Difference between revisions of "Category:Black Circle Initiates"

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''The Black Circle is a secretive cabal of lizard and Dragon-kin assassins under the service of the Great Dragon Kahbyss. The Circle teaches a small repertoire of [[:Category: Psionicist Skills And Spells |psionic spells]], including some unknown outside the circle. The Circle as a whole has a certain measure of [[Reputation |Reputation]], although individual Initiates cannot raise this, like an [[:Category: Assassins |Assassin]] can. Like all [[:Category: Prestige Classes |Prestige Classes]], they retain the original class's [[Prime Requisite |Prime Requisite]], in this case, [[Dexterity |Dexterity]]. As a Psionic class, they possess a Psion's higher degree of success with spells such as [[Deception |deception]]. Joining the Circle is for life. Initiates cannot become [[:Category: Assassins |Assassins]] or [[:Category: Berserkers |Berserkers]] like [[:Category: Rogues |Rogues]] can. Rumor says the Circle maintains a base in warmer climes, where Masters can often be found.''
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''The Black Circle is a secretive cabal of lizard and Dragon-kin assassins under the service of the Great Dragon Kahbyss. The Circle teaches a small repertoire of [[:Category: Psionicist Skills And Spells |psionic spells]], including some unknown outside the circle. The Circle as a whole has a certain measure of [[Reputation |Reputation]], although individual Initiates cannot raise this, like an [[:Category: Assassins |Assassin]] can.''
 +
 
 +
''Like all [[:Category: Prestige Classes |Prestige Classes]], they retain the original class's [[Prime Requisite |Prime Requisite]], in this case, [[Dexterity |Dexterity]]. As a Psionic class, they possess a Psion's higher degree of success with spells such as [[Deception |deception]]. Joining the Circle is for life. Initiates cannot become [[:Category: Assassins |Assassins]] or [[:Category: Berserkers |Berserkers]] like [[:Category: Rogues |Rogues]] can.''
 +
 
 +
''Rumor says the Circle maintains a base in warmer climes, where Masters can often be found.''
 +
 
 +
''Requirements:<br>
 +
''* level 50 Rogue<br>
 +
''* Reptilian or similar race<br>
 +
''* Have an impressive "resume"<br>
 +
''* Avoid trouble with the law<br>
 +
''* Complete one "job" for the Circle
 +
 
  
 
'''Abbreviation:''' Bci.
 
'''Abbreviation:''' Bci.
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== BCIs in General ==   
 
== BCIs in General ==   
  
The Black Circle, much like the help file says, is a [[:Category: Rogues |Rogue]] like assassin with some unique [[:Category: Psionicists|psionic]] abilities. BCI do not get a lot of [[:Category: Mages | arcane]] spells but they do gain some impressive psionics that only the [[:Category: Psionicists| Psi]] and [[:Category: Mindbenders| Mnd]] can learn like [[Overconfidence |overconfidence]], [[Anger Management  |anger management]] and [[Death Field|death field]]. Also BCI can learn a couple skills unique only to the initiates like [[Sense Weakness|sense weakness]] and [[Killer Instinct |killer instinct]].
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The Black Circle Initiate, is a [[:Category: Rogues |Rogue]]-like assassin with some unique [[:Category: Psionicists|psionic]] abilities. BCI do not get a lot of arcane spells but they have access to some impressive psionics that only the [[:Category: Psionicists|psionicists]] and [[:Category: Mindbenders|Mnd]] can learn like [[Overconfidence |overconfidence]], [[Anger Management  |anger management]] and [[Death Field|death field]]. Also BCI can learn a couple skills unique only to the initiates like [[Sense Weakness|sense weakness]] and [[Killer Instinct |killer instinct]].
  
BCI lose some very important hero [[:Category: Spells |spells]] like [[Teleport |teleport]], [[Foci |foci]] and [[Awen |awen]] so they become a bit tricky to play at low hero level so in groups you need to rely on groupmates to [[Sanctuary |sanc]] you. Fortunately there are lots of great [[:Category: Maps |Maps]] and [[:Category: Areas |directions]] on this site to help you get around as well as get [[:Category: Spellcasting Gear| potions and brews]] to help you on your way. All in all, if you break apart [[Foci |foci]] and [[Awen |awen]] you only miss out on [[Stone Skin |stone skin]] , [[Protection Good |protection good]] and [[Sanctuary |sanc]]. So grab some [[Gauntlets Of Protection]] or an [[Opal Encased In A Bronze Ring]] and a few [[Sanctuary |sanc]] [[:Category: Spellcasting Gear |quaffs]] and you're ready to roll. With the introduction of (legal) spell-bots, this is less of an issue.
+
BCI gain stats identical to a mage. This means a balanced ratio of HP and mana, that makes them able to use their abilities (namely [[Death Field]]) in combat.
  
Once you get past the lack of [[:Category: Mages | arcane]] knowlege you can see how versatile the Circle can be. They are every bit as [[Sneak |sneaky]] and eventually even a little more potent [[Backstab |stabbers]] and BCI also get a bit of [[Reputation |Reputation]] but not as much as [[:Category: Assassins |assassins]] however though still noticable. And don't forget about your psionics. What else are you going to use all that [[Mana Points |mana]] for?
+
Black Circle Initiates also get a certain [[reputation]] (20%) due to the nature of the Circle but, unlike [[:Category: Assassins |Assassins]], this is not earned and can not be lost.
  
 
== BCI Creation ==  
 
== BCI Creation ==  
 
      
 
      
BCI is a possible class option for[[Troglodytes |troglodytes]], [[Draconians |draconians]], [[Firedrakes |firedrakes]] and [[Lizardmen |lizardmen]] rogues. As far as remort options go, [[dragons]], [[tuataurs]] and [[miraars]] can become BCI.
+
BCI is a possible class option only for lizard-kin (and fake lizard-kin) races: [[Troglodytes|troglodytes]], [[Draconians|draconians]], [[Firedrakes|firedrakes]], [[Lizardmen|lizardmen]] and [[miraar]] rogues. Remort races that can become BCI are [[dragons]] and [[tuataurs]]. [[:Category:Imps| Imps]] can become a BCI whilst a Dust Imp since they have the racial characteristic 'Scaled Race'.
 +
 
 +
The [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |BCI master]] can be found at the bottom of the [[:Category:Valley Of The Sun |Valley of the Sun]]. Requirements are:
 +
 
 +
* One of the races listed above,
 +
* Spotless criminal record - ie. '''NO''' arrests,
 +
* A large kill counter - about 333 at lvl 50, 359 at hero 1, and rising fast afterwards (433 at hero 5).
 +
 
 +
With this in mind, linger in lower xp areas when leveling at lowmort and try to rack up the kill counter. Remember that kills need to give xp to add to the counter. Once ready and level 50, the [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |BCI master]] will give you a quest. If you try to prestige and the Master replies: 'Yeah, I've heard of you, but I haven't heard much. How do I know you've got what it takes?' it means you still need more kills.
  
If you are interested becoming a BCI you can see the [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |Master]] at level 30 and see if you are eligible for membership into the Black Circle. The [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |BCI master]] can be found at the bottom of The [[:Category:Valley Of The Sun |Vally of the Sun]]. One of the most important requirements besides [[:Category: Races |race]] is your criminal record. It must be spotless before you join up.
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=== The Quest ===
  
Next, if your cold blooded with a clean record, you will need to have 1000 kills by level 50. With the new ability to become a prestige class up until hero level 100, a rogue will need to get 1200 kills if attempting to become a BCI at hero level 1 or above. Once you have your kill count up the [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |BCI master]] will give you your [[:Category:Ticket Quests |quest]].  
+
A Black Circle Master says 'Yeah, maybe you do have what it takes.
 +
Maybe you could do a little job for us, hrmm? Those two bunglers I
 +
sent on the Audis job are taking too long...'
  
This is a [[:Category:Ticket Quests |ticket quest]] in [[:Category: Lord Audis' Villa |Lord Audis' Villa]] where it is easy to get [[Arrests |arrested]] so be carefull. The aggie [[:Category: Assassins |assassins]] there stab hard and fighting them in the presence of a guard will give you an [[:Category:Character Flags |outlaw flag]]. If the servant spots you there, you'll get an outlaw flag too, even without any fighting.
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From Lord Audis go: w, d, s, s, u, e.  
  
Once you give the [[:Category:Black Circle Initiate Trainers |master]] the [[:Category:Ticket Quests |ticket]] item and you are level 50 you can use the [[prestige]] command and join up.
+
In the second-to-last room there is a large mob with sanc and poison and that stabs. The item you're looking for is the [[Audis Family Crest (Ticket)|Audis family crest]]. It's on Nikoli. Murder Nikoli and return the item.
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Text:
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This is a ticket quest in [[:Category: Lord Audis' Villa |Lord Audis' Villa]] where it is easy to get [[Arrests |arrested]] so be careful. The aggressive assassins there stab hard and fighting them in the presence of a guard will give you an [[:Category:Character Flags |outlaw flag]]. If the servant spots you there, you'll get an outlaw flag too, even without any fighting. Outlaws might find a reprieve from the Black Circle Master, but once you are arrested, he will ignore you forever. You are required to do this quest with the alt that wants to go BCI.  
A Black Circle Master says 'Yeah, maybe you do have what it takes. Maybe you could do a little job
 
for us, hrmm? Those two bunglers I sent on the Audis job are taking too long...'
 
  
From Lord Audis I went...
+
Once you give the required item to the master, you can use the [[prestige]] command and become BCI.
w, d, s, s, u, e. In the second two last room there was a large mob with sanc and poison and stabbing. You can do this quest with another alt, and that's probably a good idea. The item you're looking for is the [[Audis Family Crest (Ticket)|audis family crest]]. It's on Nikoli.
 
  
 
== BCIs at Hero Tier ==
 
== BCIs at Hero Tier ==
 +
 +
While it might appear there is little difference between BCI and Rogues at low hero, except that BCI receive less of the useful spells, this is not quite accurate. At hero 33 BCI can learn [[Deception]] which can be very handy against mobs that wield. Also, starting at hero 11 they learn a series of six psionic damage spells, starting with [[Psychic Drain]] and culminating with [[Ultrablast]] at hero 91. Coupled with [[Surge]] (hero 49) these spells can add noticeable damage during a fight. [[Overconfidence]] can also be useful against mobs that flee, particularly flying ones (which can't be tripped).
 +
 +
After 101 they come into their own, as they are able to both stab as a rogue and to use [[Death Field]] for tremendous area damage, to name but a few of their primary abilities. They can also use [[Quickcast]] and [[Shadowcast]] to add certain psionic spells to a mid-round vital shot or an opening surprise attack. Max bci surge is 3.
  
 
=== Training ===
 
=== Training ===
  
As with any character, [[Train |train]] [[Wisdom |wisdom]] first and then [[Intelligence |intelligence]] this will help you [[Practice |practice]] [[:Category:Skills And Spells |skills]] quicker and give you more [[Mana Points |mana]] each level. Next [[Train |train]] [[Constitution |con]] for better [[Hit Points |hp]] gains then [[Dexterity |dex]] and [[Strength |str]] to taste.
+
Train [[Wisdom|wisdom]] first and then [[Intelligence |intelligence]], for the increased prac and mana gains. Next comes [[Constitution |constitution]] for better [[Hit Points |hp]] gains, and finally train strength and dexterity at your leisure.
  
 
=== Practicing ===
 
=== Practicing ===
  
Once you got your [[Intelligence |intelligence]] maxed and [[:Category:Level Gear |inteligence gear]] on you can start [[Practice |practicing]] your new [[:Category:Skills And Spells |skills]]. Also you will need to re-adept your old [[:Category:Skills And Spells |skills]] because you can train you [[:Category:Skills And Spells |skills]] to 95% now instead of 90% at lowmort.
+
It is important to practice the following skills and spells at hero:
  
Some [[:Category:Hero Skills And Spells |hero skills]] are clones so you do not need to [[Practice |practicing]] them all like [[Invis |invis]] and [[Mask |mask]]. Other [[:Category:Skills And Spells |skills]] like [[Pass Door |pass door]] which is a part of [[Foci |foci]] is not learnable by BCI but [[Ectoplasmic Form |ectoplasmic form]] is. Some of the best [[:Category:Hero Skills And Spells |lowhero skills]] to learn are the ones the are found in or can replace those found in [[Foci]]/[[Awen]] as well as [[Astral |astral]], [[Anger Management |anger management]], [[Overconfidence |overconfidence]], [[Deception |deception]] and the [[:Category:Psionicist Skills And Spells |psionic attack spells]].  
+
* [[Nightcloak]] - increase stealth of a race, potentially making certain races immune to failing stealth checks,
 +
* [[Backstab]] - the bread and butter of rogue skills, required for stabbing,
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* [[Death Field]] - incredibly potent area attack with a nasty potential for backfire,
 +
* [[Overconfidence]] - useful for dealing with wimpy mobs,
 +
* [[Sense Weakness]] - only marginally useful at hero tier due to the speed at which mobs usually die,
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* [[Quickstrike]] and [[Killer Instinct]] - useful when soloing to increase damage dealt.
  
=== Devoting ===
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You may want to look into the following spells:
  
The best suited gods to [[Worship |worship]] for BCI are [[Tor]] and [[Shizaga]]. Your playing style will influence your choice for the best one suited for your needs. If you Spend your time soloing the extra damage from [[Tor]] will help as well as the [[Hit Points |hp]] regen bonus. [[Shizaga]] also grants a stab bonus as well as a psionic bonus. [[:Category:Skills And Spells |Spells]] cost less with [[Shizaga]] and more with [[Tor]].
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* [[Enhanced Strength]] - Useful replacement for Giant Strength,
    [[Worship |Recap]]: Tor gives better melee and regen
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* [[Ectoplasmic Form]] - Useful replacement for Pass Door,
            Shizaga gives better spells, lower spell cost and better mana gain
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* [[Heighten Senses]] - Since you are psi-like, this lasts the full duration of spells
            Both give good hp gains and improve stabs
 
  
    [[Devotion |Devoting]]: Tor grants +2 str and +1 con wich could give you greater damage and better
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Spells BCI do '''not''' get require special attention:
                  hp gains. He also won't let you raise your int and wis as high as it
 
                  you used to which could affect your mana gains and practice gains as
 
                  well as the number of practices you need to adept a skill.
 
              Shizaga grants +1 dex with helps with your rogue skills and ac but reduces
 
                      wis by 1 which could affect your practice gains.                 
 
  
=== Fighting ===
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* [[Portal]], [[Nexus]],
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* [[Awen]], though they do receive the spells of the [[Awen]] stack.
 +
 
 +
=== Worship and Devoting ===
 +
 
 +
Where rogues had a relatively easy dilemma between Shizaga and Tor, BCI have a much harder choice to make.
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 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" align="center"
 +
|+ '''<big>Excerpt from [[Worship]] Effects Table</big>'''
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;" colspan=2 | EFFECTS PER DEITY
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:48px" | [[Shizaga  |Shz]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:48px" | [[Tor      |Tor]]
 +
|-
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" rowspan=2 | Regeneration Rate
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Hit Points |Hit Points]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffbbbb;color:#ff0000" | -10%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#eeeeff;color:#0000ff" | +05%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Mana Points |Mana Points]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" | 00%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" |  00%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" rowspan=2 | [[Cast |Spellcasting]]
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | Cost
 +
| align="center" style="background:#eeeeff;color:#0000ff" | -05%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffdddd;color:#ff0000" | +10%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | Lag
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ddddff;color:#0000ff" | -20%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" | 00%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" rowspan=3 | Combat Damage
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | Melee Weapon
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffdddd;color:#ff0000" | worse
 +
| align="center" style="background:#bbbbff;color:#0000ff" | better
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | Rogue Damage
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ddddff;color:#0000ff" | better
 +
| align="center" style="background:#bbbbff;color:#0000ff" | best
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Cast |Spellcasting]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ddddff;color:#0000ff" | better
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffdddd;color:#ff0000" | worse
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" colspan=2 | Combat [[Experience Points |Experience-Point]] Gains
 +
| align="center" style="background:#eeeeff;color:#0000ff" | +05%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" |  00%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" colspan=2 | Death [[Experience Points |Experience-Point]] Losses
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" |  00%
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ddddff;color:#0000ff" | -05%
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" rowspan=3 | Levelup Gains
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Hit Points |Hit Points]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" | same
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffffff;color:#ffffff" | same
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Mana Points |Mana Points]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#bbbbff;color:#0000ff" | best
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffdddd;color:#ff0000" | worse
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" | [[Practice Points |Practice Points]]<sup>[2]</sup>
 +
| align="center" style="background:#bbbbff;color:#0000ff" |  +1
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffeeee;color:#ff0000" | -1
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" style="background:#efefef;" colspan=2 | Effective [[Intelligence|Int]] for [[Practice Points|Practicing]]
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffeeee;color:#ff0000" | -0.5
 +
| align="center" style="background:#ffcccc;color:#ff0000" | -1.5
 +
|-
 +
|+ align="bottom" |
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''Shizaga''' is great for "smart" races - those wishing to maximize their mana gains, and that will rely on death field to do damage. This in turn leads to ability to solo akin to mages - using surged death field and a charged shield to clear large amounts of enemies at once while relying on tank gear and not using melee abilities. Alternatively, "strong" races such as [[Black Dragons]] can still do significant melee damage with a Shizaga worship, and thanks to large hp pools and good racial armor run in full hit gear. Shizaga gives bonuses to spell damage, better mana gains, bonuses to rogue skills like backstab and is far better for poisoning weapons.
  
Killing is what Initiates do best
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'''Tor''' will nerf mana gains and spell damage while boosting melee, making it more suitable for the "brutish" BCI - those seeking to maximize stab damage and hitting power,  and that will use death field only sparringly.
  
'''Soloing:'''
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{| cellpadding="5"
 +
|
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" align="center"
 +
|+ '''Excerpt from [[Devotion]] Effects Table'''
 +
|-
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:50px" | [[:Category: Gods And Goddesses |God]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:25px" | [[Strength    |Str]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:25px" | [[Intelligence |Int]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:25px" | [[Wisdom      |Wis]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:25px" | [[Dexterity    |Dex]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdead;width:25px" | [[Constitution |Con]]
 +
|-
 +
! style="background:#efefef;" | [[Shizaga  |Shz]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffffff; | 
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffffff; | 
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffeeee;color:#ff0000" | -1
 +
! align="center" style="background:#eeeeff;color:#0000ff" | +1
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffffff; | 
 +
|-
 +
! style="background:#efefef;" | [[Tor      |Tor]]
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ddddff;color:#0000ff" | +2
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffeeee;color:#ff0000" | -1
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffdddd;color:#ff0000" | -2
 +
! align="center" style="background:#ffffff; | 
 +
! align="center" style="background:#eeeeff;color:#0000ff" | +1
 +
|}
 +
|}
  
Soloing might be a bit tricky until after level 101. You will need to find [[:Category:Gear |gear]] or [[:Category:Spellcasting Gear |potions]] to make up for the lack of [[:Category:Skills And Spells |spells]]. To start out have a good mix of [[:Category:Hero Hit Gear |damage roll]] and [[:Category:Hero Tank Gear |ac gear]]. As time goes on you can slowly fase out the [[:Category:Hero Tank Gear |ac gear]] and eventually solo in full [[:Category:Hero Hit Gear |hit]].  
+
As with worship, each devotion suits its particular gameplay style.
  
You might try the hound dogs in [[:Category:Shadow Keep]]. They [[Flee |flee]] easily which saves you [[Hit Points |hit points]] and is easy to walk to.
+
Shizaga will give bonus AC useful for soloing or tanking, where Tor devotion will increase damage and HP gains while further reducing mana gains.
[[:Category:Dream Steppes]] is good after 101 and be sure to avoid the riders and masked psionicists for a while.
 
  
 +
=== Fighting ===
  
'''Tanking:'''
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'''Soloing:''' Soloing might be a bit tricky until after level 101, but follows two routes:
  
BCI tank rather well with [[Backstab |bs]] or [[Vital Shot |vs]] to open up commbat. At low hero you will need full [[:Category:Hero Tank Gear |ac gear]] and then slowly blend in [[:Category:Hero Hit Gear |hit]] to suit your playing style. Be sure to include someone in the group who can [[Portal |portal]] and [[Sanctuary |sanc]].
+
* Fight in [[Tanking In Hit Gear|mixed gear]] by blinding mobs (''vs eye'') or later by [[Backstab|backstabbing]] them. Augment damage by quickstrikes or ultrablasts.  
  
'''Hitting:'''
+
* Alternatively, after 101 go into full AC with a charged shield, and fight many mobs at once using [[Death Field]].
  
BCI don't really start hitting well until level 39 when they get [[Third Attack |third attack]]. They just keep getting better after that with other various [[:Category:Hero Skills And Spells |skills]]. At low hero be sure to use your [[:Category:Psionicist Skills And Spells |psionic attacks]] or [[Throw |throw weapon]] for added damage. Also use [[Sneak Attack |sneak attack]] to target mobs.
+
'''Tanking:''' BCI tank rather well with [[Backstab|''bs'']] or [[Vital Shot|''vs eye'']] to open up combat. At low hero you will need full [[:Category:Hero Tank Gear |ac gear]] and then slowly blend in [[:Category:Hero Hit Gear |hit]] to suit your playing style. Be sure to include someone in the group who can [[Portal |portal]] and [[Sanctuary |sanc]].
 +
 
 +
'''Hitting:''' BCI don't really start hitting well until they get [[Third Attack|third attack]] and [[Enhanced Damage|enhanced damage]]. When in groups they should be stabbing in full DR gear (and immediately rescued by actual tanks), and using DF for rooms with 3+ mobs.
 +
 
 +
'''Healing:''' Since BCI do not get [[Arcane Knowledge]] they cannot brand or zap. They do have access to [[Heal]] in emergencies (but not [[Augment]]).
  
 
== BCIs at Lord Tier ==
 
== BCIs at Lord Tier ==
BCIs continue to be powerful characters at the lord tier. Your nightcloak skill insure your continuing high stab rate, and IC regeneration can be nice. In addition, you can help the tanks/group get steel. The BCIs missed out on the recent addition of [[Slip]] but they can still stab and let another rogue or asn slip in for later damage.
+
 
 +
BCIs continue to be powerful characters at the lord tier, although overshadowed by assassins and especially by rogues. [[Nightcloak]] will insure your continuing high stab rate, and in-class [[Regeneration]] can be nice. In addition, BCI can cast [[Steel Skeleton]] on group members.  
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately the BCIs do not receive [[Slip]] or [[Disengage]] but they can still open with a stab and let another rogue or assassin slip in for later damage.
 
   
 
   
Depending on your race, you can either [[Sense Weakness]] and [[Vital Shot]] midround, or [[Mindwipe]] the mobs for a nice little boost in damage. From what I've heard, with normal T1 DR gear, a lizard will average more or less the same damage, with [[Mindwipe]] giving a chance to stun the mob (and prevent them from casting) and [[Vital Shot]] being able to to blind and weaken the mob in other ways. If someone has a BCI with gear and has run damage counters, this would be a great place to let us know.
+
Depending on your race, you can either [[Sense Weakness]] and [[Vital Shot]] midround, or [[Mindwipe]] the mobs for a nice little boost in damage.
  
 
== BCI Remort Options ==
 
== BCI Remort Options ==
Line 89: Line 219:
 
BCI has no class remort options; BCI is for life.
 
BCI has no class remort options; BCI is for life.
  
Strong, otherwise non-sneaky races such as [[minotaurs]], [[dragons]] and [[trolls]] make great remort choices for BCI, as the skill [[nightcloak]] allows them rarely miss their stab. Dragons do exceptionally well, with their mix of high racial damage and strong casting abilities, excelling at all aspects of BCI, and in addition, are able to become a BCI even if not originally BCI.
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Strong, otherwise non-sneaky races such as [[minotaurs]], [[dragons]] and [[trolls]] make great remort choices for BCI, as the skill [[nightcloak]] allows them to rarely miss their stab.  
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Dragons do exceptionally well, with their mix of high racial damage and strong casting abilities, excelling at all aspects of BCI, and in addition, are able to become a BCI even if not originally BCI. After all, [[Kahbyss]] founded the Circle, and he is a black dragon.
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For those shy of a dragon's TNL and death-field related deaths, [[Tuataurs|tuataurs]] are also a good option - good sneaking, powerful casters, but without the damage modifier and not as armored.
  
 
[[Category: Prestige Classes]]
 
[[Category: Prestige Classes]]

Latest revision as of 14:38, 14 December 2023

The Black Circle is a secretive cabal of lizard and Dragon-kin assassins under the service of the Great Dragon Kahbyss. The Circle teaches a small repertoire of psionic spells, including some unknown outside the circle. The Circle as a whole has a certain measure of Reputation, although individual Initiates cannot raise this, like an Assassin can.

Like all Prestige Classes, they retain the original class's Prime Requisite, in this case, Dexterity. As a Psionic class, they possess a Psion's higher degree of success with spells such as deception. Joining the Circle is for life. Initiates cannot become Assassins or Berserkers like Rogues can.

Rumor says the Circle maintains a base in warmer climes, where Masters can often be found.

Requirements:
* level 50 Rogue
* Reptilian or similar race
* Have an impressive "resume"
* Avoid trouble with the law
* Complete one "job" for the Circle


Abbreviation: Bci.

Base Class: Rogue.

Prime Requisite: Dexterity.

BCIs in General

The Black Circle Initiate, is a Rogue-like assassin with some unique psionic abilities. BCI do not get a lot of arcane spells but they have access to some impressive psionics that only the psionicists and Mnd can learn like overconfidence, anger management and death field. Also BCI can learn a couple skills unique only to the initiates like sense weakness and killer instinct.

BCI gain stats identical to a mage. This means a balanced ratio of HP and mana, that makes them able to use their abilities (namely Death Field) in combat.

Black Circle Initiates also get a certain reputation (20%) due to the nature of the Circle but, unlike Assassins, this is not earned and can not be lost.

BCI Creation

BCI is a possible class option only for lizard-kin (and fake lizard-kin) races: troglodytes, draconians, firedrakes, lizardmen and miraar rogues. Remort races that can become BCI are dragons and tuataurs. Imps can become a BCI whilst a Dust Imp since they have the racial characteristic 'Scaled Race'.

The BCI master can be found at the bottom of the Valley of the Sun. Requirements are:

  • One of the races listed above,
  • Spotless criminal record - ie. NO arrests,
  • A large kill counter - about 333 at lvl 50, 359 at hero 1, and rising fast afterwards (433 at hero 5).

With this in mind, linger in lower xp areas when leveling at lowmort and try to rack up the kill counter. Remember that kills need to give xp to add to the counter. Once ready and level 50, the BCI master will give you a quest. If you try to prestige and the Master replies: 'Yeah, I've heard of you, but I haven't heard much. How do I know you've got what it takes?' it means you still need more kills.

The Quest

A Black Circle Master says 'Yeah, maybe you do have what it takes.
Maybe you could do a little job for us, hrmm? Those two bunglers I 
sent on the Audis job are taking too long...'

From Lord Audis go: w, d, s, s, u, e.

In the second-to-last room there is a large mob with sanc and poison and that stabs. The item you're looking for is the Audis family crest. It's on Nikoli. Murder Nikoli and return the item.

This is a ticket quest in Lord Audis' Villa where it is easy to get arrested so be careful. The aggressive assassins there stab hard and fighting them in the presence of a guard will give you an outlaw flag. If the servant spots you there, you'll get an outlaw flag too, even without any fighting. Outlaws might find a reprieve from the Black Circle Master, but once you are arrested, he will ignore you forever. You are required to do this quest with the alt that wants to go BCI.

Once you give the required item to the master, you can use the prestige command and become BCI.

BCIs at Hero Tier

While it might appear there is little difference between BCI and Rogues at low hero, except that BCI receive less of the useful spells, this is not quite accurate. At hero 33 BCI can learn Deception which can be very handy against mobs that wield. Also, starting at hero 11 they learn a series of six psionic damage spells, starting with Psychic Drain and culminating with Ultrablast at hero 91. Coupled with Surge (hero 49) these spells can add noticeable damage during a fight. Overconfidence can also be useful against mobs that flee, particularly flying ones (which can't be tripped).

After 101 they come into their own, as they are able to both stab as a rogue and to use Death Field for tremendous area damage, to name but a few of their primary abilities. They can also use Quickcast and Shadowcast to add certain psionic spells to a mid-round vital shot or an opening surprise attack. Max bci surge is 3.

Training

Train wisdom first and then intelligence, for the increased prac and mana gains. Next comes constitution for better hp gains, and finally train strength and dexterity at your leisure.

Practicing

It is important to practice the following skills and spells at hero:

  • Nightcloak - increase stealth of a race, potentially making certain races immune to failing stealth checks,
  • Backstab - the bread and butter of rogue skills, required for stabbing,
  • Death Field - incredibly potent area attack with a nasty potential for backfire,
  • Overconfidence - useful for dealing with wimpy mobs,
  • Sense Weakness - only marginally useful at hero tier due to the speed at which mobs usually die,
  • Quickstrike and Killer Instinct - useful when soloing to increase damage dealt.

You may want to look into the following spells:

Spells BCI do not get require special attention:

Worship and Devoting

Where rogues had a relatively easy dilemma between Shizaga and Tor, BCI have a much harder choice to make.

Excerpt from Worship Effects Table
EFFECTS PER DEITY Shz Tor
Regeneration Rate Hit Points -10% +05%
Mana Points 00% 00%
Spellcasting Cost -05% +10%
Lag -20% 00%
Combat Damage Melee Weapon worse better
Rogue Damage better best
Spellcasting better worse
Combat Experience-Point Gains +05% 00%
Death Experience-Point Losses 00% -05%
Levelup Gains Hit Points same same
Mana Points best worse
Practice Points[2] +1 -1
Effective Int for Practicing -0.5 -1.5

Shizaga is great for "smart" races - those wishing to maximize their mana gains, and that will rely on death field to do damage. This in turn leads to ability to solo akin to mages - using surged death field and a charged shield to clear large amounts of enemies at once while relying on tank gear and not using melee abilities. Alternatively, "strong" races such as Black Dragons can still do significant melee damage with a Shizaga worship, and thanks to large hp pools and good racial armor run in full hit gear. Shizaga gives bonuses to spell damage, better mana gains, bonuses to rogue skills like backstab and is far better for poisoning weapons.

Tor will nerf mana gains and spell damage while boosting melee, making it more suitable for the "brutish" BCI - those seeking to maximize stab damage and hitting power, and that will use death field only sparringly.

Excerpt from Devotion Effects Table
God Str Int Wis Dex Con
Shz -1 +1
Tor +2 -1 -2 +1

As with worship, each devotion suits its particular gameplay style.

Shizaga will give bonus AC useful for soloing or tanking, where Tor devotion will increase damage and HP gains while further reducing mana gains.

Fighting

Soloing: Soloing might be a bit tricky until after level 101, but follows two routes:

  • Fight in mixed gear by blinding mobs (vs eye) or later by backstabbing them. Augment damage by quickstrikes or ultrablasts.
  • Alternatively, after 101 go into full AC with a charged shield, and fight many mobs at once using Death Field.

Tanking: BCI tank rather well with bs or vs eye to open up combat. At low hero you will need full ac gear and then slowly blend in hit to suit your playing style. Be sure to include someone in the group who can portal and sanc.

Hitting: BCI don't really start hitting well until they get third attack and enhanced damage. When in groups they should be stabbing in full DR gear (and immediately rescued by actual tanks), and using DF for rooms with 3+ mobs.

Healing: Since BCI do not get Arcane Knowledge they cannot brand or zap. They do have access to Heal in emergencies (but not Augment).

BCIs at Lord Tier

BCIs continue to be powerful characters at the lord tier, although overshadowed by assassins and especially by rogues. Nightcloak will insure your continuing high stab rate, and in-class Regeneration can be nice. In addition, BCI can cast Steel Skeleton on group members.

Unfortunately the BCIs do not receive Slip or Disengage but they can still open with a stab and let another rogue or assassin slip in for later damage.

Depending on your race, you can either Sense Weakness and Vital Shot midround, or Mindwipe the mobs for a nice little boost in damage.

BCI Remort Options

BCI has no class remort options; BCI is for life.

Strong, otherwise non-sneaky races such as minotaurs, dragons and trolls make great remort choices for BCI, as the skill nightcloak allows them to rarely miss their stab.

Dragons do exceptionally well, with their mix of high racial damage and strong casting abilities, excelling at all aspects of BCI, and in addition, are able to become a BCI even if not originally BCI. After all, Kahbyss founded the Circle, and he is a black dragon.

For those shy of a dragon's TNL and death-field related deaths, tuataurs are also a good option - good sneaking, powerful casters, but without the damage modifier and not as armored.

Subcategories

This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total.