Curse

Asrai · Apr 19, 2010, 01:10 PM // 13:10

So far I have completed up to the Divinity Coast missions and every post searing quest I can find along the way**. I don't belong to a clan/guild and since my online time is a bit erratic, I have only grouped with henchmen (npc's)

Other than the obvious interaction with other players, am I penalized or missing some content by forming parties with just henchmen ?

**with the exception of The Villainy of Galrath.... I'm level 16, and even with a full group of henchmen, I can't seem to get thru the Black Curtain to get to Kessex

Iuris · Apr 19, 2010, 01:38 PM // 13:38

Nope, you can do everything with henchmen. Hell, an AI group will usually outperform a Pick Up Group in efficiency, since the AIs will coordinate with you, something players are not always capable of

P.S. FORGET Villainy of Galrath for now. It's an annoying quest, takes a long time and rewards little. Do it later. If you really want to do it, walk over to Temple of Ages, and you'll have access to parties of 8, with the henchmen a bit higher in level.

Quaker · Apr 19, 2010, 02:54 PM // 14:54

No, you won't miss any of the main content or have any penalties for using only henchmen, except for a few particular high end places. For example, once you get to Temple of the Ages, you can enter the Underworld or the Fissure of Woe - however you can't take henchmen into those places. Those places are not connected to the storyline and are not required to complete the game, however. (But, you can bring Heroes with you.)

Eragon Zarroc · Apr 19, 2010, 03:34 PM // 15:34

Grouping with just henchies doesn't penalize persay, but it can make some stuff more difficult. I would suggest that u get nightfall so u can use custumizable heros if u are usually playing alone ;-)

Asrai · Apr 19, 2010, 03:35 PM // 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eragon Zarroc

Grouping with just henchies doesn't penalize persay, but it can make some stuff more difficult. I would suggest that u get nightfall so u can use custumizable heros if u are usually playing alone ;-)

I have seen reference to hero's but don't get the concept yet...

robmdq · Apr 19, 2010, 03:35 PM // 15:35

At least for the base prophecies campaign, only a few bonus for missions will be diffcult or not doable with henchmen since they will require you to split the team, but beside those very few, you can do everything in the game using henchies, and once you get used to them and learn how to use and command them you will find yourself very comfortable in their company. I don0t know for sure about the expansions, but i remember during the beta weekends that henchies there were a lot morepowerful and smarter than in prophecies, so i guess you'll be just fine.

Iuris · Apr 19, 2010, 03:44 PM // 15:44

Quote:

I have seen reference to hero's but don't get the concept yet...

In Nightfall and Eye of the North campaigns, you get the ability to add heroes to your party. They are like henchmen you can select the builds for. They allow you to do just about everything in the game on your own.

Asrai · Apr 19, 2010, 04:04 PM // 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iuris

In Nightfall and Eye of the North campaigns, you get the ability to add heroes to your party. They are like henchmen you can select the builds for. They allow you to do just about everything in the game on your own.

That's scary

I spend enough time already sitting in camps trying to figure out my own build.

Sookie · Apr 19, 2010, 04:05 PM // 16:05

When I started Guild Wars, I knew nothing about guilds, wiki, maps or guides...I "Henched" my way to the Maguuma Jungle before joining a group at the mission with the crystals (the one that is so difficult to do without help). Of course my protector status was horrible (I think I finished Prophecies with 6/25 or something like that) by the time I finished because I didn't know about titles and the importance of doing bonuses. I had no friends and knew no one in the game.

My second Prophecies character, however, was created while I was a guild member, had access to all the help that the "net" provided and finished with protector.

All I'm saying is that I enjoyed doing both...exploring & discovering on my own PLUS having access to wiki and a guild of helpful guild mates when needed.

So......do what allows you to enjoy the game.

BrettM · Apr 19, 2010, 04:11 PM // 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asrai

I have seen reference to hero's but don't get the concept yet...

The heroes are henchies that can be customized. You get to assign their attributes, build their skill bars, apply runes and insignia to their armor, and provide them with weapons and offhands.

So you have the opportunity to make heroes stronger than the henchmen available in a particular outpost and you can give them builds that have good team synergy with your build and with each other. You can give them the right weapons with the right mods and the right runes and insignia to go with their builds. And they are level 20 (EotN heroes) or can be leveled to 20 (Nightfall heroes), giving you an advantage over using henchies of lower level in earlier parts of the campaign.

Also, the heroes give you a complete choice of professions and combinations, while the henchies in a given outpost are usually limited. For example, if you think having a domination mesmer on your team would help in a particular mission or quest, you can simply bring Gwen or Norgu with the appropriate setup, since most outposts do not have a domination henchie. You want a water ele to provide snares, but there are only fire eles among the henchies? No problem. Set up Vekk, Zhed, or Sousuke as a water ele and you're good to go. Want a smiting monk on your team? Good luck finding a smiting henchie!

Finally, you have more control over the heroes than over the henchies. You can flag them individually to spread them out, or flag one ahead to gather aggro, or flag them to take advantage of terrain. You can control their level of aggression (fight, guard, or avoid combat). You can lock them onto a particular target, regardless of any target you have called for the henchies or are attacking yourself.

Lord Dagon · Apr 20, 2010, 02:11 AM // 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettM

The heroes are henchies that can be customized. You get to assign their attributes, build their skill bars, apply runes and insignia to their armor, and provide them with weapons and offhands.

So you have the opportunity to make heroes stronger than the henchmen available in a particular outpost and you can give them builds that have good team synergy with your build and with each other. You can give them the right weapons with the right mods and the right runes and insignia to go with their builds. And they are level 20 (EotN heroes) or can be leveled to 20 (Nightfall heroes), giving you an advantage over using henchies of lower level in earlier parts of the campaign.

Also, the heroes give you a complete choice of professions and combinations, while the henchies in a given outpost are usually limited. For example, if you think having a domination mesmer on your team would help in a particular mission or quest, you can simply bring Gwen or Norgu with the appropriate setup, since most outposts do not have a domination henchie. You want a water ele to provide snares, but there are only fire eles among the henchies? No problem. Set up Vekk, Zhed, or Sousuke as a water ele and you're good to go. Want a smiting monk on your team? Good luck finding a smiting henchie!

Finally, you have more control over the heroes than over the henchies. You can flag them individually to spread them out, or flag one ahead to gather aggro, or flag them to take advantage of terrain. You can control their level of aggression (fight, guard, or avoid combat). You can lock them onto a particular target, regardless of any target you have called for the henchies or are attacking yourself.

to shorten that up... They are customizable henchman that have typically better AI. There u go.. no big wall of text xD

Gennadios · Apr 20, 2010, 02:18 AM // 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobi Madera

to shorten that up... They are customizable henchman that have typically better AI. There u go.. no big wall of text xD

They also suck considerably worse than Henchmen if you don't have access to a wide range of skills or don't know how to use the professions you're skilling up.

Iuris · Apr 20, 2010, 08:59 AM // 08:59

Yeeeah, a problem, there. How do you tell a guild newbie that the henchmen would be better than his heroes...

BrettM · Apr 20, 2010, 10:37 AM // 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobi Madera

to shorten that up... They are customizable henchman that have typically better AI. There u go.. no big wall of text xD

If you didn't like the "big wall of text", why did you quote the entire thing? Seems rather pointless, especially since you weren't responding to anything in it.

I am curious about the differences between hero and henchie AI. Please enlighten me. Briefly, of course.

*Darcy* · Apr 20, 2010, 11:10 AM // 11:10

There is no difference between Hero & Henchman AI. And a henchman is better than a poorly equipped hero. If you do not have the gold to buy runes/insignia/weapons for your heroes, and do not have the skills unlocked to make them viable, then don't use them.

@OP - As stated, you are missing nothing except companionship. And, again, forget about Villainy of Galrath. It is an extremely difficult quest which, by the time you can do it you don't need the 4k xp anymore.

Dzjudz · Apr 20, 2010, 11:19 AM // 11:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iuris

Yeeeah, a problem, there. How do you tell a guild newbie that the henchmen would be better than his heroes...

Haha, I know that feeling. I've done many missions with people where I said (after him changing his hero builds from crappy to even crappier builds): you know what? Kick your heroes and I'll just add a few henchies

.

Olim Chill · Apr 20, 2010, 12:20 PM // 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darcy

And, again, forget about Villainy of Galrath. It is an extremely difficult quest which, by the time you can do it you don't need the 4k xp anymore.

If you happen to like the idea of an "epic" quest, don't forget about VoG - it can be pretty enjoyable from that standpoint.

Iuris · Apr 20, 2010, 12:38 PM // 12:38

It's enjoyable, but after you AND your heroes are lvl 20. And given there's little of interest in the area, maybe it's best left for the time you go and vanquish the area, so you don't have to travel to the area again.

BTW, if you do it, take screenies of the floating tower. It's the only really interesting landmark in the area.

imnotyourmother · Apr 20, 2010, 12:49 PM // 12:49

Asrai, I will help you with The Villainy of Galrath quest and help to show you what henchman best suit you and what builds will suite your Primary Profession best.

Most players find builds that they like and stick to 3 or less builds/profession.

Example, my monk never changes builds now. It strong in DoA so I just kept it, made it myself too. People think its stupid until they want help and then the power of this build kicks in WITH hero's. (I am a Smitting/ELE monk - Laugh now.. I'll set you on fire and then RoJ you)

Bottom line, Look up A S L A N in-game and I can help you. I have all of the games so where ever you are I can help with game dynamics what what Henchman to use.

Can I ask what Profession you are and what "chapters of Guild Wars" you have? Like Prophecies I know you have but do you have Nightfall, Factions or Eye of the North?

I can show you how to upgrade your armor, give you some max weapons and help you with builds and what henchman to choose. Also, run you to Borials Station if you have GW:EN and pick up 2 hero's fast.

Asrai · Apr 20, 2010, 12:55 PM // 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olim Chill

If you happen to like the idea of an "epic" quest, don't forget about VoG - it can be pretty enjoyable from that standpoint.

Hey Olim

I missed several quests because I didn't know the story and did the mission that caused the searing before I had done much else. It was quite a surprise. However, I have done every quest I can find post searing and plan to get this one done regardless of reward. I progressed to an area with higher henchmen last night. It's going to be a long trip, but I'm hoping we can find the way back and give it another go soon.

Apr 19, 2010, 01:10 PM // 13:10	#1
Asrai Academy Page Join Date: Apr 2010 Profession: N/Mo	Using henchmen So far I have completed up to the Divinity Coast missions and every post searing quest I can find along the way. I don't belong to a clan/guild and since my online time is a bit erratic, I have only grouped with henchmen (npc's) Other than the obvious interaction with other players, am I penalized or missing some content by forming parties with just henchmen ? with the exception of The Villainy of Galrath.... I'm level 16, and even with a full group of henchmen, I can't seem to get thru the Black Curtain to get to Kessex

Apr 19, 2010, 01:38 PM // 13:38	#2
Iuris Forge Runner Join Date: Nov 2006 Guild: Crazy ducks from the Forest Profession: W/	Nope, you can do everything with henchmen. Hell, an AI group will usually outperform a Pick Up Group in efficiency, since the AIs will coordinate with you, something players are not always capable of P.S. FORGET Villainy of Galrath for now. It's an annoying quest, takes a long time and rewards little. Do it later. If you really want to do it, walk over to Temple of Ages, and you'll have access to parties of 8, with the henchmen a bit higher in level. Last edited by Iuris; Apr 19, 2010 at 01:42 PM // 13:42..

Apr 20, 2010, 11:10 AM // 11:10	#15
Darcy Never Too Old Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rhode Island where there are no GW contests Guild: Order of First Profession: W/R	There is no difference between Hero & Henchman AI. And a henchman is better than a poorly equipped hero. If you do not have the gold to buy runes/insignia/weapons for your heroes, and do not have the skills unlocked to make them viable, then don't use them. @OP - As stated, you are missing nothing except companionship. And, again, forget about Villainy of Galrath. It is an extremely difficult quest which, by the time you can do it you don't need the 4k xp anymore. __________________ That's me, the old stick-in-the-mud non-fun moderator. (and non-understanding, also)

Apr 19, 2010, 02:54 PM // 14:54	#3
Quaker Hell's Protector Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canada Guild: Brothers Disgruntled	No, you won't miss any of the main content or have any penalties for using only henchmen, except for a few particular high end places. For example, once you get to Temple of the Ages, you can enter the Underworld or the Fissure of Woe - however you can't take henchmen into those places. Those places are not connected to the storyline and are not required to complete the game, however. (But, you can bring Heroes with you.)

Apr 19, 2010, 03:34 PM // 15:34	#4
Eragon Zarroc Atra estern?? ono thelduin Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madness Incarnate Guild: [Duo] Profession: W/P	Grouping with just henchies doesn't penalize persay, but it can make some stuff more difficult. I would suggest that u get nightfall so u can use custumizable heros if u are usually playing alone ;-)

Apr 19, 2010, 03:35 PM // 15:35	#6
robmdq Academy Page Join Date: May 2005	At least for the base prophecies campaign, only a few bonus for missions will be diffcult or not doable with henchmen since they will require you to split the team, but beside those very few, you can do everything in the game using henchies, and once you get used to them and learn how to use and command them you will find yourself very comfortable in their company. I don0t know for sure about the expansions, but i remember during the beta weekends that henchies there were a lot morepowerful and smarter than in prophecies, so i guess you'll be just fine.

Apr 19, 2010, 04:05 PM // 16:05	#9
Sookie Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NoCenTex Guild: [AKA] Guild Leader Profession: R/	When I started Guild Wars, I knew nothing about guilds, wiki, maps or guides...I "Henched" my way to the Maguuma Jungle before joining a group at the mission with the crystals (the one that is so difficult to do without help). Of course my protector status was horrible (I think I finished Prophecies with 6/25 or something like that) by the time I finished because I didn't know about titles and the importance of doing bonuses. I had no friends and knew no one in the game. My second Prophecies character, however, was created while I was a guild member, had access to all the help that the "net" provided and finished with protector. All I'm saying is that I enjoyed doing both...exploring & discovering on my own PLUS having access to wiki and a guild of helpful guild mates when needed. So......do what allows you to enjoy the game.

Apr 20, 2010, 08:59 AM // 08:59	#13
Iuris Forge Runner Join Date: Nov 2006 Guild: Crazy ducks from the Forest Profession: W/	Yeeeah, a problem, there. How do you tell a guild newbie that the henchmen would be better than his heroes...

Apr 20, 2010, 12:38 PM // 12:38	#18
Iuris Forge Runner Join Date: Nov 2006 Guild: Crazy ducks from the Forest Profession: W/	It's enjoyable, but after you AND your heroes are lvl 20. And given there's little of interest in the area, maybe it's best left for the time you go and vanquish the area, so you don't have to travel to the area again. BTW, if you do it, take screenies of the floating tower. It's the only really interesting landmark in the area.

Apr 20, 2010, 12:49 PM // 12:49	#19
imnotyourmother Desert Nomad Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: in a house Guild: The Knitters Guild Profession: W/R	Asrai, I will help you with The Villainy of Galrath quest and help to show you what henchman best suit you and what builds will suite your Primary Profession best. Most players find builds that they like and stick to 3 or less builds/profession. Example, my monk never changes builds now. It strong in DoA so I just kept it, made it myself too. People think its stupid until they want help and then the power of this build kicks in WITH hero's. (I am a Smitting/ELE monk - Laugh now.. I'll set you on fire and then RoJ you) Bottom line, Look up A S L A N in-game and I can help you. I have all of the games so where ever you are I can help with game dynamics what what Henchman to use. Can I ask what Profession you are and what "chapters of Guild Wars" you have? Like Prophecies I know you have but do you have Nightfall, Factions or Eye of the North? I can show you how to upgrade your armor, give you some max weapons and help you with builds and what henchman to choose. Also, run you to Borials Station if you have GW:EN and pick up 2 hero's fast.