# Tips, Tricks, and Newb Questions!

**URL:** <https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42>\
**Category:** The Bunker\
**Created:** [January 3, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42 "2013-01-03T03:04:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 15

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**Author:** ![WCG](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/wcg/32/38_2.png) [@WCG](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/WCG)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 3:52pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/281 "2013-03-14T15:52:44Z")

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Thanks for the info. That was very helpful.

> Normal is your firing mode with your current weapon.

Yeah, I’ve been wielding a crowbar, so the “firing mode” on that didn’t come to mind. 🙂 Thanks. (It didn’t occur to me that the final number on encumbrance might be warmth, either, though it should have, I guess.)

> As temperature was a little unbalanced it has been effectively disabled until it's in a better state.

Ah, OK, that’s good to know. I’ve been encumbering myself for no reason, then.

> One thing to watch out for though, is the mouth. do not encumber your mouth or your breathing is affected enough to slow your running speed.

Yeah, I’d been doing that entirely for warmth. I’ll take the scarf off, then - even though I look so good in anything that covers up my face. 🙂

> Also some types of clothes come in a 'perfect fit for you.' Always grab these, because they don't encumber you as much compared to one that doesn't fit just right.

Thanks! I’d seen that, even on some boots I picked up (again, for the warmth). But I hadn’t made that connection with encumbrance. That’s also good to know.

Speaking of encumbrance, I see I can put on multiple messenger bags without an encumbrance hit. Is that a bug, or a feature? It’s been nice, since I haven’t found a backpack yet. (I started with the static zombie option, and the town has been too overrun to explore much. So I don’t know if that was wise, but I never liked the idea that I couldn’t clear out the zombies from an area - indeed, that there were infinite numbers.)

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**Author:** ![Soyweiser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/soyweiser/32/37_2.png) [@Soyweiser](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Soyweiser)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 4:09pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/282 "2013-03-14T16:09:20Z")

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Actually, eye encumbrance makes it harder to see traps.

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**Author:** ![Murumuru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Murumuru](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Murumuru)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/283 "2013-03-14T16:14:39Z")

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Hello. How can I learn melee styles?  
Do I need to take quests from npc?

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**Author:** ![Iosyn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/iosyn/32/35_2.png) [@Iosyn](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Iosyn)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 4:51pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/284 "2013-03-14T16:51:48Z")

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yeah, you need to do a quest for them. kill their dog, rescue their mom and download their pron.  
Then go back and talk to them\> can you teach me something as payment?  
it’s entirely random what they can train though, so if they have unarmed you’re lucky. If you’re planning a melee character I’d suggest getting Drunken master or martial arts training traits at the start.

Ah yeah, as Soy said I had a look and Eye/hand encumberance can be pretty bad if you use throwing weapons… one gives a negative percetion, the other neg dex.

Also on the messenger bags, it’s the same with purses. You can fit two of them on, but I do actually think they add some when you’re fully bundled up-- I had my torso encumberance at 7 with about 4-5 layers and then bags on top. as long as you take everything off to fight it’s fine though. I’ve taken to using military rucksacks now (massive storage for the same encumberance as backpacks, and it’s easier to drop and pick up stuff.)

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**Author:** ![AseaHeru](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/aseaheru/32/8_2.png) [@AseaHeru](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/AseaHeru)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 6:53pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/285 "2013-03-14T18:53:03Z")

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you can have two backpacks too. thats what i normally have after the first few days. just before i die that is.

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**Author:** ![Iosyn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/iosyn/32/35_2.png) [@Iosyn](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Iosyn)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/286 "2013-03-14T20:42:38Z")

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[quote=“AseaHeru, post:285, topic:42”]you can have two backpacks too. thats what i normally have after the first few days. just before i die that is.[/quote]Tell me about it lol…

Seriously, I just started colonizing the outskirts-- note, the outskirts.

Next thing, child zombies from the park. okay-- batter up!  
They drag zeds. Zeds drag boomers. Boomers drag three brutes and a hulk.

Managed to kill all of them by a feat of crazy ass stamina (I dropped all my stuff and ran to a crashed heli and ran in circles around it.)

Of course, when I return to my humble abode, there’s a zombie necro there. He raises another brute.  
Said brute proceeds to pound my face in.

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**Author:** ![Benedict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Benedict](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Benedict)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 10:35pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/287 "2013-03-14T22:35:01Z")

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Anyone know how long a cold takes to go away? I’ve had mine for two days now, and no sign of it dying down. I’ve guzzled vitamins and nyquil but no change so far. ☹

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**Author:** ![Greiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8797f3/32.png) [@Greiger](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Greiger)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/288 "2013-03-14T22:53:47Z")

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I recall hearing it’s between 1.5 and 4 days. If you can handle bees the center tile of a beehive contains royal jelly, which is a wonderdrug that cures both the cold and flu (as well as other things).

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**Author:** ![kenoxite](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/kenoxite/32/858_2.png) [@kenoxite](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/kenoxite)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 11:04pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/289 "2013-03-14T23:04:41Z")

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Royal jelly can also be occasionally found in labs.

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**Author:** ![Greiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8797f3/32.png) [@Greiger](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Greiger)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2013, 11:07pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/290 "2013-03-14T23:07:09Z")

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Oh yea, I forgot about that, labs too. I’m usually after other stuff in labs and just collect any royal jelly I find as a bonus.

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**Author:** ![KA101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/278dde/32.png) [@KA101](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/KA101)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 12:37am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/291 "2013-03-15T00:37:40Z")

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Chem textbook can teach you how to bleach honeycombs into royal jellies, too. May come in handy if you’re still training and can’t raid the middle of a hive. (Scarred zeds sometimes drop honeycombs, but that may be the old version talking.)

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**Author:** ![geldonyetich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@geldonyetich](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/geldonyetich)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 3:18am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/292 "2013-03-15T03:18:12Z")

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I’ve learned to reinforce my gear with a sewing kit and keep checking its status after taking hits. It’s a great way to keep your favorite clothing operational, but you’ll want to practice getting your tailoring up to 2-3 first otherwise you might end up ruining them.

However, what I want to know is whether or not there’s a way to repair the clothing that sewing kits can’t repair? (E.g. army helmets, motorcycle helmets, flak vests, sneakers, and so on).

I read this entire thread and I did not notice that question or an answer for it.

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**Author:** ![AseaHeru](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/aseaheru/32/8_2.png) [@AseaHeru](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/AseaHeru)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 4:16pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/293 "2013-03-15T16:16:43Z")

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I dont think army helmets get destroyed…

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**Author:** ![geldonyetich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@geldonyetich](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/geldonyetich)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 5:49pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/294 "2013-03-15T17:49:27Z")

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> [@AseaHeru](#):
>
> I dont think army helmets get destroyed…

Maybe my melon looks particularly tasty to zombies and cougars, because I managed to get my army helmet all the way up to “cut” state, so it’s definitely taking damage.

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**Author:** ![Benedict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Benedict](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Benedict)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 5:56pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/295 "2013-03-15T17:56:47Z")

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[quote=“geldonyetich, post:292, topic:42”]I’ve learned to reinforce my gear with a sewing kit and keep checking its status after taking hits. It’s a great way to keep your favorite clothing operational, but you’ll want to practice getting your tailoring up to 2-3 first otherwise you might end up ruining them.

However, what I want to know is whether or not there’s a way to repair the clothing that sewing kits can’t repair? (E.g. army helmets, motorcycle helmets, flak vests, sneakers, and so on).

I read this entire thread and I did not notice that question or an answer for it.[/quote]

Sadly nothing. Army helmets are common enough that you’ll be able to replace them before one breaks, though.

Rarer stuff… _shrug_ Get your dodge up before using them, if you’re worried about them breaking. There’s not much else you can do.

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**Author:** ![Iosyn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/iosyn/32/35_2.png) [@Iosyn](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Iosyn)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/296 "2013-03-15T18:31:41Z")

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Yeah, they’re a bit more durable than most stuff (dohoho my poor military rucksacks and belt rigs…) but they still take damage.

Also yeah, using a sewing kit to reinforce kit is pretty much essential if you don’t want to go looking for clothes every few days.

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**Author:** ![Asra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Asra](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Asra)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 9:13pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/297 "2013-03-15T21:13:01Z")

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If it gets too bad and you can’t find more, Chitin helmets make an alright replacement for them.

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**Author:** ![Sep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@Sep](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Sep)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 10:25pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/298 "2013-03-15T22:25:11Z")

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> [@AseaHeru](#):
>
> you can have two backpacks too.

in .2 you can even do two backpacks & two military rucksacks, it might be an exploit but its sure nice if you’re hauling logs, 2x4s, meat, rags or are just clearing out a liquor store.

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**Author:** ![KA101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/278dde/32.png) [@KA101](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/KA101)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 10:44pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/299 "2013-03-15T22:44:39Z")

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> [@Asra](#):
>
> If it gets too bad and you can’t find more, Chitin helmets make an alright replacement for them.

IIRC Chitin gear isn’t easy to get–I think it’s based off Tailoring, which isn’t easy to level up past 4 or so. I’ve got the arm guards (they work well for melee characters) but not the helmet. Fortunately my Army helmet is only Scratched.

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**Author:** ![Iosyn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/iosyn/32/35_2.png) [@Iosyn](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Iosyn)\
**Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/300 "2013-03-15T23:06:40Z")

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Hm, to be honest army helmets are pretty common. If you find a well-stocked military surplus or military corpses and you’ll easily get away with at least 2 or 3 per site. If you score a Mil ID then you can raid a bunker or outpost like a boss and you’ll have more than you ever need.

Chitin stuff is really nice, but to be honest I’d rather not fight spiders or wasps to get chitin, as the poison can be quite crippling.

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