Zebediah

I guess I'd best stop using the crystals to crack nuts with (I'm not refering to a genital-based attack). Yes, I was talking about A1 (I was tired when I posted). Thanks Micawber!

PLEASE IGNORE THE CHARACTER DETAILS POLL IN THE AVERNUM TRILOGY FORUM AND INSTEAD ANSWER THE IDENTICAL POLL IN THE GENERAL FORUM (if you have an interest in the poll). I initially posted the poll to the Avernum Trilogy forum, then realized it should have broader spectrum. The poll is in the GENERAL forum. I have no means of deleting it from the Avernum Trilogy forum before anyone answers it there.

I am playing A1 (and really enjoying it). I just fired up A4 for the first time (only the character generation section) to take a look at it. The graphics are definitely improved. However, in another respect I think the program took a major move in the wrong direction (potentially eliminating one of the big attractions of Avernum for me). In A1, the character generation and leveling interfaces specify the effects of attributes on skills ( e.g., a skill is specified as having a base value of (STR+DEX)/3 ). In A4, this information is not provided. For me, making use of this information during character creation and leveling is part of the fun. As for the "special traits", I'd prefer more specifics there also. I don't take any special traits because I have no details on which to make a decision. A trait improves accuracy with a bow? OK, BY HOW MUCH? Give me an equation, an algebraic expression, a ratio, something. From my perspective, there is no basis at all for deciding whether to take a particular trait Well, I suppose one could assume that the game designers have done a good job with game balance in creating the character traits - and choose traits based on liking the idea or feel of a trait name. However, for me part of the fun is in deciding whether a tradeoff (e.g., experience adjustment vs other effects) is worthwhile. In some cases, there seems little basis for doing so without trait detials. For traits for which the only effect is to add specific abilities to a character, one can check the abilities menu for the character and make a decision from that (if one is willing to assume that the added abilities are the only effects of the trait). I realize that this is a personal preference issue. People probably have one of three positions on the matter: 1) Please show me the "under the hood" details ( formula or whatever ). I want to know. I enjoy understanding them, and/or they are helpful in building my character. 2) Please hide the details. I specifically want them to remain unknown. It's part of the mystery that appeals to me. 3) I don't care about the details. Provide them for those who like them, but I doubt I'll pay attention to them.

Ok, this is a test poll. Do you prefer Flubs, Fleeps, or Flinks?

Regarding crystals, I don't know how they're used. I have a feeling that at some point an NPC discussed crystals, and I failed to record the coversation in my journal. I've collected two crystals thus far. Should I know what to do with them at this point in the story?

Thanks Lazarus! By the way, is it Lazarus Long?

I am in Nephar Fort. I just killed two demons. On inspecting a bier, I find a mummified body holding a pommel. I am given the option of leaving it alone, or taking the item. If I take the item, it disappears (is no longer present when I do a search). However, NOTHING IS ADDED TO MY INVENTORY. IT JUST SEEMS TO VANISH. Also, I have checked the encumbrance (carried weight) of each of my characters before and after selecting the option to take the item. None of the characters change weight. This appears to me to be a bug. Am I missing something? Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks