able to wield them both in concert, swinging the two blades as one. This is good.

    I climb back down to the lower floor. And this time I realize what was the patch of white against the tree. It appears to be a knight. He is clad in old chainmail, a tattered cloak and a greathelm. He shows no flesh that I can see, as he is armored from crown to sole. He is just sitting there. Do I attack? He has offered me no harm, yet something whispers to me that he is a threat. I listen to the dark voice in my ear. I slip up behind him, he gives no sign that he knows I am there. Good. I deal him a terrific blow across the shoulder, surely this will – he is getting up!

    Gods above and below, he is getting up! He bleeds not. His armor is rent where I struck yet he shows no sign of pain. Nothing behind the eyeslits of his helm. He swings at me. I barely dodge. I am caught a glancing blow and the pain is lancing through me with every step. He’s still coming! I manage to strike him again, once twice. He doesn’t slow. There’s my chance! He overswung, I have his back! I can end him. NO! It was a feint! He is swinging backhanded! I CAN’T DODGE-



    It….?!
    What in the? I’m alive? Why am I at the bonfire by the stream? He had me dead to rights! I remember him feigning with a backswing that should have taken my head clean off. No way I could have dodged it in time. Not with that cut he gave me. Where is the cut? I could have sworn he got me right …here…
    Why are my hands green…?
    Gods, no. The stream, I need to see my face, I need a mirror, a mirror! The water will do the water will…do…
    My skin is dark and sallow. My eyes are blank and staring, like a dead fish. My gut feels empty, I feel hungry, hollow. I am one of them. I am Undead.

    Hey, is this a thing going on in the thread? Seems cool, I might give it a go when I start NG+ or a new character.

    I don't think I'm going to be able to PvP at all anymore. I can't stand being hit by nothing and dying.

    I also think I may delete my first character. I really don't like it anymore.

    Stragint on
    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    heenato wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.
    I just really hate the boss fight against them.

    Especially since it appears that the co-op scene for that boss has died completely.

    Use a blunt weapon. It worked for me.

    That or the mace is broken. MVP = Mace Valuable Player. :P
    I am. But this run I am refusing to use a shield. This is part of the problem, I guess. It's just I don't like how the fight starts on such a small goddamn platform, and if you go down to the bottom before the first one is dead, you're probably fucked.

    Without a shield you need to kill the second one that leaps up onto the platform before or just after the third one also leaps up. You've got exactly that amount of time to do a stupendous amount of damage to it. Then roll off, heal up, and let the other one come down. Then stay really close to it.

    Gotta learn to dodge everything precisely, because you can't waste any stamina. Lightning enchant your weapon, two hand it, and kill the enemy.

    Hope you got a lot of agility. :)

    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    skyknyt wrote: »
    I really feel like the armor in this game is a step back. Armor in Demon's Souls, for example, was a giant, giant, giant noob trap. You are programmed by other games to think that the biggest, heaviest armor you can wear is a great idea. Less damage = good!

    But armor in demon's souls didn't just do almost nothing to mitigate incoming damage, it also lowered your stamina regeneration ON TOP OF all the loss to mobility and the SL needed to wear it very efficiently at all.

    Dark Souls solution to this was Poise, and it was a pretty good solution for the most part, except for the Dark Wood Grain Ring, which let you have amazing mobility on top of stacking poise. Unforunately their solution in Dark Souls 2 appears to have been nerfing the shit out of poise alongside removing the Dark Wood Grain Ring, so heavy armor is back to being mostly a noob trap.

    It's not that bad. It mitigates a lot. I notice a difference even in the cov of champs.

    Tanking through one handed blows isn't useless, btw. If they are two handing they are opening themselves up for damage and using a lot of stamina to boot. Fast two handed weapons can't block worth a damn.
    If they're shield and one handing something less than a great weapon you can tank through it with your more painful attack.
    Dex users are also going to have a terrible guard break.

    I think it's too early to just give up on poise. I don't think you should sacrifice everything for heavy armor though. You need to balance your gear carefully this time around.

    Not a noob trap. But definitely not a no brainer like it used to be.

    Also it works normally in pve.

    Morninglord on
    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    So the new League of Legends mode has a Dark Souls reference....
    cs_bg_champions.jpg

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
    ElldrenSokpuppetPolaritieTransporter
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    edited April 2014
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    Stragint on
    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Matchups are also heavily based on soul memory with SL being a secondary restriction in NG. That means most of the people you are fighting in NG have spent roughly the same amount of time playing as you.

    There's a ton of pvp in NG around sl 150 and you don't get all that many souls from pvp anymore, so it's more likely you are just running up against a higher percentage of people with a lot of experience fighting against your build. Think about it: what if someone spent twenty levels pvping? Are you going to be able to beat that easily?
    I don't think swapping your build will instantly help you, but if you can't get strength weapons to work for you at all it might do you some good to use something else.

    Morninglord on
    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    edited April 2014
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Then how can I get two Avelyn?

    I actually think I'll just go back to my plan of giving up on PvP. I loved PvP in Demon's Souls and Dark Souls but for some reason I'm really disliking it in Dark Souls 2. I have a ton of agility and my rolls still seem to only work half the time. There is other stuff but oh well. I'm just gonna keep doing single player stuff. I'm gonna kill the king and move onto NG+. Maybe after doing a few playthroughs with ultra weapons I'll feel more comfortable.

    Stragint on
    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    Stragint wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Then how can I get two Avelyn?

    Go to NG+? I don't know I haven't looked into the Avelyn.

    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    Stragint wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Then how can I get two Avelyn?

    Go to NG+? I don't know I haven't looked into the Avelyn.

    Yea, as far as I know that is the only way and I fought a dude with two Avelyn. Does agility affect how fast crossbows are reloaded? I felt like the other dude reloaded his way faster.

    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • ChrysisChrysis Registered User regular
    Stragint wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Then how can I get two Avelyn?

    I actually think I'll just go back to my plan of giving up on PvP. I loved PvP in Demon's Souls and Dark Souls but for some reason I'm really disliking it in Dark Souls 2. I have a ton of agility and my rolls still seem to only work half the time. There is other stuff but oh well. I'm just gonna keep doing single player stuff. I'm gonna kill the king and move onto NG+. Maybe after doing a few playthroughs with ultra weapons I'll feel more comfortable.

    You'll have to find someone willing to drop theirs in your world for you to pick up.

    Tri-Optimum reminds you that there are only one-hundred-sixty-three shopping days until Christmas. Just 1 extra work cycle twice a week will give you the spending money you need to make this holiday a very special one.
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    Stragint wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Then how can I get two Avelyn?

    Go to NG+? I don't know I haven't looked into the Avelyn.

    Yea, as far as I know that is the only way and I fought a dude with two Avelyn. Does agility affect how fast crossbows are reloaded? I felt like the other dude reloaded his way faster.

    I just looked it up and found a video of someone using it to invade. He said in his comments he traded for it with a white phantom.

    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • StragintStragint Do Not Gift Always DeclinesRegistered User regular
    Anyone want to trade me an Avelyn?

    PSN: Reaper_Stragint, Steam: DoublePitstoChesty
    What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable? ~ Mario Novak

    I never fear death or dyin', I only fear never trying.
  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    skyknyt wrote: »
    So the new League of Legends mode has a Dark Souls reference....
    cs_bg_champions.jpg

    Nice. 35% against dinosaurs might come in handy in Dark Souls III or DLC for DSII.

    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    Vengarl is awesome and he got me a claymore.
    Invisible motherfuckers and crumbling floors everywhere.

    Danger zone.

    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    skyknyt wrote: »
    So the new League of Legends mode has a Dark Souls reference....
    cs_bg_champions.jpg

    Nice. 35% against dinosaurs might come in handy in Dark Souls III or DLC for DSII.

    I was just picturing Dark Souls with a Borderlands flavor.

    So how bad is the grinding in Dark Souls 2?

    Cantido on
    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • SokpuppetSokpuppet You only yoyo once Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    skyknyt wrote: »
    So the new League of Legends mode has a Dark Souls reference....
    cs_bg_champions.jpg

    I would give absolutely anything to be able to Red Eye Orb into League matches.
    Anything.

    Sokpuppet on
  • ElldrenElldren Is a woman dammit ceterum censeoRegistered User regular
    Cantido wrote: »
    skyknyt wrote: »
    So the new League of Legends mode has a Dark Souls reference....
    cs_bg_champions.jpg

    Nice. 35% against dinosaurs might come in handy in Dark Souls III or DLC for DSII.

    I was just picturing Dark Souls with a Borderlands flavor.

    So how bad is the grinding in Dark Souls 2?

    terrible

    I can hardly grind at all!

    fuck gendered marketing
  • AegeriAegeri Tiny wee bacteriums Plateau of LengRegistered User regular
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Not true. I have fought people with moonlight greatsword once i hit sl 150 or so. You can only get that weapon in ng+

    The Roleplayer's Guild: My blog for roleplaying games, advice and adventuring.
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    Aegeri wrote: »
    Stragint wrote: »
    Why does the bandit knife scale off of strength?

    I think part of the reason I have a 100% lose rate in PvP now is because I got to the SL area for PvP and everyone I'm fighting is now min/maxed with max level weapons and probably in NG+ and beyond. I am also starting to think that strength is kind of ass for PvP since none of the strength based weapons seem to scale well off of strength alone. I also whiff 90% of my attacks with ultra weapons so maybe it doesn't suck.

    Either way I was winning left and right at around 117 SL and now at 131 I can't win at all. I may just make this character the one I get to max level and start a new depraved for PvP, probably Dex build.

    NG+ people cannot play with NG.
    At all.

    Not true. I have fought people with moonlight greatsword once i hit sl 150 or so. You can only get that weapon in ng+

    I believe you can also Bonfire Ascetic to get it.

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
    MorninglordPolaritieKevin Crist
  • MorninglordMorninglord I'm tired of being Batman, so today I'll be Owl.Registered User regular
    edited April 2014
    You can ascetic to get quite a few things. There's still a bunch locked off though. The wiki for some things is pretty confusing. Asterix and little footnotes everywhere.
    Before assuming something can't be gotten in NG it's a good idea to have a look first. You'd be surprised.

    In any case, it was actually known before the game came out that NG and NG+ onwards would be on different servers. You cannot connect or interact with them at all via multiplayer.

    I just selected the ng plus option because I heard there was a warning message.

    This is the warning message

    "Once you start the next journey, only players on journey 2 to Drangleic and beyond will be eligible for matchmaking during online play.
    Begin your second journey?"


    So yeah, not up for debate guys. Three rules of Dark Souls 2: 1). You'll make a character. 2). You will die. 3). NG and NG+ are completely separate.

    If you saw something you think should be from NG+, they either traded for it, used an ascetic, or you've encountered a megamule hacked save. Those are the only available interpretations. You should report the last one. I'm not sure where you report to, but I know you can. I've seen developer responses (I think on Reddit, where there's a Namco representative guy who responds and passes along stuff to From, but I can't remember) that indicated From were looking into it and do intend to ban people using it.

    Morninglord on
    (PSN: Morninglord) (Steam: Morninglord) (WiiU: Morninglord22) I like to record and toss up a lot of random gaming videos here.
  • heenatoheenato Alice Leywind Registered User regular
    heenato wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    furlion wrote: »
    heenato wrote: »
    Argh. Still hate the Ruin sentinels. Just thought I'd give you all an update on that.

    I am wearing their armor whenever I co-op. I have yet to see another player wearing any pieces so it makes me feel unique. Plus the bosses are supposedly just hollow suits which I think fits thematically with the way summons work.
    I just really hate the boss fight against them.

    Especially since it appears that the co-op scene for that boss has died completely.

    Use a blunt weapon. It worked for me.

    That or the mace is broken. MVP = Mace Valuable Player. :P
    I am. But this run I am refusing to use a shield. This is part of the problem, I guess. It's just I don't like how the fight starts on such a small goddamn platform, and if you go down to the bottom before the first one is dead, you're probably fucked.

    Without a shield you need to kill the second one that leaps up onto the platform before or just after the third one also leaps up. You've got exactly that amount of time to do a stupendous amount of damage to it. Then roll off, heal up, and let the other one come down. Then stay really close to it.

    Gotta learn to dodge everything precisely, because you can't waste any stamina. Lightning enchant your weapon, two hand it, and kill the enemy.

    Hope you got a lot of agility. :)
    So basically what you're saying is "The bastille will be one of the last things you do" Gotcha.

    M A G I K A Z A M
  • skyknytskyknyt Registered User, ClubPA regular
    There's an NPC white phantom in a nearby cell that can keep one of them occupied while you go on another.

    Tycho wrote:
    [skyknyt's writing] is like come kind of code that, when comprehended, unfolds into madness in the mind of the reader.
    PSN: skyknyt, Steam: skyknyt, Blizz: skyknyt#1160
  • heenatoheenato Alice Leywind Registered User regular
    It doesn't even get that far, unfortunately. My problem is with the first one. Hard to dodge on the small platform, and I don't have the DPS. Need to find a new hammer. One I can lightning enchant, and go back there after iron keep.

    M A G I K A Z A M
This discussion has been closed.