Dreadnaught (Bruiser) Icons and Lore

[Redbed]

<p>Lets discuss the lack there of either.</p><p>Ive walked around Qeynos and seen the way monks have it.  Pretty sweet setup in Elder Grove with your Dojo and your fancy threads.</p><p>Granted I realise that Bruisers are a new Class but Im hoping to encourage the developers to flesh out the class by giving us a heritage we can take inspiration from.  So since we dont have any "Lore" I'd like to discuss what I think being a bruiser means.  From there I will go onto discussing some Heroes we can incorperate into the Bruiser Mythos.</p><p>Headquarters - Currently we have a spot outside the freeport militia.  Nice.  Especially when it rains.  Howsabout we kick those (I dont even know what faction they are) out of that abandoned bar near the West Freeport Inn?  That should be our HQ and where are trainers hang out.  Anyway.</p><p>Bruisers are not, contrary to alot of misinterpertation Evil Monks.  We may have former monks in the class (I myself roleplay a former EQ1 monk (Planer travel is why Im still alive) but its not a requirement to have been a monk.  I look at bruisers as a whole as street fighters, thugs with no formal training and no discipline.  They are also strong individualists determined to succeed by their own rules.  Thats my interpertation of the class. </p><p>Now lets look at heroes we can incorperate into our mythos, Im gonna need a little help from the lore community with this as the only one I can think of that would fit the bill is the Iksar; Talon Southpaw.  This guy Epitomizes the bruiser.  Heavy Drinker, loved to fight, Basicly abandoned the court of Pain, went traipsing out on his own looking for challanges.  DID NOT PURSUE TRANSCENDENCE.  Made his own rules and became a legend.  He can be incorperated easily into the Bruiser Mythos.</p><p>Rastar of Guk.  I hate using Monk Rejects but I dont know much about other class lore.  Rastar would be a decent Bruiser Icon as he stole a monk artifact.  That gets him points from me. Other then that he's not very notable.</p><p>Anyone else have some EQ1 Lore that could nominate some candidates for Bruiser Icons?  Ogres must have some with the Bouncers and Bashers.  Looking for people who bucked the system and werent conventional cookie cutter visions of their classes.  They dont have to be monks, fighters would be good also or anyone who fits the Bruiser Mythos.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Rastar is still a monk till the very end. Just because he stole an important artifact doesn't mean he gave up the ways of disciplined training.</p><p>Anyways. Thought many would just consider himself an evil monk who worships Rallos Zek, Vorash, and his transcended form, Xenevorash, could be considered a bruiser. All he sought was strength, war, and destruction, but on the other hand, he was still a disciplined monk.</p>

[Redbed]

<p>Yeah, I really didnt want Raster anyway.  What makes you think he was a monk though?  Unless they retconned him, he really wasnt identified with the monks (though he did fight hand to hand).  Vorash doesnt really fit either he just wanted power (from what little I understood of him).  </p><p>Like I said, its kinda hard to find any Bruiser Icons.  Bouncer Clurg maybee?  Theres gotta be some club wielding psycho somewhere in EQ1 Lore.  There were some slums in South Freeport right?  Gotta be an NPC there I can incorperate into the Bruiser Class.  Think back on all the taverns in the game.  </p><p>Are the Giantslayers (mobs in Freeport Newbie Zone (EQ2)) bruisers?  I think they have a named.</p>

[Apocroph]

<cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Rastar is still a monk till the very end. Just because he stole an important artifact doesn't mean he gave up the ways of <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #ff0000;">disciplined training</span></b></span>.</p></blockquote>

[Zarafein]

The giantslayers aren't the same as the dreadnoughts, some dreadnoughts train them and the best of those giant slayers may eventually join the dreadnoughts.

[Mos]

<p>Aye, the Giantslayers are a breeding ground for Dreadnaught recruits and share the same faction.</p><p>From in game quest lore around Freeport and in the Pillars of Flame, Grand Master Puab Closk of the Ashen Order could forsee what was to come in the city.  From what I remember, he moved the order to a stronghold in the deserts of Ro rather than be put in a position to aid Lucan, or oppose him in battle.  There was a split forming in the order at that time and many stayed within the city walls, practing new fighting styles based on brutality and savagry.  The new forms of combat eventually twisted into the "Bruiser" of our age and the Dreadnaughts were born.</p><p>I agree, we got a raw deal as far as guild houses go. =/  Being more of a mobile gang almost makes since, but we also act as a city police of sorts for Lucan, so a base of some type should be "somewhere" in my opinion.</p><p>The following is the in game description of the Dreadnaught's faction: </p><p><i>The Dreadnaughts are a brutal mob of bruisers who have dominated all other gangs within Freeport.  Founded upon the principles of strength and intimidation, the Dreadnaughts act as the Overlord's enforcers to control the streets and allyways of the city.</i></p><p>Basically, we are decendants of the Ashen Order monks that were bright enough to see the opportunities Lucan D'Lere had to offer. </p>

[CorpseGoddess]

I'll throw in my two cents here.My main is an 80 bruiser, and I adore her.  She was one of the first toons I created and the first I loved and stuck with.   My main in EQ I was a monk, so it seemed a natural extension for me.  Plus, I'm a woman IRL and I love the fact that not many of us are melee-players---people are shocked when they find out my female dark elf bruiser is actually *played* by a female.  Cracks me up.  Okay, okay---I'm easily amused.I like my bruiser's rough-and-tumble approach, and I agree with the above posters---she is most *definitely* not an "evil monk".  I went to Freeport because I have no use for that orderly, law-abiding, zen approach to things----I like to punch stuff.  Hard.  Until it dies.  And then I win.  I'm not interested in technique or long lost arts----I like to punch stuff.  Hard.  Until it dies.   I'm a down-and-dirty fighter and I'll do whatever I have to in order to bring my opponent down.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />That being said, it would be cool to have a bit of an "outlaw" clan lore---not wanting discipline doesn't mean that having a history isn't important.  It's been two years since I played, but wasn't one of the headband storylines in EQ I something to do with a renegade monk we had to track down?  Anybody remember anything about that?

[Apocroph]

<cite>Streppoch@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote>That being said, it would be cool to have a bit of an "outlaw" clan lore---not wanting discipline doesn't mean that having a history isn't important.  It's been two years since I played, but wasn't one of the headband storylines in EQ I something to do with a renegade monk we had to track down?  Anybody remember anything about that?</blockquote>The Robe of the Whistling Fists quest line is similar to that.From <a rel="nofollow" href="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?quest=29" target="_blank">http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/...t.html?quest=29</a>:<i>"Brother Qwinn in Southern Karana seeks the return of the code of Zan Fi, which was stolen by him. It is dropped by Targin the Rock, a rare spawn in the Sol B throne room. Bring him the Code and a purple silent fist headband and you will get a special needle. Brother Zephyl in Rathe Mountains wants the Idol of Zan Fi, which is in the possession of Brother Raster, who spawns in the Mino Elders room in Lower Guk."</i>The renegade monks were Qwinn in SK, Targin in Sol B, and Raster in Guk.  The headbands and sashes were mainly from pest control, though they did send you to Befallen and Permafrost to retrieve a few things.Edit: Removed some bum code.

[Cusashorn]

Qwinn wasn't a renegade monk. I think that is a typo in the text. I think it should be From, not by. Why would the code of Zan Fi be stolen by Brother Qwinn from Brother Qwinn, who wants to see it returned?

[Vhalen]

<p>The babble in Freeport is that the Dreadnaughts are one of a number of gangs that combine to create a larger organization directed by one ruling gang. The Dreadnaughts are not this ruling gang, but do fall into the upper echelon of that hierarchy. The ruling gang and the boss is rarely seen in public, but they do exist. They often keep their business within the shadows and their private gymnasium.</p><p>There is a tale about one of the first, if not the first, bruisers. The tale tells of how a near invincible unarmed combatant would arrive onto battlefields with armor uniquely crafted to display his newfound martial art. This armor was said to have spikes and other deadly protrusions forged onto most of its surface. The martial artists would be swallowed up by a mass of soldiers. The center of the flurry would then spasm and blood would fly as one by one the great bruiser would decimate his foes with his supreme skill and deadly armor. I will have to scour my records to find his name.</p><p>Perhaps you will find out more about the great bruiser and his armor, but there are others to admire in the bruiser community. I would look to the arenas. Many bruisers have honed their skills within the gladiatorial stadiums of Norrath. I believe the arena of Freeport had more than one champion that was part of the first wave of bruisers, one of which was a minotaur.</p>

[Josgar]

<cite>Vhalen wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The babble in Freeport is that the Dreadnaughts are one of a number of gangs that combine to create a larger organization directed by one ruling gang. The Dreadnaughts are not this ruling gang, but do fall into the upper echelon of that hierarchy. The ruling gang and the boss is rarely seen in public, but they do exist. They often keep their business within the shadows and their private gymnasium.</p><p>There is a tale about one of the first, if not the first, bruisers. The tale tells of how a near invincible unarmed combatant would arrive onto battlefields with armor uniquely crafted to display his newfound martial art. This armor was said to have spikes and other deadly protrusions forged onto most of its surface. The martial artists would be swallowed up by a mass of soldiers. The center of the flurry would then spasm and blood would fly as one by one the great bruiser would decimate his foes with his supreme skill and deadly armor. I will have to scour my records to find his name.</p><p>Perhaps you will find out more about the great bruiser and his armor, but there are others to admire in the bruiser community. I would look to the arenas. Many bruisers have honed their skills within the gladiatorial stadiums of Norrath. I believe the arena of Freeport had more than one champion that was part of the first wave of bruisers, one of which was a minotaur.</p></blockquote>Vhalen, you really need to publish a book of random lore stories during from Everquet II's timeline. xD (and it needs to say what happened to Firiona Vie (the person).Anyways is there a chance of ever being able to wear said armor?Is the gang boss  still alive?Does Lucan know about the gang boss?

[Apocroph]

<cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote>Qwinn wasn't a renegade monk. I think that is a typo in the text. I think it should be From, not by. Why would the code of Zan Fi be stolen by Brother Qwinn from Brother Qwinn, who wants to see it returned?</blockquote>Good point, Cusa.  I think you're right.  It's just been forever since I did those quest lines myself, and I just pasted in and synopsized.  Makes more sense in the context of the story that way.Raster and Targin were the renegades, Qwinn and Zephyl were the good guys.

[DrkVsr]

<span style="font-size: medium;color: #993300;font-family: comic sans ms,sand;">When they revamped FP, why did they make the Giantslayers part of the Dreadnaught faction? It was fun in the early days to go in and smack them around (mah gnome loved walking around them and have them cower in her presence <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)</span>

[Zarafein]

<p>Hm Korong shatterjaw around the arena was an important npc during the old bruiser quest line, only gladiator minotaur which comes to mind would be Terrorgore. Maybe there is something at the eq1 arena?</p><p>Hm found nothing there, maybe Tarn Bearcrusher who wears leather(same armor as puab closk),no weapons and his name fits, but he had nothing to tell.</p>

[Mirander_1]

<cite>Vhalen wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>There is a tale about one of the first, if not the first, bruisers. The tale tells of how a near invincible unarmed combatant would arrive onto battlefields with armor uniquely crafted to display his newfound martial art. This armor was said to have spikes and other deadly protrusions forged onto most of its surface. The martial artists would be swallowed up by a mass of soldiers. The center of the flurry would then spasm and blood would fly as one by one the great bruiser would decimate his foes with his supreme skill and deadly armor. I will have to scour my records to find his name.</p></blockquote>Heheh, by any chance, Vhalen, were you reading R.A. Salvatore when you wrote this story?  Sounds reminiscent of the dwarven battleragers in the Drizzt books <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.

[Mos]

<p><i>"Hm Korong shatterjaw around the arena was an important npc during the old bruiser quest line"</i></p><p>Yeah, I haven't had the chance to poke around recently, but this is the only one that comes to mind.  It's a shame we can't do those quests anymore, I really enjoyed them.  "<i>Here's a sucker punch from Lucan!" <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></i></p>

[Jindrack]

Does anyone remember the names of the bruisers you had to fight in the innroom on that brawler quest? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Ahhh, memories...

[Cusashorn]

<cite>Jindrack wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does anyone remember the names of the bruisers you had to fight in the innroom on that brawler quest? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" />  Ahhh, memories...</blockquote> Well maybe if you developers would find a NEW use for the LARGEST BUILDING IN SOUTH QEYNOS now that it's been empty for 2 years... >_>

[Mos]

<cite>Jindrack wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does anyone remember the names of the bruisers you had to fight in the innroom on that brawler quest? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" />  Ahhh, memories...</blockquote>ha! aye <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Jindrack]

<cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jindrack wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does anyone remember the names of the bruisers you had to fight in the innroom on that brawler quest? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />">  Ahhh, memories...</blockquote>Well maybe if you developers would find a NEW use for the LARGEST BUILDING IN SOUTH QEYNOS now that it's been empty for 2 years... >_></blockquote>What does that have to do with the old brawler class quest in Freeport?  <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Redbed]

<p>I think theyre either looking for you to rebuild the old quests in a new location or maybee give us a Gang Hangout.  </p><p>I personally think the boarded up Tavern in West Freeport is a better Brawler setting.  </p><p>Only problem is if that happens than everyone else will want a class specific setting.  Nah, best thing to do if you cant give something to everyone is just walk on by.  </p><p>Now however if you could look at the level 80 Bruiser (Divide and Conqour) and Brigand (Barroom Negoitiation) skills and accidently swap just the names of the skills....heh heh.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<cite>Jindrack wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jindrack wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does anyone remember the names of the bruisers you had to fight in the innroom on that brawler quest? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />">  Ahhh, memories...</blockquote>Well maybe if you developers would find a NEW use for the LARGEST BUILDING IN SOUTH QEYNOS now that it's been empty for 2 years... >_></blockquote>What does that have to do with the old brawler class quest in Freeport?  <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>You didn't say anything about Freeport. All you said was brawler quest, which I remember doing in South Qeynos. Still, try to find a new purpose for that giant building please. A new house or something.

[Zarafein]

<p>The place in sq was no inn room filled with bruisers.</p><p>oh the names were: Vokov, Lucius the captain(not sure,german version), Hunk Hogarr and Ondray the Ogre.. do we get something now?<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Cusashorn]

<cite>Lhangion@Innovation wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The place in sq was no inn room filled with bruisers.</p><p>oh the names were: Vokov, Lucius the captain(not sure,german version), Hunk Hogarr and Ondray the Ogre.. do we get something now?<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></p></blockquote>OMG You gotta be kidding me! The developers threw away such great easter eggs like that? wow!

[DreamerClou]

<cite>Lhangion@Innovation wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The place in sq was no inn room filled with bruisers.</p><p>oh the names were: Vokov, Lucius the captain(not sure,german version), Hunk Hogarr and Ondray the Ogre.. do we get something now?<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></p></blockquote>LoL

[Jeyana]

I know this is a bit off topic, as everyone was speaking of bruisers in Freeport, but I'm curious about Neriak. Is there much lore around the disciples you see standing outside the Spires of Innoruuk? If they are allied with the priests of Innoruuk, are they a more disciplined lot of bruisers because of their devotion to Innoruuk, similiar to the monks and Quellious? Just curious on what other peoples takes are on the bruisers of Neriak.I ask only because I have a baby bruiser (meaning under lvl 10) that I have thought of putting a story to, and she is from Neriak. I like to surround my character with the lore of the game, and I thought this was a very interesting topic.

[Cusashorn]

<cite>Shaila@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>I know this is a bit off topic, as everyone was speaking of bruisers in Freeport, but I'm curious about Neriak. Is there much lore around the disciples you see standing outside the Spires of Innoruuk? If they are allied with the priests of Innoruuk, are they a more disciplined lot of bruisers because of their devotion to Innoruuk, similiar to the monks and Quellious? Just curious on what other peoples takes are on the bruisers of Neriak.I ask only because I have a baby bruiser (meaning under lvl 10) that I have thought of putting a story to, and she is from Neriak. I like to surround my character with the lore of the game, and I thought this was a very interesting topic.</blockquote>There is litterally none. There was no martial order in Neriak in EQlive, and when Neriak opened up in EQ2, we found out that the bruisers are an offshoot of the main Disciples of Hate priest guild. Thats all.

[Jeyana]

Oh well, it was worth asking about. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Thanks!

[Redbed]

<p>Speaking of the Neriak Bruisers/Disciples.  I guess the only connection is the Kirikui (spelling?) from Plane of Hate (mummy type creatures that roamed near the entrance and the right side).  These were monks that had forsaken tranquility in life (Cant recall if this was ingame lore or if I made it up) and were cursed to serve the prince of hate for eternity (or not, I dont recall).</p><p>So I guess the martial arts disciplines could have come down from that aspect.  Brutality is a form of hate so of course theres no reason for that fighting style to be absent from Neriak Life.  I dont know, its somewhere to start.  Plus many of the Tier Dal returning home could have brought the fighting style from Freeport.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>^ I don't think it was ever truely explained where the Kirikuei came from in the Plane of Hate, but it quickly became apparent they were monks, since thier itemization always went to monks, and they were monk classes.</p><p>I have to admit, that thought actually occured to me as well when I first saw the bruisers.</p>

[Redbed]

<p>Theyre definatly monks, but I dont recall any of their dialoge.  I thought they said something about tranquility at one time.  Not absolutely sure though since A) I havent played EQ1 in almost 6 years and hadnt been to POH in years before that.  B) Ive written Fan Fic which had a part in their with a Kirikua (Whatever I cant spell) and I cant recall what was source material and what I made up.</p><p>I think the Dark elves returning to Neriak explanation is better.  Would be nice if they could spare the resources and database space to making each City Based class unique.  Giving the Neriak Brawlers a mix of Monk and Bruiser skills.  Making them more Disciplined Bruisers.  Shake up the flavor a little bit.  Making the Kelethin Monks a little more wild.  </p><p>Problem with that is people feel slighted when new stuff makes their old stuff look old.   People like well defined roles. </p>