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How to Make a Bear Skin Rug

Or How to Fight Your First NPC

Source

Table of Contents

Introduction

So you've finally figured out that you need a bear skin rug for your tavern, but noticed you can't buy them in the market? That means you'll have to make it yourself. First, you need the bear!

See that bear to the upper right with the yellow shield? (I really want to know if they carry that shield in their mouths, on their backs, or if it is a magic flying carpet-shield... If it is a magic flying carpet-shield, I want one!) That bear really really wants to be a rug. So you are fine to attack it.

Alternative Targets: If you can't find a bear, other critters can make fine floor coverings. Like those insects to the south of the bears could make a fine carpet. Not as furry as a bear skin, but in your tavern everyone will be too drunk to notice.

Finding Your Target

NPC Size Guide

When you click on an NPC, you'll see a description of their type and quantity range. Here's what those labels mean:

Label Minimum Maximum
Few 1 3
Handful 4 8
Several 9 21
Pack 22 81
Many 82 128
Gathering 129 227
Horde 228 461
Throng 462 814
Host 815 2,499
Legion 2,500 7,207

Note: If you're just starting out, you can probably skip over hosts and legions (and probably some of the other ones too).

NPC Difficulty

For detailed information about NPC difficulty, check these resources:

Important Notes:

  • Harder NPC types (like saurians and elephants) don't give more commander experience
  • The only differences are:
  • The picture on the map/in the mails

  • The number of troops you lose

  • Recommended targets for beginners:

  • Rats
  • Wild dogs
  • Wolves

  • Bears

  • Avoid:

  • Spiders
  • Salamanders (especially if they bring a teacup with them)

Scouting

Once you've picked your target, it's time to scout:

  1. Send 2-3 scouts (one might get eaten)
  2. Multiple scouts run in different directions, confusing the poor beast
  3. Click the square → Send diplomats → Send scouts

Battle Preparation

Terrain Considerations

Choose your units based on terrain:

  • Plains: Cavalry is best
  • Buildings or Woods: Use swords
  • Hills or Mountains: Use bows

Note: While you can use other units, you'll probably lose more soldiers.

Reading Scout Reports

To calculate total defense: 1. Click on each critter type 2. Note their defense against your attack type 3. Multiply quantity by strength for each type 4. Add everything together

Example: 

7 × 38 + 12 × 19 + 20 × 6 = 614

Then check your military overview (click the axe at the top of the page):

Note: These numbers don't factor in terrain, so aim for a higher attack number than their defense.

For more about optimizing your casualty ratio, see this amazing post by Innoble.

The Hunt

  1. Go to the map
  2. Click on your target (bears or whatever)
  3. Click "Send Army"
  4. Select "Attack" in the dropdown

While Waiting:

  • Talk in Global Chat
  • Watch your troops creep across the map
  • Talk in Alliance Chat (if you have it)
  • Wish you upgraded Forced March on your commander
  • Talk in Global Chat some more

After the Battle

What You Get:

  • A little gold (Not enough to pay for the troops you lost)
  • Experience for yourself and commander
  • Sometimes: bones and entrails (which you can pick up)

Important Note: This guide was written with humor. You don't actually get a bear skin rug when you attack an NPC. (I know, everyone is highly disappointed!)

Edited by Vanerin - 31 Jul 2012 at 01:21

Big thanks to Ryelle for helping with this guide.