Aielund Saga Improvements (Need Input/Feedback)

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

Yeah, there's hundreds of typos but also consistent misspellings, for example:

 

trancendance should be transcendence

seperate / separate

negociations / negotiations

unfortunetly / unfortunately

dependant / dependent

 

The best way to pick them up is with spell checker, but there are some that won't be found like this. I'll be listing just those from now on, as I find them. Problem is I'm also on my first run of the game, so it's a real pain to stop playing to jot them down (bad enough I'm doing the Let's Play on my blog...)

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

   Spoiler
   

The southern gate of Fort Highmarch can be exited long before the permission slip is acquired from the Baron.

 

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There is no dragon in the dragon's lair located in the chasm map in Act Three; is there supposed to be?

 

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What is the purpose of the Ancient elf journal found in the Forgotten City, which I was unable to read even with Lore +20 and which mysteriously disappeared from my inventory (no feedback) when I failed to read it?

 

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Terinus has no facial texture, and nor do many characters who wear hoods (like the bandits in Act One). For example, if Criosa wears the Hood of Clarity (or similar) her face is just blank, no texture (same with Ronan if he wears the Shadowed Hood, actually). If the Hoods are supposed to be veiled (doubt it), then they should at least have a texture across the face. Not sure if this is an error with my install, though. If it is, disregard.

 

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What is the significance of the Cairnwood lake map, where you can drink from or urinate in the lake, is that part of the Druid quest?

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

trancendance should be transcendence

seperate / separate

negociations / negotiations

unfortunetly / unfortunately

dependant / dependent

 

I find it interesting that apparently I missed so many.  That, or Savant got tired of fixing all the typos and just wanted to fix the major bugs.  Forget which.

 

 

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The southern gate of Fort Highmarch can be exited long before the permission slip is acquired from the Baron.

 

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Interesting.  Also basically irrelevant since you won't be able to talk to the guy in the tower for the quest until you meet Terinus, but worth fixing if it's stated you cannot leave.

 

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There is no dragon in the dragon's lair located in the chasm map in Act Three; is there supposed to be?

 

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That's Azurefang's lair.  You kind of killed her rather than convincing her to leave.

 

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What is the purpose of the Ancient elf journal found in the Forgotten City, which I was unable to read even with Lore +20 and which mysteriously disappeared from my inventory (no feedback) when I failed to read it?

 

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IIRC just some lore that described how the demons got there, can look when I'm back home (visiting relatives for holidays).

 

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Terinus has no facial texture, and nor do many characters who wear hoods (like the bandits in Act One). For example, if Criosa wears the Hood of Clarity (or similar) her face is just blank, no texture (same with Ronan if he wears the Shadowed Hood, actually). If the Hoods are supposed to be veiled (doubt it), then they should at least have a texture across the face. Not sure if this is an error with my install, though. If it is, disregard.

 

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Limitations of NWN engine, that's just how hoods look.  You have that, a helmet that also covers your full head, or no helmet at all.

 

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What is the significance of the Cairnwood lake map, where you can drink from or urinate in the lake, is that part of the Druid quest?

 

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Druid and Monk quests, yes.

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

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Actually, as soon as you enter Fort Highmarch you can head south all the way to Trinity where Sahir will examine the artifact that you don't have and then trigger the start of three quests for you: Relic, Dragon Cult, Shadow of Ancients. Pretty sequence breaking...

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I'm gonna go out on a limb and say most people are gonna kill Azurefang whether they have Robert or not, so I think there should probably be some sign that it's Azurefang's old lair, otherwise it sort of feels incomplete or a loose end for new players. It's also a waste of time, looking for secret doors, casting True Sight, and just wondering what the hell's going on.

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What's the Lore req to read the Elf journal? 20 isn't enough. Savant's lore and writing is good, so I sort of wanted to read it. I don't mind missing out on content if my character is incapable of making a check, but perhaps we should at least be told that "as a result of clumsily leafing through it, the tome crumbles to dust in your hands" instead of it just disappearing from inventory with no feedback to indicate its gone (again, it could make a new player wonder if there's a glitch, or missed quest, make them reload etc: ie, time wasting).

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Those two or three Cairnwood maps are potentially confusing to be in for non-druids/-monks. A mysterious green-glowing cave and a pristine lake and nothing happens? Maybe Zachariah (the monk) should be at the entrypoint to that area and just disallow entry to non-druids/-monks? Other builds won't be missing much - just a few hill giants, one elite hobgoblin pack and a goblin cavalry to beat up on...

 

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Empyre65]

               

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I'm gonna go out on a limb and say most people are gonna kill Azurefang whether they have Robert or not, so I think there should probably be some sign that it's Azurefang's old lair, otherwise it sort of feels incomplete or a loose end for new players. It's also a waste of time, looking for secret doors, casting True Sight, and just wondering what the hell's going on.

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If Robert is in your party, he will say that this is Azurefang's lair when you enter.

 

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What's the Lore req to read the Elf journal? 20 isn't enough. Savant's lore and writing is good, so I sort of wanted to read it. I don't mind missing out on content if my character is incapable of making a check, but perhaps we should at least be told that "as a result of clumsily leafing through it, the tome crumbles to dust in your hands" instead of it just disappearing from inventory with no feedback to indicate its gone (again, it could make a new player wonder if there's a glitch, or missed quest, make them reload etc: ie, time wasting).

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Do you mean the ruins that are down the hole early in chapter 4? I have never been able to read those either. There should be a way for all players to read those. maybe have dialog options for Nelise or Criosa to translate them for you.

 

 

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Those two or three Cairnwood maps are potentially confusing to be in for non-druids/-monks. A mysterious green-glowing cave and a pristine lake and nothing happens? Maybe Zachariah (the monk) should be at the entrypoint to that area and just disallow entry to non-druids/-monks? Other builds won't be missing much - just a few hill giants, one elite hobgoblin pack and a goblin cavalry to beat up on...

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I never knew there was also a druid quest there. I agree that either there should be something there for all players, or the area should be only available to those on a quest there.

 

EDIT I have tried editing this 3 times, and the forums insist on messing up my spoilers and quotes. I think the idea still comes across.

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

   Spoiler
   

Actually, as soon as you enter Fort Highmarch you can head south all the way to Trinity where Sahir will examine the artifact that you don't have and then trigger the start of three quests for you: Relic, Dragon Cult, Shadow of Ancients. Pretty sequence breaking...

   Spoiler
   

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say most people are gonna kill Azurefang whether they have Robert or not, so I think there should probably be some sign that it's Azurefang's old lair, otherwise it sort of feels incomplete or a loose end for new players. It's also a waste of time, looking for secret doors, casting True Sight, and just wondering what the hell's going on.

   Spoiler
   

What's the Lore req to read the Elf journal? 20 isn't enough. Savant's lore and writing is good, so I sort of wanted to read it. I don't mind missing out on content if my character is incapable of making a check, but perhaps we should at least be told that "as a result of clumsily leafing through it, the tome crumbles to dust in your hands" instead of it just disappearing from inventory with no feedback to indicate its gone (again, it could make a new player wonder if there's a glitch, or missed quest, make them reload etc: ie, time wasting).

   Spoiler
   

Those two or three Cairnwood maps are potentially confusing to be in for non-druids/-monks. A mysterious green-glowing cave and a pristine lake and nothing happens? Maybe Zachariah (the monk) should be at the entrypoint to that area and just disallow entry to non-druids/-monks? Other builds won't be missing much - just a few hill giants, one elite hobgoblin pack and a goblin cavalry to beat up on...

 

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Interesting.  Will fix it, I never tried to break the sequence!

 

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As mentioned, I think Robert says something.  Can probably change name to "Azurefang's Lair" I suppose.

 

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Don't know, can't check for a few more days.

 

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But it's pretty!  Will think about it

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

To Empyre65:

 

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That's cool that Robert Black identifies it as Azurefang's lair, but I didn't have him in the party so... sort of confused me that I could just loot top-tier treasure and nothing happens. 

 

The Elf journal I'm talking about is in Act Three. The exact location is here (just Ctrl F "elf j").

 

To MagicalMaster:

 

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I've been curious of how open Aielund Saga is at points, so I sort of push ahead at times. I've been impressed by the openness and freedom of some segments and Act Two. But that sequence break is easily fixed, I guess.

 

I know having Zach disallow entry is a bit blunt, but I'd rather be told "no" than find myself searching for an hour for nothing (I wasted an hour of my life in there, and I'll never get it back lol) and then just getting frustrated and leaving. That said, this is just me. Other players might not be so thorough, or might just shrug their shoulders and leave after killing the mobs...

 

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What is the point of the Eye of Time ring's Time Stop ability if the player can't attack enemies once the spell's been cast, has it been nerfed on purpose to only allow movement?

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

To MagicalMaster:

 

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I know having Zach disallow entry is a bit blunt, but I'd rather be told "no" than find myself searching for an hour for nothing (I wasted an hour of my life in there, and I'll never get it back lol) and then just getting frustrated and leaving. That said, this is just me. Other players might not be so thorough, or might just shrug their shoulders and leave after killing the mobs...

 

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What is the point of the Eye of Time ring's Time Stop ability if the player can't attack enemies once the spell's been cast, has it been nerfed on purpose to only allow movement?

 

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Holy cow, you spent an hour there looking?  Did you also spend an hour trying to figure out the theater in Fairloch during Act II?  Serious question -- what makes you think some things have something to be discovered and others don't?

 

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Time Stop was...adjusted...in the EMS changes as well.  It is kind of broken by default.  Savant may have designed the ring prior to EMS, but it still can be useful -- have several rounds (3-5 I think?) to freely move, heal yourself, rez allies, etc.

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

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The theatre actually had content that made sense, though. I watched a play, I asked if I could help out, they said they needed a professional (ie, a bard?) and to come back in a month or so when the play debuts.

 

The Cairnwood map area is very large and winding, fighting off three packs of foes and feeling like you're progressing somewhere to do something? Then you enter a green-glowing cave to another map with a lake... you drink from or urinate into it, and then what, you just backtrack out satisfied? That's why I spent time in there, thinking I may have missed something. I hadn't, though.

 

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Also can confirm Desmond ceases to offer enchantment service post-Eth plane.

 

So I've just started Act Four...

 

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Criosa has been adjusted from Rogue (15) / Wizard (9) to Rogue (12) / Wizard (12). Is this an oversight, bug or did Savant just decide to tweak her build? I personally think build consistency from Act-to-Act is important, or at least give an explanation like Savant did for her hidden arcane powers. But you can't really explain this away biographically...

 

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Also posted a large update on my blog, there's gonna be one last Act Three post after that detailing the siege. Really enjoying this Saga and the combat, even in these high levels...

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

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Interesting.  I just thought it was a pretty side area to explore and make the forest feel larger -- the reward is finding the lake to admire.  Could possibly add in a journal update called "Exploring Cairnwood" for non-druids/non-monks or something to indicate they've finished once they've reached the lake or something -- and only have it activate if people choose to explore north.

 

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Just to be clear, you're saying Desmond won't enchant stuff in the second half of Act 2 if you go to the Ethereal Plane?

 

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Criosa is supposed to level evenly between rogue/wizard but apparently something's bugged.  Probably just "resets" at that point and gets corrected.

 

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Glad you're enjoying it!  The Saga is known for having good high level combat that remains engaging where many other modules flounder.

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

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That could work, and would probably be just fine!

 

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My apologies, Desmond does indeed continue to enchant post-Eth plane in Act Two, right up to finale with The Castellan. It is in Act Three that he ceases to enchant, but a reason is given by him in dialogue. Please ignore the false confirmation.

 

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Ah, when you said "Criosa's a hybrid" awhile back I thought nothing of her not being an exact 50/50 gimp, but now she is. >_> I'll get over it, one day...

 

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Losing all your items at the start of Act Four and having to scrounge around in the desert sand for a tarnished blade tends to make combat more engaging...

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

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And it makes Nellise and Criosa look quite good with their spells!

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

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Well, at least for Nellise. Statue in Ruined Temple? Implosion! Revenant? Banishment! Giant spiders, ants n crabs? Pick your AoE! Criosa prefers Isaac's Lesser Missile Storm... >_>

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_MagicalMaster]

               

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Criosa can still do a lot of buffs and her sneak attack is very good when your gear is bad -- an extra 21.5 damage per hit is no joke.

               
               

               
            

[Legacy_Lilura]

               

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Enemy name: Eldar Gypsy should be Elder (same error as elder eles)


Sign bubble: THe Long Shot - Bowyer & Fletcher - ugly typo


"You awake with a start" - awake is a state, should use verb (awaken). This is first bubble msg of Act Four.

 

Pascal Rousseau doesn't confront you when you break into his house. He does have dialogue, so imo it should trigger unless he can't see you (ie, you're under stealth).


Just remembered, it's very easy to leave "In harm's way" hanging, as the dwarves you need to save can easily be killed by the duergar. I would say many new players would fail this, unless they reload the entire dungeon and meta-game it. I couldn't find the last dwarf, searched for... too long... turns out he was dead, corpse-faded.


Oh, and the cutscene that opens Act Four - the cam clips horribly into the watchtower.

 

Lastly, Highmarch siege post up. You can see in the first-person shots of Carthach and Hasrinaxx just how ugly those hoods look, would be nice to see their faces... same with Terinus, I don't think he should be faceless when you first meet him, btw. Just my opinion, of course.