Dangerous areas

[Cruxen]

Im fairly new to the server and Neverwinter Nights as a whole, and so far Im loving the hell out of it. I've died a lot of times, which I get is part of the fun- but it is honestly a little bit annoying to see the people who started their characters about the same time as me running around with expensive loot and high levels while I'm still flopping around at 4 with the rockworms.

That's just part of the game I guess, and I don't want to suggest the server's edge be dulled, but it would be sorta nice if there were a easy way to tell which areas outside sanctuary are explorable, and which ones will murder you dead on sight.

So I'd suggest an addition to the rings of sanctuary. Maybe the gem on the top could turn a variety of different colors to alert you about the dangers of an area- or at least its danger according to the spellguard. Maybe a 6 color "Go, continue cautiously, be careful, dont go, stop, dear lord stop Run now" type system? Green could be upper and related areas, yellow could be lower and other "Safe but not fully" areas, Red could be the in between and outside the gates, and black could be areas that are even worse or a certain distance from sanctuary, etc.

It could be added as a player tool- and it would help a lot as a new player to be able to quickly see the difference between relatively a safe to explore sewer or cave and an area prone to spawning giant mechastompers.

I've been told there's a similar system around for rangers called tracking, and I get how that gives rangers a needed advantage exploring- but giving a vague indicator would really help us get used to the server quicker, I think.

[Paha]

Frankly, underdark itself can be dangerous all around. There is no real safe places about. Sometimes horrible monsters spawn very close, and sometimes there may be nothing at all. General rule is to have invisibility close, and not roam about alone.

Tracking itself also is not really an indicator of danger, it allows tracker to possibly identify some tracks or creature in the vinicity, depending of their skill. They may not know any details of the possible danger.

I understand the suggestion, but to implement it would be quite difficult, as areas themselves are not really determined with a danger level, other than obviously certain few.

Like, Beholder cave, obviously suicidal area. Deeper underdark, of course more dangerous. Certain rumored spots of specific monsters having appeared and so on, but otherwise everywhere and anything can be fairly dangerous, I fear.

It is given that many experienced people or higher level ones learn to cope and avoid death, that is the same on every situation, be in real life or any game. It's harder to adjust levels for everyone especially, and it is not even in that sense our purpose. However we do consider all ideas on how to improve new player experience.

[xXCrystal_Rose]

That's really best learned by experience or rp but it is certainly something PCs can work on. The Wayfinders is a PC organization that scouts and reports on the dangers of the underdark. Their documents can give a good idea of what lurks in which areas, though bear in mind it is completely randomized. Most times you won't find anything too horrific in many areas but once in a while it can be terrible. Your character or perhaps another could make it a project of theirs to map out the known underdark and submit a bestiary of the various regions and document them according to danger as a public guide for new arrivals.


There is always going to be an element of chance though. Like those times when you walk out the gate and BAM deep lizard to the face, or an eyeless deep spider is around the corner waiting to nom your face.

[xXCrystal_Rose]

Here are the outland notices posted by PC explorers. There have been underdark map-makers and explorers but nobody has really tried to ICly do what you suggest yet beyond their own personal use. Give it a shot if it makes sense for your character :)



http://www.efupw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81757

[Pigadig]

Basically, yeah, it'd be hard to do because if it was being honest only the gate would be "don't go" zone and everywhere else is pretty much either a "stop" or "oh dear god run" depending upon the spawns.

[Big Orc Man]

Part of the advantage of this kind of rugged environment is that it forces player interaction and reliance.  You could ask a renowned explorer (of which there are currently a few!) to give you advice.  Those who have explored the lands should be best equipped to dole out advice and/or escort.

[Meldread]

The Underdark, in general, is a really dangerous place.  Everyone has already given really good advice, but I just want to emphasize some practical points.

1.  Don't travel alone.  Ever.  Everything is always safer and better in groups.  It doesn't matter where you're going or what you're doing, bring friends.

2.  Make sure you have access to invisibility either through items or spells.  One of the most common items you'll find are potions of invisibility.  They're common for a reason.

3.  Make sure you have access to adequate and proper healing.  Aside from gold itself, healing is probably one of the most common types of loot you'll find. This is common for a reason: you will need it.

4.  Spend your gold.  A lot of people make the mistake of hoarding gold, but that's a pretty pointless thing to do.  Spend your gold on supplies and items that will enhance your survivability.  You can be insanely rich, but it isn't going to save you if you're dead.

5.  Don't be afraid to run.  Trying to stay and fight something that you realize is too strong is usually a mistake.  Sometimes it's just smart to turn the other way and run, and live to fight another day.

[xXCrystal_Rose]

Don't be too afraid of the naturefolk either! ^^ They live outside of Sanctuary facing all its dangers many times over each day. They're certainly good guides and protectors if you plan to travel far or your character desires to explore and learn the underdark better. Unless they're evil. Then you're just pretty much screwed, but hey, everyone is good aligned out here at the moment >.>