Gem Quality?

[Woofy]

I can buy inferiror gems for less money, but with a bigger bonus. Is there any downside? I'm just beginning and still at the school. Should I try to buy as much as possible at the school? I'm sure it's more expensive later., according to Smiling Mountain...

Thanks!

[xeph]

I never really buy anything at the school or in the village. You tend to obtain quite a few once you're out into the world, from bamboo casks and chests, etc. Choose gems that suit your style. i.e. if you're into magic, and you upgrade your Chi a lot, then gems that enhance your Spirit are good for you. Depending on which Way you follow, you can choose Intimidation or Charm. Intimidation is good for persuasion if you're a follower of the Way of the Closed Fist, and Charm is good for a follower of the Way of the Open Palm. There are several different kinds of gems, each with different pros and cons, so you just need to work it out yourself as you collect more and more. Hope that helps. :)

[Woofy]

Thanks that's very helpful! I am trying to follow the open palm, so I should increase my Charm? Charm is my focus, right?
Right now I don't know what I'm doing, so I'm increasing everything evenly...

[xeph]

You're welcome. :) Charm is used to persuade characters in situations where it may be needed to avoid conflict or turn the situation in your favour. Mind is Focus and Body is Health. Increasing everything evenly is also fine, it just means you're playing as a 'balanced' character, where no trait is superior. Nothing wrong with that.

[Woofy]

I'm also trying Martial or weapon, maybe that staff I got. I think melee is generally easiest until you know what you're doing. I am ope to any suggestions..

Are techniquest unlimited? They seem better than gems. I can buy a few from Smiling Mountatin

[xeph]

Techniques are good to invest in, but not all of them will help you. Choose them carefully, as they usually have both positive and negative effects. Depending on what build you're after, the types of techniques that you should get will change. Since you're going for a balanced build (at least at the moment), try to go for ones that will not decrease one of your traits (Body, Spirit, Mind) too much.

Ranged attacks (i.e. Dire Flame) aren't too difficult once you get the hang of it. The game basically aims at your targets for you, not much effort is required on your part. If you decided that you like using weapons, then I would advise that you upgrade your Focus when you level, and purchase gems and techniques that boost it as well. Are you aware that you can press 'F' in battle to enter Focus mode? It slows time and enhances your damage with weapons for a limited duration. If you drain your Focus bar, however, you can't use weapons until it is replenished (either by collecting Focus orbs in battle or meditating at a Focus Shrine. The same goes for magic, except the hotkey is 'E'.

Are things clearer now? Or did I just over-complicate it all? :P

[Woofy]

Thanks again,

Things are MUCH clearer now and i'm enjoying the game more when I know what I'm doing. Now, I just have to decided which styles to invest in! :-)

White Demoen is high and so is my staff (I just upgraded it). I still run out of focus and switch to White Demon. Semms to work. I also just got the Stone Open Palm and the Storm. They are still low, but add a nice range.


The tips have been great xephtastic! I'm off to the Imperial city!

[xeph]

Hey, no problem! Glad I could help you out. I hope you continue to enjoy the game, because it really is a wonderful experience! Happy gaming! :)