A Beginners Guide to HC by (HC) Warchief Dante

New to the server? Notice sometime players have (HC) in their name and wonder why? Well here is a break down of why and how you too can create your own (HC) character and be able to succeed.

First of all, a note to any who dare try to make one... this is not ideal for new/returning players that don't know or don't remember the server too well as the penalties for death for HC is severe. On death, HC characters lose 100 xp per level and on respawn, they lose an additional 400 xp per level and 25% of their current gold in inventory. These numbers can be reduce to 50 xp per level on death and an additional 100 xp per level and 5% of current gold on respawn if they are wearing special armor granted by the Tree of Life in Gathol Labyrinth Delta. Recommended level to do the area to get the items required to get the armor is 14 - 17 and is an HC only area. The items to get the armor are transferable though so, you can ask another player for help or get them for non-HC characters as well.

On top of the on death penalties, xp gain is much slower. HC characters only gain 25% of all normal AND epic xp before they reach the level where only epic xp is gained. This xp gain is also capped at 100xp per level per minute so players can't just power level a low level HC and avoid the challenge. Once you reach the level where you only gain Epic xp, HC characters then gain 50% of all Epic xp and still lose all normal xp like everybody else. You also don't get access to powerful gear and are restricted to what you can carry in your inventory base on gold value of the item. The list for gold amount and level required to hold is detailed on a sign in the HC Cafe in The City with a Name.

At this point you may be asking, "Why would anyone want to make a HC character if the penalties are this bad?" Well here is why and a bit of a guide to help you be successful with your HC characters.

First of all, HCs get an amulet to help them level from 1 - 17 that gives +3 AC, +1 to all stats and +3 regen. They also get a special ring that gets more powerful as they level up. They get a new ring every 2 levels back at the HC Cafe. Currently this ring isn't very useful to caster characters except for leveling up. As stated above, they also get access to the area where characters can get waters for the tree of life to get special armor that reduces the death penalties for both HC and normal characters and can be upgraded to be one of the best armors on the server (but loses the reduction to death penalties property so be mindful when upgrading).

Now to the guide:

Starting out, you definitely want to have enough gold to buy an invisibility potion and be able to access the portal in the temple (roughly 160 gold total for the potion and the portal use). Since an HC character is most likely not your first character, you can transfer gold to them from another character if you wish as they can hold any amount of gold but still keep in mind the penalties if you have to respawn. Then, your very first stop is the Room of 7 Doors portal in the portal plane, if Gorg is there, you have to drink your potion early so if you can afford 2, get 2 or be very quick at this point.

Enter the Room of 7 Doors North and drink your potion if you haven't already once you reach the first light. Take the lights to the center of the map and pull the chain. Talk to the wraith for your first Dark Secret, 2000 xp (which you get to keep all of it since it is the first xp you gain) and haste boots which is extremely helpful early on. Equip the boots and get out as quickly as possible so you don't lose your invisibility at a bad time.

From there, the grind begins... Stick to areas you know your character can handle before moving on. I recommend staying in the Eastlands until you hit at lest level 3 and then move on from there with whatever you think you can comfortably handle. If you can manage to get help for another player for the armor early, this also helps as no drop items can be used at any level of HC and the waters have very minor gold value to them. Keep in mind that the monsters on the way to the tree have true seeing so either get a player to help you or come back when you are able to take them on.

Other tips and tricks:

- risk increases if you are playing HC with no one else on to resurrect you if you die, use extreme caution if playing alone as sometimes unlucky deaths can happen
- if you are able to do an area with decent loot/xp stick to that area and grind up some gold while you make some xp. Being able to afford your first wishes once able to hold them is a bonus for being able to take on harder areas
- join any announced runs if you have the time for xp just keep in mind the risk if there is area damage or the difficulty of the area if you plan to help. At least you won't respawn unless you crash or misclick... and you gain epic xp while dead at least if something unfortunate does happen.
- spend your gold on wishes or deposit in the bank to avoid gold loss on respawn if you have to respawn

Will update and add to this list as I think of more but in the meantime, hope this helps and happy hunting!

A book for publishing contract for (HC) Warchief Dante

Nice books about HC Warchief.. !!


has received the publish contract - DONE