YAVP: Acidic Dragonfire Ascendant
Posted: Wednesday, 14th March 2012, 04:12
Edit: This thread starts out as a CIP. To jump down to where the YAVP starts, click here.
Re: CIP: Redundent Dragonfire, and Hello again
Hello all! It's a been a few months and another release since I've done any Crawling, but I'm back at it again. I did some work, did some mindless grinding in an mmo before deciding I hated it and leaving probably forever, heck, I even dusted off my gba and finally went for that all white mage win in FFI I've been meaning to do forever. It was surprisingly easy actually... and clocked in under 20 hours. I don't think I've ever won a game of crawl in that little time. Definitely not an all rune-er, at least. SO, now I'm back to enjoy a challenge that's actually invigorating. And for the thrill of exploring all the new fiddly bits that have been added in my absence. And for my own personal brand of indulgent narrative building around my adventures. Speaking of...
My initial foray into 0.10 included a string of various octopode casters (fun! But squishy), and transmuters of varying races (beastly appendage is quite nice if you can restrict slots to force tentacles. But man does losing evaporate make early survivability harder) most of whom died pre-lair. I found constriction to be interesting, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference for any of my octopodes. On my NaTm though, it was awesome. I assume it scales with size? After I got the whine cellar well stocked with spirits (okay, I'm sorry. Awful puns there), I decided to play something simpler and took the new Minotaur out for a spin. I have to say, they are fantastic mele machines. The counter attack is fantastic, as are the aptitudes, and they've lost the hooves. I don't miss MD's at all. Went STR, heavy armour, and axes for pretty much the first time ever and had wonderful results- the first MiBe steamrolled everything until I stupidly tried to close with and mele Roxanne, and took a crystal spear point blank to the face. The second lasted longer, but was mascaraed by Circe- I was caught out in the open in water in the swamp, immediately slowed and then pigged. So, I was slowed, all my weapons and armor melded, couldn't read, couldn't quaff, couldn't zap, nothing to cast, and she abjured all my brothers in arms, outlasted my last desperate oinking berserk, lit me on fire, and buried me in ugly things. Blah Blah- huge witch.
ANYWAYS, after throwing a bunch of characters at the wall, this guy is what stuck.
Don't mind the name, I just like to give my Dracs phrase / sentence fragment names for some reason. His immediate predecessor had a funnier one though
...I wasn't kidding when I said I just take things I hear on the radio as I'm playing and use them as character names.
I think I love draconian casters. It's kind of a great combination- you've pretty hearty, especially compared to most the caster races, and you're fine doing unarmed mele in the early game if you have to. You lose the robe slot, which is fine- it's more than worth the racial AC, especially now that you get to wear gloves / boots / bucklers (Although, this does almost require you to customize your doll. Running around in nothing but raggedly pants- or as a half dragon cross-dressing exhibitionist in garters- wasn't what I wanted). And then you get a color- if it matches your elemental spell school you get faster training. And if it doesn't, you get a good ranged attack of a different element for anything that resists what's in your starting spellbook (I certainly enjoyed dousing those annoying rF imps in acid ). Overall, it seems like a win-win-win combination.
It's been a while since I last played a FE, inner flame didn't exist and sticky flame wasn't a touch spell. I have to say though, I'm loving the new build. It makes for all kinds of interesting decisions and constant tactical analysis. Picking something off with machine gunning throw flame, or bazookaing with fireball, luring targets into a flame clouds and into sticky range, careful management and creation of dynamic choke points with conjure flame and inner flame. Crowd management with conjure flame, inner flame, and fireball, coupled with desperate mp conservation. I've had some awesome battles mixing and matching these strategies- I set one orc band up so that when I fireball-ed them, that set off an inner flame, which then set off a ballistomycete. The best though was a bee hive I stumbled across in the lair- I had no rPois, insufficient natural choke, and not enough mp to overpower them outright. What followed was a desperate corralling where I barely kept them contained, even with flame clouds everywhere, burning up a wand and a half of charm monster, with my mp never getting any higher than 4-6. It was spectacular.
Got lucky and acquired a rod of fire early on. Randart bucker since I haven't found a plain one yet, and besides, the stealth++ is worth a -1 to shields, I think (a -1 buckler is better than no buckler, anyways). I also think this might be the first game I've lasted long enough with V to start getting gifts. Really, I've never been very good at blasters. My last attempt at a 'pure' caster turned into an earth elemental assassin hybrid thing. Hoping to stay pure-er and blast-y-er this time round. I think I'll manage it, provided I stay alive.
Edit: Also- sticky flame spreading through entire flocks of sheep like wildfire is absolutely funderific and I have no idea how I ever lived without it. XD
Re: CIP: Redundent Dragonfire, and Hello again
Hello all! It's a been a few months and another release since I've done any Crawling, but I'm back at it again. I did some work, did some mindless grinding in an mmo before deciding I hated it and leaving probably forever, heck, I even dusted off my gba and finally went for that all white mage win in FFI I've been meaning to do forever. It was surprisingly easy actually... and clocked in under 20 hours. I don't think I've ever won a game of crawl in that little time. Definitely not an all rune-er, at least. SO, now I'm back to enjoy a challenge that's actually invigorating. And for the thrill of exploring all the new fiddly bits that have been added in my absence. And for my own personal brand of indulgent narrative building around my adventures. Speaking of...
My initial foray into 0.10 included a string of various octopode casters (fun! But squishy), and transmuters of varying races (beastly appendage is quite nice if you can restrict slots to force tentacles. But man does losing evaporate make early survivability harder) most of whom died pre-lair. I found constriction to be interesting, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference for any of my octopodes. On my NaTm though, it was awesome. I assume it scales with size? After I got the whine cellar well stocked with spirits (okay, I'm sorry. Awful puns there), I decided to play something simpler and took the new Minotaur out for a spin. I have to say, they are fantastic mele machines. The counter attack is fantastic, as are the aptitudes, and they've lost the hooves. I don't miss MD's at all. Went STR, heavy armour, and axes for pretty much the first time ever and had wonderful results- the first MiBe steamrolled everything until I stupidly tried to close with and mele Roxanne, and took a crystal spear point blank to the face. The second lasted longer, but was mascaraed by Circe- I was caught out in the open in water in the swamp, immediately slowed and then pigged. So, I was slowed, all my weapons and armor melded, couldn't read, couldn't quaff, couldn't zap, nothing to cast, and she abjured all my brothers in arms, outlasted my last desperate oinking berserk, lit me on fire, and buried me in ugly things. Blah Blah- huge witch.
ANYWAYS, after throwing a bunch of characters at the wall, this guy is what stuck.
- Code:
Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup version 0.10.0 character file.
The Flame Burns the Arsonist (DrFE) Turns: 25431, Time: 03:18:25
HP 84/102 AC 12 Str 12 XL: 13 Next: 3%
MP 28/37 EV 12 Int 19 God: Vehumet [******]
Gold 837 SH 10 Dex 12 Spells: 9 memorised, 6 levels left
Res.Fire : + . . See Invis. : . a - staff of fire
Res.Cold : . . . Warding : . . (armour unavailable)
Life Prot.: . . . Conserve : . Q - -1 buckler "Opsiy" {Stlth++}
Res.Acid. : + + . Res.Corr. : . (helmet restricted)
Res.Poison: . Clarity : + M - +0 elf cloak
Res.Elec. : . Spirit.Shd : . (no gloves)
Sust.Abil.: . . Stasis : . P - +2 pair of elf boots
Res.Mut. : . Ctrl.Telep.: . D - amulet of clarity
Res.Rott. : . Levitation : . T - ring of sustenance
Saprovore : . . . Ctrl.Flight: + R - ring of magical power
@: somewhat resistant to hostile enchantments, quite stealthy
A: spit acid, acid resistance, unfitting armour
a: Spit Acid, Renounce Religion
You are on level 1 of the Lair of Beasts.
You worship Vehumet.
Vehumet is exalted by your worship.
You are not hungry.
You have visited 3 branches of the dungeon, and seen 17 of its levels.
You have visited 1 Labyrinth.
You have collected 1093 gold pieces.
You have spent 276 gold pieces at shops.
Inventory:
Hand weapons
b - an uncursed blowgun
d - an uncursed dagger of venom {Jessica's, !f, =f}
(You took it off Jessica on level 3 of the Dungeon)
q - the short sword of Anger {freeze, rPois rF+ MR Str-1 SInv, was cursed}
(You found it on level 2 of the Lair of Beasts)
It has been specially enchanted to freeze those struck by it, causing extra
injury to most foes and up to double damage against particularly susceptible
opponents. It can also slow down cold-blooded creatures.
It affects your strength (-1).
It protects you from fire.
It protects you from poison.
It increases your resistance to enchantments.
It enhances your eyesight.
Missiles
r - a dart of dispersal
t - 18 runed darts (quivered)
B - 18 poisoned needles
J - 4 darts of frost
Armour
y - a +0 cloak
M - a +0 elven cloak (worn)
P - a +2 pair of elven boots (worn)
Q - the -1 buckler "Opsiy" (worn) {Stlth++}
(You bought it in a shop on level 8 of the Dungeon)
It makes you much more stealthy.
Magical devices
l - a wand of lightning {zapped: 1}
s - a wand of slowing {zapped: 1}
u - a wand of teleportation (9)
x - a wand of cold {zapped: 4}
z - a wand of confusion {zapped: 2}
H - a wand of enslavement {zapped: 3}
I - a wand of enslavement (0)
L - a wand of draining {zapped: 2}
Comestibles
c - 4 bread rations
h - 18 honeycombs
E - a cheese
G - 2 meat rations
K - a pear
O - 2 royal jellies
S - a rotting chunk of quokka flesh
Scrolls
e - 2 scrolls of identify
i - 2 scrolls of enchant armour
j - 4 scrolls of detect curse
m - 3 scrolls of remove curse
p - 3 scrolls of teleportation
C - a scroll of fog
F - 2 scrolls of blinking
V - a scroll of recharging
Jewellery
g - a +1 ring of intelligence
v - an uncursed ring of teleportation
A - a +5 ring of strength
D - an amulet of clarity (around neck)
R - a ring of magical power (left hand)
T - a ring of sustenance (right hand)
Potions
k - 2 potions of heal wounds
n - a potion of agility
o - 3 potions of curing
w - a potion of porridge
Books
N - a book of Conjurations {god gift}
Spells Type Level
Magic Dart Conjuration 1
Throw Frost Conjuration/Ice 2
Mephitic Cloud Conjuration/Poison/Air 3
Lightning Bolt Conjuration/Air 5
Bolt of Cold Conjuration/Ice 6
Freezing Cloud Conjuration/Ice/Air 6
Magical staves
a - a staff of fire (weapon)
(You acquired it on level 8 of the Dungeon)
Miscellaneous
f - a lamp of fire
Skills:
* Level 9.0 Fighting
* Level 6.1 Staves
- Level 2.2 Dodging
- Level 3.1 Stealth
* Level 6.4 Shields
* Level 6.3 Traps & Doors
+ Level 0.4 Unarmed Combat
+ Level 8.7 Spellcasting
+ Level 8.6 Conjurations
- Level 0.2 Hexes
* Level 2.3 Charms
* Level 3.4 Summonings
* Level 4.1 Translocations
* Level 12.4 Fire Magic
* Level 7.0 Evocations
You have 6 spell levels left.
You know the following spells:
Your Spells Type Power Failure Level Hunger
a - Flame Tongue Fire/Conj ###### 1% 1 None
b - Throw Flame Fire/Conj ####### 1% 2 None
c - Conjure Flame Fire/Conj #######.. 1% 3 None
d - Inner Flame Fire/Hex ######... 1% 3 None
e - Sticky Flame Fire/Conj #######.. 1% 4 Choko
f - Fireball Fire/Conj #######... 1% 5 Honeycomb
g - Blink Tloc N/A 2% 2 None
h - Repel Missiles Air/Chrm ###....... 10% 2 None
i - Summon Butterflies Summ ####..... 1% 1 None
Spells cast | 1- 3 | 4- 6 | 7- 9 | 10-12 | 13-15 || total
-------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------++-------
Flame Tongue | 62 | 34 | 67 | 37 | || 200
Throw Flame | 1 | 16 | 128 | 465 | 1 || 611
Conjure Flame | | 9 | 10 | 34 | || 53
Sticky Flame | | 1 | 21 | 106 | || 128
Inner Flame | | 1 | 7 | 18 | || 26
Fireball | | | 2 | 18 | || 20
Blink | | | | 8 | || 8
Summon Butterflies | | | | 2 | || 2
Dungeon Overview and Level Annotations
Branches:
Dungeon (12/27) Temple (1/1) D:7 Orc (0/4) D:8
Lair (4/8) D:12 Snake (0/5) Lair:4
Swamp: Lair:2-5 Shoals: Lair:3-6
Altars:
Ashenzari
Cheibriados
Elyvilon
Fedhas
Kikubaaqudgha
Makhleb
Nemelex Xobeh
Okawaru
Sif Muna
The Shining One
Trog
Vehumet
Xom
Yredelemnul
Zin
Jiyva
Shops:
D:7: ( D:8: * D:10: / D:11: !+ D:12: *
Annotations
D:1 glass vault
D:7 mace of variability unIDed, in shop
Message History
You block the six-headed hydra's attack.
The six-headed hydra closely misses you.
The six-headed hydra completely misses you.
You hit the six-headed hydra. You tail-slap the six-headed hydra.
The six-headed hydra is severely wounded.
The six-headed hydra burns!
The six-headed hydra is engulfed in roaring flames.
Casting: Sticky Flame
Confirm with . or Enter, or press ? or * to list all spells.
Aiming: Throw Flame
Press: ? - help, Shift-Dir - straight line, f/p - six-headed hydra
Aim: a six-headed hydra (flame, almost dead, covered in liquid flames, retreating)
You feel a surge of power!
The puff of flame hits the six-headed hydra.
You kill the six-headed hydra!
Vehumet accepts your kill.
You feel your power returning.
Your Fighting skill increases to level 9!
Your Evocations skill increases to level 7!
You have reached level 13!
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There are no monsters in sight!
Vanquished Creatures
A minotaur (Lab)
3 hydras
The ghost of NPR Pledge Drive the Arsonist, a powerful DEFE of Vehumet (D:11)
A hill giant (D:12)
A cyclops (D:9)
A wolf spider (Lair:1)
5 spiny frogs
A feature mimic (Lair:4)
9 komodo dragons
A troll (D:10)
A queen bee (Lair:4)
12 blink frogs
2 basilisks (Lair:1)
A giant firefly (D:9)
The ghost of Pieces o Eight the Insei, an average OpTm (D:5)
The ghost of Elegance the Transmogrifier, an experienced NaTm of Cheibriados (D:7)
2 wyverns (D:8)
19 yaks
A fire drake (Lair:4)
Eustachio (D:4)
A manticore (D:10)
5 hippogriffs
A mottled dragon (D:12)
6 orc warriors
6 ice beasts
4 sky beasts
A phantom (D:9)
5 crocodiles
9 ogres
4 nagas (Lair:4)
2 boring beetles (D:9)
2 yellow wasps
10 centaurs
13 giant frogs
Sigmund (D:6)
Duvessa (D:9)
The ghost of Aya the Gusty, an average TeAE (D:4)
A giant slug (Lair:3)
9 water moccasins
Blork the orc (D:8)
2 agate snails (Lair:4)
35 killer bees (Lair:4)
An eye of draining (D:12)
12 wights
3 goliath beetles
15 hounds
2 big kobold skeletons (D:11)
4 quasits
A shadow (D:9)
3 crimson imps
6 orc priests
7 worker ants
5 porcupines
8 orc wizards
8 scorpions
14 iguanas
7 sheep (Lair:3)
Jessica (D:3)
Dowan (D:9)
9 jellies
2 mummies
A scorpion zombie (D:8)
12 gnolls
8 adders
2 adder skeletons
5 giant centipedes (Lair:1)
5 giant mites
21 green rats
An iguana skeleton (D:5)
7 worms
A grey rat (D:4)
A giant eyeball (D:10)
9 giant geckos
An ooze (D:3)
50 orcs
A ball python (D:3)
6 giant cockroaches
20 goblins
16 hobgoblins
14 jackals
27 bats
8 giant newts
4 giant spores
A jackal skeleton (D:12)
19 kobolds
13 quokkas
21 rats
16 ballistomycetes
A bush (Lair:1)
5 fungi
7 plants
16 toadstools
613 creatures vanquished.
Vanquished Creatures (collateral kills)
A giant slug (Lair:4)
2 orc wizards (D:9)
3 creatures vanquished.
Vanquished Creatures (others)
2 giant frogs
An iguana (D:12)
A sheep (Lair:3)
A porcupine (Lair:3)
2 adders
4 orcs
2 bats (D:3)
2 giant cockroaches (D:3)
2 goblins
2 hobgoblins
2 jackals
3 kobolds
A quokka (D:3)
A ball python (D:3)
2 giant newts (D:3)
A quokka skeleton (D:8)
A rat (D:4)
8 fungi
8 plants
38 toadstools
84 creatures vanquished.
Grand Total: 700 creatures vanquished
Notes
Turn | Place | Note
--------------------------------------------------------------
0 | D:1 | The Flame Burns, the Draconian Fire Elementalist, began the quest for the Orb.
0 | D:1 | Reached XP level 1. HP: 14/14 MP: 3/3
369 | D:1 | Reached XP level 2. HP: 20/20 MP: 4/4
379 | D:1 | Learned a level 2 spell: Throw Flame
842 | D:1 | Reached skill level 1 in Fighting
1510 | D:2 | Reached XP level 3. HP: 26/26 MP: 0/6
1647 | D:2 | Reached skill level 2 in Dodging
1647 | D:2 | Reached skill level 4 in Fire Magic
2032 | D:2 | Reached skill level 2 in Spellcasting
2037 | D:2 | Learned a level 3 spell: Conjure Flame
2313 | D:3 | Found a deep blue altar of Sif Muna.
2336 | D:3 | Found a shimmering altar of Xom.
2529 | D:3 | Noticed Jessica
2532 | D:3 | Killed Jessica
2532 | D:3 | Reached skill level 2 in Fighting
2532 | D:3 | Reached XP level 4. HP: 27/34 MP: 5/8
3511 | D:4 | Found a viscous altar of Jiyva.
3515 | D:4 | Noticed Aya's ghost (average TeAE)
3538 | D:4 | Killed Aya's ghost
3538 | D:4 | Reached skill level 3 in Spellcasting
3538 | D:4 | Reached skill level 2 in Conjurations
3538 | D:4 | Reached XP level 5. HP: 24/39 MP: 1/10
3591 | D:4 | Learned a level 3 spell: Inner Flame
3649 | D:4 | Reached skill level 5 in Fire Magic
3852 | D:4 | Found an iron altar of Okawaru.
4042 | D:4 | Reached XP level 6. HP: 47/47 MP: 4/13
4192 | D:4 | Noticed Eustachio
4245 | D:4 | Killed Eustachio
4245 | D:4 | Reached skill level 3 in Fighting
4849 | D:5 | Entered Level 5 of the Dungeon
5006 | D:5 | Reached skill level 4 in Spellcasting
5050 | D:5 | Learned a level 4 spell: Sticky Flame
5077 | D:5 | Noticed Pieces o Eight's ghost (average OpTm)
5142 | D:5 | Killed Pieces o Eight's ghost
5142 | D:5 | Reached skill level 2 in Stealth
5142 | D:5 | Reached skill level 3 in Conjurations
5142 | D:5 | Reached skill level 6 in Fire Magic
5142 | D:5 | Your scales start taking on a golden yellow colour.
5142 | D:5 | Reached XP level 7. HP: 15/52 MP: 2/16
5820 | D:5 | Got a thick robe
5966 | D:5 | Reached skill level 4 in Fighting
5966 | D:5 | Reached XP level 8. HP: 61/61 MP: 7/18
6435 | D:6 | Reached skill level 5 in Spellcasting
6529 | D:6 | Reached skill level 7 in Fire Magic
6657 | D:6 | Reached skill level 4 in Conjurations
7143 | D:6 | Noticed Sigmund
7165 | D:6 | Killed Sigmund
7528 | D:6 | Reached XP level 9. HP: 55/68 MP: 9/20
7620 | D:6 | Learned a level 5 spell: Fireball
8455 | D:7 | Found a staircase to the Ecumenical Temple.
8464 | Temple | Entered the Ecumenical Temple
8479 | Temple | Became a worshipper of Vehumet
8575 | D:7 | Reached skill level 1 in Staves
8576 | D:7 | Noticed Elegance's ghost (experienced NaTm)
8595 | D:7 | Killed Elegance's ghost
8595 | D:7 | Reached skill level 8 in Fire Magic
8710 | D:7 | Reached skill level 1 in Traps & Doors
8918 | D:7 | Found Ghoss' Antique Weapon Boutique.
8993 | D:7 | Reached skill level 5 in Conjurations
9591 | D:7 | Reached skill level 5 in Fighting
10039 | D:7 | Reached skill level 2 in Staves
10365 | D:7 | Acquired Vehumet's first power
10686 | D:8 | Reached skill level 6 in Spellcasting
10798 | D:8 | Identified a scroll of acquirement
11149 | D:8 | Reached skill level 1 in Evocations
11172 | D:8 | Reached skill level 3 in Stealth
12110 | D:8 | Reached XP level 10. HP: 37/77 MP: 12/22
12408 | D:8 | Found Afotu's Assorted Antiques.
12417 | D:8 | Bought a distressingly furry buckler for 210 gold pieces
12418 | D:8 | Identified the cursed -1 buckler "Opsiy" (You bought it in a shop on level 8 of the Dungeon)
12810 | D:8 | Noticed Blork the orc
12839 | D:8 | Killed Blork the orc
12859 | D:8 | Reached skill level 9 in Fire Magic
12861 | D:8 | Acquired Vehumet's second power
12912 | D:8 | Reached skill level 2 in Evocations
12924 | D:8 | Reached skill level 2 in Traps & Doors
13055 | D:8 | Found a staircase to the Orcish Mines.
13140 | D:8 | Reached skill level 1 in Shields
13271 | D:8 | Reached skill level 6 in Fighting
14169 | D:9 | Reached skill level 6 in Conjurations
14259 | D:9 | Reached skill level 2 in Shields
14264 | D:9 | Noticed a boring beetle
14265 | D:9 | Noticed a boring beetle
14270 | D:9 | Reached skill level 3 in Staves
14282 | D:9 | Killed a boring beetle
14286 | D:9 | Killed a boring beetle
14526 | D:9 | Noticed Dowan
14528 | D:9 | Noticed Duvessa
14530 | D:9 | Found a shimmering altar of Xom.
14535 | D:9 | Killed Duvessa
14535 | D:9 | Reached skill level 3 in Traps & Doors
14539 | D:9 | Killed Dowan
14542 | D:9 | Reached skill level 3 in Evocations
14790 | D:9 | Acquired Vehumet's third power
14947 | D:10 | Entered Level 10 of the Dungeon
15270 | D:10 | Reached skill level 7 in Spellcasting
15489 | D:10 | Reached skill level 3 in Shields
15494 | D:10 | Reached XP level 11. HP: 84/84 MP: 24/25
15586 | D:10 | Got a twisted war axe
15639 | D:10 | Reached skill level 10 in Fire Magic
15657 | D:10 | Reached skill level 7 in Fighting
15784 | D:10 | Found Ziseal's Magical Wand Emporium.
16059 | D:11 | Reached skill level 4 in Traps & Doors
16059 | D:11 | Reached skill level 4 in Evocations
16405 | D:11 | Found Canwuk's Book Shoppe.
16443 | D:11 | Found Klooro's Distillery.
16547 | D:11 | Reached skill level 4 in Staves
16600 | D:11 | Noticed NPR Pledge Drive's ghost (powerful DEFE)
16604 | D:11 | Killed NPR Pledge Drive's ghost
16788 | D:11 | Learned a level 2 spell: Blink
16792 | D:11 | Learned a level 2 spell: Repel Missiles
17009 | D:11 | Reached skill level 4 in Shields
17009 | D:11 | Reached skill level 7 in Conjurations
17009 | D:11 | Reached skill level 1 in Translocations
17691 | D:12 | Found Viaxoeli's Assorted Antiques.
17715 | D:12 | Bought a scroll of fog for 66 gold pieces
17726 | D:12 | Acquired Vehumet's fourth power
18289 | D:12 | Reached skill level 5 in Evocations
18963 | D:12 | Found a staircase to the Lair.
19292 | D:12 | Reached skill level 5 in Traps & Doors
19301 | D:12 | Reached skill level 2 in Translocations
19301 | D:12 | Reached skill level 11 in Fire Magic
19412 | Lair:1 | Entered Level 1 of the Lair of Beasts
19441 | Lair:1 | Found a labyrinth entrance.
19452 | Lair:1 | Reached skill level 5 in Shields
19471 | Lab | Entered a Labyrinth
19627 | Lab | Reached skill level 8 in Fighting
19627 | Lab | Reached skill level 5 in Staves
19646 | Lab | Learned a level 1 spell: Summon Butterflies
20069 | Lair:1 | Reached XP level 12. HP: 94/94 MP: 27/27
20219 | Lair:1 | Noticed a wolf spider
20221 | Lair:1 | Noticed a yellow wasp
20223 | Lair:1 | Reached skill level 1 in Summonings
20230 | Lair:1 | Killed a wolf spider
20256 | Lair:1 | Killed a yellow wasp
20814 | Lair:1 | Reached skill level 8 in Spellcasting
21610 | Lair:2 | Reached skill level 2 in Summonings
21610 | Lair:2 | Reached skill level 3 in Translocations
21610 | Lair:2 | Reached skill level 6 in Evocations
22068 | Lair:2 | Got a pitted short sword
22162 | Lair:2 | Reached skill level 8 in Conjurations
22435 | Lair:1 | Identified the cursed short sword of Anger {freeze, rPois rF+ MR Str-1 SInv} (You found it on level 2 of the Lair of Beasts)
22700 | Lair:3 | Reached skill level 1 in Charms
23334 | Lair:3 | Reached skill level 12 in Fire Magic
23989 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 6 in Traps & Doors
24188 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 6 in Shields
24188 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 3 in Summonings
24565 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 6 in Staves
24575 | Lair:4 | Received a gift from Vehumet
24584 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 4 in Translocations
24827 | Lair:4 | Reached skill level 2 in Charms
25329 | Lair:4 | Found a staircase to the Snake Pit.
25430 | Lair:1 | Reached skill level 9 in Fighting
25430 | Lair:1 | Reached skill level 7 in Evocations
25430 | Lair:1 | Reached XP level 13. HP: 84/102 MP: 28/28
Don't mind the name, I just like to give my Dracs phrase / sentence fragment names for some reason. His immediate predecessor had a funnier one though
...I wasn't kidding when I said I just take things I hear on the radio as I'm playing and use them as character names.
I think I love draconian casters. It's kind of a great combination- you've pretty hearty, especially compared to most the caster races, and you're fine doing unarmed mele in the early game if you have to. You lose the robe slot, which is fine- it's more than worth the racial AC, especially now that you get to wear gloves / boots / bucklers (Although, this does almost require you to customize your doll. Running around in nothing but raggedly pants- or as a half dragon cross-dressing exhibitionist in garters- wasn't what I wanted). And then you get a color- if it matches your elemental spell school you get faster training. And if it doesn't, you get a good ranged attack of a different element for anything that resists what's in your starting spellbook (I certainly enjoyed dousing those annoying rF imps in acid ). Overall, it seems like a win-win-win combination.
It's been a while since I last played a FE, inner flame didn't exist and sticky flame wasn't a touch spell. I have to say though, I'm loving the new build. It makes for all kinds of interesting decisions and constant tactical analysis. Picking something off with machine gunning throw flame, or bazookaing with fireball, luring targets into a flame clouds and into sticky range, careful management and creation of dynamic choke points with conjure flame and inner flame. Crowd management with conjure flame, inner flame, and fireball, coupled with desperate mp conservation. I've had some awesome battles mixing and matching these strategies- I set one orc band up so that when I fireball-ed them, that set off an inner flame, which then set off a ballistomycete. The best though was a bee hive I stumbled across in the lair- I had no rPois, insufficient natural choke, and not enough mp to overpower them outright. What followed was a desperate corralling where I barely kept them contained, even with flame clouds everywhere, burning up a wand and a half of charm monster, with my mp never getting any higher than 4-6. It was spectacular.
Got lucky and acquired a rod of fire early on. Randart bucker since I haven't found a plain one yet, and besides, the stealth++ is worth a -1 to shields, I think (a -1 buckler is better than no buckler, anyways). I also think this might be the first game I've lasted long enough with V to start getting gifts. Really, I've never been very good at blasters. My last attempt at a 'pure' caster turned into an earth elemental assassin hybrid thing. Hoping to stay pure-er and blast-y-er this time round. I think I'll manage it, provided I stay alive.
Edit: Also- sticky flame spreading through entire flocks of sheep like wildfire is absolutely funderific and I have no idea how I ever lived without it. XD