exhibit_a
05-11-2004, 18:33
I had a thought last night and I followed through and created the following guide. My thought was that all the guides out there are, without exception, are focused on skills, numbers and game mechanics. After a while, there are only so many ways things can be put together. That in mind, I decided to write a series of 'style' guides. These guides focus more on the background of the Diablo 2 world, and attempt to put a character in with the story of his type. The most logical place, I felt, to start this is with Barbarians.
The following guide is just that, a guideline. It offers general ideas for weapon, skill and equipment choices. It is meant to be used with your imagination. The character should be fleshed out with more in mind as to what he -is- rather than what he can do. There is no math, no 'uber gear', and no set of skills that must be followed. In the end, you decide the placement of skill points and the like, I just am providing a rough framework for your choices. I doubt any of this will be useful for those doing PvP, and I am not sure if any of this would be viable in difficulties past Nightmare. If anyone wants to test and let me know, feel free.
In closing, I just really cranked out this guide quickly, so there may be some errors or unfinished areas. I'll fix them up if there is an interest in this sort of thing. if not, then it is time well saved :) I have minorly fleshed out some of the others, and will post them based on the reaction to this one.
(Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting the game is a RPG, nor am I suggesting any RP or 'in character' playing. This is simply an experiment on a new way to build a character. I suspect more fun will be had by playing through the whole game with these 'themes', rather than power leveling. Lastly, I borrowed some wording here and there from Arreat Summit, as well as some of the ideas there. If anyone is offended.. I'm sorry.)
Oh..and I know my spelling sucks. If folks want to see more, I'll fix up everything then.
================================================== =======
Introduction:
There are many tribes of nomads who roam the steppes of the North. Those in more civilized areas have dubbed these folk "Barbarians". These groups of nomads are losely tied together in a tribal structure, each depending on others in his tribe for all day to day living needs. The Barbarian Tribes are each dedicated to a totem animal, and so each takes it's name, practices and spirituality from that animal. Over the ages, they have developed unique fighting styles and attitudes towards the world around them, all based on the traits of these animals.
While many believe the barbarian tribes eschew the use of magics and complex machinery, this is not entirely true. Some tribes see magic as a tool to be used, while others refuse it all cost. Each tribe maintains its own belief on that issue.
Shadow Wolf Tribe:
The Shadow Wolf is so named because of its smokey grey color and its ability to remain near-motionless. Often, the wolf will seem to appear from nothingness, striking at prey or silently observing. Rarely seen alone, these wolves hunt bears and large roaming breeds of Elk that are common in the north.
The Shadow Wolf tribe are a tireless nomadic people. The "pack" is always on the move, always hunting and rarely in the same place for more than a few nights. They hold the shadow wolf in the highest of regards, often leaving wounded animals out to ease the pack's hunger in the darkest and coldest of winters.
While this tribe abhors the use of magic , claiming the use of such a thing weakens a warrior, they are credited with creating the warcry "Howl' and teaching it to the other tribes. Once the target starts to flee, the warriors of the wolf tribe give chase in a pack-like hunt. Rarely does thier target ever escape. It is said they gained the inspiration for this cry from the howl of the shadow wolf, which as legend would have it, is heard by those who are about to die.
"For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,
and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack."
Basic Strategy: I am including this section because many still like their common build styles. The most obvious that comes to mind for a Shadow Wolf Warrior would be the wolfbarb, though frenzybarbs are also a good choice.
Skills and Attributes:
Shadow Wolf warriors value speed, stamina and many accurate strikes as opposed to a swift, damaging kill. Dex is just as valuable as strength, and like any barbarian, vitality is all important. Energy? Bah..that's for magic using folk.
Masteries:
Axe Mastery: Barbarian warriors of the Shadow Wolf Tribe are masters of the axe. Through the axe, they sought to match the swiping claws and the biting teeth of the wolves with which they lived and fought beside.
Increased Speed: With amazing bursts of speed, these warriors can harry and bring down any that try and escape them. It is a favored Shadow Wolf tactic to use Howl to frighten their opponant, and then follow behind, offering quick cuts to weaken them. They will refresh their use of the warcry often to continue this dance. Many times, the prey drops from exaustion or terror..whichever comes first.
Warcries:
Howl and Battle Cry: Rare is the Shadow Wolf warrior who does not use these two together. Fear is a powerful weapon, and few wield it as well as those of this tribe.
Combat Skills:
Frenzy: Nothing is more fearsome than a frenzied pack of wolves. Each fang bares and snaps in a rapid, snarling mass of painful death. The warriors of this tribe have learned to associate themselves with the pure rage it takes to drive such a thing. They harness it to build their speed and to damage their foe.
Leap Attack: Mimicing the attack style of the Shadow Wolf, the warrior will often leap and bring down a single member of the 'herd'. This sends fear to the rest, and with the aid of a single howl, the chase can begin for the next.
Equipment:
General:
Shadow Wolf tribesmen do not trust nor use magic. However, they feel enchantments on armor are acceptable due to the fact that all armor or weapons are mearly tools. Magic makes these better tools and so therefore is acceptable..in that context only. They will -never- accept armor or weapons which grant any magical or spell like ability, nor will they ever adapt paladin auras. The only exception to this are thoes spells which honor the wolf, and rare is the armor which has this ability. Spirits are part of the normal order of the world, and the summoning of them is never considered magical. This is a prime example of barbarian logic.
These warriors prize the following attributes on armor and weapons: -x to light radius, Open Wounds, +x to dexterity, +x life regeneration, +faster run speed, decreased freeze duration or 'cannot be frozen", and increased attack speed.
Shields:
Warriors of the Shadow Wolf Tribe tend to hunt in packs and so will often equip two axes instead of using a shield. However, every warrior knows a time will come when they must go out into the world alone to ponder a great many things. It is in these times when they know a shield is required.
Oddly enough, they view no single shield as any better than any other.
Helms:
The Legendary helm "Wolfhowl" was forged by a master smith of the Shadow Wolf Tribe. It is the rare Shadow Wolf warrior who does not view it as his life's quest to bring it back to the tribe..and on his head.
The runeword helm "Silence" is another vauled helm to members of this tribe. The use of runes is not seen as magic, as the power is in the name of the item. yet another distinction of barbarian logic.
Weapons:
The axe is the only weapon. Two handed or single handed makes little difference. Any axe which does "Open Wounds" is prefered as well as high AR, as many small wolf bites bring down prey rather than one large hit. Elemental damage is acceptable, however spells such as Iron Maiden, or Decrepify are not. No self respecting Shadow Wolf warrior would ever use poison...or so they will tell you. (its use is not unheard of in these dark times. Some warriors do use it...they just don't brag about it. )
Shadow Wolf warriors view bear as prey. Therfore, they will never construct a Beast Runeword, while on the otherhand, they value the runeword "Cresent Moon" as almost a sacred weapon. Those warriors which create the "Fury" runeword are often mistrusted afterwards. It is believed they have pushed themselves too far into the beastial nature of their totem. They are given a wide berth, few want to upset a warrior with that much rage at his command. The runes to make "Passion" are often sought out, and many younger warriors consider owning one of these axes to be a mark of prowess. There is care to be had though, for those that call upon the weapon's spirit too often are said to carry the 'Stench of the Wolverine". "Kingslayer" is another often sought out runeword as is "Famine", for those who are poorly skilled in the runic arts. As a final note, the runeword "Doom" would never be made, and even mentioning it casts shadows on a warrior's honor.
Armor:
To these warriors, armor is more a matter of function than form. They will use anything which suits them best. As stated however, armors which cast spells upon being hit, or mimic a paladin's auras are avoided at all costs..even if such an armor could be useful. It is said that the Shadow Wolf tribe invented two of the more known runewords in the realm, specifically for their own warriors. These names were kept secret for many ages until the knowledge was tricked from them. Legend has it that a member of the Snow Tick tribe, a tribe known for trusting magic too much, tricked a Shadow Wolf warrior into teaching him the words, and then brought the knowledge to others ...for a price of course. These two words are "Gloom" and "Duress".
The release of this secret is the source of the open animosity the two tribes display towards each other.
Sets:
Berserker's Arsenal
Hsarus Defense
Iratha's Finery
Famous Shadow Wolf Warriors: Qual-Kehk
================================================== =====
Comments welcome.
The following guide is just that, a guideline. It offers general ideas for weapon, skill and equipment choices. It is meant to be used with your imagination. The character should be fleshed out with more in mind as to what he -is- rather than what he can do. There is no math, no 'uber gear', and no set of skills that must be followed. In the end, you decide the placement of skill points and the like, I just am providing a rough framework for your choices. I doubt any of this will be useful for those doing PvP, and I am not sure if any of this would be viable in difficulties past Nightmare. If anyone wants to test and let me know, feel free.
In closing, I just really cranked out this guide quickly, so there may be some errors or unfinished areas. I'll fix them up if there is an interest in this sort of thing. if not, then it is time well saved :) I have minorly fleshed out some of the others, and will post them based on the reaction to this one.
(Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting the game is a RPG, nor am I suggesting any RP or 'in character' playing. This is simply an experiment on a new way to build a character. I suspect more fun will be had by playing through the whole game with these 'themes', rather than power leveling. Lastly, I borrowed some wording here and there from Arreat Summit, as well as some of the ideas there. If anyone is offended.. I'm sorry.)
Oh..and I know my spelling sucks. If folks want to see more, I'll fix up everything then.
================================================== =======
Introduction:
There are many tribes of nomads who roam the steppes of the North. Those in more civilized areas have dubbed these folk "Barbarians". These groups of nomads are losely tied together in a tribal structure, each depending on others in his tribe for all day to day living needs. The Barbarian Tribes are each dedicated to a totem animal, and so each takes it's name, practices and spirituality from that animal. Over the ages, they have developed unique fighting styles and attitudes towards the world around them, all based on the traits of these animals.
While many believe the barbarian tribes eschew the use of magics and complex machinery, this is not entirely true. Some tribes see magic as a tool to be used, while others refuse it all cost. Each tribe maintains its own belief on that issue.
Shadow Wolf Tribe:
The Shadow Wolf is so named because of its smokey grey color and its ability to remain near-motionless. Often, the wolf will seem to appear from nothingness, striking at prey or silently observing. Rarely seen alone, these wolves hunt bears and large roaming breeds of Elk that are common in the north.
The Shadow Wolf tribe are a tireless nomadic people. The "pack" is always on the move, always hunting and rarely in the same place for more than a few nights. They hold the shadow wolf in the highest of regards, often leaving wounded animals out to ease the pack's hunger in the darkest and coldest of winters.
While this tribe abhors the use of magic , claiming the use of such a thing weakens a warrior, they are credited with creating the warcry "Howl' and teaching it to the other tribes. Once the target starts to flee, the warriors of the wolf tribe give chase in a pack-like hunt. Rarely does thier target ever escape. It is said they gained the inspiration for this cry from the howl of the shadow wolf, which as legend would have it, is heard by those who are about to die.
"For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,
and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack."
Basic Strategy: I am including this section because many still like their common build styles. The most obvious that comes to mind for a Shadow Wolf Warrior would be the wolfbarb, though frenzybarbs are also a good choice.
Skills and Attributes:
Shadow Wolf warriors value speed, stamina and many accurate strikes as opposed to a swift, damaging kill. Dex is just as valuable as strength, and like any barbarian, vitality is all important. Energy? Bah..that's for magic using folk.
Masteries:
Axe Mastery: Barbarian warriors of the Shadow Wolf Tribe are masters of the axe. Through the axe, they sought to match the swiping claws and the biting teeth of the wolves with which they lived and fought beside.
Increased Speed: With amazing bursts of speed, these warriors can harry and bring down any that try and escape them. It is a favored Shadow Wolf tactic to use Howl to frighten their opponant, and then follow behind, offering quick cuts to weaken them. They will refresh their use of the warcry often to continue this dance. Many times, the prey drops from exaustion or terror..whichever comes first.
Warcries:
Howl and Battle Cry: Rare is the Shadow Wolf warrior who does not use these two together. Fear is a powerful weapon, and few wield it as well as those of this tribe.
Combat Skills:
Frenzy: Nothing is more fearsome than a frenzied pack of wolves. Each fang bares and snaps in a rapid, snarling mass of painful death. The warriors of this tribe have learned to associate themselves with the pure rage it takes to drive such a thing. They harness it to build their speed and to damage their foe.
Leap Attack: Mimicing the attack style of the Shadow Wolf, the warrior will often leap and bring down a single member of the 'herd'. This sends fear to the rest, and with the aid of a single howl, the chase can begin for the next.
Equipment:
General:
Shadow Wolf tribesmen do not trust nor use magic. However, they feel enchantments on armor are acceptable due to the fact that all armor or weapons are mearly tools. Magic makes these better tools and so therefore is acceptable..in that context only. They will -never- accept armor or weapons which grant any magical or spell like ability, nor will they ever adapt paladin auras. The only exception to this are thoes spells which honor the wolf, and rare is the armor which has this ability. Spirits are part of the normal order of the world, and the summoning of them is never considered magical. This is a prime example of barbarian logic.
These warriors prize the following attributes on armor and weapons: -x to light radius, Open Wounds, +x to dexterity, +x life regeneration, +faster run speed, decreased freeze duration or 'cannot be frozen", and increased attack speed.
Shields:
Warriors of the Shadow Wolf Tribe tend to hunt in packs and so will often equip two axes instead of using a shield. However, every warrior knows a time will come when they must go out into the world alone to ponder a great many things. It is in these times when they know a shield is required.
Oddly enough, they view no single shield as any better than any other.
Helms:
The Legendary helm "Wolfhowl" was forged by a master smith of the Shadow Wolf Tribe. It is the rare Shadow Wolf warrior who does not view it as his life's quest to bring it back to the tribe..and on his head.
The runeword helm "Silence" is another vauled helm to members of this tribe. The use of runes is not seen as magic, as the power is in the name of the item. yet another distinction of barbarian logic.
Weapons:
The axe is the only weapon. Two handed or single handed makes little difference. Any axe which does "Open Wounds" is prefered as well as high AR, as many small wolf bites bring down prey rather than one large hit. Elemental damage is acceptable, however spells such as Iron Maiden, or Decrepify are not. No self respecting Shadow Wolf warrior would ever use poison...or so they will tell you. (its use is not unheard of in these dark times. Some warriors do use it...they just don't brag about it. )
Shadow Wolf warriors view bear as prey. Therfore, they will never construct a Beast Runeword, while on the otherhand, they value the runeword "Cresent Moon" as almost a sacred weapon. Those warriors which create the "Fury" runeword are often mistrusted afterwards. It is believed they have pushed themselves too far into the beastial nature of their totem. They are given a wide berth, few want to upset a warrior with that much rage at his command. The runes to make "Passion" are often sought out, and many younger warriors consider owning one of these axes to be a mark of prowess. There is care to be had though, for those that call upon the weapon's spirit too often are said to carry the 'Stench of the Wolverine". "Kingslayer" is another often sought out runeword as is "Famine", for those who are poorly skilled in the runic arts. As a final note, the runeword "Doom" would never be made, and even mentioning it casts shadows on a warrior's honor.
Armor:
To these warriors, armor is more a matter of function than form. They will use anything which suits them best. As stated however, armors which cast spells upon being hit, or mimic a paladin's auras are avoided at all costs..even if such an armor could be useful. It is said that the Shadow Wolf tribe invented two of the more known runewords in the realm, specifically for their own warriors. These names were kept secret for many ages until the knowledge was tricked from them. Legend has it that a member of the Snow Tick tribe, a tribe known for trusting magic too much, tricked a Shadow Wolf warrior into teaching him the words, and then brought the knowledge to others ...for a price of course. These two words are "Gloom" and "Duress".
The release of this secret is the source of the open animosity the two tribes display towards each other.
Sets:
Berserker's Arsenal
Hsarus Defense
Iratha's Finery
Famous Shadow Wolf Warriors: Qual-Kehk
================================================== =====
Comments welcome.