Does Obsidean Armor still hold a place of respect and status cred? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

lord_shar

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jul 2005

near SF, CA

02 Jun 2007 at 00:08 - 81

Most FoW armors (especially for core-classes) look unremarkable and quite primitive compared to newer expansion armors like Vabbi. This is probably a direct consequence of better resources and talent being available to ANET after its initial GW Prophecies title posted nice company profits.

I've made more than enough ecto to buy several suits of FoW armors, but FoW's lack of visual appeal has always stopped any serious consideration of buying a complete suit. I have one online friend who regrets their FoW warrior armor purchase -- simply not enough visual bang for the investment.

In short: people can spend a lot, but all that shows is spending power, not taste.

Aera Lure

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

In Baltar's head

Bring Out Your Dead [BOYD], former officer [LBS]

Mo/

02 Jun 2007 at 00:52 - 82

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_shar

In short: people can spend a lot, but all that shows is spending power, not taste.

Humbug.

I do agree with you that there are some more detailed sets, but more detailed =/= more elegant or better designed necessarily. I'll also agree with you that for my own tastes, there arent many fissure sets I would actually buy.

The Herbalizer

<3 Ecto

Join Date: Jul 2005

02 Jun 2007 at 01:13 - 83

fow armour hasnt deserved respect or status cred for a long long while. like so long i cannot remember, im thinking around 2006.

its so common that my guild got like 20 people to all meet up in grotto with fow armour on and got called alot of nasty names, sadly i missed it

i only buy if it looks good. my war will never own purely because too many war have.

hi pavia / treya

Edge Martinez

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

NC

DKL

02 Jun 2007 at 01:29 - 84

Quote:

Originally Posted by freekedoutfish

Do people see someone in FOW armor and think "Nice one" or do they think "Bah, I bet their just rich"?

Neither for me. The only FoW armor I like is the Mesmer's, and I'm not dressing up a pack mule... more than he already is with 15k enchanters. I don't begrudge people at all if they wear FoW armor. If they like it, more power to them. It's just not my cup of tea, as I prefer other sets. And I doubt long time players begrudge them either, because we know how to make money in game.

I can feel Obsidian Armor peoples pain though. With the drop in ecto, alot more people are going for it, and it is becoming less and less unique. How do I feel that pain? Some armors were very unique, and you'd see at most 2 people in it in some of the busier areas, because the stats weren't ideal. Now with inscribable Prophecies and Factions armor, you see alot more of the formerly unique skins... like 15k Drakescale, and 15k Bonelace.

Criminally Sane

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2005

With my angel.

Needs Moar [DESU]

W/

02 Jun 2007 at 01:40 - 85

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mai

Armor is armor, nothing more.

I respect players who deserve it not simply because they have a FoW set or the likewise of high end items.

Thread over. Respecting someone for owning an item/armor is meaningless.

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

02 Jun 2007 at 04:01 - 86

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aera Lure

FoW armor is like a title in some ways. Costs about the same as some and is about as common as some. Its still not as common as some other armor types, but its certainly far more so than it used to be back in the Prophecies-only era.

Prestige symbol? Not so much. Not to me anyway. Not any more or less so than any number of titles which can also be purchased. It certainly stands for investment of time in the earnings needed to get it (because I do not ever first assume someone eBayed it). Certainly means the player has or had access to a means of good income and the dedication to see it through. I respect that always. In the end, I am always more impressed with someone's play and attitude towards others than their armor. That's the most "prestigious" thing in the game.

I got mine for my monk back when the only option for +energy armor was either tatoos or Fissure. Hated the tatoos and absolutely loved the look of female fissure. So there you go. For me it was simply ascetics. Choice of dye and if you mix with other parts and how you choose to do so is also a very nice thing to see and i look for that I admit. Fun to see what people do in that regard. Mine is a mix (Treya only wears FoW chest and pants).

Yeh Pav, Sojar my monk is the same way, just the pants and chest. Speaking of which, I haven't seen you in FOREVER. How is my old friend? :P

Plague

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Aug 2005

N/E

02 Jun 2007 at 04:21 - 87

I see people in Obsidian armor all the time. I can't say I've ever been impressed.

Make an armor that is rewarded to those that are capable of beating an impossibly difficult mission, far beyond the difficulty of say, Urgoz's, and we'll talk about respect.

That's like asking me if I respect people I see in limos. Of course not.

lord_shar

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jul 2005

near SF, CA

02 Jun 2007 at 04:28 - 88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aera Lure

Humbug.

I do agree with you that there are some more detailed sets, but more detailed =/= more elegant or better designed necessarily.
...<SNIP>...

Who said anything about more detail quantity = better aesthetics? I certainly didn't lol

Kool Pajamas

Forge Runner

Join Date: Aug 2005

Maryland

Mage Elites [MAGE]

02 Jun 2007 at 06:31 - 89

Not at all.

If it's one of the few nice looking armors(most fow sucks imo) I may compliment it, but it doesnt mean anything about the player other than he/she has money.

sindex

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2006

California

Swords of Night & Day [SWRD]

02 Jun 2007 at 06:50 - 90

With Ecto prices falling just a bit shy of Rubies, it’s hard for me to say now. I mean it’s still way expensive nevertheless, but the value in looks (especially that of the original professions) is defiantly falling in the way of eye candy. At least to me that is, it’s all about personal preference. However that could all change if A-net decides to make another set for FoW armor or another new elite realm area. Alas that idea would rattle a few people cages, in sense if they already have FoW armor already.

Aera Lure

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

In Baltar's head

Bring Out Your Dead [BOYD], former officer [LBS]

Mo/

02 Jun 2007 at 06:55 - 91

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Herbalizer

fow armour hasnt deserved respect or status cred for a long long while. like so long i cannot remember, im thinking around 2006.

its so common that my guild got like 20 people to all meet up in grotto with fow armour on and got called alot of nasty names, sadly i missed it

i only buy if it looks good. my war will never own purely because too many war have.

hi pavia / treya

Hey Herb.

Yeah, its all personal preference. I only ever buy armor because I like it.

Patrick Smit

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Nov 2006

NiTe

02 Jun 2007 at 06:59 - 92

As most people I just like the looks of a few, mesmer is the only one I would consider but currently I'm not willing to invest as I'm not playing with him much. And since the introduction of insignias on other then NF armor (Mesmer NF doesnt look too nice imo) there are even nice possibilities with tyrian armor. The enchanters looks nice too and is fully colourable.

Warrior FoW is kinda Michelin, while primevial or kurzick is too common, Ill go get him maybe elite sunspear if it is an improvement or normal sunspear ones. While templar may be an option, but its kinda chubby

erkun

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Mar 2007

D/A

02 Jun 2007 at 07:21 - 93

The FOW armor... is just an armor set. No inherent bonuses that other armors cannot provide. And not all of them look good, anyway. The things that really amaze me are those PVP titles. Seeing someone flash those fame emotes makes me drool.

Aera Lure

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

In Baltar's head

Bring Out Your Dead [BOYD], former officer [LBS]

Mo/

02 Jun 2007 at 07:24 - 94

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_shar

Who said anything about more detail quantity = better aesthetics? I certainly didn't lol

I was only disagreeing with "all that shows is spending power, not taste." Some people like certain fissure sets. Really just comes down to preference. That's why I got mine, but its certainly true to that for others it has more to do with prestige and a way to show spending power.

Quite primitive, unremarkable, lack of visual appeal, not enough visual bang for the investment compared to newer sets that have more talent and resources behind them. I was reacting more to that than you're specifically saying less detail = less aesthetics. That was simply how I paraphrased, because again, some people like the aesthetics shown in some of the fissure armors, and others dont.

Aera Lure

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

In Baltar's head

Bring Out Your Dead [BOYD], former officer [LBS]

Mo/

02 Jun 2007 at 07:29 - 95

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief

Yeh Pav, Sojar my monk is the same way, just the pants and chest. Speaking of which, I haven't seen you in FOREVER. How is my old friend? :P

Heya Soj. That's a good way to go with monk fissure, yeah. Saves a bit, if that matters, and can end up looking a bit more unique. There's some great options to replace the other pieces.

I "retired" for a while, but it obviously didnt stick lol. I missed the game. Having a great time playing again. Suppose that's all that matters, right?

Eilsys

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

United States

Biscuit Of Dewm [MEEP]

Mo/Me

02 Jun 2007 at 07:39 - 96

I guess I don't really have anything to add, but I do agree with some previous posters that, yes, it is somewhat of a symbol of status to newer players. Heck, even a suit of Droks Tormentor's armour was rather impressive to me, as a new player ("Wow, 70 AR! And it costed *how* much?"). I'd love a set for my second Monk, but I'm fine with 15k Canthan on my main one.

And about the cost; I've been playing for a long time, and I definitely am nowhere near the amount I need for a set. It may be easy if you farm a lot, but it certainly takes a lot of time/effort spent playing if you aren't lucky and get a nice drop or two.

kobey

GW Retiree

Join Date: Nov 2005

Sg Unknown [KATE]

W/

02 Jun 2007 at 07:39 - 97

I got myself a warrior set 2 months after release of faction cos i tot I was quitting and decided to spend my gold.

Forgot the reason why I din quit. Bought another 2 sets (ele and ranger) during NF.

Guess the reason why I bought fow armors is because I dun really know where else to spend my money at. To me, r8 and r13 weapons are the same as long as the req are met

Oh forgot to add, I also bought those fow armors cos i liked them. However it still hurts a little that ectos prices have dropped to half of wat it used to be, and almost everyone can buy a set now

ogre-mage

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2007

Earth.

[HaCK]

N/Me

02 Jun 2007 at 07:47 - 98

I have FoW armor for Necro, Ele, and Monk, because they actually look good. Took me a long time to get even one set, and my monk set I admit I 'ebayed'. But for the most part, yes. Fow armor did at one point mean that the wearer was a good player. It still does, it's just dramatically cheapened by the cheapness that the game has become. With ectos @ 5k a pop, and 1mil @ about 80-90$, any asshole who wants to look good can get a set. I really think the game was in its best place when ectos were about 10k, and the economy was actually an economy.

I hate that my months upon months of effort have come and amounted to practically nothing.

Eilsys

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2006

United States

Biscuit Of Dewm [MEEP]

Mo/Me

02 Jun 2007 at 07:55 - 99

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogre-mage

I hate that my months upon months of effort have come and amounted to practically nothing.

Why, did Gaile steal your Obsidian set or something? If you still have the armour, I think it's a bit silly to claim other people have ruined your ownership of the armour somehow. And if it has, you probably bought it for the wrong reason.

lord_shar

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jul 2005

near SF, CA

02 Jun 2007 at 07:57 - 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aera Lure

I was only disagreeing with "all that shows is spending power, not taste." Some people like certain fissure sets. Really just comes down to preference. That's why I got mine, but its certainly true to that for others it has more to do with prestige and a way to show spending power.

The complete quote was "In short: people can spend a lot, but all that shows is spending power, not taste." The latter passes no judgements on personal taste... just the buyer's available buying resources. Besides, the two factors are completely independent of each other.

It's important to quote accurately if you want to maintain context.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aera Lure

Quite primitive, unremarkable, lack of visual appeal, not enough visual bang for the investment compared to newer sets that have more talent and resources behind them. I was reacting more to that than you're specifically saying less detail = less aesthetics. That was simply how I paraphrased, because again, some people like the aesthetics shown in some of the fissure armors, and others dont.

My original post was prefaced with "Most FoW armors...", not "All FoW armors." Some FoW armors do look nice, but others lack the attention to separate them from non-ascended armors.

The account about my guildy regretting their FoW armor purchase was true... no need to re-explain this part.

Detail quality was never covered in my original post, but since it is obviously present in more of the newer armors, it does demonstrate evolution and improvement in ANET's graphics modeling team. When 3D modelers use more polygons and textures to render an object, whether it be a sword, helm, or monster, the extra attention usually results in better visual quality. Let's face it: low-poly-count objects are easier to crank out but don't usually look as realistic as higher-poly-count objects.

Seriously, if you like a particular suit of armor, you should get it if you can afford the asking price. What others think doesn't matter.

savage vapor 33

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2006

Regems Basement

The Malevolent Wolfpack [tMw]

02 Jun 2007 at 09:59 - 101

Why would you respect something that looks ugly in the first place?

pork soldier

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2005

02 Jun 2007 at 10:02 - 102

To answer the OP's question:

NO.

$ebay = obsidian armor in 20 minutes, no need to respect something everyone can have in 20 minutes..

Seissor

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Squiggilyville. Population: Me.

[oRly] Hello Kitty Death Squad

R/Me

02 Jun 2007 at 10:33 - 103

why respect R9 players then? accounts can be ebayed too. I think you'll find most FoW owners didnt ebay it, they are just farmers or have good GW money making skills.

I got my FoW after some farming and also thanks to modding rare weapons, my platnium blade scored me 500k towards it

Pandora's box

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2005

Netherlands

Mo/W

02 Jun 2007 at 10:47 - 104

I hardly notice the way armors look

undeadgun

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2006

US

Its Rainning Fame Hallelujah[伞回伞], also as guild leader

N/

02 Jun 2007 at 10:50 - 105

wear what u like, who cares other ppl talkin s**t? i am what i am, and i play this game for fun, for myself, NOT for any of you out there. for those who think ppl ebaying fow, i think u are just jealous.....-_-

freekedoutfish

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2006

E/

02 Jun 2007 at 11:55 - 106

Quote:

Originally Posted by pork soldier

To answer the OP's question:

NO.

$ebay = obsidian armor in 20 minutes, no need to respect something everyone can have in 20 minutes..

You could say exactly the same thing every purchable item ingame! Are you saying there are no material objects that are worth respecting if you own them?

Gunzwei

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Dec 2006

02 Jun 2007 at 16:07 - 107

I just think of it as being expensive, and little else. Titles in much the same way don't really prove much beyond the ability to farm points for a title.

In other MMO's where work is required for all facets of the game titles/gear have far more weight in determining skill/status.

Chicken Ftw

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

02 Jun 2007 at 22:29 - 108

Quote:

Originally Posted by freekedoutfish

Are you saying there are no material objects that are worth respecting if you own them?

That's exactly what I think. I don't care what equipment you have, as long as you're skilled at what you do and not a moron. Unfortunately, finding someone skilled is rare enough these days, finding someone skilled who is also of respectable character is even more difficult.

I just don't see where the items someone owns could ever make them worth my respect.

4ssassin

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Apr 2006

none

W/E

02 Jun 2007 at 23:30 - 109

Bah. There is (rarely) any level of skill attached to getting rich in a game. Its simply how long you are willing to do a repetitive task (farming) over and over and over. The people that can stand to do it the longest and have the most free time are the richest. Lets face it. Farming may be hard the first few times, but since your killing the exact same monsters on the exact same map using the exact same skills over and over, its not really anything to brag about. Whenever I see someone with FoW, I think "huh, must have alot of free time"

Eh. All I do on GW is AB and Fort Aspenwood, and I don't really get anything for that, but its fun. so what if I have nearly 2300 hrs and no max titles and no FoW, and I'm not a GW milloniare? I bet Ive had way more fun than the people than did the exact same X minute run over and over all day did....unless you somehow actually like that stuff.

TheUndying

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2006

In Cantha and loving it.

It's a secret

N/Me

03 Jun 2007 at 01:05 - 110

When I see someone in Fow, I just walk right pass them, no need to stare, they're just like everyone else. The only Fow armor that I liked is the ritualist one and that's about it, to me, I rather have all 15k sets in all 3 campaigns. The Vabbi armor was a set that I was proud of, but now it's just there in my character's inventory. Right now i'm just saving my gold for the next armor sets in GW:EN.

JGaff

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2006

The Lotus Eaters

Me/

03 Jun 2007 at 02:11 - 111

Just to hop into the discussion quickly...

I happen to own a set of Male Mesmer Obsidian armor.

To say it's "respected" would be an overstatement. I will mention however that I do get whispers in town about it on a semi-frequent basis. The responses range from "WTF is that shit you're wearing" to "Nice armor".

Personally, FOW armor on many of the core clases are cliche, but I think people in general don't mind seeing the occasional Sin/Rit/ Mesmer/Derv/Para armors sans black dye.

FYI, I farmed my ass off to get the money, and I'm assisting my bro in getting a full rit set. Sometimes, once you've played the game fully in one aspect, you need to find another "goal" and focus on that. For some people, it's a really, really expensive armor you want...

Sol Deathgard

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2005

Shadows of the Dragon

W/N

03 Jun 2007 at 03:33 - 112

I have a guildie that got FoW on his Warrior, but he never farmed for money or materials, he's one of those people that bought money online with real money. Sad thing is, after he got his FoW armor, I gave up on making mine because of seeing that, anyone can make it and not work anywhere near as hard as I was. In my eyes, FoW does not mean they are a good player or rich, it means they have money to burn on game money and should be banned for it.

Sir Green Aluminum

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

03 Jun 2007 at 06:10 - 113

Quote:

Originally Posted by freekedoutfish

You could say exactly the same thing every purchable item ingame! Are you saying there are no material objects that are worth respecting if you own them?

You can respect them if you got them yourself but if someone's like I'm better than you because I have Fow armour, they don't deserve respect and don't get yourself down if you don't have it. There are gold sellers so there are definately people who buy FOW or 15ks with it, what else would you buy gold for? That'd be a nein for if I respect fow armour, I just think it looks nice depending on what class.

the_jos

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2006

Hard Mode Legion [HML]

N/

03 Jun 2007 at 08:23 - 114

Being in a guild that started as a farming guild, I've seen my share of FoW armor.
I don't care, the people playing are nice, that's what matters.
It's true that people buy FoW online, but there are a lot of players that bought it with gold they made ingame.
I also know that people with FoW used to have a lot of gold once, but that does not say anything on their current gold/ecto stash.

When I play, I don't even look at other players armor.
When playing with someone from my guild, he got the 'nice armor' comment, that was when I first noticed he has FoW, while I had been playing with him before.
Since I'm our primary recruiter, I look at how people play as a team and not how they look or what titles they have.
The one exception being high PvP titles, since that's an indication to me that the player has fair team play experience.
But I could also have seen that when playing with them.

Komes I

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Mar 2007

Somewhere over the rainbow... what the hell?!

[DLOT]

R/

03 Jun 2007 at 08:40 - 115

Obsidian armor looks quite bad for most proffesions, especially for warriors but for some reasons people think it is uber so they buy it. Evryone can have it now so that isn't quite respectfull...

Toilet Oni

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Feb 2007

Tonigth we dine in.....CUSTODY

Moe wine plz

R/

03 Jun 2007 at 13:09 - 116

I don't mind if people wear fow armor or not, not a biggie really.

ain't as cool as it was back in the days ;P

cthulhu reborn

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2007

the Netherlands

W/Mo

03 Jun 2007 at 13:21 - 117

Quote:

Originally Posted by freekedoutfish

You could say exactly the same thing every purchable item ingame! Are you saying there are no material objects that are worth respecting if you own them?

If you buy an item in game with cash that you earned in game then you can see it as an achievement still. But to buy it with real life cash only means you know how to use a credit card and has no value and thus no respect in the game.

I mean if you are a rich kid in real life and your dad gives you a car, people may think it's cool but it has nothing to do with respect. You can't have a sense of real pride since you did nothing for it. If you work a long time and save the money then you will feel some real pride.
The thing is that material possessions only have a value equal to what was invested into it.
If you want to have people go 'wow, that guys has this or that' which means he has done some noteworthy effort then you speak of respect. But it is the effort behind it and not the item itself that gives respect. In that sense end game armour should have more respect since it means you actually have to have finished the game, which implies actual effort.
But FoW armour you can get without doing the missions and buying cash online again means not doing an actual effort. So the armour itself is no indication that the person really did much effort to get it.

lacasner

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2006

03 Jun 2007 at 13:28 - 118

Quote:

Why would you respect something that looks ugly in the first place?

umm..is there really an answer to this question...

Lykan

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

StP

R/

03 Jun 2007 at 13:29 - 119

It never did.

12 chars

Miss Puddles

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2005

California

Shiverpeaks Search And Rescue [Lost]

Me/

03 Jun 2007 at 13:32 - 120

i have 2 sets of fow armor, one on my necro and one on my mes.
my necro armor took me about 3 or 4 months to acquire, starting with maybe 40k in the bank and zero materials. i earned that armor the hard way.
my mesmer armor took about 2 weeks. why the difference? i had been doing doa for a month straight. not trying to get rich, but because i enjoy it. of course, the going rate for gem sets at this point was still 90k, but it didn't take too long to scrape up the money for the armor. note that ectos were still 10k apeice as well. so i consider that set earned the hard way as well. instead of farming uw (where i have horrible luck and find it horribly boring) i used my gem money for supplies. i think that's legit.
so not every fow set you see out there (and yes, there are tons out there now) are e-bayed or whatnot. there is still people who earn it.