Introduction and/or Readme

*POSTED BY FOXY BOXY*
See Announcements forum if confused

A number of people have asked in general, and asked me in particular, for advice and tips and tricks for Hardcore (HC) runs. I've spent some time thinking about it, and haven't been able to organize my thoughts. So I thought it would be best if I had a place where I could brain dump various thoughts as they come to me, and organize them into a coherent "Hardcore Guide" later.

Hardcore is a big jump from softcore, and the main difference is of course the lack of outside help. Without pulls or mall access or clan stash access, you have to find everything you need and that can be a daunting task. From basic necessities like food and booze, to equipment to enable you to function and advance, and of course various items needed for quests along the way.

But honestly, it's not that bad as it might seem and I've found that once you get over the initial hurdle of being "on your own" it's actually a lot of fun. And the rewards are very, very useful.

If you've never done hardcore before, then you have no "hardcore permanent" (HP) skills and thus are starting "naked" skill-wise. The majority of my comments here will be directed to these people, the hardcore n00bs. But hopefully there will be some tips and tricks that will help others who may have dabbled in HC and need some help.

As a closing point, others with Hardcore experience should feel free to add to this sub-forum. I admit that while I enjoy HC and am reasonably good at it, I'm not an expert and I'm far from a super-efficient "speed HCer" and there are probably a lot of places where my advice needs to be tweaked or optimized. So I welcome questions, comments, contradictions, and input from all Loathers!

I apologize for the abrupt drop in content, real life (job mostly, but a little not-job as well) has hijacked me the last few weeks and I've barely even been able to spend my actual turns in KoL.

But I should have some time this week, and I'd like to address some of the big topics ... food, booze, and equipment.