As is DDO, So is Life

[Bracosius]

The chronicle of helping a new player level.

Levels 1-4

They are so cute. Everything is new and they are amazed at every turn.

They are drawn to everything shiny. Every new toy belongs to them and is the greatest that exists. They use thier +1 frost great club of lesser undead bane against everything they fight, and you don't have the heart to tell them its vendor trash.

You teach them to walk, to talk (push to talk), and how to level up. They crawl through every dungeon for a while, but your patient, let them experience the world.


Levels 5-8

They are just past toddlers now. Competant enough that you don't have to hold thier hand, yet not quite ready to solo.

They start collecting things, and planning for the future. You get to hear stories about how they will one day solo Von 5, again, you don't have the heart to tell them.

They start playing almost daily and make friends in thier own level range. Friends, you know they may be leveling with the rest of thier lives.

They like to rush into quests, discovering things for themselves. You are there with the ever watchful eye, to bail them out in case they get over thier heads.


Levels 9-12

They are now coming into thier own. They solo once in a while, but not overnight.

There tastes are now more expensive then they were before. They see the +4 metaline kopesh of pure good on the auction house and wonder why you won't just buy it for them, you have plenty of money, right?

They want to go to raid parties on a regular basis, and they tell you that you don't need to come to watch over them. But you still have to pick up the pieces. They come to you when a popular vet calls them out on thier low end gear. And all the other party members heartlessly laugh at thier expense. Stormreach can be cruel, a fact you already know.


Levels 13-16

They now are comfortable with the game. They are confidant enough to post in the advice channel and answer questions. Usually thier answers are wrong, but you don't have the heart to tell them.

It becomes an awkward time because you realize you must prepare them for the world. The talks become different then before. You explain the importance of using protection. Heavy fort is a must, and you don't want any unplanned alts popping up. You should not plan an alt until your sure your ready, and your main can properly support it. There are already enough lowbies running around with no cure pots due to poor planning.

They also now want a greensteal of thier own, they are tired of borrowing your +2 silver holy heavy pick. Yeah it gets past DR, but they want some thing that impresses thier frinds when they myddo them. Remember, stay firm, they have to work for thier own greensteal. Yes, you do have the resources to just make it for them, but then they won't value it as much. I know it's hard seeing them run around with only a tier 2 upgrade, but sometimes tough love is necessary.


Levels 17-20

They are all grown up now. You don't see them as much as you used to. They have thier own plans and goals. They don't ask what you think anymore. The only time you here from them they want to borrow plat. You stopped keeping track of how much they owe you.

You still run some quests with them, but it's different now. They run ahead, aggro everything , and think they are indestructible. You try to offer advice, but they won't listen. They have decided they know everthing and your just a disgruntled vet.

They have alts now. You do like running with thier alts and helping them through quests, it reminds you of the early days. The alts don't need you the way they used too. They have elemental of PG weapons and a pack full of cure serious pots at level 2. You don't say anything but you know you did good.

They log back on thier main and tell you they plan to TR as a tempest/barbarian/paladin, the best bulid ever they tell you. You just smile...you don't have the heart to tell them.

[rest]

Too funny!

[FlimsyFirewood]

Too true.

[Eladrin]

That was pretty amazing.

[Fenrisulven6]

they See The +4 Metaline Kopesh Of Pure Good On The Auction House And Wonder Why You Won't Just Buy It For Them, You Have Pleanty Of Money, Right?

Lol.

+1

[shadow_419]

+1 rep for that. Very funny but very true. Sounds like me a with my first few characters, and some of my friends who are still learning.

[guzzlr]

I don't do the rep thing and obviously I don't post much, but this one deserves a thumbs up.


Well done!

[CelticHero]

Great stuff

[DagazUlf]

'Tis unfortunate I cannot properly applaud such a great post.




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[SaisMatters]

Can't................stop.................laughing !!!
lol

[MeliCat]

ooooh! you're describing me!!!

LOL

(except I'm a kind of timid player... which is amusing on a barb...)

Missing:

They finally complete their T3 on their GS and just think it's awesomesauce - and are disappointed when all the other vets go "meh." They learn how to use MyDDO and find out why.

[shrades72]

Truly spectacular post.

[ArloOne]

Really good stuff~!

[Bladecutter563]

It's too bad I was spoiled through my young days of DDO. (Though I'm still in said young days. :P)

Never got to experience anything, what with people telling me exactly what was going to happen on every quest at any given time.

[Tejoncito]

AMAZING post, congrats.

[cardmj1]

+1 rep Too funny and way too true.

[LA_MIKE]

Loved it.

[Alyzza]

Brilliant!

+1 rep

[parvo]

Genius.

[Gorstag]

Good stuff +1 dude.