How to Beat the Game!

Well, I bet that title got the attention of a few people. I suspect I should have stated which game I was talking about - for those familiar with this journal, you already know I write about our progress at Legends of Karinth.

For those hoping for clues about World of Warcraft or Everquest - sorry to disappoint you.. this is not that place. Thanks for visiting; there's cookies, coffee and punch in the corner over there, and feel free to come back anytime.

LOK fans - there is a cycle one goes through with any game of this sort. Pick a strategy, pick the skills which support the strategy, get gear, make progress, finetune and move on. Karinth is no different. From the moment you choose a starting ability set - combat, magic, healing, stealth - or none - you begin to formulate your strategy. Your mind has things set in a particular direction -
I'm a warrior.
I'm a fire mage.
I'm a monk
... and by selecting that starting template, you set foot on a path (from which the game is quite glad to let you deviate from any time).

Just like life, it's a matter of balance, of juggling the intricate details and nuances. Focus purely on one skill to the exclusion of all others, and you risk becoming a master of making toothpick sculptures of the Eiffel Tower while neglecting the ability to walk and chew gum at the same time.

On the other hand, if you select a set of abilities and skills which support your aforementioned path, additional interests and the like, and spend your training hours with wisdom and an even hand, advancing them slowly and evenly as you gain more training hours (you get more each time you level), your character will be able to cope with pretty much anything it will encounter for its level, and it will do so no matter what path you choose. Keep some gold in your purse and don't get tempted to buy 32 of everything you find everywhere. Keep your gear up, either by having it repaired or by acquiring new, appropriate to your level. Moderation in all things, including moderation.

Now, as far as how to beat the game... there is no level limit. There's no real point at which you are kicked out of your starting house - the only deal is if you leave after level 11, you won't be able to get back in. Until then, you can come and go from the house as you like. Stay as long as you wish, gather all gear, and make sure to get a couple of weapons which suit your style. Don't neglect jars of balm and other beneficial herbals - collect them and save them for when you need them. Grab all the elven willow leaves you can carry, then find the backpack and fill it full with more.

Continue to tune your character from now until you retire with a gold watch from your day job. Go as fast or as slow as you wish. You've beaten the game when you realize that you are applying your own pace, decisionmaking and determination, are comfortable with those decisions and feel that your path is leading to success. You're driving your own wagon in the direction you wish to go, not a direction in which someone else says you should or must.

If you rush, rush because it is your own decision to rush. If someone else is rushing you, stop and tell them to stop. The game of Legends of Karinth has many levels, and the faster you go, the fewer levels of the game you will see. If you think you are experiencing a shallow game, slow down, or create a new character and go back and look at things. It will pay off later.

There are no big secrets to success. There are no cheats or 'best way to play' lists, although several players claim to have found 'the best way to play.' Sure they have. They've found -their- best way to play - a most personal and broad-brush decision which only they can make. Your mileage may vary - dramatically.