This is a Total Recall. John repeat: THIS IS A TOTAL RECALL!
The reason why being that trying to do a post on dealing with hunts at Barovia is now looking more like a chore than something John do without any unwanted hassle. Perhaps it's because it's been a very long time since John last did a post on Neverwinter and it didn't help that he's now gaming less and... bumming more? Either way, the future now looks 50-50. Whatever that means... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So what will this post cover?
Basically, John will cover Vikov Ulrich's weekly plus the remaining three weekly starting quests after you got past the lupine Chippendales brigade and successfully rescued Taeyeon from their damaging clutches. At the same time, John will record some of his reactions involving the new changes to the Hunter Ranger. Please note that the reactions are based on his experience in using the combat HR. Therefore, you all can look up elsewhere if you're running either the archery or trapper tree.
Best NPC in this mod?
In the popular culture where might makes right and right makes might, the key word is might. We all know winners tend to display machismo. It doesn't matter whether you're a sexist or feminist because power plays a major role in either might making right or right making might. Actually, there's nothing wrong with it if we're dealing with usage of creativity. The problem comes when the audience decided to favour power level over the human level. Allow John to elaborate via these two vids below.
Why Wonder Woman is so wonderful lies in her power level. As for Emiya Kiritsugu, the reason behind his high-end character value lies in his humanity. In a culture of power-worship, the human factor should never be seen as the second fiddle.
And this is why Vikov Ulrich is the standout NPC in Barovia. You have Ezmerelda d'Avenir the standard heroine. You have Szoldar Szoldarovich the dour hunter. You have Danika Dorakova the know-all lady. The three of them did display traits of heroism, but no humane weakness of note. In fact, one could say Strahd von Zarovich's unrequited love shown via Marina would seem more human than a bunch of SWAT team out to take him down. No one ever said Strahd was the good guy, John is NOT saying you shouldn't patronise the likes of Drizzt Do'Urden. John is just trying to remind everybody that the human factor should never be playing second fiddle to power level. This is where stuff like Berserk and Hellsing succeeded over many other works, even those from the West.
[Arylos saw a haunted soul in that one-eyed hunter. Vikov spent his entire lifetime chasing demons and being pursued by them, a vicious cycle reflecting the dark and mad world they're living in. He didn't have Ezmerelda's reputation, neither did he boast of Szoldar's fortitude and Danika's wisdom. Yet more than anyone else here, Vikov Ulrich was both a Barovian and Barovia itself. Had he drawn a different lot, he'd be the finest Chosen guided by Kelemvor's unyielding hand. Even better than the Left Hand of Kelemvor by his own guess.]
Gestapo or KGB, does it matter to Strahd?
Vikov's weekly starter involves getting the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. This should be very straightforward because you're effectively dealing with enemies in the open-world zone of Berez. In fact, Berez is the only part in the campaign where you don't have to enter a separate instance to make your heroic presence known. Once you completed the starter quest, your weekly quest would involve killing the feds under Strahd's command. Actually, it doesn't matter whether they should be called the feds, Gestapo, or KGB. Let alone the Mossad. They're spies. And spies fight like assassins, not warriors.
Let's get to the starter quest first. In the Barovia map, there are 3 places where the wine bottle would pop up. The fountain where you get the bird symbol (not to be confused with another bird symbol resembling the Roman eagle at the Whispering Wood) is one of them. So yeah, there's a chance to get a side-quest without running too much. This wine bottle is every gamer's dream side-quest. Once you get the source of Barovian comfort, all you need is to run back to base and give that dull-witted barkeep that nice bottle of Champagne du le Stomp (Note: Apparently, there's a bit of French and German influence in Ravenloft considering this and the fact that Von used to be a title for German aristocracy until the nation gave elitism the red card). Seriously, that place is so depressing that getting either drunk or stoned is the only reprieve one can afford. And you think it sucks to be Jolin living in Yishun? At least you don't see random Groots running about in the neighbourhood.
After finishing the starter, you can do the weekly. Interestingly, the weekly and starter are available at the same time. Quite likely a bug because you'll need that bird symbol to blow some cover. The weekly is very straightforward. John wouldn't call it easy, but there's a reason why any lfg request involving the weeklies would only cover the lupine Chippendales brigade and the three old women of the Old Bonemill. The weekly is so straightforward, no one would bother to lfg it. Just run around in the village of Barovia and force a lie-detector test on any local. This weekly involves 4 duels. 3 of them involving the agents and the last one involving the master spy. The vampire agent is more difficult than any member of the lupine Chippendales brigade (apart from the four pack leaders). They're harder to kill mainly because there's a chance of zero damage despite landing a hit (which means they either have auto-dodge or their deflection game is just plain crazy). Not just the spies, but effectively every vampire you see in Berez. However, there's a flip side. Because the quest takes place in the village of Barovia, your chance of getting random help is definitely higher than some Toto Tan trying to strike the first prize. Not just the agents, but also the master spy himself.
Effectively, you're going around in the ruins of Berez until you reach the final part. Which would be duelling with a vampire boss. It's not that hard, but dealing with the control effect can be dodgy. The enemies in Berez are control-based as in you'd need some decent control resistance to deal with them. In fact, Barovia is the only map where control-based enemies can be a problem. More specifically, Berez. So prepare to pop a superior potion of fortification unless you're confident that you can survive a prolonged chokehold. Otherwise, go for at least a rank 1 Raven's Cunning boon first. Remember, vampires in Barovia are the control specialists (for some funny reason, the standard vampire is harder to kill compared to the honor guard. Makes you wonder how useful your job title truly is).
Effectively, you're going around in the ruins of Berez until you reach the final part. Which would be duelling with a vampire boss. It's not that hard, but dealing with the control effect can be dodgy. The enemies in Berez are control-based as in you'd need some decent control resistance to deal with them. In fact, Barovia is the only map where control-based enemies can be a problem. More specifically, Berez. So prepare to pop a superior potion of fortification unless you're confident that you can survive a prolonged chokehold. Otherwise, go for at least a rank 1 Raven's Cunning boon first. Remember, vampires in Barovia are the control specialists (for some funny reason, the standard vampire is harder to kill compared to the honor guard. Makes you wonder how useful your job title truly is).
In the event where you're on your own, just make sure you have something to fall back on once you got controlled. Control attacks do come out very fast when it comes to the vampires. This is definitely unlike dealing with a (half) naked wolf dude where you can see the knockdown pounce five steps ahead (mainly because that fellow would turn>run>pounce). With enough practice, you should have a 50-50 chance of running away from the vampire pounce. The choking part, however, is that sniper's bullet. Preferably, you should fire back with your own control attack so that you have enough time to pop a healing potion. Either that or you use it as a platform to counter-attack. Dealing with vampires do require some decent counter-attacking. But they're not the worst controller enemies you get to face. The worst ones would be those Vistani hunters in the merchant rescue heroic encounter as they will slow you down while the warlocks lit their balls on fire. Not to mention as well the great weapon fighters whacking you up close and personal. That one has to be the most challenging minor heroic encounters John has done so far.
One interesting part about dealing with Strahd's Gestapo/KGB is that they will all fire first. Thankfully, none of them is Han Solo and you're no Greedo. Chance of getting hit first is very high, to say the least, so pop a Fox's Cunning beforehand (that is if you're running a HR). The first hit is a push back, but the duration can be quite long if you don't have decent control resistance. Once you get rid of the three Gestapo/KGB agents, it's time to run all the way to Berez to take down their agent Moulder who happened to be somewhere in a mouldy tomb. Agent Moulder is basically a Gestapo/KGB injected with Strahd's DNA (albeit it's not much of a success judging from the fight), so it shouldn't be too hard. Apart from getting hit harder, that is.
Important note: It's official. The Night Terror now has a higher chance to arrest you anywhere without a license. What this means is that running Vikov's Kill Gestapo/KGB has gotten riskier since it can only be done at night. It's either that or Cryptic got a problem with John L'Otter.
Before helping Lee Young-ae in Barovia...
Okay, that's quite obviously a joke. If John can make a joke at the expense of 김태연 and the 사생군, then Danika Lee is nothing. And speaking of 김태연 and the 사생군, allow John L'Otter to share something funny he did to the lupine Chippendales brigade a few weeks ago. If John L'Otter can do it, so can you.
You see, John was lucky enough to get a Night Terror to drop a Cowl of the Dead while running Barovia with Kariss Locras (i.e. a female tiefling hellbringer SW). Which was funny in the sense that this was John's first time running Barovia with her. Moral of the story? Never sexually harass a tiefling warlock (erm no, John is a male otter, not female. Hence the name John L'Otter and NOT Jean L'Otter).
So John got the Cowl of the Dead and gave it to Arylos. After all, it's only a fitting decision given Arylos' god is Kelemvor, not Corellon Larethian ("Never my people and never my god."~Arylos). Then came the accidental (and funny) discovery: Do you know you can literally kick a wolf dude's ass once you trigger Forest Ghost daily and the repel effect from the equipment?
The way to do it is very simple. Because wolf dudes in Barovia enjoying running away in order to pounce foward, all you need is to proc the repel effect via activating Forest Ghost. Make sure the target is starting to run away before pulling it off. Also, maintain a running distance so that you can close in. And once you managed to pull it off, congrats. You just kicked a wolf dude's assand avenged 김태연.
Note: It's not just about kicking ass. 김태연 or no 김태연, you can pull off a Disruptive Shot instead of Forest Ghost. Guess what's gonna happen?
The second vid is upped for teh lolz. Okay, not really because John's taste is never that of a human.
One interesting part about dealing with Strahd's Gestapo/KGB is that they will all fire first. Thankfully, none of them is Han Solo and you're no Greedo. Chance of getting hit first is very high, to say the least, so pop a Fox's Cunning beforehand (that is if you're running a HR). The first hit is a push back, but the duration can be quite long if you don't have decent control resistance. Once you get rid of the three Gestapo/KGB agents, it's time to run all the way to Berez to take down their agent Moulder who happened to be somewhere in a mouldy tomb. Agent Moulder is basically a Gestapo/KGB injected with Strahd's DNA (albeit it's not much of a success judging from the fight), so it shouldn't be too hard. Apart from getting hit harder, that is.
Important note: It's official. The Night Terror now has a higher chance to arrest you anywhere without a license. What this means is that running Vikov's Kill Gestapo/KGB has gotten riskier since it can only be done at night. It's either that or Cryptic got a problem with John L'Otter.
Before helping Lee Young-ae in Barovia...
Okay, that's quite obviously a joke. If John can make a joke at the expense of 김태연 and the 사생군, then Danika Lee is nothing. And speaking of 김태연 and the 사생군, allow John L'Otter to share something funny he did to the lupine Chippendales brigade a few weeks ago. If John L'Otter can do it, so can you.
You see, John was lucky enough to get a Night Terror to drop a Cowl of the Dead while running Barovia with Kariss Locras (i.e. a female tiefling hellbringer SW). Which was funny in the sense that this was John's first time running Barovia with her. Moral of the story? Never sexually harass a tiefling warlock (erm no, John is a male otter, not female. Hence the name John L'Otter and NOT Jean L'Otter).
So John got the Cowl of the Dead and gave it to Arylos. After all, it's only a fitting decision given Arylos' god is Kelemvor, not Corellon Larethian ("Never my people and never my god."~Arylos). Then came the accidental (and funny) discovery: Do you know you can literally kick a wolf dude's ass once you trigger Forest Ghost daily and the repel effect from the equipment?
The way to do it is very simple. Because wolf dudes in Barovia enjoying running away in order to pounce foward, all you need is to proc the repel effect via activating Forest Ghost. Make sure the target is starting to run away before pulling it off. Also, maintain a running distance so that you can close in. And once you managed to pull it off, congrats. You just kicked a wolf dude's ass
Note: It's not just about kicking ass. 김태연 or no 김태연, you can pull off a Disruptive Shot instead of Forest Ghost. Guess what's gonna happen?
Okay, now back to Danika Lee
Seriously, what's with the Old Bone Mill? That has to be the easiest weekly John has ever done. If you're looking for a quick fix, helping Danika Lee should be your game. For Big Daddy Szold, it's all about outrunning the wolf dudes and kicking an ass or two. Plus a Sennen Goroshi if you're in the right position to do so. For Vikov Ulrich's quest to avenge the ruining of Berez, you'll have to run around during night while risking nighttime harassment from the Night Terror himself for the final part. But busting Sweeney Todd's pie syndicate? That's easy. In fact, should it be surprising given that the Cursed Meadow is (still) the easiest zone in Barovia?
The raid and rescue process is very straightforward, even more so compared to busting the Gestapo/KGB. Run along the path>kill spiders>kill the first witch>run along the path>kill scarecrows>kill the second witch>enter the basement>put out the cooking fire>kill the last witch. Then grab Sweeney Todd's cookbook and exit the basement. It's really very easy. Strahd should have given Helena Bellatrix Carter equal pay, that bloodsucking bastard.
Just one thing of note here: The second witch is dodgier because she's the only one flying above you. In a feat defy the law of physics, melee attacks are able to hit her. But because she's always flying too damn high, you have to try getting her to a corner. Since the fight takes place at the foot of the Old Bone Mill, it shouldn't be a problem. Unlike the first and third witches, the second witch is a bomb dropper. Just run around while taking down the strawmen unless you're a tank or GWF. Effective AoE attacks help a lot. Once she summons the giant strawman, just dismantle it instead of going straight at the flying crone. Yes, the bombs will still be dropping. But so long you're running about doing a hit-and-run like a wood elf army in the Warhammer fantasy world (RIP from Archaon himself), it shouldn't be a problem.
Note: Polymorph is annoying but not deadly. Just run around like an intelligent sheep and Strahd will have no choice but to give Helena Bellatrix Carter equal pay.
Add Note: The AoE circle in the basement fight works in a weird way. Apparently, you can't see the whole circle. But part of it? Yes. Wherever you move, just run a circle behind the boss. The witches can only cast a frontal circle for some funny reason. Definitely not Helena Bellatrix Carter's fault.
Add+ Note: For the second witch, you can just go straight at her if you're either a tank or GWF.
Add+ Note: For the second witch, you can just go straight at her if you're either a tank or GWF.
Shift/Dodge: At least they fixed something.
Grasping Roots: Better CC duration. But does it do anything for the trapper? Doubt so. But still slightly better CC for archery and combat.
Companions no longer benefitting from buffs: If you're using a cat or some other augment pet, it's not so bad, Otherwise, you're screwed.
All buffs affecting 5 targets at rank 1: Okay, at least it's more party friendly. In fact, do not be surprised if combat HRs are gonna get better pay when it comes to end-game raids since every party in end-game thrives on buffs more than debuffs.
All buffs not requiring allies to be in the party: Good news for those running epic trials and BHEs.
All buffs no longer 50% effective for allies: You know a trade-off is around the corner. Beyond that, the devs should have done it earlier since HR being the most tactically versatile class should be given more buffing muscle. Refer to what John said on buffs and 5 targets.
Hawkeye: They nerfed it. But max rank can give 12.5% encounter damage increment. Better buff value, but don't bother using it unless it's maxed.
Oak Skin: That one is definitely shafted. No more defense buffing, but plenty of heal. It's dumb considering how hard anything in any RAQ/REQ raid can hit. So will the HR get a better base damage resistance for the next mod? Remember, the HR dodge distance sucks. All you combat HRs better start going for all the defense and critical boons. Don't forget Displace Fate and Rousing Warmth as well. You'll really need them badly.
Plant Growth: Effectively unusable for trappers, but still 100% usable for combat.
Misc: They really nerfed the fox and snake. This is bad. At least it looks really bad.
Stormwarden changes:
Bladestorm: They buffed it. Big time. As for the off-hand artifact power, you don't need it now. At least not that much.
Twin-Blade Storm: Meh.
Stormstep Action: At least they're taking seriously a class feature that's either next to useless or truly the square root of sod all.
Pathfinder changes:
John doesn't see a nerf here. Going by the changes, it seemed that combat HRs are gonna be more buff friendly.
Primal Instincts: Brace yourselves, pathfinders are coming.
Primal Instincts: Brace yourselves, pathfinders are coming.
Combat feats changes:
Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Guess Arylos has to start using 2 Wolves instead of just an Aspect of the Pack.
Conclusion: Next mod will be dodgy. Either way, we're gonna see combat lone wolves.
John's likeliest moveset for Arylos' raiding loadout for Nov 6. Tentatively, that is...
At-will powers: Clear the Ground; Aimed Strike
Encounter powers: Hawkeye; Thorn Strike; Plant Growth
Daily powers: Forest Ghost; Seismic Shot (because Caladbolg Mk II is too awesome to pass up)
Class features: Aspect of the Lone Wolf; Aspect of the Pack/Bladestorm (gotta need augment cubes either way)
Boon tweaks: Winter's Bounty for Rousing Warmth
P.S: Yes, making fun (?) Taeyeon must have been a torture for all you Taesers. Therefore, allow John to make amends.
The second vid is upped for teh lolz. Okay, not really because John's taste is never that of a human.
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