As some of you know, I've been a survivor nut for a long time in the game. I currently have 10 legendary survivor across two accounts, one on every class. I'm currently working on an additional 2nd dervish and 2nd ranger, out of boredom.
To a lot of people, getting the survivor title means little or nothing. But to a select few of us, those who follow the spirit of the title and try to achieve it the way it was meant to be achieved, it means a great deal of skill and hard work. Strategy, cunning, knowledge of your enemies, knowledge of your allies, experience, all of these things contribute to the title.
I have been doing H-Style Surviving (HSS) for pretty much ever since titles were invented in the game. H-Style stands for Honor Style or Hardcore Style, depending on who you ask. I have a few other contacts in the game who also follow this rigorous method of achieving a survivor title.
H-Style Surviving includes the following:
1. Minimal mapping out in order to save your character's life.
The goal is to NEVER map out of a combat zone, but sometimes we all make mistakes. The "dishonor" of mapping out is felt by any true HSS (H Style Survivor), but it is a learning experience. In dire circumstances, when it looks like death is unavoidable (such as if the monks are down and nobody else can heal/rez), you may map out or log off. Learn to recognize a losing battle before it becomes one, and you'll be better off. Use this only as a last resort.
2. No running other players, and no getting runs yourself.
Fight through the game and get where you need to go using honorable tactics and not cowardly ones. This encourages resolve and patience, and also gives you more chances to engage in battle to perfect your survival skills. Also, I believe that if you can't get somewhere by fighting with a team of heroes/hench, you shouldn't be there.
3. No excessive farming experience points.
This includes using Kilroy's Punchout to repeatedly amass large amounts of EXP. This practice is frowned upon by every true and serious survivor, and shouldn't be used if you want to uphold your dignity. Get your experience by doing quests and missions, and capping elite skills. Using experience scrolls are perfectly legit, and in fact encouraged.
4. Do not announce that you are a survivor.
It's fine to show off your title in town, but don't explain to the group something along the lines of:
"I'm a survivor, so don't mind me if I cower in the corner while you guys fight. Please monks, watch me and heal me all the time, don't let me die OMG!"
This is considered cowardly and makes you sound like a sniveling weenie. HSS's are expected to survive in battle under normal circumstances. Don't demand special attention from anyone - it not only makes you look like a coward, but it ruins the reputation of survivors everywhere, Honor Style or not.
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It's my belief that anyone who learns to play this way and survive will eventually grow to be a much better, more cautious, more dangerous opponent to any enemy. You will lower your death rate, and feel much more confident in battle. It truly does change the way you play the game, and for the better.
Anyone interested in learning this style or achieving the survivor title (any rank) is invited to contact me (Jon Blackmore, or Vana Shadai - 2 accounts) for help with any class.
Also, feel free to post your list of survivors and which rank they are.
To a lot of people, getting the survivor title means little or nothing. But to a select few of us, those who follow the spirit of the title and try to achieve it the way it was meant to be achieved, it means a great deal of skill and hard work. Strategy, cunning, knowledge of your enemies, knowledge of your allies, experience, all of these things contribute to the title.
I have been doing H-Style Surviving (HSS) for pretty much ever since titles were invented in the game. H-Style stands for Honor Style or Hardcore Style, depending on who you ask. I have a few other contacts in the game who also follow this rigorous method of achieving a survivor title.
H-Style Surviving includes the following:
1. Minimal mapping out in order to save your character's life.
The goal is to NEVER map out of a combat zone, but sometimes we all make mistakes. The "dishonor" of mapping out is felt by any true HSS (H Style Survivor), but it is a learning experience. In dire circumstances, when it looks like death is unavoidable (such as if the monks are down and nobody else can heal/rez), you may map out or log off. Learn to recognize a losing battle before it becomes one, and you'll be better off. Use this only as a last resort.
2. No running other players, and no getting runs yourself.
Fight through the game and get where you need to go using honorable tactics and not cowardly ones. This encourages resolve and patience, and also gives you more chances to engage in battle to perfect your survival skills. Also, I believe that if you can't get somewhere by fighting with a team of heroes/hench, you shouldn't be there.
3. No excessive farming experience points.
This includes using Kilroy's Punchout to repeatedly amass large amounts of EXP. This practice is frowned upon by every true and serious survivor, and shouldn't be used if you want to uphold your dignity. Get your experience by doing quests and missions, and capping elite skills. Using experience scrolls are perfectly legit, and in fact encouraged.
4. Do not announce that you are a survivor.
It's fine to show off your title in town, but don't explain to the group something along the lines of:
"I'm a survivor, so don't mind me if I cower in the corner while you guys fight. Please monks, watch me and heal me all the time, don't let me die OMG!"
This is considered cowardly and makes you sound like a sniveling weenie. HSS's are expected to survive in battle under normal circumstances. Don't demand special attention from anyone - it not only makes you look like a coward, but it ruins the reputation of survivors everywhere, Honor Style or not.
-------
It's my belief that anyone who learns to play this way and survive will eventually grow to be a much better, more cautious, more dangerous opponent to any enemy. You will lower your death rate, and feel much more confident in battle. It truly does change the way you play the game, and for the better.
Anyone interested in learning this style or achieving the survivor title (any rank) is invited to contact me (Jon Blackmore, or Vana Shadai - 2 accounts) for help with any class.
Also, feel free to post your list of survivors and which rank they are.
Last edited by Blackmore on Fri Oct 01, 2010 8:23 am; edited 1 time in total