Go ask the lizard-guy something....

[Chozon1]

Indeed. The GIFTS (Giant, Intelligent, Friendly Talking Spiders) seem to be a running gag, as they appear in every Avernum game, often in a rather obscure location. And, of course, there's usually one that you have to talk to in order to get and/or finish a quest....

At least you can probably guess that spider's name.

That's amazing. XD I kind of love them, just for how happy (and mayhaps stoned...) and carefree they are. Plus, they're still spiders...not spider-shaped humans.

Also, Spider. Which was hilarious. I love the writing and humor in the game...it actually feel more RPG flavored than most RPGs, if that makes sense.

You can't depend on dice?

[Sstavix]

Also, Spider. Which was hilarious. I love the writing and humor in the game...it actually feel more RPG flavored than most RPGs, if that makes sense.

Actually, it makes perfect sense to me. Back in the early days of computer roleplaying games, most developers tried to recapture the feel of tabletop roleplaying. This can be seen with games like the original Pool of Radiance or Ultima III. As the years passed, though, it seems like most RPG developers branched out in two different directions - either toward real-time, action-based combat like can be found in the Diablo series, the Elder Scrolls or Torchlight; or story-driven plots with turn-based combat similar to JRPGs (Final Fantasy is one of the most obvious examples of this). Very few developers have tried to stay loyal to the roots of the genre, and in my experience, Spiderweb is one of those companies that has been able to do it right.

I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with going the JRPG or rogue-like route, but those games have a distinctly different feel than the original CRPGs or even tabletop gaming.

You can't depend on dice?

You can if they're loaded....

[Chozon1]

I feel like I'm actually putting myself into the characters, since there's essentially no back story or personalities to them. I kind of love it. <3

If I get the previous games in the series, am I going to have any trouble going backwards?

[Sstavix]

If I get the previous games in the series, am I going to have any trouble going backwards?

No, not really. Even though there is an overall storyline (the events of the prior game end up having an effect on the next one), you can't carry your characters from one game to another.

But before you go spending your money on scooping up the entire collection, let me point out one thing - the Avernum you're playing is a redo of the first Avernum game. So if you buy the one that was released in the late '90s, you'll find that, although some of the mechanics are different (especially in the way skills are handled), it's pretty much the same game.

The plan is to redo and re-release the original trilogy. Spiderweb had been accepting applications for those who want to beta-test Avernum 2 (it's closed right now), so that seems to be under development. And the third game - one of the best CRPGs I've played, in my opinion - will be coming down the pipe before too long. So in regards to the first trilogy, I'd actually suggest that you wait until the new versions come out.

Also keep in mind that they offer demos of all their games, so you can download it and give them a try before you decide to purchase any of them. You can find them right here, if you're so inclined.

[Chozon1]

I'ma keep an eye on that, then. Maybe two. I didn't really know how much I loved games of this flavor; but then, the only thing I've played that's similar is Fallout 1. It's like...a completely different take on RPG's. Even though I realize it's the traditional flavor. But still. It's awesome.

Brain fog from lack of sleep and uncomfortable situations?

[Sstavix]

I'ma keep an eye on that, then. Maybe two. I didn't really know how much I loved games of this flavor; but then, the only thing I've played that's similar is Fallout 1. It's like...a completely different take on RPG's. Even though I realize it's the traditional flavor. But still. It's awesome.

Sometimes there's no school like old school.

Brain fog from lack of sleep and uncomfortable situations?

Not too sure about the uncomfortable situations portion, but lack of sleep is one I can completely relate to. Especially today. One of our cats woke me up at 2 a.m.... by barfing next to me. Ew.

[zekesnack]

if you had a whole pizza and it had to be one color, what color would it be?

[Sstavix]

if you had a whole pizza and it had to be one color, what color would it be?

As tempting as it is to say "green," I can't help but wonder if I'd eat a pizza that was covered in green things....

Hmm... if I say red that would mean no cheese... but if I say yellow, that would mean no pizza sauce....

I'll go with beige / white. You can probably make a pretty good pizza with chicken, mozzarella and an alfredo sauce. Maybe you can bend the rules and call bacon "dark beige" and really nail the combination.

[ArchAngel]

Out of all the fantasy/sci-fi/etc worlds, who does the best lizard-man race? Homo reptilis, if you will.

[Sstavix]

Out of all the fantasy/sci-fi/etc worlds, who does the best lizard-man race? Homo reptilis, if you will.

I'm tempted to go with a rather generic example and state Dungeons and Dragons. The GM can manipulate the races however they wish, so for sheer versatility, that would be the best.

But if we're looking for an already established reptilian race, I'm leaning towards the Argonians from the Elder Scrolls series. The iksar from Everquest comes a close second.

[Chozon1]

There's only so far I can push my comfort zone before I just start getting weary. Jaerb interviews, drug tests, and driving to places I've never been in only a few short hours does that.

Drinking several gallons of water during the day?

[Sstavix]

There's only so far I can push my comfort zone before I just start getting weary. Jaerb interviews, drug tests, and driving to places I've never been in only a few short hours does that.

Hmm... there should be only one reason why a drug test should be making you nervous, man. Is there something you'd like to talk about?

Drinking several gallons of water during the day?

I've heard that it can be good for you. Frequent bathroom trips don't sound to appealing to me, however.

[ArchAngel]

Nice, I rolled an Argonian in skyrim and spec'ed him as an unarmed fighter. I called him McPunches.

So, what spurred your fascination or love of the anthropomorphic reptile and how do you feel about David Icke's conspiracy theory that the world is run by lizard people, *ahem*, I mean Reptilians?

[Sstavix]

So, what spurred your fascination or love of the anthropomorphic reptile and how do you feel about David Icke's conspiracy theory that the world is run by lizard people, *ahem*, I mean Reptilians?

I don't know - I've always found the scaly critters fascinating. I don't know if it was turtles or snakes that first got me interested in them, but I like reptiles of all sorts, pretty much.

As for the conspiracy theory... well, I probably shouldn't say anything to revealing. Let's just call it a nutty conspiracy theory and leave it at that. No need to examine it closer. Nope, none at all. In fact, just a friendly word of advice, it's probably healthier for you if you don't....

[ArchAngel]

Oh yeah, totally wacko. I mean, I'd vote for you on that platform, but, you know, haha, funny stuff...

*ahem*

I, for one, welcome our new reptilian overlords.