Support NeoGAF

[Shake Appeal]

They aren't as flashy as Monks/Rogues but they probably have the highest powergamey ceiling in Path of Damned. You just have to build the entire party around Carnage and let the gibs fly.

My real issue with Barbarians is basically with the attributes system, namely that to powergame a Barbarian you should pump INT. Which is kinda bizarre from an RP point of view.

Same thing with RES actually not being very useful for most Paladin and Priest builds.

 

[Anno]

The manual is up on Steam:

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/291650/manuals/pe-game-manual.pdf?t=1427236869

Wait that's a significant change to miss/graze, right? And even to crit?

 

[Chairman Yang]

My real issue with Barbarians is basically with the attributes system, namely that to powergame a Barbarian you should pump INT. Which is kinda bizarre from an RP point of view.

Same thing with RES actually not being very useful for most Paladin and Priest builds.

The intelligent Barbarian's a pretty common archetype, I've found. Even Conan himself fits the mold and is much more than a dumb brute.

 

[Sir Garbageman]

The manual is up on Steam:

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/291650/manuals/pe-game-manual.pdf?t=1427236869

Manual states that INT affects AOE size while RES effects the duration of all effects and abilities, that's a change from the most recent backer beta right?

 

[JC Sera]

My real issue with Barbarians is basically with the attributes system, namely that to powergame a Barbarian you should pump INT. Which is kinda bizarre from an RP point of view.

Same thing with RES actually not being very useful for most Paladin and Priest builds.

RES is pretty important for priests, being interrupted sucks
(unless I missed something and they have really short cast times?)

To be honest I'm really happy with the attribute system, its a bit more abstract moving away from D&D and more towards stuff like Apocalypse World.

Intellect represents a character's logic and reasoning capabilities. In interactions, it can be useful for deduction, sudden realizations, and problem-solving.

Also INT isn't how learned you are, thats the Lore stat. I feel like you could explain the Barbarian high INT as clarity and decision making despite reckless bloodrage, if its really bothering you that much.

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

Your account will be delayed until release day if you're not careful son

Make a dragon wanna retire, man.

 

[Pinko Marx]

My real issue with Barbarians is basically with the attributes system, namely that to powergame a Barbarian you should pump INT. Which is kinda bizarre from an RP point of view.

Same thing with RES actually not being very useful for most Paladin and Priest builds.

Barbarians aren't dumb cavemen, just wild and untamed.

 

[Shake Appeal]

The intelligent Barbarian's a pretty common archetype, I've found. Even Conan himself fits the mold and is much more than a dumb brute.

Sure, and I think they could have allowed for that by rebalancing INT so it's not such a great stat for most classes. As it is, the Barbarian in PoE depends on AoE attacks, and AoE is determined solely by your intelligence. It's arguably the most important Barbarian attribute.

RES is pretty important for priests, being interrupted sucks
(unless I missed something and they have really short cast times?)

I think it's more that right now the effects of increased Interrupt/Concentration are relatively minor. Minmaxers are stacking Perception and Resolve on tanks for the Deflection bonuses and dumping those stats on everyone else.

 

[GECK]

The intelligent Barbarian's a pretty common archetype, I've found. Even Conan himself fits the mold and is much more than a dumb brute.

Also the Bloody-Nine.

Barbarians in POE are just fighters with reckless style. Acting like all Barbs have to be dumb based on cherry-picked fantasy tropes makes no sense.

 

[draetenth]

I'm so ready for this game.

 

[TrueMenace]

Manual states that INT affects AOE size while RES effects the duration of all effects and abilities, that's a change from the most recent backer beta right?

MANUAL IS OUTDATED.

Int still +aoe +dur, resolve still sucks

 

[GordonHalfman]

Manual states that INT affects AOE size while RES effects the duration of all effects and abilities, that's a change from the most recent backer beta right?

Think that's just a mistake since it's inconsistent with the stuff in Table 1 at the end of the manual.

EDIT, wait that table says Dex still affects accuracy so the table is even more outdated ... er probably ignore everything about attributes in there.

 

[Remmy2112]

I have a question regarding shields from the backer beta. My character's accuracy without a shield is 55 and a medium shield (heater) says that it applies -5 accuracy when equipped and a large shield -10. Problem is the medium is applying -15 accuracy and the large shield -20. Is that a bug, an erroneous tooltip, or do shields always have a flat -10 accuracy and medium and large just have -5/-10 more?

 

[ThoseDeafMutes]

Barbarians aren't dumb cavemen, just wild and untamed.

Right, but it is indeed strange to think that an average barbarian is highly intelligent while an average fighter is not. Just based on what you imagine these classes to be, it should be equally important or unimportant to both of these things. It's just a sort of weird mechanical quirk that will result in Barbarians being on average extremely intelligent compared to a lot of other classes.

 

[Shake Appeal]

Resolve should boost AoE. That'd work more thematically with Paladins, Chanters and Barbarians, who all use a lot of AoE passives or abilities.

Intelligence could affect Duration alone and still be a very important stat for most classes. As it is, it's the stat (next to Might, which is vital on everyone that isn't a pure support) for many classes, and the second or third most important one for almost all the rest.

And Perception is truly weak since they changed it affecting Accuracy. There's a pretty heated debate on the forums about the (companion attribute spoiler)

Spoiler

16 Perception Aloth has, because it's basically useless for most mage builds and makes him a lot less useful.

 

[ivb_1973]

http://poedevtracker.net/

This will prove useful to you, if you want to follow developers messages on obsidian forums.

I think I'm going to bed, so tomorrow I wake up with a steam key and some digital goodies (hope so :3)

 

[GordonHalfman]

I have a question regarding shields from the backer beta. My character's accuracy without a shield is 55 and a medium shield (heater) says that it applies -5 accuracy when equipped and a large shield -10. Problem is the medium is applying -15 accuracy and the large shield -20. Is that a bug, an erroneous tooltip, or do shields always have a flat -10 accuracy and medium and large just have -5/-10 more?

Remember you get +10 accuracy from equipping a one handed weapon by itself.

 

[QFNS]

The manual is up on Steam:

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/291650/manuals/pe-game-manual.pdf?t=1427236869

This is awesome! Something PoE related to look at while I wait for the next couple days.

I'm ok from a RP standpoint with a Barbarian with high INT, but you have to play it the right way. In theory, skills should be telling you what sorts of knowledge a PC has as opposed to stats which are the inherent traits of that PC. A high INT means the PC is clever (or in this setting maybe Wise as well?) and strategic, things that don't necessarily need to come from book learning.

IMO, the way to RP a "dumb" Barbarian would be to pump Might and Resolve and just Frenzy forever. It might not be effective, but it should be fun!

EDIT: Manual is apparently outdated. Oh well. Frenzy forever still needs INT. RIP Barb dreams.

 

[GECK]

Right, but it is indeed strange to think that an average barbarian is highly intelligent while an average fighter is not. Just based on what you imagine these classes to be, it should be equally important or unimportant to both of these things. It's just a sort of weird mechanical quirk that will result in Barbarians being on average extremely intelligent compared to a lot of other classes.

INT is arguably the best stat for most of the classes, sooo not really.

 

[JC Sera]

INT is arguably the best stat for most of the classes, sooo not really.

I feel like you at least need high INT either/or MIG for each class.

Also for those who have played the beta backer, can you apply the items in your quick bar to allies during combat?

On the issue of Resolve, one hidden bonus I've seen so far is it unlocks some pretty cool RP dialogue, to the point I would consider making a high Resolve character to RP.

 

[LurkerPrime]

Right, but it is indeed strange to think that an average barbarian is highly intelligent while an average fighter is not. Just based on what you imagine these classes to be, it should be equally important or unimportant to both of these things. It's just a sort of weird mechanical quirk that will result in Barbarians being on average extremely intelligent compared to a lot of other classes.

Isn't is basically like classical D&D wizards vs. sorcerers? (training vs. talent)

The manual is up on Steam:

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/291650/manuals/pe-game-manual.pdf?t=1427236869

Awesome! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Pinko Marx]

Sure, and I think they could have allowed for that by rebalancing INT so it's not such a great stat for most classes. As it is, the Barbarian in PoE depends on AoE attacks, and AoE is determined solely by your intelligence. It's arguably the most important Barbarian attribute.

Right, but it is indeed strange to think that an average barbarian is highly intelligent while an average fighter is not. Just based on what you imagine these classes to be, it should be equally important or unimportant to both of these things. It's just a sort of weird mechanical quirk that will result in Barbarians being on average extremely intelligent compared to a lot of other classes.

Resolve should boost AoE. That'd work more thematically with Paladins, Chanters and Barbarians, who all use a lot of AoE passives or abilities.

Intelligence could affect Duration alone and still be a very important stat for most classes. As it is, it's the stat (next to Might, which is vital on everyone that isn't a pure support) for many classes, and the second or third most important one for almost all the rest.

And Perception is truly weak since they changed it affecting Accuracy. There's a pretty heated debate on the forums about the (companion attribute spoiler)

Spoiler

16 Perception Aloth has, because it's basically useless for most mage builds and makes him a lot less useful.

These are all pretty fair criticism. Could there be a mod that comes out changing these stats around, or would that be too complex?

 

[~Kinggi~]

The hype is moving smoothly itt but more must flow

 

[JC Sera]

These are all pretty fair criticism. Could there be a mod that comes out changing these stats around, or would that be too complex?

From the Collectors volume, it shows all enemies & monsters stats are attribute based, so it could potentially throw the entire difficulty balancing out of whack.

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

I'm thinking I might pick Cipher for my class. I have no idea what race to choose. Anything that would compliment a psychic fighter?

 

[GordonHalfman]

Also for those who have played the beta backer, can you apply the items in your quick bar to allies during combat?

I know potions can't be targeted, you only use them on yourself.

 

[Shake Appeal]

These are all pretty fair criticism. Could there be a mod that comes out changing these stats around, or would that be too complex?

I think the level of rebalancing involved might be beyond fans, but who knows. I'm not in the backer beta and haven't followed the game carefully until the last few weeks, but I believe what the attributes affect has changed quite a lot since the game first went live (Resolve used to govern Duration? Perception used to affect Accuracy?). They may continue to change going forward if Obsidian feel they need to.

Right now, it's sadly reminding me of Wasteland 2, where optimal builds sit uncomfortably with the RP aspect. I always try to balance my game choices with character concepts, and I'll usually let the latter win out, but PoE has some quirks I'm not wild about.

 

[Enduin]

These are all pretty fair criticism. Could there be a mod that comes out changing these stats around, or would that be too complex?

Probably wouldn't be that hard to mod. Also wouldn't be too surprised if Obsidian didn't tweak things like this themselves in future updates, though that would only apply to new games unless they allow for respecing which I doubt they will.

 

[petghost]

Yeah int and might seem omnipresent in most of the builds I've seen. Kinda wish attributes effected each class differently in the old way but I get the appeal of universal stuff. Seems like people are dumping stuff like con.

I just hope something like resolve or whatever isn't super important for conversation etc because it seems less useful for practical builds...I wanna have my cake and eat it too I guess and I wouldn't wanna have a shitty conversation build for the sake of being good at combat or vice versa.

 

[JC Sera]

Yeah int and might seem omnipresent in most of the builds I've seen. Kinda wish attributes effected each class differently in the old way but I get the appeal of universal stuff. Seems like people are dumping stuff like con.

I just hope something like resolve or whatever isn't super important for conversation etc because it seems less useful for practical builds...I wanna have my cake and eat it too I guess.

Resolve actually gives some really good RP options unfortunately

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

Pre-loads available on Steam, just restart.

 

[TrueMenace]

Ok this manual is SEVERELY outdated. Must have been made when the backer beta was released last year, ugh.

 

[vocab]

Tough to choose which race I want my monk.

 

[Pinko Marx]

Tough to choose which race I want my monk.

Going for a female human-based nature godlike, simply for the aesthetic value.

 

[Shake Appeal]

Tough to choose which race I want my monk.

If you want synergy, Godlike work very well, especially Fire Godlike.

 

[Tovarisc]

Pre-loads available on Steam, just restart.

And so backers weep more tears as non-backers get to download goodies to their HDD :b

Spoiler

I want my key :/

 

[Lostconfused]

The intelligent Barbarian's a pretty common archetype, I've found. Even Conan himself fits the mold and is much more than a dumb brute.

They were adventure movies, he might as well be Indiana Jones. Both characters are capable of action but overcome mystical forces through cleverness and trickery. Well also sometimes help from others.

 

[PrimeRib_]

Okay, am I a fool for purchasing the "Early Access Beta Key" pledge just now and expecting a key to suddenly pop in my email?

I'm seriously jonesing for this game, to the point I probably just blew $25 to play a beta form of the game for 1-2 days.

 

[~Kinggi~]

Okay, am I a fool for purchasing the "Early Access Beta Key" pledge just now and expecting a key to suddenly pop in my email?

I'm seriously jonesing for this game, to the point I probably just blew $25 to play a beta form of the game for 1-2 days.

yikes!

 

[Pinko Marx]

Okay, am I a fool for purchasing the "Early Access Beta Key" pledge just now and expecting a key to suddenly pop in my email?

I'm seriously jonesing for this game, to the point I probably just blew $25 to play a beta form of the game for 1-2 days.

Yup. Ya blew it.

 

[Pancakes]

Man, this game looks perfect to scratch that isometric itch I've had since finishing Divinity:OS. With this, Bloodborne, and Witcher 3, the next few months will be really busy.

 

[JC Sera]

And so backers weep more tears as non-backers get to download goodies to their HDD :b

Spoiler

I want my key :/

If it makes you feel better I payed $45 for it
Have shit net that will take 10+ hours to download it
And not enough space on the only computer I own to pre-load it

 

[Enduin]

Now I'm getting legit annoyed we still don't have rewards available. I really wanted to get a chance to read the backer material before the game released but at this point I won't have much time. I can only goof off at work so much Obsidian.

 

[TrueMenace]

Manual Errata is up:
http://eternity.obsidian.net/manual/errata

 

[PrimeRib_]

Yup. Ya blew it.

 

[Violet_0]

resolve/intellect/perception seem to be the must-have stats for RP characters, and it appears only intellect gives you any real advantages in combat. I guess you need to pick a class that doesn't absolutely need might, dexterity or vitality so you can dump points in the 'lesser' attributes

 

[JC Sera]

Manual Errata is up:
http://eternity.obsidian.net/manual/errata

nice

also I also love/hate that the

Spoiler

benevolent and good God Priests can choose is Eothas.

Which is gonna suck seeing as

Spoiler

Eothas worship is banned in a fair few places due to the war

Seems like such a pitfall for the unwary.

 

[a very cute dog]

Do you get the game through both GOG and Steam, or was there a choice when claiming your reward on the backer site? I don't remember.

 

[Tovarisc]

Manual Errata is up:
http://eternity.obsidian.net/manual/errata

I actually had to google what "Errata" means, well today I learned at least one new thing :b

Is it just me or is it little mind blowing that they knowingly would put out of date manual into distribution?

 

[Dandy Lyin]

Do you get the game through both GOG and Steam, or was there a choice when claiming your reward on the backer site? I don't remember.

You will have to choose between GOG and Steam when you claim your key.