Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen Catch-All

So what's the final word when it comes to what you give to your hired pawns and how it transfers to their owners game?

For example; either ccesarano or Aristophan stated that they had given my pawn a new shield. I slept at the inn last night and got some goods, but no shield. Do you need to equip the shield on them before you send the pawn back? I know when I equipped ccessaranos pawn with a gimp hood, he got it, but I made sure to equip it to his pawn before I released him.

But what I am more curious about is things that are not equippable (that's totally a word) such as health potions, materials and such. Does anything in their inventory get transferred over to the owners pawn? At what time? Do you have to release the pawn for those inventory items to get transferred over? If I don't release the pawn and their owners sleep at a inn, do two copies of those items exist (one on my system and one on the pawns owners system)?

Anyone read anything definite about this?

ianunderhill wrote:

Awesome, il dottore. Let us know what you think of the game as you get several hours in. Obviously we're all in love with it, but it seems quite the acquired taste - you really have to like killing monsters, apparently.

Well that's part of what seems so refreshing about this game! Finally a fantasy RPG where combat is exciting and dangerous, and enemies have varied behaviours that require different strategies. I guess that's where the Dark Souls comparisons come in, but it looks like this is more like Monster Hunter mixed with Elder Scrolls (although I haven't played the former so I'm basing this on what I've read). I loved Demon Souls, Oblivion, and the demo of this game, so it looks like I'm the right target audience!

Fedaykin98 wrote:

I'm curious how many people here are lovers of Dark Souls (which I'm back to playing now). They seem to have somewhat similar art styles, both are action RPGs from Japan, you can actually die in both...

I like Dark Souls quite a bit, but I don't like how pervasive comparisons to it have become. Very few games are comparable, it shouldn't come up in so many threads. Dragon's Dogma is much closer to an open world, fantasy-tinged Devil May Cry. The DMC comparisons apply to both the combat and the character building.

That said, while Dark Souls is a better game, Dragon's Dogma features a better combat system. It packs the same need for strategy and cranks the speed up three notches, and features probably five times as many character build options.

Fredrik_S wrote:

So what's the final word when it comes to what you give to your hired pawns and how it transfers to their owners game?

For example; either ccesarano or Aristophan stated that they had given my pawn a new shield. I slept at the inn last night and got some goods, but no shield. Do you need to equip the shield on them before you send the pawn back? I know when I equipped ccessaranos pawn with a gimp hood, he got it, but I made sure to equip it to his pawn before I released him.

But what I am more curious about is things that are not equippable (that's totally a word) such as health potions, materials and such. Does anything in their inventory get transferred over to the owners pawn? At what time? Do you have to release the pawn for those inventory items to get transferred over? If I don't release the pawn and their owners sleep at a inn, do two copies of those items exist (one on my system and one on the pawns owners system)?

Anyone read anything definite about this?

Your pawn uploads wearing their equipment and armor, but not carrying any extra items. Another player can give them items and change their equipment, but that only affects their game. When they send your pawn back, anything they'd given your pawn, including new equipment and consumables, returns to their storage vault. The only way to get new items from your pawn is through the gift system.

I figured that out first-hand after I got sick of clearing out a pawn's inventory every time I wanted to switch them out. Turns out it does that automatically.

Fredrik_S wrote:
LobsterMobster wrote:

Another player can give them items and change their equipment, but that only affects their game. When they send your pawn back, anything they'd given your pawn, including new equipment and consumables, returns to their storage vault.The only way to get new items from your pawn is through the gift system.

I am not 100% sure of this since I was able to send a hood to Aristophan or ccessarano (not sure which pawn I gave it to). I equipped that hood on their pawn, the game states "you sure? I'll send their original equipment back to their owner" and I said yes. A few days later I saw the post about the gimp hood on this board.

Maybe he already had one? When I got my pawn back once I got the option to save the changes that another player had made... which I declined, because I didn't have any of the new items they gave her so she was just standing there in nothing but a cloth skirt. Which, you know, had its perks I suppose but Puffin looked cold so I gave her some armor to wear.

LobsterMobster wrote:

Another player can give them items and change their equipment, but that only affects their game. When they send your pawn back, anything they'd given your pawn, including new equipment and consumables, returns to their storage vault.The only way to get new items from your pawn is through the gift system.

I am not 100% sure of this since I was able to send a hood to Aristophan or ccesarano (not sure which pawn I gave it to). I equipped that hood on their pawn, the game states "you sure? I'll send their original equipment back to their owner" and I said yes. A few days later I saw the post about the gimp hood on this board.

Yeah, I got the gimp hood a day or two after the post. I'm not sure how this all works, to be honest. I know I equipped a new shield to one of the characters. I don't know.

It's a weird system.

I went back and re-read the forum posts and I think you are correct. Thanks for your patience!

Aristophan wrote:

Finally, ccesarano I gave your pawn an ingonito mask. I didn't want to cover his face, but it was just so cool having a gimp by my side. :)

ccesarano wrote:

I was delighted to find my Pawn returned to me without a gimp mask.

And now this:

ccesarano wrote:

Yeah, I got the gimp hood a day or two after the post. I'm not sure how this all works, to be honest. I know I equipped a new shield to one of the characters. I don't know.

Searched around on the web for a bit and found these pieces of info:

http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/5398...

Taking armor off a support pawn sends the equipment back to the owner's inventory. Stealing armor is impossible. If you equip anything to the support pawn, you can remove and keep it.

Armor you leave on the support pawn is taken back with it when you send the pawn back to the owner. Be sure to remove anything you wish to keep.

So maybe there's just a weird delay in the system? It is very asynchronous, after all, and dependent upon when people can sign in. I, for example, haven't played since Sunday, and don't know when I'll be able to squeeze in my next play session.

Stylez (I think) sent my pawn back once with a full suit of bronze armor. She actually came into my game wearing it and I had the option to keep it on or switch back to what she was wearing before. I kept it and she's STILL wearing that stuff.

I try not to think about what she did for that armor. Most people send back rotten apples.

Certis wrote:

Most people send back rotten apples.

And here I thought getting a Greenwarish, nuts, or nothing at all was rude. Sending back rotten apples?

People on Xbox Live suck.

Ok, I think I've figured it out. Any equipment you put on your hired pawns will move with the pawn back to their owners when you dismiss them. Please be aware you need to go to equipment and actually force the pawn to use it if you want give something away. The item the pawn was previously using will be sent back to the owner of the pawn and placed in their stored inventory.

Anything you give to the hired pawns for inventory use (such as greenwarish and potions and such), the pawns will NOT take with them back, but all that stuff goes into your stored inventory at the inns when you dismiss the pawn. They will use that stuff, though, as you adventure.

I'll go on record as not being people, then. I've made it a point not to send anyone back with anything that isn't at least a health or stamina curative. If their pawn doesn't help me succeed, it's likely my fault for picking the wrong pawn for the task.

Just bought this based on this weeks podcast. Should I hold off on playing with peoples pawns who are too far in? Don't want the _entire_ game to be ruined for me if someone elses pawn has experienced absolutely everything already - or does it not matter?

If anyone wants to help me out getting started - Crhistoph on XBL

Crhis wrote:

Just bought this based on this weeks podcast. Should I hold off on playing with peoples pawns who are too far in? Don't want the _entire_ game to be ruined for me if someone elses pawn has experienced absolutely everything already - or does it not matter?

If anyone wants to help me out getting started - Crhistoph on XBL

I dunno, I had a Pawn tell me to check a treasure chest at the top of a tower and it helped me complete a quest that I otherwise wasn't sure how to make progress in. So it could be valuable.

So what with the pawn foreknowledge you just described and the whole "rift" thing, is the "lore" explanation that these pawns are from alternate dimensions? I mean, they basically are, so that makes a heck of a lot of sense out of something that otherwise seems non-sensical (I say in a world with dragons performing non-fatal heart removals ).

Ok, so I might bite on this.

I looked up my PSN name, I didn't even know what it was! Apparently it's Yndigo... yeah I don't know what I was thinking either.

Whatever the case, I'll see if I can work out the friends system when I get home and throw some requests at people. Is there a googledoc or something with PSN names on?

ccesarano wrote:
Crhis wrote:

Just bought this based on this weeks podcast. Should I hold off on playing with peoples pawns who are too far in? Don't want the _entire_ game to be ruined for me if someone elses pawn has experienced absolutely everything already - or does it not matter?

If anyone wants to help me out getting started - Crhistoph on XBL

I dunno, I had a Pawn tell me to check a treasure chest at the top of a tower and it helped me complete a quest that I otherwise wasn't sure how to make progress in. So it could be valuable.

This happened to me just the other day! It might have even been your pawn!

Fedaykin98 wrote:

So what with the pawn foreknowledge you just described and the whole "rift" thing, is the "lore" explanation that these pawns are from alternate dimensions? I mean, they basically are, so that makes a heck of a lot of sense out of something that otherwise seems non-sensical (I say in a world with dragons performing non-fatal heart removals ).

From the manual:

Pawns. Otherwise known as nomads from alternate worlds, pawns are otherworldy beings that have the appearance of humans. They are frequesntly used by the military and as escorts on journeys for their easily manageable battle skills. However, since they lack free will and emotions, they are avoided by those in society who consider them heretical beings.
Redwing wrote:

Ok, so I might bite on this.

I looked up my PSN name, I didn't even know what it was! Apparently it's Yndigo... yeah I don't know what I was thinking either.

Whatever the case, I'll see if I can work out the friends system when I get home and throw some requests at people. Is there a googledoc or something with PSN names on?

Oh crap, and who's the Redwing I sent a friend request to?!

So, talking character creation/development, any tips on what classes to choose for my PC and pawn? I started out with a strider since it looked like the most fun to play, but now I don't know whether I should have a fighter or mage pawn. Maybe I should start over as a fighter and have a mage pawn? I'm thinking it's probably best not to depend on hired pawns for essential stuff like beating monsters over the head and healing (and the strider does probably less damage than fighter), am I wrong?

Crhis wrote:

Just bought this based on this weeks podcast. Should I hold off on playing with peoples pawns who are too far in? Don't want the _entire_ game to be ruined for me if someone elses pawn has experienced absolutely everything already - or does it not matter?

If anyone wants to help me out getting started - Crhistoph on XBL

Hey Crhis, I too just picked up the game, I sent you a request. Apparently using higher level pawns lowers your xp a bit, but if you are killing things more easily I guess it evens out.

If anyone needs another friend on XBL that plays DD, please send me a request GT is OGRedd

I just picked it up today also. I've been using a friends level 30 pawn and I still seemed to be leveling pretty quick. (it helps that the pawn is a healer)

Ok, I sent out a round of PSN invites out to various people who've been chatty in the thread recently, some of you are probably playing it on the 360, but whatever!

Probably won't get a chance to play this weekend, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try!

il dottore wrote:
Redwing wrote:

Ok, so I might bite on this.

I looked up my PSN name, I didn't even know what it was! Apparently it's Yndigo... yeah I don't know what I was thinking either.

Whatever the case, I'll see if I can work out the friends system when I get home and throw some requests at people. Is there a googledoc or something with PSN names on?

Oh crap, and who's the Redwing I sent a friend request to?!

So, talking character creation/development, any tips on what classes to choose for my PC and pawn? I started out with a strider since it looked like the most fun to play, but now I don't know whether I should have a fighter or mage pawn. Maybe I should start over as a fighter and have a mage pawn? I'm thinking it's probably best not to depend on hired pawns for essential stuff like beating monsters over the head and healing (and the strider does probably less damage than fighter), am I wrong?

I went with a Mage so I could always have a healer on team that I could rely on. Thus far has been a good decision, but I typically don't play spell casters anyway.

I'm reconsidering my choice to stick with Strider. Primarily, I'm thinking of Ranger. I really like using the bow, and figure that would provide some really good abilities. I'm just not sure I want to change this far in, with Strider maxed and all these abilities open to me. I'll probably take the plunge, though.

Also, I expanded a bit on my theories as to why reviewers are scoring this game moderately, primarily due to trying to play it on a deadline.

I like the idea of a mage, ranger or mystic archer, but the thing that appeals to me the most about this game is climbing all over giant monsters to stab their weak spots for massive damage. I don't want to stand back slinging ranged attacks while my pawns have all the fun.

I just switched over to Assassin last night but I'm feeling a little lost. I accidentally advanced the plot and now

Spoiler:

I can no longer do the quest to save Quina from the Witchwood, which I'd been putting off because I couldn't beat one of the brigands on the path there.

It's kind of shot my enthusiasm for the game, and makes me miss Monster Hunter. I just want to go kill something big and impressive. Instead I'm wandering cities and stabbing goblins, occasionally lamenting the inventory system.

Anyone have any recommendations? Should I keep pushing ahead through the main storyline until it grabs me?

I also ran into a monster that appears undefeatable, at least at my current level of progression. I ran away from it and that counted as a successful quest completion. The AI seems pretty good at recognizing when you're trying to run away, but I still had to go back time and time again to pick up someone's corpse. What happens when you just leave them behind and keep running?

Anyone have any recommendations? Should I keep pushing ahead through the main storyline until it grabs me?

I locked myself out of the same quest. It's annoying, and there is one specific item type you won't have access to, but ultimately it didn't matter all that much.

The main story probably won't really grab you. The combat mechanics, character building, and exploration will. Mostly, the main story quests will just lead you to some fun, unique combat scenarios. So yeah, I'd suggest just carrying on -- I think you've just reached the point where things really open up and get fun.

I also ran into a monster that appears undefeatable, at least at my current level of progression. I ran away from it and that counted as a successful quest completion. The AI seems pretty good at recognizing when you're trying to run away, but I still had to go back time and time again to pick up someone's corpse. What happens when you just leave them behind and keep running?

Yeah, pretty sure you are supposed to just run on that one.

As for dead pawns: if you reach a load screen before they bleed out, their corpse will transfer through the door with you. If your main pawn dies, you will have to touch a rift stone to get her back. If a support pawn dies they are gone, and you will have to summon a new one (although you certainly could re-summon the same one).

One of the reasons why I love this game so much:

Came across a cyclops with a iron helmet on him and man was progress slow killing it. As we were fighting it across the country side, we managed to wander into a giant nest of bandits. They started freaking out and started attacking both us and the cyclops. There must have been 30-40 enemies on screen including a giant, burning, cyclops with me riding his back stabbing at the helmet.

So incredibly great.

Redwing / Yndigo, I'll add you tonight.

il dottore wrote:

So, talking character creation/development, any tips on what classes to choose for my PC and pawn?

I find that it doesn't matter too much as you hire pawns to fill up the rest of your party. Go with what seems like fun to you. I've been experimenting with all kinds of party builds. One that was surprisingly effective was 3 magick archers and one mage for boons and heals. It was rare that enemies got even close to us, but when they did it was a storm of daggers and quick death for them.

Zero, not sure if you've played Mystic Knight as much as I have (it's max rank), but I don't think I can call it a tank so much as a versatile damage dealer. They don't have access to any taunts, keeping stuff away from the casters can be tricky.

Not to say I don't like it - I think it allows me to deal with the widest range of creatures. I have a couple elemental enchantments (Fire and Holy) that I cast on the entire group at once (mages only boon one character at a time), a wickedly powerful mace, and can cast High Comestion and High Brontide when the need for a more magical approach arises. I haven't figured out a good use case for High Frigor, unfortunately.

Zero, not sure if you've played Mystic Knight as much as I have (it's max rank), but I don't think I can call it a tank so much as a versatile damage dealer. They don't have access to any taunts, keeping stuff away from the casters can be tricky.

Nah, haven't played it at all, I was just judging by the ability list on that one. They do have some strong sounding defensive abilities, but yeah, without a taunt they would certainly be less effective as a tank than a fighter or a warrior.