Returning player...quite a few questions.

[Cax Gavigan]

Hello I've just recently started checking UO out again after being away since shortly after T2A released. (Basically when insuring items went live.)

Before I delve further into the game I was curious about a few things:

Does UO Auto-Map still work? I've checked the main page, but the author apparently doesn't seem to update the program anymore. If it doesn't work any more, are there any legitimate mods that might emulate it's utility?

Are there any websites that might list recommended macro settings for playing a mage? (i.e., I'm trying to find a means to cast combos without puking up copious amounts letters or numbers. =\)

Are there any threads here on Stratics that get heavy into PvP discussion? I've come back with the intention of playing a scribe-mage, but I'm weary of getting into action being naive to how my opponents may or may not play.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later on.
Thank you in advance for reading me.

 

[Basara]

q: Does UO Auto-Map still work?
a: Yes and no. Yes it still works, once installed, but doesn't cover Ter Mur. A few of the ML areas that the original didn't cover, as well as New Haven, have been added to the program by others via a hex-edit of a couple characters to change map references, but those are of questionable legality (though nothing's happened to those people using the altered program). Just be sure that you NEVER update the UOAM program once you install it - you might also have to run UOAssist to keep it synchronized (which doesn't require a pay version of UOA - even in disabled mode, it helps keep UOAM in sync). There are currently no legal alternatives to UOAM, despite several people working on new map programs. Ask around for people with mirrors of the UOAM program (and note that some of them might have the 3.0 beta version that has most of the ML issues fixed legally).

Q: Are there any websites that might list recommended macro settings for playing a mage? Are there any threads here on Stratics that get heavy into PvP discussion?

Try asking on the UO Spellcaster forum for the macro advice. Most PvP threads are on the individual shard forums.

 

[Cax Gavigan]

I appreciate the expedient reply.

I've just GM'd magic resist on the shades in NH. [Considering the headache this was before I left, I'm almost horrified by the ease of which this has happened!]

Another question: Do the principles of 8x8 still apply for skill ups?

 

[Beer_Cayse]

8x8 is gone the way of the dinosaur.

 

[Basara]

Beer Cayse is right.

8x8 and the related anti-macro code is gone, making some skills easier to train (no more needing 200 boxes to train lockpicking), others a little bit harder.

Now that all accounts are Mondains Legacy enabled, there is another tactic usable for skills that don't require combat. You can get the Dreadhorn quest in Heartwood, go into Ilshenar, to the cave near the Spirituality moongate, into the Dreadhorn area, and get one of the satyrs to discord you. IF you can break his lock on you (run out and back in, or invis then reappear a second later), all your skills will be temorary lowered 20-30 points, and you can train skills at that lower skill level for faster gains, and get back the amount lowered when you leave, or the Saytr goes away (you gotta stay in line of sight of him during training).

Combat skills can be trained with a 100% poison damage on a pet golem, if they are already 60-70 skill or higher, but that involves some tricks to get the golem to not attack you (search for "golem training" on the forums).

Crafting skills can be a bit more... interesting... so you need to read up on the changes since you left - like Bulk order deeds and runics.