Due to RL time constraints play time was reduced this month, and the next one will probably not see my online too much at all. Nothing much to report, some small progress: Completed Navi stage 1, Arges Cyclops on NI and on Caly Liaison Atwell's Request (500 Trooper/Warrior); inroads into Tiarak stage 5 and Ambulimax stage 2. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 24.8, BLP Sniper 44.7, Pistoleer 42.9, Dmg 43.0, Knifefighter Dmg 35.2, Hit 35.4, Health points 147, total skill points 136288.
F-I-N-A-L-L-Y unlocked avoidance! How long have I been working on this? Since beginning this log at least... Actually got barely time to play right now, but upon checking in for a quick chat a very friendly rodent went the extra mile to let me know that a newly added Longtooth maturity at the low end counts fully for the mission (who knows if this was intended... makes the mission really cheap, cough). Had to try anyway and it worked out nicely even with loot this time, started about 24 hours ago with 30 ped left and went up to 150, despite only one small global and no item drops... kewl. And then my Evader profession stood at 24.98 just before taking the reward of 7 ped agility and 100 stamina tokens. Will probably not be online much more this month but this wraps it up perfectly.
Writing from a hotel room right now. Only had time and funds for a little low-key playing since the last message. Got Red Papoo done through stage 3 (10k killpoints or 1k youngs) on Next Island for more combat reflexes rewards and because their loot returns were great for a couple days. Was good riding out the wave. Adding Electrokinesis to the list below just this once for later reference, because I took a V chip offered by a friend and decided to use it up along with the II and IV rotting in my storage for a little zzzapping fun. My current target list was just right for it anyway. Had used electric quite a bit more when young and built a good skill basis. Done some Tiarak again in the past few days and looted even more of them, cough. Might add something higher up the First Gen range to the wishlist, but these things are rare. I have the impression that Evader grows faster now than before due to the Avoidance points helping. It will certainly recede again before the next unlock, which is a long way. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 25.5, BLP Sniper 44.9, Pistoleer 43.2, Dmg 43.2, Knifefighter Hit 35.5, Dmg 35.3, Electrokinetic Hit 17.5, Dmg 24.7, Health points 148, total skill points 138487.
Arrived at destination, dust is beginning to settle and I've been playing a bit but keep targets low-key for the time being. Finished missions Rakta stage 3 and Oratan Payback III along the way. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 25.6, BLP Sniper 45.0, Pistoleer 43.3, Dmg 43.3, Knifefighter Hit 35.7, Dmg 35.4, Electrokinetic Hit 18.4, Dmg 25.4, Health points 148, total skill points 139371.
3 x Sal'diresh's Vault Key 3 were catching dust in storage. I had better sold them. Fi/Ra/Co Beast0 -25.29 PEDHunter Arm Guards Mentor Edition (M)0 -0.21 PED Hunter Face Guard Mentor Edition (M) 0 -0.14 PEDHunter Foot Guards Mentor Edition (M)0 -0.07 PEDHunter Gloves Mentor Edition (M) 0 -0.06 PEDHunter Harness Mentor Edition (M) 0 -0.22 PEDHunter Shin Guards Mentor Edition (M) 0 -0.20 PEDHunter Thigh Guards Mentor Edition (M) 0 -0.18 PEDNeoPsion 10 Mindforce Implant 0 -0.03 PEDRegeneration Chip VI (L) 0 -1.37 PEDScott & Barlow BP-25 (L) 0 -10.65 PEDUniversal Ammo -1212791 -121.28 PEDSal'diresh's Vault Key 3 -3 -9.00 PEDTotal expenses . -168.70 PED...Arkoin +672 +6.72 PEDPiron PBR-17 (L) +1 +26.92 PEDScott & Barlow LP-6 (L) +2 +31.64 PEDShrapnel +501644 +50.17 PEDTotal returns . +115.45 PED...Result 68.44% -53.25 PED Edit: Okay, reconciled... And screenshot not working yet again
Finished missions: Oratan Payback IV Gear: + Regeneration Chip VII Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 25.7, BLP Sniper 45.2, Pistoleer 43.5, Dmg 43.5, Knifefighter Hit 36.7, Dmg 35.7, Health points 148, total skill points 140200.
Finished missions: Oratan Payback V, Beladoth stage 2, Oweko stage 2, Magurg Male stage 1. Doing the latter on LA yielded the worst returns ever. Although insufficient sample size for being statistically relevant, this exceeded bearable cost-to-play by far. Guess it just wasn't the day of the Magurg. Tried to turn it around tackling Scoria stage 1, but without early luck, after some 30 or so, available funds were used up. I know it's not going anywhere without the bankroll to take down at least 500 of any specific mob, but with the right choice, you sometimes can get rolling anyway. This had been the case with the Belas which were very nice, and Oweko which were reasonable. Clear case of me not heeding my own advice, don't get fixated on specific missions, if the cow doesn't give milk you get screwed. Never mind, I spent a relatively few dollars on having fun anyway. Absolutely needed to shoot something bigger again for a change. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 25.9, BLP Sniper 45.5, Pistoleer 43.9, Dmg 43.8, Knifefighter Hit 36.8, Dmg 36.2, Health points 149, total skill points 141394.
Goldrush! And a monkey wrench so soon... On the first two rounds Breeders were pretty generous and gave about 110% back just in Arkoins, not even counted several nice weapon drops. I had to make a decision very quick, before regret could take over. Seriously, what did I just spend $100 on? At least I can say I got it at a discount. Hooray...
Time for the November wrap-up. What I didn't tell above is that I turned in my Viceroy to be able to pay for all of this. Cough. Spare the scolding, I heard it already. I wasn't using it much lately, and I can make another one any time. The setback doesn't concern me in the big picture. It allowed me to make a big step forward now and for a lesser price than usual, hence the loss is mitigated. So, first 3 runs in Warehouse 1 are done to test the waters, got one nice swirlie but only junk in it. Well I didn't expect anything this early. The first round was not quite completed since I didn't bring enough ammo. You need to have about 200 PED on you for ammo + decay to be on the safe side. The mobs were actually easier than I thought. My classic robot equipment Hunter Mentor Edition with 5C plates was lacking a bit against the tougher ones probably due to the added impact damage, but if you have decent heal tools and/or sufficient hp, something in that range would suffice. Only the boss is different by several notches. The limited armour from the Arkoin Broker, IFN Prototype MKII (L) is the perfect fit here. Nothing of comparable strength and at the same time so affordable exists. My Adjusted Nemesis is not complete yet (only upgraded the harness so far), will try that one when it's done and probably will find advantage in its dodge and crit reduction buffs despite it's not as strong as the IFN Prototype. We'll see what works best. And then there were several thousand Tiarak and Oratan Prospectors, yet not enough to report another milestone taken. Therefore only intermediate results: Standing at day 42/60 with the Looters, and 6135/12000 in Tiarak Stage 5. Would have liked to finish the latter eventually, but returns are appalling at both locations and I'm tired of being called upon to throw more money down the hole. A nice wave like that which carried me through Hadraada and Wombana did not yet occur with these, and even the hide sales can't nearly make up. Much better are the Prospectors, up and down days but they turn out quite sustainable so far so that the occasional little PED top-up feels justified for the time gotten out of it. After completing Vandals almost entirely in the Smuggler camp, I am now keeping at Indomitable East and I don't raisin pick but take them all. How many I get to shoot to complete a daily task varies widely, sometimes I get away with less than 150, sometimes more like 500. With the returns it is still better than paying entrance fee. Their high hit frequency gives skills not to skoff at, too. Only downside are occasional clashes with green dots who wait on you to fix their targets, and I will let them know what I think of it. On other occasions there are smart folks to cooperate nicely with, but most days I manage to be left alone. The cherrypickers have become much rarer than in the previous stages, I guess the longer missions already weed out most of those who can't see beyond their own nose. Still I'd have a suggestion, but little hope it has a chance of getting implemented if filed officially, since it would require changing existing ways and taking the inevitable screaming. I believe, outside of the paid instance, people should be required to team up. Yes, for this Payback Mission, their kills should only count when in team. Why? Because this is supposed to be a self-respecting army, is it not? An army is all about teamwork, nobody ever does anything alone there (can still buy your way up with the camp, but we're talking about regular training here). Teamplay requires coordination and precludes egocentric behaviour at the cost of others. Alternatively, a system where only reputation points turn into promotion through the ranks (might have its own risks, just as a starting point). This would probably come closest to the original mission statement. But, with things being as they are, instead of a capable defense force we'll get a growing crowd of Smugglers equipped with Dropships. Nuff said... :biggrin2: A very small foray into Oratan Miners underground delivered the only lucky shot with a 3-digit global this month, evidence is here as I was too surprised to take a screenshot even with the new feature. Had a beefy Ardora Ballista Mk 7 (L) in it which got taken at BO just soon enough. One more item to note down: Came to the realization that if I ever want to up my game to something more than dabbling, I should consider adding "the arso" to my toolbox. With a good foundation in various mindforce lines, I found it only takes me a small amount of gap-filling in pyrokinetic hit points to be ready when finances permit to take the plunge. It is maxed at level 24.5, my skills when I started paying attention were at level 12.8 Pyrokinetic Hit and 20.6 Dmg. Only 3 little Corrosive Attack Nanochips III-V (L) later, the picture below is already achieved. I reckon another 3-4 will do to get to lvl 25. They cost peanuts, can pick them up without haste when offers appear and the Prospectors are just about the ideal target. Edit: Almost forgot - yes, one milestone was achieved: 150 health points! Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 26.3, BLP Sniper 46.0, Pistoleer 44.4, Dmg 44.3, Knifefighter Hit 37.0, Dmg 36.4, Pyrokinetic Hit 18.8, Dmg 26.2, Health points 150, total skill points 144579.
End of the month, end the year, end of ...? Everything feels different this time. I took the liberty to spill a few wider thoughts on another planet's forum. Of course everything said applies to this place just as much, well-wishes are extended to the A-team. You guys continue to outdo yourselves. You just rock! As for personal goals achieved against the wishlist published here one year ago: My RL avi managed the long-planned move to another country this August at last. This hasn't helped to boost in-game resources, but staying at it at least on a low level has helped a great deal in retaining some sanity. Well, as much as I'm able to judge this myself at all. There are friends I owe an apology for trampling on their nerves. What was supposed to be a time of joy and looking forward to new things, was accompanied by more acrimony than ever experienced before, to the extent of getting to the edge of losing control. The details don't belong here, just... well, what to do if people you thought closest to you are hell-bent on pulling the rug from under your feet after you've given everything you had to give and are no longer useful to them. Nuff said, it is done. Ah, the wishlist. I did manage to strike off the most important tools, and then some. I didn't have specific goals for skill progress, but I'm satisfied with the achievements. Only the unlock of Wounding was missed so closely, but progress in blp damage is significantly slowed already at this level and was limited by available funds, most of which were directed elsewhere. The both Ozpyn blades I got now complete with amplifiers are at the cutting edge (literally) of eco grinding. What I didn't foresee then is the usefulness of buffs, and with the drastic price drops a small Ares Ring is the one thing missing now to round it off for me. It will push my melee capacity over the 50 dps mark, which is good enough for many long missions ahead so I don't need to think of more expensive weapon upgrades for quite some time. Only insecurity remains about the potential introduction of decay on the rings, which is the reason I wouldn't consider a bigger purchase there even if I could, until they make a decision what the final state will be (I even launched a petition here). Very happy with the Herman rifle as well, a better fitting amp is the only other high-priority item at the moment. Everything else is luxury. The latest mission of course is a new Viceroy complete with upgrade, but will take my sweet time for it. Folks with much deeper pockets are racing to gather their set, have to wait until the dust settles to gauge what it takes in the end. Immediate plan: Continue the Oratan Payback mission. Stage VI was completed this month which marks halftime. No turning back now, short of going completely broke. Mid-term plan: Raid the warehouse as much as possible! The first outing with Ned and his gang felt really special and was a bonding experience. I consider myself lucky to have been at the right place at the right time, and on top of it just-so prepared to jump on the train, which doesn't happen too often. This was a great idea to add a human element to the steering of the game! Very much looking forward how this continues. Funds permitting, I want to keep an eye on Cyrene as well. Feel very casual about everything else - there simply is too much stuff for my current capacity. They've been busy on Rocktropia, our old Calypso, and MindArk themselves have taken a positive turn towards bug fixes and listening to feedback. Heck, even the sleepy Next Island seems to have something cooking. If I can keep my RL avi alive, it will be an exciting 2017. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 26.5, BLP Sniper 46.2, Pistoleer 44.7, Dmg 44.6, Knifefighter Hit 37.2, Dmg 36.6, Pyrokinetic Hit 23.4, Dmg 29.9, Health points 150, total skill points 146906.
Wounding unlocked, at last! One more skill unlock within viewing distance, then begins the long march. Pyrokinetic skilling done, that was the easy part. Finding money for that mighty chip... Missions completed: Scoria stage 1, Navi stage 2, one round of Magurg Breeder 2 in the third monthly Goldrush. Nice bonuses in Combat Reflexes and Evade. And one more instance of being at the right time at the right place... Staring at the Firebird like a boy with the chocolate melting in his hand, when Ned went "Wanna try it?" Why the hell, of course! Got to steer this bird and even warp it. Put a grin on my face that lasted a while :biggrin2: Followed by even more excitement when Dylan showed up to sow a few seeds of mystery... Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 27.1, BLP Sniper 46.7, Pistoleer 45.1, Dmg 45.2, Knifefighter Hit 37.5, Dmg 37.0, Pyrokinetic Hit 24.6, Dmg 31.3, Health points 151, total skill points 149184.
Gear changes: +Ares Ring Improved. Missions completed: Oratan Payback VII (Menaces). Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 27.3, BLP Sniper 47.1, Pistoleer 45.5, Dmg 46.4, Knifefighter Hit 37.8, Dmg 38.2, Health points 152, total skill points 151450. A few memories from Ancient Greece: And one from RL: (the reason why I'm a little lazy typing now)
What is that structure in the second image from AG you can see at the horizon? And that bone. That must have hurt like hell. I hope you had a nice I really hope you get well soon and up and running.
Thank you! They were all great and the pain is kept in check. The second image iirc was looking out southeast from Mount Olympus, not entirely sure what is there since some detail is culled by draw distance. General direction should be towards the capital.
Missions completed: Just one round of Magurg Breeder 2. This month's Goldrush did not begin like the previous ones with their >100% returns in the first hours, so was given up early since I have no means to pay through this volume. Gave it another shot on the last weekend and suddenly they were flying. No chance at competing despite getting an early 5000 points token, but decided to go for the side mission now seriously. Finished it in the early hours of last event Sunday and wondered if time would be enough for another one? Tried and shot non-stop the entire day, but not enough dps in the end. Doesn't matter, managed significantly more volume than previously and good skills progress. Hoped to carry the momentum over to Navi and some other missions, but the few bright moments didn't make up for the holes burned into my ped card again. Back to low-level activities. Decided to go for a short weekend trip to visit some events on Secret Island and Rocktropia, which I wanted to do for a while. I didn't win the event despite leading on the screenshot. Had much fun. A friend was doing a mob survey on Next Island and Ancient Greece and could use another gun. Couldn't pass up the excuse to go and let it fade out with a little virtual r+r. Then we got new clothes: The last week of the month had a serious downturn in store. Returns of <60% from Oratan Prospectors, and not just a single outlier, this is ridiculous and costs just too much to play. Heard others experienced the same thing, reporting as low as 50% also on other planets. Then again, upon raising the complaint on another forum, got rebuked by some who did not have that experience. Really strange. Anyhow, went on strike doing the bare minimum to keep up with the daily schedule and was within a hair's breadth of giving that up for the time being, too, when the turnaround came with a bang and not a minute too late before the bell. Almost felt like April's Fool... Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 28.1, BLP Sniper 48.1, Pistoleer 46.3, Dmg 48.3, Knifefighter Hit 38.3, Dmg 39.7, Health points 153, total skill points 155284.
Missions completed: Oratan Payback Mission VIII (Rogues); Feran Stage 4; Tiarak Stage 5; Arkadian Hornet Stage 4 and 5; Halix Stage 6, 2nd time; Iron Molisk III. Overall I am pleased with returns, especially from Oratan Prospectors. The only disappointment are Tiarak. They incurred bigger losses than they should all the way, tried back and forth between taxed and untaxed land for months, different setups, whatever, but it didn't work out even after markup for the hides. Wanted to push through and get it done nevertheless, and sacrificed two modest deposits for it. But it had to be punished, therefore the return to small mobs. At first even the standard fall-back to Halix didn't work, hence an attempt at the Hornets. Maybe it's due to an even better setup (S.I. HK110 & Sinkadus & Imp.Ares) making the threshold of 3.0 dpp which I didn't have before when I hunted so many punies, that I could finally go through all of it without additional payments. Good! Another push at Halix then worked out as well to take the last third of this S6. Even Feran weren't bad now, the hides found a taker although not enough demand to continue right away. Plinking a few random mobs here and there for variety and a little gamble, and as it sometimes happens, these make for the nicest surprises. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 28.6, BLP Sniper 49.3, Pistoleer 47.4, Dmg 49.8, Knifefighter Hit 38.7, Dmg 40.7, Health points 155, total skill points 158836.
Finished reading all this once again... took a few good hours... but it was a really nice, entertaining and educational reading... totally worthed my time.
Milestone: First level 50 profession, Ranged BLP (Dmg). Not the one with the unlock, but nice to have. Gear: + B.A.M.F ZK7 :biggrin2: That's a big one off my long-term wish list! I did make a sacrifice for it though, which in the end hurt much less than anticipated. I sold my one and only CLD. Which I looted when I was a boy. I finally managed to de-attach myself from it and exchanged the feeble sigh upon collecting 2.50-3.50 ped every Monday for a big grin when the mighty boom resounds from the hills and through the forest. Underground the echo gets so powerful I have to turn down the volume (joking - but wish the simulation would take care of that, hehe). As for the deed, the price has been going up almost constantly and eventually you just have to realize your profit, like with real-life shares. The money went to a good person and I am happy, at peace with the decision. I proceeded to also sell my AUD for a good profit, only to burn it up burning holes into everything getting too close. I am now officially deed-less and it was totally worth it. This month had a downside, too. I thought I had already used up the superlative for worst returns ever on an earlier occasion, but May 2017 beat the bottom out of the barrel, literally. Too many consecutive days of cutting your funds in half, and that from Prospectors! Punished for not raisin picking? I don't know, but it's the first time I had to take several days off. Others, too reported daylight robbery from across the universe. While at the same time the ticker told of extreme luck sprinkled on a few. I am convinced the powers that be are playing with the levers recently and increased the amplitude of swings. Well, if they think it makes me take out my wallet while on the bad end of this, my answer is no way. It makes me quite anal-retentive instead and I'll wait until the dust settles before spending anything again. Managed to tick off 32 of the 60 days on and off, theoretically I'm still looking forward to my dropship in June but we'll see if that happens. I also would have liked to hunt more for the unlock, but there is no good reason to throw away a fortune on hurrying it. Relevant skills/professions at month's end: Evader 28.7, BLP Sniper 49.6, Pistoleer 47.8, Dmg 50.2, Knifefighter Hit 38.9, Dmg 41.0, Health points 155, total skill points 160330.
