Howdy. First, I haven't played since back in the beta. I typically play MMOG's with the same group of friends, however they didn't have the stomach for the grind and challenge of L2 and we moved on to other things, much like locusts. I've always kind of followed progress here and tried to check the boards due to my own interest in L2, and this past week decided to plunge in without knowing anyone or really much of anything about what I was doing. I've gone through a few weeks of this board and found answers to most of my questions, but I still have a couple remaining.
For starters, my character is currently a level 20 Orc Raider on Hindemith.
1. Around what level should I begin looking for a clan/guild? It seems most set a floor of level 40 for recruitment, which seems reasonable all things considered (I was after all able to get 20 in a very short period of time). On the other hand, every recommendation I see is that one should get in a good clan ASAP. The last thing I want is to be annoying people with requests for invites when I'm still pretty low level and useless. In 20 levels in Orc land I didn't group at all, and think I only saw two other characters played by live humans.
2. What would be a decent and relatively fair priced set of D grade heavy armor I could get into? Brigandine was the only thing I saw in personal shops, but the lowest prices are way, way out of my non-ebaying range. At my level I assume I'd want something geared toward PvE, and apparently solo PvE if I'm correct in my assumptions. I will be using a shield as well, because even though I'm toying with the idea of going 2hs eventually, the 1hs available for the event was just too powerful (and free) to pass up.
That's all the questions I can barf out at the moment, but just a few comments.
1. I don't know if its the same in all the noob lands, but in orcland, a new player's first experience is being dropped in a beautifully rendered and vibrant city....populated only by a dozen bots with gibberish names suiciding off the guards. I know why they do it and what's going on, but it would be nice if there were some draw to higher players to come back for some reason, so that there would be someone to have a conversation with at least. In week I have played, I have not so much as spoken to single player. I didn't see a single thing in the chat window until I ported to the mainland for my Raider quest.
2. The event for C4 was GREAT for new players. I remember in beta spending hours upon hours with a crappy weapon grinding bears in orcland thinking 20 would never arrive, but the event weapons really streamlined the process. They may not look like much to veteran players, but trust me, they made a huge difference. Between the weapon and the noob buffs, I literally had zero downtime for the first 20 levels. As in not even five seconds.
Thanks for reading all this junk. For the record, I know melee is disadvantaged, I know orcs are slow, and I know probably no one wants us in groups. I just picked the race and class that looked like it would be the most fun to me, and so far I really enjoy it.
A great second post, Clownballooning. Glad you picked Hindemith, I'll keep an eye out for Padhraig.
I wouldn't try too hard to get a clan just yet. Around 40 is where I'd really start pushing for one. Take a little time to get to know the server and who you do or don't get along with, that way you can choose your clans/allies accordingly.
Don't worry too much at 20, a couple people to party with and you'll be fine without a full clan. Of course, if you happen to find a great clan who wants you, I wouldn't let the opportunity pass you by, either.
I would definitely go for Brigandine, if you can afford it. Don't worry about the helmet's price tag, you don't need it for Brig to be a good suit of armor. On your first character, buy the helmet when you're in your late 30's, if you buy it at all.
Go for a weapon before armor! had to make sure I tossed that out there.
The Orc lands are noticably more deserted than most, and most newbie lands are a little on the sparse side. Don't worry, it'll change fast.
You picked your race and class for the right reasons. Orcs are actually quite good 40+, from what I've seen, so if you hang in there it'll all turn out ok :)
Also, you will be better of buing the brig top and bottom from Giran's NPC shop, or at least check with their prices. On my server many people sell stuff from girna's npc shops for more then tthose shops.
For D-grade, get Brigandine top and bottom, helmet/boots/gloves doesnt really matter. Shield+sword or Shield+blunt is a good choice for pre 40 lvling.
Destroyers are actually wanted in many groups, depends just on the hunting spots. They can tank(who needs hate when you're putting out loads of damage) and deal serious amounts of damage. And they're hard to kill ^^
After lvl 40, if you wanna lvl fast, get a friendly SE and a Polearm and head into a Catacomb/Necropolis = exp will fly.
Dont forget to use the manor as you lvl, it's a good way to make extra money.
After lvl 40, if you wanna lvl fast, get a friendly SE and a Polearm and head into a Catacomb/Necropolis = exp will fly.
Quoted for truth. Also a good way to make money, you spend alot less on shots. You can even afford to spam Alacrity or Greater Swift Attack pots from the AA you get.
your clan question is one i think i can answer from experience.....making a mistake. I joined a clan right before lvl 20...they wanted my character and now of course I know why. It hasn't been all bad.
Let's just say I didn't even know enough to know what questions to ask.
Depending upon the clan there might be advantages to joining early.
Still--I won't join the alts I've started to another clan anytime soon.
It 'seems' to me that in that lvl 40 range u know more game basics and can give something back to a good clan and they can really help you too. It's exceedingly hard for a clans lvl 56 players (or higher) to join you for power leveling on any regular basis when you are lvl 17 or something--it's maybe not the best use of the clanmates time/resources.
Overall my ill-advised early clan participation was a bad decision on my part.....I give the experience a C+ and don't intend any reflection on the clan. Right now my toon is below them all and a burden and I don't know so much about game play......all things considered I would wait if I had it to do over.
? I would ask now b4 joining
*is it a main only clan?
*what is the clan's lvl?
*what is the clan's primary goal?
*is the clan at peace?/how often do they go to war?
*are there members near you in lvl avail for commited partying?
*what arrangements has clan made for regular playing sessions?
*do they have expectations of you?
*will they respect that you have goals and want to play a certain way, too?
*can they explain what the usual 'clan member contribution' is expected when they are leveling the clan?
These are off the top of my head--questions that can matter to you as you play your own main character.
Once you move to Gludin you will see a pick up of players and opportunities for grouping.
It is rare for a clan to take lower level players. As the poster above said, you will have trouble finding clan partners to party up with.
I would definately help you out if you were on Seigehardt. We have an all Orc clan that takes all levels. We have a mixed batch of levels so finding a group is not hard at all. Of course you would have to start over but you would have support.
Set bonus' in D grade are way overrated. You will do fine with Brig. top and bottom or even Mithril set which can all be bought from the store. Focus on getting the best weapon you can at first. Claymore is a great choice or if you like a shield go for Bonebreaker. You get both masteries. Also polearm is great for grouping but soloing is tough with one. You will level quickly with any of the above weapons so take the one you enjoy using most. If you go blunt shield, the mithril set gives you a hp bonus if you equip a kite shield I believe.
Enjoy your Orc. They are rare and don't reach their true power until you at least get to B grade. As a Raider/Destroyer you have alot of ways you can play with masteries in everything but bows and daggers. Good luck. :)