Here are some key plots driving the sequel without giving too much away: - There is a new location for the Shroud as they can no longer safely operate out of Waycross. The Shroud base is now in the Mystwood.
- The battle with the Scourge is now a war and the Shroud does not have the numbers to compete. The PC's main goal in the module is to build alliances with different groups so that the Shroud will have their own army.
- There will be opportunities to maintain current romances or build new romances - even with new characters.
- One of the main character's close companions is missing at the start of the module.
- The underdark will play a significant role in part of this module
- There will be much more character freedom. The character can be almost any class although at least one fighter type level is still recommended. There will also be distinct options throughout the module to take an evil path or an heroic.
The hak you see is the flying phenotype applied to the PC to make it look like she's swimming. An edited desert scene gives the underwater effect. She'll lose a couple of HP each round while underwater holding her breath. The particularly quest there is more of a 'hurry up and reach your destination before drowning' quest. I'm considering an underwater-type battle later in the module, but not certain on that yet. If so, then she will probably have a helmet that doubles as a breathing apparatus.
I hadn't realised the underwater scene was a hak. I thought underwater action was introduced in one of nwn's updates when they brought out the pirate premium adventure.
Anyway, the outline of the general plot sounds excellent.
I'm assuming there'll be quests required from each potential ally for the character to complete to gain their help? Could have it that each quest has the potential of recruiting 1 of 2 groups each time, and depending on decisions during the quest would determine which group would join the shroud army. That way you create a reason to replay the module and select the other groups the next time.
For example, a coastal town is being attacked by pirates regularly. The PC than would have the option to either defeat the pirates and gain troops from the town, or side with the pirates to take over the town, and gain some pirate crews for the shroud army. Or if the character messes up on the quest, she'll end up either hanged as a pirate spy or handed round the crew of a pirate ship before being made to walk the plank.
Yes, that phenotype is really interesting. It can be used also to simulate flying, with the cloud tileset, with very good result (I don't know if it is possible to add wingd to it, though).
About the underdark surely you have though a lot of things, I maybe I could tell you many whhich you caould have already considered, but here are some possible suggestions, just for if you find some worthy (Anyway, as I don't know what is the course of action you have in mind for the adventure here, maybe some (or most) could be unnappliable; sorry if so):
- If there is underdark, I quess that probably that means there will be drow. And if there are drow, then the thing becomes more interesting: there, women rule! So, supposing there is some kind of *peaceful* approach to them, the weight of the plot there will be carried by the PC and/or the female companions. The male companion(s) -if any- could be depissed or taunted, and indeed become a point of friction with the female drows.
- The same could apply for the evil part. If the evil side attempts a parallel aproach (maybe Katani herself could lead the Scourge party/embassy, maybe carrying with her the mind agent, who was a woman too).
- If ther is some possibility of negotiation with the drow, maybe both sides could try to gain their suppont (though a bit quite strange -and maybe dangerous- for the good ones to search those as 'allies'), or maybe the Shroud send a team to thwart the Scourge efforts and make them fail.
- The underdark setting is a good place for an arena, so exploiting the gladiatorial part. In the end, it could serve the PC to gain fame (and maybe respect) before the drow, and to add weight to a possible negotiation. Also, it could give an scenary for gladiatorial combats, for instance, of the male henchman(men), as the drow female could want to see them to fight in loincloth for they enjoyment... In the end, perhaps a balanced duel between the PC and Katani could be interesting to consider.
- The idea of an Illithid arena (or simply, of using illithids, beholders, etc), I would ponder it very much, as they are potentially simply too powerful and can be difficult to use without maybe risking realism (they can raise 'what ifs' about why, being them so powerful, they don't do...). Of course, they can on the other hand spice a lot a mod if used carefully and to a limited extent (for instance, could the mind agent try to recruit one? Could some of the PCs friends -or the PC himself- get caught and somewhat brainwashed, and forced to do things against her will? ...).
- One of the male NPCs, Kelvyn, parted away and did not appear any more in the first mod. Maybe he could have fallen prisioner of the drow, or eneter working for the Scourge, and the PC would find him there?
- Some of the PC friends could have a hard time there (for instance, to anger some powerful drow, to fall prisioner...), giving the PC some hard alternative to consider (for instance, to loose on purpose in the arena to spare him/them?, to have to choose between her mission and their friend/s? ...)
- Maybe in the end any diplomatic effor could be doomed to fail. But they could appear alternatives which allow to balance the situation. For instance, could the drow have enemies (duergars? other factions of drow -matriarchs- willing to take power?) who the PC could turn to help so they could maintain the drow away from intervening in the surface?
- Also the ambient could pass its toll in the PC and her companions. WOuld the experience in drow society affect their personalities or feelings? Could the PC (or some of their friends) have the option of liking it and taking a bit of dominatrix demeanor? Could relations/romances between the characters become messed by their stay in the underdark?
- Also, the option of setting many, short sidequest become quite appealing. The PC could try to gain information from different factions, or make some working (as mercenary os as she feels it can serve her interests) for them (maybe againts other faction), etc. All these could develop while between pauses in the main plot (combats, nogotiations...), and serve to enrich their stay around there.
- Of course, if finally there aren't any drow at all, or the PC enters amongst them sword at and, then all (or most) ideas I have put won't be of any usefulness... ^^
.....
Well, I surely could imagine more things and details (and only about the underdark!). Sorry about the long comment, but the problem is that I have the bad custom of writing a lot, so better I stop or and maybe I could end with an unfinishing comment, and other fans surely will want to contribute. :)
(Btw, only 4096 characters are allowed in a single comment: this is outrageous!)
Also, I guess that if you reveal too much about the setting, plot, and such, it could in the end spoiling some of the fun and the surprises. Anyway, if you want more feedback, ideas, or any help (areas, scripting, testing, etc), feel free to contact me by mail (btw, I work programming, so of course I understand your feelings about your work).
As another idea, you indeed might maybe consider to register (if you think it could be useful, of course) a trash e-mail address (= disposable at any moment, so your 'good' addresses don't risk to get known and spammed), for instance in gmail, yahoo..., to center there all the feedback, suggestions, (future) betatesting comments, etc, related to the development of the module.
Cheers.
-Viriatus
..... (PS: In any case, I would beg you that, if possible and you can edit comments, could erase my e-mail address for the previous comment. One of the bad things of having a valid address posted around internet is that in the end you end receiving increasing amounts of spam of replica watches, viagra, and such things...
Hi Viriatus. It won't let me edit anyone else's comments. Since that comment with your email address was short I just removed it. It might look odd that I replied to empty air on the next post lol.
Yes, there will definitely be some intrigue in the Underdark. It's the part I'm most looking forward to building. It just comes later in the module. I'm a big fan of R.A. Salvatore's dark elf trilogy so expect to see some of that influence and drow politics.
Keep an eye out in the near future. When I get close to the 25% mark in my module I'll probably open that up for beta testing and post a request for testers. I'd be more than happy to have you test and get your feedback.
Looking forward to seeing your interpretation of Drow culture and behaviour. I'm a fan of the drow books by Salvatore too. Especially the ones set in drow cities, like Homeland, or War of the Spider Queen set.
It will be interesting to see how your drow match up to the standard reputation of drow as "the most evil, diabolical, sadistic, self-serving, depraved race". After all a race that has no word for friend, and the word for non-drow and 'dirt' is the same, and who have graduation parties that involve a mass orgy who's center piece is a demon and the 'top of the class' student going at it like bunnies . . . one can only imagine what they do to people they don't like.
Interesting, it's the first time I see a hakpack like that. It's not only a flying/swimming animation, but the items and fish too are new to me.
ReplyDeleteIf you accept an opinion, if there is combat underwater, make sure the PC has at least one object to regain breath, just one for emergencies.
Hi Viriatus,
ReplyDeleteHere are some key plots driving the sequel without giving too much away:
- There is a new location for the Shroud as they can no longer safely operate out of Waycross. The Shroud base is now in the Mystwood.
- The battle with the Scourge is now a war and the Shroud does not have the numbers to compete. The PC's main goal in the module is to build alliances with different groups so that the Shroud will have their own army.
- There will be opportunities to maintain current romances or build new romances - even with new characters.
- One of the main character's close companions is missing at the start of the module.
- The underdark will play a significant role in part of this module
- There will be much more character freedom. The character can be almost any class although at least one fighter type level is still recommended. There will also be distinct options throughout the module to take an evil path or an heroic.
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe hak you see is the flying phenotype applied to the PC to make it look like she's swimming. An edited desert scene gives the underwater effect. She'll lose a couple of HP each round while underwater holding her breath. The particularly quest there is more of a 'hurry up and reach your destination before drowning' quest. I'm considering an underwater-type battle later in the module, but not certain on that yet. If so, then she will probably have a helmet that doubles as a breathing apparatus.
I hadn't realised the underwater scene was a hak. I thought underwater action was introduced in one of nwn's updates when they brought out the pirate premium adventure.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the outline of the general plot sounds excellent.
I'm assuming there'll be quests required from each potential ally for the character to complete to gain their help? Could have it that each quest has the potential of recruiting 1 of 2 groups each time, and depending on decisions during the quest would determine which group would join the shroud army. That way you create a reason to replay the module and select the other groups the next time.
For example, a coastal town is being attacked by pirates regularly. The PC than would have the option to either defeat the pirates and gain troops from the town, or side with the pirates to take over the town, and gain some pirate crews for the shroud army. Or if the character messes up on the quest, she'll end up either hanged as a pirate spy or handed round the crew of a pirate ship before being made to walk the plank.
-CountMarcus
Yes, that phenotype is really interesting. It can be used also to simulate flying, with the cloud tileset, with very good result (I don't know if it is possible to add wingd to it, though).
ReplyDeleteAbout the underdark surely you have though a lot of things, I maybe I could tell you many whhich you caould have already considered, but here are some possible suggestions, just for if you find some worthy (Anyway, as I don't know what is the course of action you have in mind for the adventure here, maybe some (or most) could be unnappliable; sorry if so):
- If there is underdark, I quess that probably that means there will be drow. And if there are drow, then the thing becomes more interesting: there, women rule! So, supposing there is some kind of *peaceful* approach to them, the weight of the plot there will be carried by the PC and/or the female companions. The male companion(s) -if any- could be depissed or taunted, and indeed become a point of friction with the female drows.
- The same could apply for the evil part. If the evil side attempts a parallel aproach (maybe Katani herself could lead the Scourge party/embassy, maybe carrying with her the mind agent, who was a woman too).
- If ther is some possibility of negotiation with the drow, maybe both sides could try to gain their suppont (though a bit quite strange -and maybe dangerous- for the good ones to search those as 'allies'), or maybe the Shroud send a team to thwart the Scourge efforts and make them fail.
- The underdark setting is a good place for an arena, so exploiting the gladiatorial part. In the end, it could serve the PC to gain fame (and maybe respect) before the drow, and to add weight to a possible negotiation. Also, it could give an scenary for gladiatorial combats, for instance, of the male henchman(men), as the drow female could want to see them to fight in loincloth for they enjoyment... In the end, perhaps a balanced duel between the PC and Katani could be interesting to consider.
- The idea of an Illithid arena (or simply, of using illithids, beholders, etc), I would ponder it very much, as they are potentially simply too powerful and can be difficult to use without maybe risking realism (they can raise 'what ifs' about why, being them so powerful, they don't do...). Of course, they can on the other hand spice a lot a mod if used carefully and to a limited extent (for instance, could the mind agent try to recruit one? Could some of the PCs friends -or the PC himself- get caught and somewhat brainwashed, and forced to do things against her will? ...).
- One of the male NPCs, Kelvyn, parted away and did not appear any more in the first mod. Maybe he could have fallen prisioner of the drow, or eneter working for the Scourge, and the PC would find him there?
- Some of the PC friends could have a hard time there (for instance, to anger some powerful drow, to fall prisioner...), giving the PC some hard alternative to consider (for instance, to loose on purpose in the arena to spare him/them?, to have to choose between her mission and their friend/s? ...)
- Maybe in the end any diplomatic effor could be doomed to fail. But they could appear alternatives which allow to balance the situation. For instance, could the drow have enemies (duergars? other factions of drow -matriarchs- willing to take power?) who the PC could turn to help so they could maintain the drow away from intervening in the surface?
(continues)
ReplyDelete- Also the ambient could pass its toll in the PC and her companions. WOuld the experience in drow society affect their personalities or feelings? Could the PC (or some of their friends) have the option of liking it and taking a bit of dominatrix demeanor? Could relations/romances between the characters become messed by their stay in the underdark?
- Also, the option of setting many, short sidequest become quite appealing. The PC could try to gain information from different factions, or make some working (as mercenary os as she feels it can serve her interests) for them (maybe againts other faction), etc. All these could develop while between pauses in the main plot (combats, nogotiations...), and serve to enrich their stay around there.
- Of course, if finally there aren't any drow at all, or the PC enters amongst them sword at and, then all (or most) ideas I have put won't be of any usefulness... ^^
.....
Well, I surely could imagine more things and details (and only about the underdark!). Sorry about the long comment, but the problem is that I have the bad custom of writing a lot, so better I stop or and maybe I could end with an unfinishing comment, and other fans surely will want to contribute. :)
(Btw, only 4096 characters are allowed in a single comment: this is outrageous!)
Also, I guess that if you reveal too much about the setting, plot, and such, it could in the end spoiling some of the fun and the surprises. Anyway, if you want more feedback, ideas, or any help (areas, scripting, testing, etc), feel free to contact me by mail (btw, I work programming, so of course I understand your feelings about your work).
As another idea, you indeed might maybe consider to register (if you think it could be useful, of course) a trash e-mail address (= disposable at any moment, so your 'good' addresses don't risk to get known and spammed), for instance in gmail, yahoo..., to center there all the feedback, suggestions, (future) betatesting comments, etc, related to the development of the module.
Cheers.
-Viriatus
.....
(PS: In any case, I would beg you that, if possible and you can edit comments, could erase my e-mail address for the previous comment. One of the bad things of having a valid address posted around internet is that in the end you end receiving increasing amounts of spam of replica watches, viagra, and such things...
And sorry for the typos)
Hi Viriatus. It won't let me edit anyone else's comments. Since that comment with your email address was short I just removed it. It might look odd that I replied to empty air on the next post lol.
ReplyDeleteYes, there will definitely be some intrigue in the Underdark. It's the part I'm most looking forward to building. It just comes later in the module. I'm a big fan of R.A. Salvatore's dark elf trilogy so expect to see some of that influence and drow politics.
Keep an eye out in the near future. When I get close to the 25% mark in my module I'll probably open that up for beta testing and post a request for testers. I'd be more than happy to have you test and get your feedback.
Looking forward to seeing your interpretation of Drow culture and behaviour. I'm a fan of the drow books by Salvatore too. Especially the ones set in drow cities, like Homeland, or War of the Spider Queen set.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see how your drow match up to the standard reputation of drow as "the most evil, diabolical, sadistic, self-serving, depraved race". After all a race that has no word for friend, and the word for non-drow and 'dirt' is the same, and who have graduation parties that involve a mass orgy who's center piece is a demon and the 'top of the class' student going at it like bunnies . . . one can only imagine what they do to people they don't like.
-CountMarcus
Even if they are a sadistic bunch, there is nothing more satisfying that gaining their respect.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if possible by means related to total terror of you.
And there is nothing wrong with having a bit of fun with a Glabrezu, there are uglier things out there.
Thanks for this great module, i've tried to vote at ignvault but i couldn't register :(
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work ;)