On aliens I usually go superskulk and get either Leap or Focus first depending on how many kills I can get in the first minute or so. Although sometimes I will go from Leap straight to the movement chamber upgrades, skipping Focus (it's better practice w/o Focus imo) for later.
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last.
<!--QuoteBegin-Cerebral+Nov 10 2004, 01:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cerebral @ Nov 10 2004, 01:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> no offense to anyones upgrade paths but if you can aim decently then you really don't need resupply until later on b/c the clips you start with are enough to get you to shotgun w/ ammo to spare <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> yeah i know, but i lack the aiming skills to accomplish that :| especially when theres always 1-3 teammates lurking behind, taking some of my hard earned exp.
also after always taking leap first i would say that i am pretty competent as a leap skulk (or 2-hive skulk if you will) but totally useless as a 1-hive skulk (except for the fact that i can bhop pretty fast). i should propably play co as a skulk without taking leap or focus for a while :|
<!--QuoteBegin-Nadagast+Nov 10 2004, 02:03 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Nadagast @ Nov 10 2004, 02:03 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> On aliens I usually go superskulk and get either Leap or Focus first depending on how many kills I can get in the first minute or so. Although sometimes I will go from Leap straight to the movement chamber upgrades, skipping Focus (it's better practice w/o Focus imo) for later.
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> How big is that superskulk config?
Oh and resupply/armor1 (if i've been bitten already, resupply first, otherwise armor 1. then I get the other one), wep1, shotty, wep2, wep3, armor 2, jp.
A1 or W1 (depending on whether I suspect someone to rush focus, I don't like being a one bit kill) shotgun A2->JP w/ resupply once they get enough lerk spores going.
Aliens: Leap Fade or unlock webs + gorge. Regen celerity sof then whatever else.
<!--QuoteBegin-Align+Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Align @ Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm disappointed so few aliens get leap first. Maybe it's just me and my leapbiting though... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
<!--QuoteBegin-rennex+Nov 10 2004, 03:13 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (rennex @ Nov 10 2004, 03:13 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Nadagast+Nov 10 2004, 02:03 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Nadagast @ Nov 10 2004, 02:03 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> On aliens I usually go superskulk and get either Leap or Focus first depending on how many kills I can get in the first minute or so. Although sometimes I will go from Leap straight to the movement chamber upgrades, skipping Focus (it's better practice w/o Focus imo) for later.
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> How big is that superskulk config? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I had to buy a 250 GB hard drive just to hold it!
The only choice I make with any certainty is Focus first. After that, gaining levels is easy.
Also, by that point I've a fair idea how good everyone on my team is, and what the gameplan is on the enemy side (If I'm the first to get an upgrade then something is badly wrong haha).
<!--QuoteBegin-Guardian[KILLinc.com]+Nov 10 2004, 03:20 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Guardian[KILLinc.com] @ Nov 10 2004, 03:20 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Align+Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Align @ Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm disappointed so few aliens get leap first. Maybe it's just me and my leapbiting though... <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
And no... I will not script it. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> There is no need to script leap bite.
A little guide on leap-biting (not that I'm the best at it).
First, either use a convient last inventory bind or move the slot1, slot2 and slot3 keys to where they are easy to hit. (other methods exist, but these seem the most common)
Generally, I leap at my opponent, let go of my +forward key for better air control while switching to bite or staying on leap to close the distance better. Then I attempt to land a bite or two. Next, whether the marine is dead or not, I leap for the nearest escape route and try to get away. Holding crouch while skulking, esp. with leap is a good idea, it helps prevent you from getting stuck on the enviroment.
Also, when in a fight, use leap to be evasive. Leap up or behind marines, even if you don't kill the marine, your team may get him while you draw his fire. Skulks don't survive because of health, they survive because of evasion.
I guess my point is, play the skulk as a skirmisher, not a rusher.
Hopefully some of the better skulks than me will weigh in on leap-biting.
silence before leap so they don't know that you are coming up in them 1 bite on their back, then circle strafe around htem for another bite before leaping away
Leap Silence Celerity Regen Fade Cara Scent of Fear (Good for making sure that JP/SG doesn't slip through)
Leap bite, and how to do it?
hud_fastswitch 1, slot 1 is '1', slot 2 is '2', slot 3 is predictably, '3'. Leap, switch to bite, bite.
What's the problem?
- Shockwave <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> You've got the skeet skeet skills when you don't even use lastinv!!!
ShockehIf a packet drops on the web and nobody's near to see it...Join Date: 2002-11-19Member: 9336NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
Honestly, until joining NS I didn't even know there was a lastinv button.... <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I think you can use pretty much anything (within reason) once you're used to it.
<!--QuoteBegin-TOmekki+Nov 10 2004, 03:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (TOmekki @ Nov 10 2004, 03:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> taking some of my hard earned exp. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Amusing, to me atleast.
Hum, my choices, as rine; w1 sg a1 a2 jp w2 w3
You can easily get sg before you run out of lmg ammo, besides, you have pistol :x , if everything else fails, leech your teammates for xp. SG before the 1st minute is over can be devastating to aliens.
Aliens; Kinda same what Nadagast said, it depends how much kills/xp i get early on, but i usually go
lerk fade cele cara (if rines have good players aka their close to get a jp or sumthin then proceed as followed->) focus scent meta/silence
Sometimes i wont take focus and get regen+silence+meta comba instead. Depends alot on the opponent actually.
On Classic Aliens-> Lerk with rege/cele Fade with rege/cele Gorge with rege/cele Onos with rege/cele
What? I love Cele ^^, only lifeform i dont see the use of wasting points for is skulk.
I'm various with the marines but yay I gonna post it
Marines
Weapons 1 Weapons 2 Weapons 3 Armor 1 Resupply Armor 2 or Shotgun Jetpack or Armor 3
Aliens Unlock next ability keeping point focus adrenaline carpace regeneration then I do sometimes keep the rest to upgrade to fade but I love the skulk <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-Ots+Nov 11 2004, 05:13 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Ots @ Nov 11 2004, 05:13 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-TOmekki+Nov 10 2004, 03:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (TOmekki @ Nov 10 2004, 03:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> taking some of my hard earned exp. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Amusing, to me atleast. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> hey, i can kill a skulk one on one..... at least if it runs straight at me (90% of the time).
sry if that wasnt your point, it just seemed to me like you were disrespectful towards my skills in this game!
<!--QuoteBegin-falloutx2+Nov 10 2004, 03:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (falloutx2 @ Nov 10 2004, 03:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Guardian[KILLinc.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Guardian[KILLinc.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->,Nov 10 2004, 03:20 PM] <!--QuoteBegin-Align+Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Align @ Nov 10 2004, 12:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm disappointed so few aliens get leap first. Maybe it's just me and my leapbiting though... <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
And no... I will not script it. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> There is no need to script leap bite.
A little guide on leap-biting (not that I'm the best at it).
First, either use a convient last inventory bind or move the slot1, slot2 and slot3 keys to where they are easy to hit. (other methods exist, but these seem the most common)
Generally, I leap at my opponent, let go of my +forward key for better air control while switching to bite or staying on leap to close the distance better. Then I attempt to land a bite or two. Next, whether the marine is dead or not, I leap for the nearest escape route and try to get away. Holding crouch while skulking, esp. with leap is a good idea, it helps prevent you from getting stuck on the enviroment.
Also, when in a fight, use leap to be evasive. Leap up or behind marines, even if you don't kill the marine, your team may get him while you draw his fire. Skulks don't survive because of health, they survive because of evasion.
I guess my point is, play the skulk as a skirmisher, not a rusher.
Hopefully some of the better skulks than me will weigh in on leap-biting. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Ok... I tried your technique last night and it seemed to work pretty well, although my brain was getting confused which attack was selected at the time and when I'd go to leap from 25 feet away I'd just gnash my teeth at them. Then tap Q again and leap and THEN eat their face.
Was doing pretty well on the Zero Tolerance server... Funny enough, that technique can be used with Fades doing a Blink and Swipe attack. I'm still not a very good fade, but was handling that a bit better.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not new to NS, but I'd never thought to put lastinv to that use. I've started using it a lot as the Marines as well.
I try to take different route each game, purposly. One main route is just lame and it shows your n00bness.. You cannot handle the game with other upgrades?
<!--QuoteBegin-Guardian[KILLinc.com]+Nov 11 2004, 06:02 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Guardian[KILLinc.com] @ Nov 11 2004, 06:02 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Ok... I tried your technique last night and it seemed to work pretty well, although my brain was getting confused which attack was selected at the time <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> That doesn't go away with better skills, its best if you get the "crosshairs for all alien weapons" sprite pack. It helps a <b>LOT</b>. It should be official really.
<!--QuoteBegin-Align+Nov 11 2004, 11:36 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Align @ Nov 11 2004, 11:36 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Guardian[KILLinc.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Guardian[KILLinc.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->,Nov 11 2004, 06:02 PM] Ok... I tried your technique last night and it seemed to work pretty well, although my brain was getting confused which attack was selected at the time <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> That doesn't go away with better skills, its best if you get the "crosshairs for all alien weapons" sprite pack. It helps a <b>LOT</b>. It should be official really. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I'm one of those idiots who believe that adding anything not included with the original install to make the game easier is bad.
I added the SF Marine Skin pack which makes the marines harder to see on my machine, but that's the only addition I'll be doing. If it becomes official, then I'll be all over that... It would definitely help if they made the crosshairs a bit brighter and then included crosshairs for every alien mode.
Comments
weap1
shotty
resupply
armor1
armor2
jp
cat
weap2
alien:
silence
celerity
cara
leap
fade
whatever seeems best
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last.
yeah i know, but i lack the aiming skills to accomplish that :| especially when theres always 1-3 teammates lurking behind, taking some of my hard earned exp.
also after always taking leap first i would say that i am pretty competent as a leap skulk (or 2-hive skulk if you will) but totally useless as a 1-hive skulk (except for the fact that i can bhop pretty fast). i should propably play co as a skulk without taking leap or focus for a while :|
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How big is that superskulk config?
Oh and resupply/armor1 (if i've been bitten already, resupply first, otherwise armor 1. then I get the other one), wep1, shotty, wep2, wep3, armor 2, jp.
leap, cara, celerity, focus, regen, fade, win.
A1 or W1 (depending on whether I suspect someone to rush focus, I don't like being a one bit kill)
shotgun
A2->JP w/ resupply once they get enough lerk spores going.
Aliens:
Leap
Fade or unlock webs + gorge.
Regen
celerity
sof then whatever else.
I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
And no... I will not script it.
After that I get every upgrade except Redemption and Cloaking...
Typically with Adren/Silence/Celerity right after Focus, then SoF, then Regen and Cara last. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
How big is that superskulk config? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I had to buy a 250 GB hard drive just to hold it!
Also, by that point I've a fair idea how good everyone on my team is, and what the gameplan is on the enemy side (If I'm the first to get an upgrade then something is badly wrong haha).
I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
And no... I will not script it. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
There is no need to script leap bite.
A little guide on leap-biting (not that I'm the best at it).
First, either use a convient last inventory bind or move the slot1, slot2 and slot3 keys to where they are easy to hit. (other methods exist, but these seem the most common)
Generally, I leap at my opponent, let go of my +forward key for better air control while switching to bite or staying on leap to close the distance better. Then I attempt to land a bite or two. Next, whether the marine is dead or not, I leap for the nearest escape route and try to get away. Holding crouch while skulking, esp. with leap is a good idea, it helps prevent you from getting stuck on the enviroment.
Also, when in a fight, use leap to be evasive. Leap up or behind marines, even if you don't kill the marine, your team may get him while you draw his fire. Skulks don't survive because of health, they survive because of evasion.
I guess my point is, play the skulk as a skirmisher, not a rusher.
Hopefully some of the better skulks than me will weigh in on leap-biting.
Weapon
SG
Armor
Armor
Save
HA/JP (depends)
resupply
welder (if needed) otherwise mt
hmg or gl, depends if there is webs
Aliens:
1. Celerity
save
save
fade
regen
meta
cara
focus
2. Celerity
save
save
fade
regen
meta
onos
cara
sof
3. leap
save
xeno
adre
(saving point for gorging if needed)
sof
cele
silence
redemp
1 bite on their back, then circle strafe around htem for another bite before leaping away
Leap
Silence
Celerity
Regen
Fade
Cara
Scent of Fear (Good for making sure that JP/SG doesn't slip through)
Leap bite, and how to do it?
hud_fastswitch 1, slot 1 is '1', slot 2 is '2', slot 3 is predictably, '3'. Leap, switch to bite, bite.
What's the problem?
- Shockwave
Leap
Silence
Celerity
Regen
Fade
Cara
Scent of Fear (Good for making sure that JP/SG doesn't slip through)
Leap bite, and how to do it?
hud_fastswitch 1, slot 1 is '1', slot 2 is '2', slot 3 is predictably, '3'. Leap, switch to bite, bite.
What's the problem?
- Shockwave <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
You've got the skeet skeet skills when you don't even use lastinv!!!
I think you can use pretty much anything (within reason) once you're used to it.
- Shockwave
Amusing, to me atleast.
Hum, my choices, as rine;
w1
sg
a1
a2
jp
w2
w3
You can easily get sg before you run out of lmg ammo, besides, you have pistol :x , if everything else fails, leech your teammates for xp. SG before the 1st minute is over can be devastating to aliens.
Aliens; Kinda same what Nadagast said, it depends how much kills/xp i get early on, but i usually go
lerk
fade
cele
cara
(if rines have good players aka their close to get a jp or sumthin then proceed as followed->)
focus
scent
meta/silence
Sometimes i wont take focus and get regen+silence+meta comba instead. Depends alot on the opponent actually.
On Classic Aliens->
Lerk with rege/cele
Fade with rege/cele
Gorge with rege/cele
Onos with rege/cele
What? I love Cele ^^, only lifeform i dont see the use of wasting points for is skulk.
I'm various with the marines but yay I gonna post it
Marines
Weapons 1
Weapons 2
Weapons 3
Armor 1
Resupply
Armor 2 or Shotgun
Jetpack or Armor 3
Aliens
Unlock next ability
keeping point
focus
adrenaline
carpace
regeneration
then I do sometimes keep the rest to upgrade to fade but I love the skulk <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Amusing, to me atleast.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
hey, i can kill a skulk one on one..... at least if it runs straight at me (90% of the time).
sry if that wasnt your point, it just seemed to me like you were disrespectful towards my skills in this game!
I sometimes have a difficult time timing the leapbite. In open maps, I'll throw leap into the mix sometimes to throw the marines off, but I can't count on my reflexes being fast enough to mash the keys at the right time.
And no... I will not script it. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
There is no need to script leap bite.
A little guide on leap-biting (not that I'm the best at it).
First, either use a convient last inventory bind or move the slot1, slot2 and slot3 keys to where they are easy to hit. (other methods exist, but these seem the most common)
Generally, I leap at my opponent, let go of my +forward key for better air control while switching to bite or staying on leap to close the distance better. Then I attempt to land a bite or two. Next, whether the marine is dead or not, I leap for the nearest escape route and try to get away. Holding crouch while skulking, esp. with leap is a good idea, it helps prevent you from getting stuck on the enviroment.
Also, when in a fight, use leap to be evasive. Leap up or behind marines, even if you don't kill the marine, your team may get him while you draw his fire. Skulks don't survive because of health, they survive because of evasion.
I guess my point is, play the skulk as a skirmisher, not a rusher.
Hopefully some of the better skulks than me will weigh in on leap-biting. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ok... I tried your technique last night and it seemed to work pretty well, although my brain was getting confused which attack was selected at the time and when I'd go to leap from 25 feet away I'd just gnash my teeth at them. Then tap Q again and leap and THEN eat their face.
Was doing pretty well on the Zero Tolerance server... Funny enough, that technique can be used with Fades doing a Blink and Swipe attack. I'm still not a very good fade, but was handling that a bit better.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not new to NS, but I'd never thought to put lastinv to that use. I've started using it a lot as the Marines as well.
That doesn't go away with better skills, its best if you get the "crosshairs for all alien weapons" sprite pack. It helps a <b>LOT</b>. It should be official really.
That doesn't go away with better skills, its best if you get the "crosshairs for all alien weapons" sprite pack. It helps a <b>LOT</b>. It should be official really. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm one of those idiots who believe that adding anything not included with the original install to make the game easier is bad.
I added the SF Marine Skin pack which makes the marines harder to see on my machine, but that's the only addition I'll be doing. If it becomes official, then I'll be all over that... It would definitely help if they made the crosshairs a bit brighter and then included crosshairs for every alien mode.