General Malaise "vs." reading comprehension ; also some talk of skyim and the elder scrolls (8 Viewers)

[AhrnCityPahnder]

thanks. It doesn't act like I remember Bethesda handling these in Oblivion or F3.

I'll have to play with it some more.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Yeah, I turned up the brightness quite a bit because it was too dark in caves and such. Maybe that's cheating, but whatever...I likes to see.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I enjoy sniping in games. Has anyone built an archer that can snipe? I had heard there was skills/perks that would allow one to build a part of your character as a sniper.

I've sort of gone down this path, though not that far -- my archery skill is only a little over 30 so far. Still, I can one-shot weaker enemies with sneak attacks, and I at least do decent damage against stronger opponents. My strategy is to start off with a sneak attack with my bow, and then either use destruction magic to finish off my opponent, or run away like a little girl, hide, and then go for another sneak attack. I need to try Conjuration. That was a lot of fun in Oblivion and I sort of forgot about it so far in this game.

How does this work in dungeons/caves?

It's much better in dungeons than it is out in the open. Dungeons are dark and there are generally "safe" areas that you've already cleared that you can retreat to after sneak-attacking an enemy.

 

[dharmapunk]

Good god I was in the toughest fight yet.

I squared up against an Ascendant Necromancer in a dungeon. He'd raise corpses around him and hit me with some advanced freeze spell that left ice all over the place, did a ton of damage, and would paralyze me for a couple seconds while he wailed on me even more.

I couldn't get close enough to backstab him with my daggers so I had to keep shooting arrows and summoning creatures to keep him off me.

But that wasn't all. The toughest thing about him was his tactics. He'd fire off a bunch of spells, then when he drained his magicka he'd retreat to another room and close the door behind him to fool me into thinking he hadn't been there yet. It was an epic battle that ranged over half the dungeon. I must have reloaded 10 times, easy.

You've got to hand it to Betheseda, they really amped up the AI in this game.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Good god I was in the toughest fight yet.

I squared up against an Ascendant Necromancer in a dungeon. He'd raise corpses around him and hit me with some advanced freeze spell that left ice all over the place, did a ton of damage, and would paralyze me for a couple seconds while he wailed on me even more.

I couldn't get close enough to backstab him with my daggers so I had to keep shooting arrows and summoning creatures to keep him off me.

But that wasn't all. The toughest thing about him was his tactics. He'd fire off a bunch of spells, then when he drained his magicka he'd retreat to another room and close the door behind him to fool me into thinking he hadn't been there yet. It was an epic battle that ranged over half the dungeon. I must have reloaded 10 times, easy.

You've got to hand it to Betheseda, they really amped up the AI in this game.

Yeah, the AI is way better. Even against the Frost Troll...I was pinging him at will with arrows from a ridge, but he just ran away, regenerated and came back for more. ####er.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

When I finish up with whatever the Greybeards want (I just got up there last night before bed), I'm going to make a special point of going back down the mountain and murdering the guy who told me that all he ever encounters are wolves. First I'll get his reward for delivering his care package to the monks. Then he's getting a face full of Destruction.

 

[dharmapunk]

- waypoints/quest markers: at times these seem to get screwed up. maybe it is just a bug or it was me, but many times I couldn't which direction I needed to go. I would leave the city and the marker would show up on the city. I would reenter the city and the marker would be on the door to leave the city.

This sounds like quests where your information is limited. Yea? "X is in this city, go find it" type of quest?So you know what city to go to, but don't know where to find your object.

 

[dharmapunk]

When I finish up with whatever the Greybeards want (I just got up there last night before bed), I'm going to make a special point of going back down the mountain and murdering the guy who told me that all he ever encounters are wolves. First I'll get his reward for delivering his care package to the monks. Then he's getting a face full of Destruction.

How about some spoiler tags, pal?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

When I finish up with whatever the Greybeards want (I just got up there last night before bed), I'm going to make a special point of going back down the mountain and murdering the guy who told me that all he ever encounters are wolves. First I'll get his reward for delivering his care package to the monks. Then he's getting a face full of Destruction.

Report back..this guy cost me a dozen healing potions. I may need to do the same.

 

[dharmapunk]

Another leveling questionWhen you raise a skill, what affect does it have outside of pushing you closer to leveling up? For example, assume I was using a one handed weapon and my one handed skill was at 30. Would the affectiveness of that same weapon be better once I got my one handed skill up to 35?

For weapons and armor you should notice increases in their power. So with a high One-handed skill, your iron sword will do more damage than a great sword with weak Two-Handed skill. Armor will be tougher if you have skill in it.

 

[Card Trader]

Favorite thing so far:

Graybeard quest:

Spoiler

Figuring out how to get past the gates that opened and closed real quick in the dungeon to retrieve the Graybeards item (forgot what it was but it wasn't there...) I forgot I had gotten the new shout that allowed you to warp. I like the little puzzles in the dungeons, adds a lot to the game.

 

[AcerFC]

Anyone play as a Breton?

I'm reading the guide and this sounds like fun. But I don't want to be behind the 8 ball right away if it's a weak race

 

[dharmapunk]

Anyone play as a Breton?I'm reading the guide and this sounds like fun. But I don't want to be behind the 8 ball right away if it's a weak race

My guy is a Breton. It seemed like a good neutral race to play. Not sure how much of a difference it's made. Nobody's said anything in the game about me being one.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Anyone play as a Breton?I'm reading the guide and this sounds like fun. But I don't want to be behind the 8 ball right away if it's a weak race

My guy is a Breton. It seemed like a good neutral race to play. Not sure how much of a difference it's made. Nobody's said anything in the game about me being one.

I get some racism #### for being Dark Elf, but I can't say that it's had too much of an effect so far.

 

[GAlmgren]

Really digging this game. Playing as a Breton mage type guy. Started out using spells and an axe but now mostly just double fisting the spells. Seems to work pretty well. One on one fights are typically pretty easy, but if its several people coming at me I generally have to summon something and/or put down a rune. Working through the mage guild quests but may have to do something else for a bit. The last dungeon seemed to be about the limit of my abilities. Bought a horse, but think I got hosed on the deal. Its huge, looks like a Budweiser draft horse and doesn’t seem to move any faster than I do. Although it is fearless and will not hesitate to attack a wolf or a dragon.

I too have felt the wrath for murdering a chicken. My kids talked me into trying to fry it with electricity, cast it a few times and must have missed. Switched to fire, fried it and was immediately set upon and hammered by three guards.

Is it possible to run/sprint in this game (xbox)?

 

[bmarks6161]

Really digging this game. Playing as a Breton mage type guy. Started out using spells and an axe but now mostly just double fisting the spells. Seems to work pretty well. One on one fights are typically pretty easy, but if its several people coming at me I generally have to summon something and/or put down a rune. Working through the mage guild quests but may have to do something else for a bit. The last dungeon seemed to be about the limit of my abilities. Bought a horse, but think I got hosed on the deal. Its huge, looks like a Budweiser draft horse and doesn’t seem to move any faster than I do. Although it is fearless and will not hesitate to attack a wolf or a dragon. I too have felt the wrath for murdering a chicken. My kids talked me into trying to fry it with electricity, cast it a few times and must have missed. Switched to fire, fried it and was immediately set upon and hammered by three guards. Is it possible to run/sprint in this game (xbox)?

LB Button, also using the LB (sprint) is the main benefit with a horse b/c their stamina is so high

 

[dharmapunk]

Map jumping robs the game of some its texture and charm.

Once you get a place on your map, it's so easy to just jump there after. But I'm beginning to miss the random nonsense that came with hiking around.

Not that I want to hike everywhere. That'd take forever. But I'm going to start riding between cities now and then again.

 

[Card Trader]

Map jumping robs the game of some its texture and charm.Once you get a place on your map, it's so easy to just jump there after. But I'm beginning to miss the random nonsense that came with hiking around. Not that I want to hike everywhere. That'd take forever. But I'm going to start riding between cities now and then again.

The game is huge, but I too like running everywhere. The landscapes are so beautiful it's worth the extra time just to see stuff, and every now and then you encounter something neat.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Map jumping robs the game of some its texture and charm.Once you get a place on your map, it's so easy to just jump there after. But I'm beginning to miss the random nonsense that came with hiking around. Not that I want to hike everywhere. That'd take forever. But I'm going to start riding between cities now and then again.

The game is huge, but I too like running everywhere. The landscapes are so beautiful it's worth the extra time just to see stuff, and every now and then you encounter something neat.

They really did do a great job on this one. There is tons of wildlife and random stuff. The graphics are just insane. I'm already shocked at how some random nobles house looks, I can only imagine what the insides of a castle look like.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

what are the runes that seem to glow and shoot stuff at you in certain locations? What's the point? seems like I got some sort of skill/knowledge out of it, but it also seem random/pointless (story-wise).

 

[WalrusMan]

what are the runes that seem to glow and shoot stuff at you in certain locations? What's the point? seems like I got some sort of skill/knowledge out of it, but it also seem random/pointless (story-wise).

It's a dragon power. Go to your magic bar and go to shouts. You can use these in battle.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

what are the runes that seem to glow and shoot stuff at you in certain locations? What's the point? seems like I got some sort of skill/knowledge out of it, but it also seem random/pointless (story-wise).

It's a dragon power. Go to your magic bar and go to shouts. You can use these in battle.

Or just to scare the crap out of peeps.

 

[AcerFC]

I am officially starting over tonight. I just need to find the balls to tell my wife to put the kids to sleep and clean the damn house by herself for my sons 2 year old bday party so I can go play a game for 4-5 hours.

I'm sure it will go over well

 

[dharmapunk]

I am officially starting over tonight. I just need to find the balls to tell my wife to put the kids to sleep and clean the damn house by herself for my sons 2 year old bday party so I can go play a game for 4-5 hours. I'm sure it will go over well

Is there a chat we can use for nighttime FFA Skyrim players?ETA: I just read your OP to my wife. Her words?"FAIL. EPIC FAIL."

 

[dharmapunk]

If anyone find Asura's Shrine, bounce me a pm. Need to talk to you about something.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

If anyone find Asura's Shrine, bounce me a pm. Need to talk to you about something.

Just got that HOT RUMOR...maybe will hit it up later tonight. STAY TUNED

 

[Sand]

So how is it this world is 90% bandits?

 

[fasteddie_21]

My questions asking about the dead treasure hunter...apparently is a random encounter...and there are lots of them.

 

[Sand]

If anyone find Asura's Shrine, bounce me a pm. Need to talk to you about something.

I have it on my map - does that help?

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Downloading now . . .

Crap. This is worse than New Vegas. I can't believe I forgot how much I hate Steam. Completely unplayable. Damn lag.

Can';t you play in offline mode? Would that help?

That does help a little bit - thanks. As does lowering the graphics. Now I can at least move around and pick locks, turn pages, etc.I'll keep tweaking to see if it improves.

 

[Foosball God]

Anyone fight any Falmers? I'm a Breton mage and I'm getting my ### handed to me. They seem resistant to fire

 

[Smoo]

Huzzah! After bouncing from city to city trying to find some kind of purpose for my character, I finally found the Thieves' Guild. And when you're a Bosmer who's been dumping all his perks into archery, sneak, speech, light armor and lockpick, well, the Thieves' Guild provides a pretty decent purpose.

Loving these quests. Loving my new thief allies. Screw the main plot, this is all I want to do now.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Dharma -- I found Azura's Shrine. talk to me here, use spoilers.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Dharma -- I found Azura's Shrine. talk to me here, use spoilers.

Yep, I've just been there as well

 

[dharmapunk]

Dharma -- I found Azura's Shrine. talk to me here, use spoilers.

Yep, I've just been there as well

Nice. Spoiler tags below not because I'm giving away much of the story, but because I describe some stuff and I don't want to ruin the quest if you guys like to play 100% in the dark. IMO what I say won't ruin the experience, but it is minor spoilers.

Spoiler

If you do the quest, it's long but rewarding (especially if you're a mage, I imagine). A couple of things -

1. That's where I met that badass Ascendant Necromancer. Link goes to my post describing his fighting style.

2. After you're done, you will be presented with a choice. I'm curious what you two chose and the outcome. I'll tell you what I did after you finish.

3. This is a perfect example of how incredible Skyrim is compared to Oblivion. In Oblivion you did a minor quest to get Asura's Star. It involved something really stupid like collecting 5 bear pelts or assassinating someone. In Skyrim, you have to work through a 2 hour dungeon, and then some. This game is amazing.

 

[dharmapunk]

My wife's latest FB status update -

"Mrs. DP is a skyrim widow. 4 days now."

The only comments came from ex-students who laughed and raved about how awesome the game is.

 

[dharmapunk]

Update and Random Comments -

- I stopped the Thieves Guild quest line because I killed a third dragon and figured I should visit the Graybeards to learn how to use my extra dragon soul. I'm now on my way to retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller.

- The "Throat of the World" mountain pass between Riverwood and Ivarstead is a great place for random encounters. I've met d-bag nobles and their bodyguards, Stormcloud soldiers on recruiting missions, 3 Imperials leading a captured rebel to his execution, and last night these three insane Inquisition-type elves who claimed to be visiting from Cyrodil to make sure nobody was worshipping Talos. Touchy buggers. After some light conversation, they labeled me a heretic and told me I would have to die. Yea. That didn't work out so well for them.

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet (X15 dmg with daggers), I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen). I'm thinking I need to train myself in Illusion magic to learn invisibility. Is chameleon in this game? I wouldn't be surprised if they removed it. It made Oblivion too easy.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Update and Random Comments -

- I stopped the Thieves Guild quest line because I killed a third dragon and figured I should visit the Graybeards to learn how to use my extra dragon soul. I'm now on my way to retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller.

- The "Throat of the World" mountain pass between Riverwood and Ivarstead is a great place for random encounters. I've met d-bag nobles and their bodyguards, Stormcloud soldiers on recruiting missions, 3 Imperials leading a captured rebel to his execution, and last night these three insane Inquisition-type elves who claimed to be visiting from Cyrodil to make sure nobody was worshipping Talos. Touchy buggers. After some light conversation, they labeled me a heretic and told me I would have to die. Yea. That didn't work out so well for them.

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet, I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen). I'm thinking I need to train myself in Illusion magic to learn invisibility. Is chameleon in this game? I wouldn't be surprised if they removed it. It made Oblivion too easy.

My char is level 21 and i went with a very similar build and I just started smoking people with the x15 on dagger sneak attacks (been using my bow). My sneak is at 70 and I can almost stand right next to people in the day light with out issue.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet (X15 dmg with daggers), I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen).

I haven't taken that perk yet either, mainly because I'm just not seeing a lot of opportunities to use it so far. I can only think of one instance I've been in where a close-range sneak attack would have been a good alternative to my bow, and I hate to sink a perk into something that I'll end up not using. After getting my archery up a little, I'm now one-shotting standard Draugr and two-shotting the Restless Draugrs that were giving me trouble at earlier levels, so I'm having a hard time finding excuses NOT to rely on ranged combat. Then again, it's only one perk and it's sitting right there in the skill tree, so I'll probably end up taking it at some point.

Related Perk Question -- Has anybody gotten the "silent roll" Sneak perk (whatever its called)? What exactly does that do? I'm not enamored with a few of the perks in that tree, but I know I'm going to eventually want the one that lets you sneak while running, and that requires taking a couple that I'm abivalent about.

 

[dharmapunk]

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet (X15 dmg with daggers), I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen).

I haven't taken that perk yet either, mainly because I'm just not seeing a lot of opportunities to use it so far. I can only think of one instance I've been in where a close-range sneak attack would have been a good alternative to my bow, and I hate to sink a perk into something that I'll end up not using. After getting my archery up a little, I'm now one-shotting standard Draugr and two-shotting the Restless Draugrs that were giving me trouble at earlier levels, so I'm having a hard time finding excuses NOT to rely on ranged combat. Then again, it's only one perk and it's sitting right there in the skill tree, so I'll probably end up taking it at some point.

Related Perk Question -- Has anybody gotten the "silent roll" Sneak perk (whatever its called)? What exactly does that do? I'm not enamored with a few of the perks in that tree, but I know I'm going to eventually want the one that lets you sneak while running, and that requires taking a couple that I'm abivalent about.

Just discovered that Illusion magic has a "Muffle" spell that makes you harder to detect (no idea how effective it is; it just says "You move more quietly for 180 seconds.")No idea about the silent roll perk, but I'll get it because the final perk on the Sneak constellation looks real useful - Shadow Warrior. When you're in the heat of close combat you can drop to sneak mode and your opponent will lose you and walk away. God I could use that. Whenever I get forced into exchanging blows I get royally pwned.

 

[dharmapunk]

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet (X15 dmg with daggers), I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen). I'm thinking I need to train myself in Illusion magic to learn invisibility. Is chameleon in this game? I wouldn't be surprised if they removed it. It made Oblivion too easy.

No chameleon in Skyrim

I'm actually glad. It was so overwhelmingly good that it functioned like a cheat/exploit in Oblivion.

 

[AcerFC]

I am officially starting over tonight. I just need to find the balls to tell my wife to put the kids to sleep and clean the damn house by herself for my sons 2 year old bday party so I can go play a game for 4-5 hours. I'm sure it will go over well

I can not say how much easier this game is when you know what you are doing. All of my frustration went out the window with my fresh start. Started from scratch as a breton and in one 4 hour session, I was able to get back to 95% of where I was from playing all weekend. When I first started, I didnt even know I had magic powers like flames. Now I dont even really use my sword and just got duel wielding attack magic on my perks. If anyone has never played a RPG and wants to get this, PM me if you need some direction. I feel like I have some grasp on it now.My old character just started the 3rd quest in the college of winterfell. My new one will start with quest 2 tonight and that should bring me right back to where I was.Really enjoying this game. Thanks to everyone for turning me onto this. My wife does not feel the same

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

- While that Assassin's Blade perk is sweet (X15 dmg with daggers), I've only been able to use it ONCE because it's impossible to get close enough to use it without being detected. And I have 56 Sneak and 3 ranks in Stealth (30% harder to be seen).

I haven't taken that perk yet either, mainly because I'm just not seeing a lot of opportunities to use it so far. I can only think of one instance I've been in where a close-range sneak attack would have been a good alternative to my bow, and I hate to sink a perk into something that I'll end up not using. After getting my archery up a little, I'm now one-shotting standard Draugr and two-shotting the Restless Draugrs that were giving me trouble at earlier levels, so I'm having a hard time finding excuses NOT to rely on ranged combat. Then again, it's only one perk and it's sitting right there in the skill tree, so I'll probably end up taking it at some point.

Related Perk Question -- Has anybody gotten the "silent roll" Sneak perk (whatever its called)? What exactly does that do? I'm not enamored with a few of the perks in that tree, but I know I'm going to eventually want the one that lets you sneak while running, and that requires taking a couple that I'm abivalent about.

I took this perk and hated it at first. In fact I was pretty pissy and thought I would gimp my build. However I did a quest for the thieves guild last night and I distracted a person and then quickly rolled into the hall and they never knew I was there. As for the x15 dagger sneak attacks. Find yourself a decent dagger, upgrade it and get your sneak up and you will one shot mostly everything.

 

[dharmapunk]

I am officially starting over tonight. I just need to find the balls to tell my wife to put the kids to sleep and clean the damn house by herself for my sons 2 year old bday party so I can go play a game for 4-5 hours. I'm sure it will go over well

I can not say how much easier this game is when you know what you are doing. All of my frustration went out the window with my fresh start. Started from scratch as a breton and in one 4 hour session, I was able to get back to 95% of where I was from playing all weekend. When I first started, I didnt even know I had magic powers like flames. Now I dont even really use my sword and just got duel wielding attack magic on my perks. If anyone has never played a RPG and wants to get this, PM me if you need some direction. I feel like I have some grasp on it now.My old character just started the 3rd quest in the college of winterfell. My new one will start with quest 2 tonight and that should bring me right back to where I was.Really enjoying this game. Thanks to everyone for turning me onto this. My wife does not feel the same

No worries, bro. I felt the exact same way and did the same thing when I first played Oblivion.

 

[AcerFC]

Can anyone break down what conjuration does

I am able to make some ghost wolf and some flaming person but what is their purpose

 

[dharmapunk]

Has anyone joined the war (on either side) yet?

I've avoided it because I'm afraid it'll radically change the playing world - i.e. half the game will become hostile.

 

[Smoo]

I am able to make some ghost wolf and some flaming person but what is their purpose

They fight for you. Summon them during combat and watch the fun.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Can anyone break down what conjuration doesI am able to make some ghost wolf and some flaming person but what is their purpose

They'll attack anything that goes aggro on you. In many cases, whatever is attacking you will start fighting with your conjured "helper" instead, allowing you to get in some easy attacks.

 

[AcerFC]

I am able to make some ghost wolf and some flaming person but what is their purpose

They fight for you. Summon them during combat and watch the fun.

 

[AcerFC]

One more. I was supposed to bring the guide to work to read some more today and I left it and my controller sitting on the bed

Anyway, How do you switch spells without going into the favorites menu. Im pretty sure it can be done bc I watched a video where someone switched between a shield and magic without ever bringing up favorites

ETA: I have PS3