tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post6406668133889107186..comments2024-03-28T04:44:28.648-04:00Comments on The CRPG Addict: Curse of the Azure Bonds: BeholdCRPG Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-30400375529226177382020-05-15T18:07:56.739-04:002020-05-15T18:07:56.739-04:00Copying the ring of invisibility to all your chara...Copying the ring of invisibility to all your characters is a bit like cheating, isn't it?<br /><br />I just did it fair & square without the dust. But with fairly rolled characters and only with items you get from the game without duplicating them. I have it all on tape :-)Jarnohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15986093731058508696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-33504353047911865232019-01-14T13:54:53.818-05:002019-01-14T13:54:53.818-05:00Thanks, Richard. That's very nice feedback. Be...Thanks, Richard. That's very nice feedback. Best of luck on the beholder battle.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-62672008816310615612019-01-14T12:19:58.992-05:002019-01-14T12:19:58.992-05:00Also, side note unrelated to CoAB, I wanted to let...Also, side note unrelated to CoAB, I wanted to let you know what you are doing is what I dreamed of doing. Going through all the old CRPG's that I remember, and also playing ones I never got to. I have gotten around to owning physical copies of almost everything out there, but sadly, I never seem to have enough time to get to play them all... <br /><br />In addition, the site you created to document your journey is awesome. You are living my dream. :) Kudos to you, I'm super jealousRichard Cosner (Farulosonoth)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04192654149981110766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-17650749849721226832019-01-14T12:14:44.140-05:002019-01-14T12:14:44.140-05:00The wife and I are playing this now via Amiga emul...The wife and I are playing this now via Amiga emulation, hopefully going through all the gold box games. We are currently doing the Mulmaster Beholder Corps fight. If I had to guess, I skipped this fight when I was younger and went through this 30 years ago. I was determined to come up with a strategy and not looking one up online, the fight takes super long without the using the dust. We started the fight once just using invisibility on all the characters, Paladin, Ranger, Fighter/Thief, Cleric, and 2 Magic users. We had the strategy down of luring them out and just using bows, sadly the only magic bow we got so far was 1 Composite Long Bow +1, the other 2 fighter types are using non-magic Composite Long Bows. After determining the strategy, we knew we deffinately we going to need more arrows, so we reloaded walked out and took as many as we could carry and still make it around the corner of the door while hasted. So roughly one full 255 Arrows+1 stack per archer. It's getting the job done, but slow as molasses. Once while baiting a beholder out, 2 characters got slowed, but it eventually wears off... we play a couple hours every other day or so, so probably got about a week before this battle is over lol :)Richard Cosner (Farulosonoth)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04192654149981110766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-4776223500729436572016-02-21T22:06:10.196-05:002016-02-21T22:06:10.196-05:00Update. I managed to beat them all without Haste ...Update. I managed to beat them all without Haste or the Dust. If you have the Ring of Invisibility, you can retreat without getting attacked every turn that you do not attack. Therefore, patience in luring just a few monsters out of the room at a time and dealing with them from a distance is all you need to win. The Drow Lords did the most damage to me so I recommend you stock up on Extra Healing as your cleric cannot heal you when you are invisible. You will need them. Back-Stabs handle the Drow Lords effectively. The Clerics are unusually susceptible to Fireballs. I had 6 Magic Users (as I recommended above) so it was no strain at all to take the Drow Clerics out as they neared the corner of the room. Minor Globe and Blessed Bolts make short work of the Rakshasa. The Beholders are slow, but deadly so take them out with arrows. If they get close, put some distance between you and keep hitting them with arrows. It will take a while, but it is an achievement of which a true gamer should be proud. CDMIInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-70301245923080819902016-02-20T12:08:11.737-05:002016-02-20T12:08:11.737-05:00You can win without taking a single hit, without u...You can win without taking a single hit, without using the Dust of Disappearance, without Haste, etc. *(I was a little bummed out when I did this since I had planned to win by drawing all the faster enemies into the treasure room in the back and having the slower beholders trap them there while I wiped them out unmolested via long-ranged bow attacks.) All you have to do to win is simply be invisible and wait. Do not Flee. (I had everyone wearing a Ring of Invisibility which you can get from the Elf Queen spirit if you don't attack/loot everything in sight prior to seeing her. See her first in other words.) The game says you win after enough turns go by and no damage occurs. You get the treasure in the treasure room too which is really lack-luster. *(NOTE: Fellow uber-geeks, I recommend a party with 5 Fighter-Magic User-Thief characters and a Cleric Magic-User for this game. Max them all out with good stuff from prior games. Grinding takes a while, but Shadowdale's 3rd floor dungeon was made for that. Their back-stabs peg out at 100 HP and in their second turn of battle they can do two of them!) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-89063270871877921252015-12-31T10:22:26.244-05:002015-12-31T10:22:26.244-05:00I thought he had just taken over the dragon's ...I thought he had just taken over the dragon's body ("enhanced" but not "real" dragon?).Giauzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10546859151525161696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-2942650119854141512015-04-26T12:55:45.580-04:002015-04-26T12:55:45.580-04:00Definitely can't pick up all the treasure. The...Definitely can't pick up all the treasure. There are at least two sequences with no shops and lots of drops. Tristan Gallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16769219573533545742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-7368375275405878992015-04-26T02:15:38.057-04:002015-04-26T02:15:38.057-04:00Not to mention that in a couple points, you are gi...Not to mention that in a couple points, you are given so many coins that even edited characters have to leave some behind.<br />I have only played the Apple II version on my first computer (an Apple IIGS) back in the day, and I once cheated the strength to the maximum the engine could handle without bugs, around 233 (hex $E9 aka 0xE9, they used a dollar sign to represent hex on the Apple II). Even with that extra carrying capacity, I sometimes had to leave copper and electrum behind. <br />I don't recall which ones exactly, save I think one was a treasure chest you got after a big battle in a SECOND looting screen. Another was a hidden chest you had to LOOK for after being given hints. <br />I haven't played the game since at least 2008, probably closer to ten years or more. Details are fuzzy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-29338483250376142362015-04-20T11:30:09.694-04:002015-04-20T11:30:09.694-04:00I don't care how many Darts of the Hornet'...I don't care how many Darts of the Hornet's Nest you buy, trying to collect all of the treasure in a Gold Box game is the very definition of insanity.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-43498726069315845032015-04-19T06:14:50.994-04:002015-04-19T06:14:50.994-04:00Darts of Hornets Nest might be the most valuable s...Darts of Hornets Nest might be the most valuable stacks you can purchase in the game. There's a Magic Shop in Zhentil keep that carries them, and you can visit it without triggering the Zhentil Keep plotline, if you want to do one of the other main quests first. I wouldn't worry about carrying non magical gear. If you never sold a single non magical item you'd miss out on less than 1% of the total wealth in the game.Tristan Gallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16769219573533545742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-42590249997287606242015-04-19T05:42:48.859-04:002015-04-19T05:42:48.859-04:00Struggling with playing curse of the azure bonds p...Struggling with playing curse of the azure bonds properly for the first time (I've given up on prior attempts with mapping software struggles getting the better of me).<br /><br />The main thing I couldn't bring myself to do is leave all the treasure on the floor. In Pool of Radiance I dutifully converted all my wealth into Diamoned Necklaces. Pointless of course but somehow satisfying to me.<br /><br />In Curse, the money comes in platinum, so there's no making it weigh less, and I can't find a jewelry shop. So my solution was to invent banking by creating characters, dropping all their money, and filling them with platinum. I know there's no point, but somehow accumulating wealth pleases me in the way that playing solitaire does.jrodmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06567198770927408479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-74506705893753087412013-10-14T04:33:33.565-04:002013-10-14T04:33:33.565-04:00well, I managed to kill the horde of rark elf lord...well, I managed to kill the horde of rark elf lords and beholders more than 20 years ago when playing from c64 floppy disks :D I remember retretaing from behind teh wall and picking them off several at the time as they were coming to me. I am now preparing to relive my childhood gaming experience by replying this one from amiga emulatorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-63971292367245355582013-10-07T14:25:56.881-04:002013-10-07T14:25:56.881-04:00No, the Gold Box games didn't have any kind of...No, the Gold Box games didn't have any kind of penalty that serious for using "Haste." Incidentally, I ran a test where I cast dozens and dozens of "Haste" spells on my characters in <i>Champions of Krynn</i> and no one every lost any attributes or died despite reaching over 200 years old (for humans). I suppose it's possible that CotAB implemented aging effects and they removed them for CoK, but I'm skeptical.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-67182720121335516572013-10-07T12:52:50.500-04:002013-10-07T12:52:50.500-04:00The first edition AD&D Haste spell was actuall...The first edition AD&D Haste spell was actually quite dangerous. Magical aging causes system shock - a roll based on your constitution score* - that if you failed, you instantly died from the stress to your body. I wonder if the gold box games took that in to effect? <br /><br />*usually a good chance of success, in the high 80's and above, unless you have an abysmal Con score...Michael Sandarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06718576991776539142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-47497108405935146442013-02-23T16:59:11.329-05:002013-02-23T16:59:11.329-05:00Skyrim dragons not retreating isn't an AI over...Skyrim dragons not retreating isn't an AI oversight, it's characterization. In fact, it's a fairly huge plot point- as I expect you know by now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-39643505843439617512013-01-24T16:52:08.017-05:002013-01-24T16:52:08.017-05:00Actually, one of my Greyhawk books inovles a roman...Actually, one of my Greyhawk books inovles a romance between a faerie (about 2 feet tall) and a 6 foot tall human. Needless to say they were very happy when they found a bunch of potions of Giant Growth. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-77329005468376752102013-01-24T12:58:07.250-05:002013-01-24T12:58:07.250-05:00Present day adventure parties would keep getting e...Present day adventure parties would keep getting emails about how the enlarge spell could help their love life out.UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-25187147631145129482013-01-06T17:51:24.166-05:002013-01-06T17:51:24.166-05:00the game also implements "aging effects"...the game also implements "aging effects" so when you get old enough, your stats are decreased. Simeon Pilgrimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05465636927383076937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-76042148046422047592013-01-06T02:01:39.623-05:002013-01-06T02:01:39.623-05:00Actually, 2 NPCs in BG work for them, and apparent...Actually, 2 NPCs in BG work for them, and apparently have a plotline related to them if you keep them through the game. I never finished it though, and didn't keep those two anyway. <br /><br />Your assumption that they would be the easiest, and mostly fighters. Manshoon is one of the most powerful wizards in the realm, and most of the members are wizards or clerics, they just higher fighters to serve as muscle. Also I think there is something special about them and beholders, but I forget. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-40222823010811073132013-01-06T01:20:31.240-05:002013-01-06T01:20:31.240-05:00Ah, I see. That is different between 1nd and 3rd e...Ah, I see. That is different between 1nd and 3rd edition (the one I know). Some of those uses are...less useful now. Also you have more spells in 3rd edition, so usually I'd be better off casting Enlarge and turning all my allies into giants. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-24810688318656119582013-01-05T23:51:11.728-05:002013-01-05T23:51:11.728-05:00Yeah, I realized "Haste" was aging my ch...Yeah, I realized "Haste" was aging my characters, but I didn't realize it was aging them a YEAR every time I used it. Who would agree to subject themselves to that? If I'm going to lose a year of my life, I want to be hastened for an entire year, not one battle.<br /><br />I find "Magic Missile" incredibly useful. It casts immediately, has seemingly an infinite range, and does up to 30 damage at 11th level. Creatures immune to other magic have no saving throw against it. It's a great way to disrupt an enemy spellcaster, or even take him out entirely.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-13563692000656257552013-01-05T23:47:35.901-05:002013-01-05T23:47:35.901-05:00I do remember them from Pool of Radiance, and ther...I do remember them from <i>Pool of Radiance</i>, and there's a brief mention of them in <i>Baldur's Gate</i>. I know they're a powerful faction in the setting. What did I say that was wrong about them?CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-38680588512867761492013-01-05T22:54:23.979-05:002013-01-05T22:54:23.979-05:00I really can't wait to see what the future hol...I really can't wait to see what the future holds for games. 2012-2013 has really changed gaming. Skyrim and its huge world and dragons. I mean, think about it. Skyrim didn't have the greatest graphics, and it was running on a zillion year old console. Imagine how great it will be on a next generation console or as a PC only game, when it has more then 512 MB of RAM, and far, far better graphics and CPU. Imagine what they can do in future games. Better AI. More diversity in Dragons. Just copy all the types in D&D that grow in size, have different breath weapons and appearances and so on. Giants also felt like GIANTS in Skyrim. I STILL don't want to do anything but kite them at 38th level. Imagine what more we can do in future games. Look how much Skyrim improved on Oblivion, and think about how great Elder Scrolls 6 will be.<br /><br />Also: Mass Effect. Sure, controversial ending. But man, you can't fault the story telling. Imagine what other companies can accomplish when they buld on that. Also damn fine voice acting, graphics, etc. Most engadging game series I've played. <br /><br />"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulder's of giants" Despite being partially meant as a slight against a rather short rival, Newton's statement applies just as much to games as it does to science. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-39171325927390860172013-01-05T22:47:17.752-05:002013-01-05T22:47:17.752-05:00You seem to be learning that in D&D direct dam...You seem to be learning that in D&D direct damage spells are rarely the most powerful. Fireball is good, but Haste is generally the more powerful spell at that level. Magic missile is pretty weak, since it only does (Level/2 in d4) damage or something like that. It is a good thing to have a wand of though, since it beats using a sling if you are out of good spells). <br /><br />Haste also shows one of the huge powers of demihumans: they live a lot longer, so elves pretty much never have to worry about haste spells. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.com