So. I'm from another IRE MUD and I thought I'd try Lusternia. I created a character and played as a Nihilist for a bit, then suicided and recreated, as I wasn't too thrilled with the Guild (what little I saw). Add this in with the fact that I don't plan on buying credits (can't afford them, at the moment) and Guild hopping outside of newbiedom is really a no-no. I'm currently a Geomancer, and they seem interesting, but I've a couple questions.

Is there any class that can fight with solely one trans'd Guild skill?

How 'militaristic' is the Ur'Guard? I've looked over the skillsets a little, and they seem interesting (and more in tune with my combat style), but I'm afraid the rigid, disciplined 'Knight' RP will just turn me off to the class.

There they are. Remember, I'm new and really don't know all the RP ins and outs of Lusternia yet, so any help or advice is appreciated, etc. Thanks.

It's pretty hard to fight with just one trans guild skill, unfortunately. Easiest might be a Knight, transing your weapon and then working on Athletics a bit (up to strength at first), but it'll be harder to hold your own. It also costs more in-game gold (so more time spent gathering it) to get your weapon and armour-- but that's a bit of a tradeoff to save OOC money.

I suppose you could just stick with Geomancy, as well, and only learn a bit of psionics and no illusions, but it has the same problem of missing a number of useful skills.

I can't speak too much about the current quality of the ur'Guard, however.

You'll get 7 different responses about which class can fight with just one transed skill. I prefer to think that it's not the skills or class, but how you fight and the battles you choose. If you plan on being able to tank anyone and beat them, well, you're not going to be able to without dropping a ton of money on credits. But, if you use your skills to your advantage, fight when you can, run when you can't, count on your guild mates and work together, you'll be able to fight. Part of what makes Lusternia run is the interactions between players and the guilds. You can surely go out and fight solo using class skills, but there is so much more to Lusternia than just mindless PK and bashing.

As for the Ur'Guard, I'm told they are quite militaristic. Very much like an army conpared to the other warrior guilds. Any guild in Magnagora will have a rigid, hierarchical structure, with the powerful on top and the weak on the bottom (weak can also read new). You'll have to earn your status and move your way up the ranks using whatever means necessary. Magnagora overall has a rich, strong RP based on the consensus I've heard.

RP in Lusternia is really what makes Lusternia fun. Even when not done mechanically, RP is what Lusternia is about. And it's deeper than just "ZOMG Ur from another city DIE DIE DIE". That's not RP. The relationships between the nations and even guilds within nations are deep, complex, and even shadowy at times. It will take some getting used to depending on what other games you've come from (if it's Achaea, then the RP in Lusternia may be quite a shock), but if you allow yourself to be pushed along by it, you'll find yourself immersed in it in no time. Just remember that the game is more than just a glorified chat room and bashing ground. It is quite boring if that's all you treat it as.

Thanks. That's really the kind of unbiased point of view I needed. And, no, I'm not from Achaea, but Aetolia. The class I'm used to playing is their Lycanthropes. Low armor (only get a scalemail equiv), and focused on limb damage instead of afflictions (they do have howls, though), so! I have no problem running when I need to, etc, etc.

As is, I'm not really sure Geomancer is for me (I like the sound of the RP, but mana classes just aren't my thing), but I may stick with them for Demesne (I've heard good things). I don't think I'll try any of the other cities (I'm not a huge fan of Lighter organizations), so I guess I'll have to get used to being on the bottom again.

Does anyone happen to know if the Ur'Guard are a group of disciplined brutes, or more the honored Knight type?

I'd say they're the most brutish guild in Lusternia, but that's an outsider's perspective.

Brutish, but not... mindless orc rushing Helm's Deep brutish. Brutish as in "Obey orders or get punished, this is a warrior's army" kind of mindset.

Thanks!

Monks can fight with only one trans. Druids sort of can but can't reach their full potential. Mid-tier warriors can get away with one trans but you won't really be that competitive.

If you asked me, bard with trans glamours is the best low-investment choice.

There's nothing wrong with the ur'Guard, but it's populated by a lot of the same social circles as you'd find in the Nihilists. If you didn't like the Nihilists because of the people, the ur'Guard doesn't come highly recommended.

Have you tried other orgs? You say you suicided your Nihilist and you aren't thrilled with your Geomancer. You might try branching out a little.

LOL are you joking? bards with trans glamours can give like 4 afflictions.

Ignore posts like this, they're just wrong.

mm no like four of my skills give out the same afflictions and most of our attacks are random so when pure chance dictates if our offence will be good thats just blah.

also id say mage either telepath or telekensis is the best chance for a single trans fighter.

Okay, so, another question: what's a good race for Knight-types in general?

For fighting monsters, go monk with trans kata+ specialization.

for pvp, I usually get owned by telepaths, takes very little money investment besides bromides, I think.. Forren, Munsia and a few others are telepaths, best to ask them

You can be a good fighter with a trans main skill in ANY class, if you know how to use it

I also suggest buying a curing system, if you don't have one

Yeah, no, completely untrue. You simply can't fight as a guardian or wiccan without tritrans or damn close.

Krokani, are probably the best warrior class and with no doubt the best Bonecrusher class.
shadow faeling are ok two i guess

Krokani, Taurian, Aslaran are usually the more popular choice. Loboshigaru, Orclach, Igasho and Tae'dae (if the slowness doesn't bother you) can also fare well as a warrior. Humans are only good at the higher levels (80+).

ShadowFae are great as bonecrushers. Maybe too great. It's the way the spec is set up-- lots of good less-wounding-required afflictions that the speed can take advantage of.

Not quite as powerful at other specs (but not really all that bad any more!).

If playing in Magnagora, Viscanti are considered a favored race: however, their sip penalty might prove a little brutal for you. Orclach are considered a very good starting race due to their increased ability to take punishment. Humans, while initially weak, will evolve over time to become much more powerful as you level up, to say nothing of the XP bonus. Loboshigaru and Taurians are also considered acceptable, as are Krokani. Really, though: follow your heart. As long as you don't pick a race more suited to being a mage (eg. poor STR but high INT), any race will probably have its advantages over time.

From my experience, as a Knight, I'd play with either Loboshigaru, Krokani, or Aslaran. But sip penalties on health is really hard when you're new and don't really know what's going on. I like my Lobo... Lots and lots, actually.

*laughs* And I ahve to say that I've had more luck and more fun as a monk than I ever did as a warrior, though that's mainly a choice of personal type.