[360/PS3] Dragon's Dogma - Dark Arisen out!

[USMC Kato]

You should go double mage, double strider and hire Hark 

After every battle Hark's pawn berates us about how much we suck and how much of a noob we all are 

[forgeforsaken]

I was doing the mission under the Pawn guild and Kato's pawn The Grey decided he'd take the shortcut to the bottom and jump down.  He then hung out down there for a bit complaining, before going back to the Rift and leaving us to work through the rest of the dungeon without him.

[Caine]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

[USMC Kato]

I was doing the mission under the Pawn guild and Kato's pawn The Grey decided he'd take the shortcut to the bottom and jump down.  He then hung out down there for a bit complaining, before going back to the Rift and leaving us to work through the rest of the dungeon without him.

  he really should be better now. I bought 3000 worth of behavior potions so he shouldn't be scouting out ahead and falling off cliffs. Trying to make him a guardian healer/buff and nuker from the back of the formation.

[The Grue]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

You can get that loot off of him.  Hit Select on PS3 (probably Back on XBox) and then you can scroll over to pawns.  Find the item and you can choose to give it to another character.

[CeeKay]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

You can get that loot off of him.  Hit Select on PS3 (probably Back on XBox) and then you can scroll over to pawns.  Find the item and you can choose to give it to another character.

dammit, she's still doing that?  on the plus side any stuff that is picked up by a pawn should also go back to your storage chest after you dismiss the pawn.

I dismissed The Grey last night because I wanted to have equal levels in my pawns and he was still 12.  when he re-appeared in the Pawn room he was 20, which puts him a bit too high of a level.  I'm trying not to cheese my way through by bringing in pawns more than one level higher than my character.

[Harkonis]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

You can get that loot off of him.  Hit Select on PS3 (probably Back on XBox) and then you can scroll over to pawns.  Find the item and you can choose to give it to another character.

dammit, she's still doing that?  on the plus side any stuff that is picked up by a pawn should also go back to your storage chest after you dismiss the pawn.

I dismissed The Grey last night because I wanted to have equal levels in my pawns and he was still 12.  when he re-appeared in the Pawn room he was 20, which puts him a bit too high of a level.  I'm trying not to cheese my way through by bringing in pawns more than one level higher than my character.

that's not really how the game is designed fwiw.  All the vids I've seen with devs explainining the pawn system they mention you should pick pawns a fair amount ahead of you so you can keep them around awhile without paying again for them.  Since only your pawn levels up with you, you kinda pick pawns to 'grow into' as you go.

[CeeKay]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

You can get that loot off of him.  Hit Select on PS3 (probably Back on XBox) and then you can scroll over to pawns.  Find the item and you can choose to give it to another character.

dammit, she's still doing that?  on the plus side any stuff that is picked up by a pawn should also go back to your storage chest after you dismiss the pawn.

I dismissed The Grey last night because I wanted to have equal levels in my pawns and he was still 12.  when he re-appeared in the Pawn room he was 20, which puts him a bit too high of a level.  I'm trying not to cheese my way through by bringing in pawns more than one level higher than my character.

that's not really how the game is designed fwiw.  All the vids I've seen with devs explainining the pawn system they mention you should pick pawns a fair amount ahead of you so you can keep them around awhile without paying again for them.  Since only your pawn levels up with you, you kinda pick pawns to 'grow into' as you go.

that's odd, I have yet to actually pay for a pawn if they're close to my level-  they've all been 0 RC so far.  I did run into a 'local' pawn that required RC, but she was level 20.  is level 20 where they start costing RC?

[Harkonis]

I had my first encounter with a troll in the wild.  Taking it down was such an epic fight and is where the combat model really shined for me.  Too bad that rotten little pawn of CeeKay's ninja'ed all the best loot.

You can get that loot off of him.  Hit Select on PS3 (probably Back on XBox) and then you can scroll over to pawns.  Find the item and you can choose to give it to another character.

dammit, she's still doing that?  on the plus side any stuff that is picked up by a pawn should also go back to your storage chest after you dismiss the pawn.

I dismissed The Grey last night because I wanted to have equal levels in my pawns and he was still 12.  when he re-appeared in the Pawn room he was 20, which puts him a bit too high of a level.  I'm trying not to cheese my way through by bringing in pawns more than one level higher than my character.

that's not really how the game is designed fwiw.  All the vids I've seen with devs explainining the pawn system they mention you should pick pawns a fair amount ahead of you so you can keep them around awhile without paying again for them.  Since only your pawn levels up with you, you kinda pick pawns to 'grow into' as you go.

that's odd, I have yet to actually pay for a pawn if they're close to my level-  they've all been 0 RC so far.  I did run into a 'local' pawn that required RC, but she was level 20.  is level 20 where they start costing RC?

they only cost rift crystals if they are above your level

[Harkonis]

Also, it's kinda like saying 'I don't want to pay for that really awesome sword in the shop, don't want to cheese my way through this content' 

Pawns are just equipment that has a different currency imo

[Caine]

I took that advice and went back and grabbed Kato's pawn and someone else's, a higher level fighter. 

I now need to figure out if I bit off more than I can handle with some wicked snake heads in a pit.  not having a backup save game from before is going to suck big time if I don't get the hell out of there.   

[CeeKay]

I now need to figure out if I bit off more than I can handle with some wicked snake heads in a pit.  not having a backup save game from before is going to suck big time if I don't get the hell out of there.   

I had the same issue, but I selected 'restart from chekpoint' which put me back at my last save from resting at an inn instead of putting me at the autosave where the snake heads start appearing.

that is if you're talking about Everfall.

[WorkingMike]

I was chatting with my buddy tonight who was complaining about getting his ass kicked around the capitol city (Gran Soren I think?). Turns out he skipped the areas around the Encampment and went right to Gran Soren. So FYI for anyone wanting a little grind to level up, hang a left when you leave the staging area.

I found some rad stuff down there.

[CeeKay]

I was chatting with my buddy tonight who was complaining about getting his ass kicked around the capitol city (Gran Soren I think?). Turns out he skipped the areas around the Encampment and went right to Gran Soren. So FYI for anyone wanting a little grind to level up, hang a left when you leave the staging area.

do you mean the path beyond the encampment with the wolves and then boulder?  I ended up skipping that because I was getting whomped after the boulder but I really should head back that way.

[Harkonis]

I now need to figure out if I bit off more than I can handle with some wicked snake heads in a pit.  not having a backup save game from before is going to suck big time if I don't get the hell out of there.   

I had the same issue, but I selected 'restart from chekpoint' which put me back at my last save from resting at an inn instead of putting me at the autosave where the snake heads start appearing.

that is if you're talking about Everfall.

Everfall spoiler

Spoiler for Hiden:

Dont' fight the heads, just run.  Once they start popping up everywhere you're done and can get the hell out

[Caine]

I now need to figure out if I bit off more than I can handle with some wicked snake heads in a pit.  not having a backup save game from before is going to suck big time if I don't get the hell out of there.   

I had the same issue, but I selected 'restart from chekpoint' which put me back at my last save from resting at an inn instead of putting me at the autosave where the snake heads start appearing.

that is if you're talking about Everfall.

Everfall spoiler

Spoiler for Hiden:

Dont' fight the heads, just run.  Once they start popping up everywhere you're done and can get the hell out

Spoiler for Hiden:

This was pretty frustrating as I was trying to get out with the pawns and they were constantly getting knocked out.  Eventually, I got so annoyed that I left them behind and just kept going.  Turns out that is the right way to do that section.
 

I went back with enough money to get better gear for both myself and my pawn and now we are doing much better.

[Autistic Angel]

Also, it's kinda like saying 'I don't want to pay for that really awesome sword in the shop, don't want to cheese my way through this content' 

Pawns are just equipment that has a different currency imo

But does that equipment scale properly?  In the average RPG, access to the really awesome sword in the shop is restricted by a specific level requirement or an economy that ensures players can't afford it until a reasonable point in the game.  Even then it can be hit and miss -- Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has been widely criticized for giving players eight different ways to achieve immortality by the 30% mark.

Are the costs and capabilities of high level pawns balanced with the rest of the game, or can a Level 10 hero start rolling with a Level 50 crew who do all the work by themselves?  It's a serious question: I honestly don't know.

-Autistic Angel

[WorkingMike]

Yes, it's immediately outside the encampment, a path on your left. There is a mine there and a path that goes up the hill and down into a forest. I think it's intended as a starting area, but for some reason the game tries to lead you right to the capitol.

At lvl 9 I found some great equipment down there

I was chatting with my buddy tonight who was complaining about getting his ass kicked around the capitol city (Gran Soren I think?). Turns out he skipped the areas around the Encampment and went right to Gran Soren. So FYI for anyone wanting a little grind to level up, hang a left when you leave the staging area.

do you mean the path beyond the encampment with the wolves and then boulder?  I ended up skipping that because I was getting whomped after the boulder but I really should head back that way.

[Harkonis]

Also, it's kinda like saying 'I don't want to pay for that really awesome sword in the shop, don't want to cheese my way through this content' 

Pawns are just equipment that has a different currency imo

But does that equipment scale properly?  In the average RPG, access to the really awesome sword in the shop is restricted by a specific level requirement or an economy that ensures players can't afford it until a reasonable point in the game.  Even then it can be hit and miss -- Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has been widely criticized for giving players eight different ways to achieve immortality by the 30% mark.

Are the costs and capabilities of high level pawns balanced with the rest of the game, or can a Level 10 hero start rolling with a Level 50 crew who do all the work by themselves?  It's a serious question: I honestly don't know.

-Autistic Angel

It's balanced in part by the rate you aquire rift crystals to buy a pawn.  There is no way other than paying cash on the MS Market that you could get even one lvl 50 pawn at lvl 10, let alone fill your party.  (plus your own pawn is your same lvl regardless).  If you start getting too high above your lvl the cost goes up dramatically.  I had pawns that were low 20's at 10 and it was quite affordable. Now that I'm 24, I can't afford the same jump of 10 lvls nearly as easy.  Then again I don't have to because since I'm playing with friend's pawns now, they are all slackers of lower level than me. 

[Razgon]

Guys - Feel free to hire Darius, the insanely cool old-guy mage who will help you out in many many interesting ways..ahem....

Hark, Id use yours, but he's lvl 24 for hoods sake! Did anyone here create Yo? She's cool!

[Harkonis]

Guys - Feel free to hire Darius, the insanely cool old-guy mage who will help you out in many many interesting ways..ahem....

Hark, Id use yours, but he's lvl 24 for hoods sake! Did anyone here create Yo? She's cool!

first pawn I hired was level 23, it's not that far off as you may think

[Caine]

Guys - Feel free to hire Darius, the insanely cool old-guy mage who will help you out in many many interesting ways..ahem....

Hark, Id use yours, but he's lvl 24 for hoods sake! Did anyone here create Yo? She's cool!

first pawn I hired was level 23, it's not that far off as you may think

they level up quickly.  Mine is already level 16 and I've only played at night two days so far.

[Razgon]

Aha I've only gotten the game today, so I have no idea other than its fun.

Now - who left a smelly fish with my pawn?!?!

[metallicorphan]

so just started....typing in a name and choosing a moniker,what's the difference in the game?,i know a Moniker is basically a nickname,just not sure how it will work in the game and what's the point of me coming up with a name as well

[CeeKay]

so just started....typing in a name and choosing a moniker,what's the difference in the game?,i know a Moniker is basically a nickname,just not sure how it will work in the game and what's the point of me coming up with a name as well

I believe the second one only shows up if someone has parental controls turned on.

[metallicorphan]

so just started....typing in a name and choosing a moniker,what's the difference in the game?,i know a Moniker is basically a nickname,just not sure how it will work in the game and what's the point of me coming up with a name as well

I believe the second one only shows up if someone has parental controls turned on.

Oh,i see...weird

[forgeforsaken]

If anyone needs a tank my pawn Pip is a pretty good one.

[CeeKay]

Yes, it's immediately outside the encampment, a path on your left. There is a mine there and a path that goes up the hill and down into a forest. I think it's intended as a starting area, but for some reason the game tries to lead you right to the capitol.

At lvl 9 I found some great equipment down there

I was chatting with my buddy tonight who was complaining about getting his ass kicked around the capitol city (Gran Soren I think?). Turns out he skipped the areas around the Encampment and went right to Gran Soren. So FYI for anyone wanting a little grind to level up, hang a left when you leave the staging area.

do you mean the path beyond the encampment with the wolves and then boulder?  I ended up skipping that because I was getting whomped after the boulder but I really should head back that way.

went back and got whomped again by the same bandits.  for some reason the pawn AI goes wonky in that section-  I have Winter, The Grey and Lucita.  Winter rushes in instead of trying to take out the ranged bandits like she says she is doing, Lucita keeps backing away from the enemies and The Grey has outright disappeared a couple of times.  I think I just need to grab some warriors and roll in there.

[USMC Kato]

If anyone needs a tank my pawn Pip is a pretty good one.

Yep, Pip is pretty good. Warrior pawns are the only ones that grab opponents for a death blow

[Harkonis]

I threw Hark off a cliff and fired my other two pawns 

Spoiler request from someone with the guide

Spoiler for Hiden:

How can I fight a ghost while solo as an assassin?

[USMC Kato]

I threw Hark off a cliff and fired my other two pawns 

Spoiler request from someone with the guide

Spoiler for Hiden:

How can I fight a ghost while solo as an assassin?

I'll give it a look.  As you probably know you need magic or an enchanted weapon.
 

Spoiler for Hiden:

its like fighting a hydra (after the encampment one) you need fire enchantment on your weapons on the severed necks so the heads won't grow back

[Harkonis]

That's what I thought.  Irritating since I looted one, then forgot to save, then died.

[metallicorphan]

I have only been playing for a bit and just been running around town and breaking into people's homes to steal their stuff,but it feels at the moment a lot like Nier(certainly no bad thing)

[CeeKay]

I noticed they have special pawns available, and suddenly my RC has jumped from 1800 to 38436.......

[Bullwinkle]

I have only been playing for a bit and just been running around town and breaking into people's homes to steal their stuff,but it feels at the moment a lot like Nier(certainly no bad thing)

I've been getting a Nier vibe as well.

[Gratch]

I have only been playing for a bit and just been running around town and breaking into people's homes to steal their stuff,but it feels at the moment a lot like Nier(certainly no bad thing)

I've been getting a Nier vibe as well.

 Curse you people.  I've been trying hard to keep this one on the back burner until D3 and Xenoblade are done.  Making Neir comparisons just simply isn't fair.

[CeeKay]

I have only been playing for a bit and just been running around town and breaking into people's homes to steal their stuff,but it feels at the moment a lot like Nier(certainly no bad thing)

I've been getting a Nier vibe as well.

 Curse you people.  I've been trying hard to keep this one on the back burner until D3 and Xenoblade are done.  Making Neir comparisons just simply isn't fair.

so gameplay wise the style is very.....   Nier?

[Autistic Angel]

Oh wow, now Doopri is playing this too!  I just looked and he's already Level 12

I wonder how this game is selling overall.  Despite the lack of advertising, my Friends list activity sure makes it look like a hit!

-Autistic Angel

[WorkingMike]

I've heard people had trouble with it, but it was pretty easy for me for some reason. I think I was level 8 when I headed that way. There are some tough mobs past the bandits, but with some creative fighting they are doable.

Yes, it's immediately outside the encampment, a path on your left. There is a mine there and a path that goes up the hill and down into a forest. I think it's intended as a starting area, but for some reason the game tries to lead you right to the capitol.

At lvl 9 I found some great equipment down there

I was chatting with my buddy tonight who was complaining about getting his ass kicked around the capitol city (Gran Soren I think?). Turns out he skipped the areas around the Encampment and went right to Gran Soren. So FYI for anyone wanting a little grind to level up, hang a left when you leave the staging area.

do you mean the path beyond the encampment with the wolves and then boulder?  I ended up skipping that because I was getting whomped after the boulder but I really should head back that way.

went back and got whomped again by the same bandits.  for some reason the pawn AI goes wonky in that section-  I have Winter, The Grey and Lucita.  Winter rushes in instead of trying to take out the ranged bandits like she says she is doing, Lucita keeps backing away from the enemies and The Grey has outright disappeared a couple of times.  I think I just need to grab some warriors and roll in there.

[USMC Kato]

Played a bit this morning, and decided to change my Pawn (The Grey) from Mage to Sorcerer. I'm around lvl 24 now and the extra power and DPS from the class makes a big difference. A Sorc can still do weapon enchants but no heals. However I have enough mats stocked up that I made a bunch potions and herbs that I don't miss it all too much.