The Auren Society of Weavers

The Firestarter | 01.28.12

2012-01-28T01:17:00.006-05:00

Let there be light!

In the very depths of places that remain dark and layered with dust, there hangs brackets, some empty and some full. Left by those who built such places, torch brackets offer the explorer a way to illuminate rooms and passages that may otherwise remain dark and full of shadow.

In a Darkened Room

Hanging torch brackets is one of the interactive systems created for Fate of the Auren. This system expands on the crafting of torches introduced in Almraiven and the use of them in Shadewood. In Fate of the Auren, delving into places deep beneath a projection, may very well require a few hand crafted torches if one has failed to prepare a Weave of Light.

Hidden secrets revealed!

Even so, weapons of choice that offer burning flame, can easily be used to ignite an already existing torch or a placed one, within the torch bracket itself, if one has not brought any along.

From one flame to another.

Rooms shrouded in darkness may reveal a few secrets when the burning flame of a hanging torch crackles and dances in its place.

Allowing the eyes to adjust!

Find a torch already burning? One may take it for themselves, holding it alight in their hand to illuminate one's passage or douse the flame and blend into the shadows that will return.

I'm going to need this. . .

Bits and Bites | 01.18.12

2012-01-18T15:51:00.005-05:00

Like moving through mud. . .

Another year has come and gone, bringing only 5 entries for Fate of the Auren. Spending half of the year traveling will do that and without the ability to flesh things out on the road, the third and final stage of the Auren Trilogy has sputtered along.

Time does seem to go faster the older I get!

Now and again, I think of all the free time I had when building Almraiven, even Shadewood to some degree, but a lot has changed over the course of those modules and Fate of the Auren has not been blessed with the large number of hours I once used to spend building in the toolset.

Still, I continue to work away when I can.

In the next few entries, I'm going to discuss a few systems that are new to the series, as well as some of the older systems brought over from Almraiven and Shadewood.

Fate of the Auren Info | 10.12.11

2011-10-11T10:18:00.025-04:00

This is the online version of the fota.txt file

This page will be updated as more information becomes available closer to release.

+----------------------------------------------------+
- Fate of the Auren by PJH
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren is the final module of the Auren Trilogy and was created for a single player Wizard or Sorcerer of any sex that has completed the first two modules in the series, Almraiven and Shadewood.

If you have not played Almraiven or Shadewood, you may import a level six Wizard or Sorcerer to play Fate of the Auren. As Fate of the Auren is a continuation of Almraiven and Shadewood, having the database file from both adventurers will provide the player with more side-quests as the choices made in Almraiven and Shadewood have an affect on what happens in Fate of the Auren.

If you have completed Almraiven and Shadewood but reinstalled Neverwinter Nights or did not backup your Neverwinter Nights\Database directory, you will still be be able to play Fate of the Auren but you'll only experience the main plot and any side-quest not related to choices made in Almraiven and Shadewood.

The adventure takes place within the Land of the Dead, a realm created by the memories of spirits sorted by the Well of Souls.

Fate of the Auren is a full world adventure and due to the nature of arriving to the realm as a spirit after dying at the end of Shadewood, only items worn by the character are carried over.

Contact information :

E-mail : p2k__@hotmail.com
Forum : Fester Pot
Web : http://aurensociety.blogspot.com

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[0]-- TOC
+----------------------------------------------------+

[00] Table of Contents
[01] Software Requirements
[02] Hardware Requirements
[03] About the Module
[04] Introduction
[05] Currency
[06] Reagents
[07] Experience
[08] Build Suggestions
[09] Exploring the World
[10] Conversations
[11] Companions
[12] The Database
[13] Build Notes

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[1]-- SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren requires the following :

+ Neverwinter Nights 1.69 or higher

+ Shadows of Undrentide

+ Hordes of the Underdark

+ Almraiven Hakpak [REQUIRED]
- almraivenhak.rar
- Install jts.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Almraiven Music [RECOMMENDED]
- almraivenmus.rar
- Install all .bmu files to your NWN\music directory.

+ Shadewood Hakpak [REQUIRED]
- shadewhak.rar
- Install jtsfom.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Shadewood TLK [REQUIRED]
- shadewtlk.rar
- Install dla_treant.tlk to your NWN\tlk directory.

+ Shadewood Music [RECOMMENDED]
- shadewmus.rar
- Install all .bmu files to your NWN\music directory.

+ Fate of the Auren Tileset Add-on [REQUIRED]
- wrm_SeasonalV10.rar
- Install wrm_SeasonalV10.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Fate of the Auren Hakpak [REQUIRED]
- fotahak.rar
- Install jtslod.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Fate of the Auren Music [RECOMMENDED]
- fotamus.rar
- Install all .bmu files to your NWN\music directory.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[2]-- HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Do not attempt to play this module with an integrated graphic card. This means that the graphic card you have is built into your motherboard. Fate of the Auren uses many placeables as well as a high intensity tileset and an integrated graphic card may not be able to keep up with the high demand.

1 GIG of memory is suggested.

128MB Graphic Card no older than the 2001 GeForce 4600 TI cards.

700 megs of hard drive space.

Fate of the Auren was built with the requirements noted above. If your system is better than that, you'll be fine.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[3]-- ABOUT THE MODULE
+----------------------------------------------------+

+ Single player.

+ Wizard or Sorcerer.

+ No death respawn.

+ No familiars.

+ Light to Medium combat.

+ Estimated 10+ hours of gameplay.

+ 40+ side quests.

+ Resting available in designated locations found in the wilderness and inns.

+ Three henchmen available via quests completed in Almraiven and Shadewood.

+ Best results for characters that have completed Almraiven and Shadewood.

+ There are a number of cutscenes during the game that you cannot break out of.

+ Play this module with the lights down low for best gaming results.

+ Breaking out of a conversation may create problems. Just go with the options and always complete a conversation properly.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[4]-- INTRODUCTION
+----------------------------------------------------+

"There are moments in every spirits existence, moments in which they can recall by a simple reflection of thought.

Such projections help recreate the visual, the acoustic and even the very feeling of that thought.

In the Land of the Dead, these projections become the very foundation in which spirits come to call home.

Created from thought, by thought, each projection is bound into a single strand and becomes part of the weave itself.

In this realm, nightmares breathe life and the thought of it can come true.

For the Auren Society of Weavers, such a nightmare is at hand."

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[5]-- CURRENCY
+----------------------------------------------------+

The currency in the Land of the Dead are small colored gems and coins of various sizes known as Shards. Their size, color and shape reflect a specific value.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[6]-- REAGENTS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Reagents were once an important part of creating the Weave that the Auren Society of Weavers required in the Land of the Living, assisting them to complete a spell by drawing power from the Land of the Dead. As one now arrives in the true realm, reagents are no longer required to create a Weave to unleash a spell. Brewing potions will still require ingredients to assist you during the adventure.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[7]-- EXPERIENCE
+----------------------------------------------------+

You will receive experience during your adventure. Particular points of interest that will earn you experience :

Combat
Avoiding Combat
Using a Skill
Brewing a Potion
Learning Something New
Receiving a Side Quest
Advancing the Investigation
Completing a Task
Solving a Puzzle
Surviving a Dangerous Task
Saving Someone
Reading a Book/Studying
Creating a Weave
Gaining Knowledge

Do take the time to explore the world. By doing so, you will find side quests that can help you gain more experience.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[8]-- BUILD SUGGESTIONS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren can offer many experience advancements and quickly too depending on how many side quests one decides to explore.

I highly suggest to go the route of a Pale Master if you have not done so already in Shadewood. This particular prestige class can offer a closer representation of what the Auren Society becomes in the Land of the Dead.

This is purely a role-playing suggestion and there are no special quests or conversation options surrounding the Pale Master class.

Of course, you may continue to go up in levels as a pure Wizard or Sorcerer if you so desire.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[9]-- EXPLORING THE WORLD
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren is all about exploring and arriving to the Land of the Dead as a spirit, things will seem a little strange. The events that unfolded during Almraiven and Shadewood have had an impact in the Land of the Dead. Some spirits may mention what has been happening in the Land of the Dead while you existed in the Land of the Living while others simply will show no interest. Fate of the Auren is not only a wilderness adventure but one also filled with towns, villages and cities. It is a vast realm of spirits and weird projections found in the fourth corner of the realm.

Resting is limited and this is made very clear once you leave the protection of particular locations that are otherwise safe havens.

Exploring will not only help you come across side quests but will also assist you in finding new areas of interest.

Although the main plot is linear in nature, you will be free to explore the entire realm as you wish, as fast or as slow as you wish. Some side quests will require that you complete another side quest before you're able to continue or that you learn of a place in the realm before you can travel there. This is also the case with the main plot.

If you find yourself lost, follow the Auren Investigation journal you've received at the start of the adventure. This will allow you to focus on the main plot and also give you some general direction. The journal is your friend and is used as often as it can, even for some basic quests.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[10]-- CONVERSATIONS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Kind of conversations :
-----------------------

Descriptive -

These will pop-up to give you more detail of the area you have entered or a description for something that is only a few feet away. If you have a companion with you, they may inject a comment or two along the way. Always complete these conversations properly.

Companion -

As you venture forward in your investigation, find quests and new places to explore, your companion will converse with you. Always complete these conversations properly.

Non-Player Characters -

These are your typical conversations that will allow you to dig for information and learn a little bit more about your surroundings.

Conversation options :
-----------------------

These will vary depending on the situation and those you are speaking with.

Skills -

Skill checks are offered and made against your character based on the choices you make or questions you ask. Skill use are Bluff, Intimidate, Lore and Persuade. Even if you have 0 in the three cross-class skills, there's still a chance to gain information by other methods.

Offering Shards -

When a skill check fails or there is no other option remaining, offering a certain amount of shards can change the course of the conversation. The higher amount you offer, the better.

Weaving Spells -

Spells in conversations continue in Fate of the Auren and have been expanded in an attempt to offer more conversation variety as well as make use of spells that don't make the popularity list. The following spells are used a lot in conversations:

Harmful: Acid Splash, Electric Jolt, Ray of Frost
PASS : NPCs will fear the power you're able to wield
FAIL : Shards or skill check or attack or nothing

Horror : Fear, Scare
PASS : NPCs will see things and quickly spill the beans
FAIL : Shards or skill check or attack or nothing

Rigid : Ghoul Touch, Hold Person
PASS : NPCs will only be able to move their eyes and lips
FAIL : Shards or skill check or attack or nothing

Friend : Charm Person, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
PASS : NPCs treat you like a close and trusted friend
FAIL : Shards or skill check or attack or nothing

Useful : Knock, Acid Splash
PASS : Unlock tumblers of a locked door
FAIL : Tumblers remain locked

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[11]-- COMPANIONS
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren offers a total of three companions based on choices made in Almraiven and Shadewood and two new companions one can find in the Land of the Dead. The former are found through a specific side-quest associated to the companion you traveled with in Almraiven and Shadewood while the latter come across as spirits you meet during your adventure.

Annex [Druid Female (Grower)]

"The very eyes of this Human Female pierce right through you as she catches you watching her and memories swirl of a previous existence within your mind. There is a feeling of calm that suddenly washes over you and the smell of flowers seem near. Her hair shimmers in the moonlight and the old black and cyan robe she once wore is now stitched in earthly shades and colors."

Annex is a result from completing the Darwien's Disappearance quest in Almraiven. You saved Darwien but also had to kill Falis for not saving his sister Wundra.

A Druid that comes with an animal companion named Patterfoot, Annex is the most difficult of the three companions to attain.

Her journey with you through Shadewood was a helpful one for it took place in her true element, where she brought forth a different view of what was happening in the wood.

Dying at your side, her spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Falis Goodmane [Fighter Male, (Dancer)]

"The very glare directed toward you from this muscular Human Male is cold. Crisp blue eyes that once captured your gaze now leave you feeling empty and lost. Blood stains his light colored hair while torn cloth and stitch hug scars and deep wounds that cut right into his very soul."

Falis is a result from completing Wundra's Wonder quest in Almraiven. You helped find his sister and saved her from the Werefolk who had her locked up in the sewers.

Falis specializes in the quarterstaff and is very quick on his feet but does not have any experience in adventure travel.

His problem with bugs was made perfectly clear during your journey through Shadewood but as the end drew near, his focus in protecting you outgrew that fear.

Dying at your side, his spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Shayla Shay [Sorcerer Female, (Guardian)]

"The projected memory of this Human Female is not what you recall from your previous existence. Eyes that were once cyan color are now black and the staff she once held does not have the same weave as it did before. The staff pulsates blue, shifting in size and design as if alive."

Shayla is a result from completing the Something in the Works quest in Almraiven. You helped find her sister and save her from the slave traders who had her locked up and ready to be shipped out.

Shayla also experienced fighting Blackend Souls and knows first hand what the Darkness did in the depths below Almraiven.

Her knowledge of this continued in Shadewood as the two of you moved to unlock the mystery of the wood. It is where she also came to terms with the very man who was responsible for the capture of her sister Kira.

Shayla comes with an intelligent staff named Nala that she is bound to by magical means and both died at your side.

Her spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Ahlias Nox [Ranger Male, (Wilder)]

"The wary eyes of this Human Male watch you from where he stands. A green and brown cloak, stained with mud and soot along the edge, drapes over his large frame. A long sword carried by the man hangs off his left hip by a crude loop made of rope while a bow string hugs his chest from the shortbow slung over his shoulder. Dark browns, shades of tan and a touch of green lace in and out of the fabric of his cloth and stitch."

Ahlias Nox is from a distant projection where the very edge of the Emptiness meets the realm. His travels south got him caught between the Darkness that had begun to swallow the Land of the Dead and if not for small pockets, his spirit would have been consumed by shadow and filth.

He now travels northward toward Twyll, his home, where he hopes to rest his spirit and relax.

Chaj-ja [Fighter Female, (Hunter)]

"Chaj-ja's large golden reptilian eyes dance wildly as if expecting an attack at anytime. Many of the multiple horns at the back of her head are cracked or have been snapped off. She's a renowned warrior of the Chah-kra Tribe, hunting and killing numerous Stoneless that dwell deep in Bramblewood Moor."

Chaj-ja is very ignorant when it comes to projections outside of Bramblewood Moor, the projection she has existed in since arriving to the Land of the Dead. Existing in a festering bog, Chaj-ja is quite content with hunting and fishing but becomes drawn to the realm beyond after hearing stories and reading books on the subject.

She is clumsy out of her element and makes a lot of noise when she moves about on land, stomping and walking into things without much effort. At first sight, spirits see her as a Troll but her large blinking eyes and twitching ears soon put an end to that.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[12]-- THE DATABASE
+----------------------------------------------------+

Fate of the Auren will use a campaign database in your NWN\Database directory that was used during your adventure in Almraiven and Shadewood.

These files should not be tampered with or deleted and if they have, you will still be able to play Fate of the Auren but will not experience the side-quests presented in the module based on the choices you made in Almraiven and Shadewood.

I should stress that the database is not used DURING your adventure, this is also the same for Almraiven and Shadewood. Saving your game and reloading it will not access the database and force you to play through choices you've already made. The database for Fate of the Auren is read when the module loads, to see what choices a player made in Almraiven and Shadewood, stores that information to variables on the module and populates Fate of the Auren.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[13]-- BUILD NOTES
+----------------------------------------------------+

++ SPOILERS REMOVED ++

! = Fixed.
+ = Added.
x = Removed.
* = Completed.
# = Latest NWN Patch.
@ = Unavailable.
? = Bad bug / no fix yet.

So now what? | 08.28.11

2011-08-28T21:39:00.007-04:00

And so building continues. . .

One area after the other continues to become populated with conversations and NPCs. Work on the module is just that, regardless of what it is I plan to do when I sit down to do it - at least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Conversations can be a killer when it comes time to adding content, even if it's not plot related but as a builder, I want to offer non-plot NPCs with things to say. From a tavern patron to a local farmer in his field, there should be that interaction - it's what I like in a module, so it's what I build in a module.

Much of the module I've designed has already been displayed with screenshots, yet there is still a good collection of information that has yet to be offered over the development of Fate of the Auren, by far my biggest investment in time and design. With that said, for those who stop in from time to time, is there anything you'd like to know regarding Fate of the Auren - outside of a release date?

I'd like to read it and perhaps put a few blurbs on the blog about it.

A look back ... | 06.21.11

2011-06-21T16:06:00.038-04:00

First day of summer!

I thought it would be a nice way to look back at the design of Almraiven and Shadewood for those who wonder what it took and how it is I organize the flow of work that brought life to both adventures. Much of the design I do while building is attached to the notes I make for the story arc, side-quests and ideas that happen to pop into my head.

My favorite notebooks while building is the Cambridge Limited Business Notebooks because of its wirebound binding, legal ruler and the ability to tear the pages out of the notebook neatly if required because of the perforated pages.

Here are some pictures of my personal notes while building Almraiven and Shadewood. Captions are included in case you can't read my chicken scratch!

A full page dedicated to distributing the music for particular areas in Almraiven as to avoid duplicate tracks being played in different areas. Take a look at the bottom right of the picture and you'll notice 1CINN (One Copper Inn - Volothamp) for tracks HAUNT1 through HAUNT4. Shadewood was already part of Almraiven at this time but as the module grew, the areas were removed and a second module was created.

This one is interesting because of what is not scribbled out. The highlight is to catch my eye when updating a module and in this particular instance, this update never made it into Almraiven.

It is an extension to The Cuttback Kat Murders, where the player begins to find blood and wooden stakes in the streets of Almraiven and nothing more.

Azuv was also the fourth companion in Almraiven the player could have picked up for their journey to Shadewood but the last leg of the quest and Azuv, as a companion, was cut.

The highlighted line mentions being able to take the wooden stakes and ask Flaux or Luanu about them and learn they originated from Woods and Goods. Finding all three wooden stakes would have had Azuv approach you on Rosetyl Street where a vampire lair could be found in an old abandoned building. The vampire lair is operated by Zoetia, the mother of the Nightshade who you can come across in Shadewood.

The line that is not highlighted captures the idea of hearing from Flaux about your break-in, either on the Blood Runner or Spectral's Call, which was a quest requirement to get the body of your laboratory assistant. Instead, it was moved to the Town Crier on Caravan Run.

Shadewood notes and quite a lot going on with this page. Some of what is mentioned was implemented to the adventure while others were not. Even looking back at this, I'm not sure the direction I was going with a few of the comments that remain, such as:

Body snatchers - in Bog's Wart
Spider lair - return bones
Madmoon Mardigan - killed kid's parents
Return bones to spirit killed by Spider Queen
Slyete - cleanse out the dead from keep

More scribbles dot the page with potion brewing and their ingredients.

Finally, the above shows a detailed quest idea before it was added to the module. These notes are for the Marching Mountains region in Shadewood and what I came up with during the initial quest of what I thought the player should have to do.

At one point, I thought of having the player make their own wooden pan pipes, but as you can see, I scribbled out the idea. The Marching Mountains was the last incomplete area in Shadewood and I left it to the very end; I just didn't have the feel for it yet.

A few other ideas never made it either, as the Treants never do teach the player any new songs but the Elves do instead. Also, rather than having them turned to stone, they were dead or alive depending on the day/night cycle after the Treants attempted to fix the Mythal.

And that Ettin was added to the cave!

So why do I keep these books? They're history of course and help me think back to the early days of building and learning how to use the toolset, script and put it all together. Plus, perhaps I'll get that itch again to add a few more things down the road, one never knows, so having the notes and highlighted ideas will make finding them a lot easier too.

My love is back! | 05.31.11

2011-05-31T13:03:00.015-04:00

Namaste!

Guess who's back from India!

What an amazing adventure full of friendly people and a beautiful back drop for them to live in, outside of the garbage, the smells and poverty that is in almost every direction you look. Varanasi, Mumbai, Varkala and Darjeeling to Gangtok are my personal favorite highlights of India by far. Of course, it isn't fair for me to toss in the negatives above but they are a reality of India that you cannot ignore if you go there but once you accept it for what it is, India is a very wonderful country.

Crossing the border from Nepal into India

I was taken back by having to pay to use a public washroom and felt bad when I had no small change to offer those who kept it clean and in working order. As time went on, I learned to carry small amounts for such unexpected encounters - like the boy following me around carrying an empty potato sack, his young innocent face covered in streaks of dirt, his ruffled hair a home to clumps of dust and his clothing nothing more than tattered rags we'd use to wash our car, asking for small change to get to the next day. He wasn't poking me or lifting held fingers together to simulate eating, he just followed me in the street and whenever I'd turn around, he'd stop and stand, gazing right back in return. Sadly I did not have my camera on me and if I did, I'd had given him a lot more for the opportunity to take his picture.

You want rupees for this?

Goa is well known for its beaches but if you're looking to get away from the crowds of Palolem and Goa in general, hit Varkala in Kerala instead. Rather than flying from Delhi International to Goa, you can go from New Delhi to Trivandrum International Airport and grab a taxi to the beaches of Varkala. The hut resorts and dotted hotels are on the cliff, with the beaches below, so your view of the surrounding region is done from a natural high point already, giving you a nice view of the entire coast.

Sunset, swimming and drinking - Goa!

Even though it had not reached summer highs as of yet, being in Rajasthan along the Pakistan border was brutal. Hot days of scortching heat with an equally unrelenting and unforgiving sun caused tempatures to soar in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Bikaner, making travel uncomfortable, although camping under the stars in the Thar Desert made getting out there worth the hassle of fighting with the heat.

A packed alleyway

The Thar Desert

Colourful textiles

So I've been working on a side project for the Neverwinter Nights Community, putting together some new loadscreens and I've been fiddling with this off and on since my return, while I run through the Fate of the Auren to get back into the flow of things. These are specific to Fate of the Auren but will also be released to the community as an individual package.

Things will slowly return to normal, as they always do but until then, I still miss the great people I met along the way and continue to think of you all.

My love on hold... | 02.14.11

2011-02-14T23:06:00.018-05:00

An aching heart

Does anyone really like a break up on Valentine's Day? That's the Fate ... of the Auren ... at this point in time. Things have taken a turn in my personal life, a now or never opportunity, that surfaced and I took hold of. The final module in the trilogy has gone well during the initial building stage and I'm quite happy with what I've put together. The important areas are done and writing has begun, in clumps and spurts, to be honest with those who still stop by from time to time. The plot arc is well developed and I know the direction the module will take, so no worries on that part either.

Classroom in the High Tower

Sadly, Fate of the Auren did not begin immediate development after the completion of Shadewood which begun soon after the completion of Almraiven. I took a much needed break when Shadewood went public and took my time in putting together a possible story arc for a third and final module, leaving the option in the air until I was ready to continue building. That's the main reason it has not met the two year gap that I planned for.

Into the Wild

When development for Fate of the Auren began, I had started to fiddle with a few tilesets, which took most of my time in the early development cycle, not particularly focusing on any form or structure in bringing a story to life but rather, just having fun and visualizing a possibility of a third and final module. In comparison to Almraiven and Shadewood, Fate of the Auren adds a level of complexity that in itself, is Almraiven and Shadewood combined. It is the final tale that never had an ending when Almraiven was first created and even with the release of Shadewood, a much darker tale in itself, created a larger story arc that was incomplete and growing.

Choices . . .

The added level of being dead and the choices in which the player has made through Almraiven and Shadewood is quite grand and impressive. Did the player take the time to assist Ashe, Mera and Kesa in the Demons of an Old Man quest while adventuring in Almraiven? Did the player kill Colir Loomstalk or Zoetia in Shadewood? Who is their laboratory assistant or their companion? Did that companion die in the Land of the Living as a ghost or not? How about Luana? Was she found dead in her home within Almraiven because the player walked around the city announcing they were a member of the Auren Society of Weavers? A few of the many choices a player is able to make during the course of their ... living ... adventure.

An old friend

The opportunity that I mentioned above begins on February 16, 2011 and one I need to do for myself. Fate of the Auren will see completion, just not in the time frame I wanted. Life tosses you pitches and when you know you'll hit a grand slam, you swing, run the bases and come home when you're good and ready.

City exploration

I'm off to Nepal and India for 4 months, my own adventure and because of this, Fate of the Auren development is on hold until June 2011.

Direct communication may be done through my e-mail, found within the Almraiven.txt and Shadewood.txt files.

I will not be checking this blog while I am away or responding to any communications left on the Bioware message forum.

Travel itinerary

Until my return,

PJH!

Happy Holidays! | 12.24.10

2010-12-24T01:27:00.015-05:00

Ho-Ho-Ho-ld the updates!

I've finally found extra time to update Almraiven and Shadewood. Small bugs and tweaks for the most part, as well as updating each module to the latest 1.69 patch. Cosmetic changes here and there, as well as addressing some of the pain points in both modules that have been commented on more than once by players.

These updates will be repackaged when Fate of the Auren is released in one large trilogy collection, for anyone who has not played the modules as they were released, allowing them to download all the haks and modules together and play right through Almraiven, Shadewood and Fate of the Auren as one single play.

You'll also be able to enjoy these updates in the individual Almraiven and Shadewood module before the trilogy is released.

Unless any new major concerns are raised in either module, this will be the last update as focus on Fate of the Auren moves forward. I've done my best to offer as many updates over the years to support the suggestions of players and fix any bugs I've come across, as well as those that have been reported since the last update.

You can read the updates to Almraiven here. - Text Version.

You can read the updates to Shadewood here. - Text Version.

Wishing all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Link to a YouTube video for any fans of Ultima, my favorite game series of all time. By far, the best musical theme for a game. MP3 version of recording available here.

Shadewood Latest Patch | 12.17.10

2010-12-17T23:44:00.008-05:00

. . .Liftoff!

Here are the revisions Shadewood has gone through since the last update in May 2009.

-----

* Shadewood Hakpak updated!

* Patched module to 1.69.
   * does not include changes to ambientmusic.2da

- Removed

removed Robe of Velsharoon from the Temple and placed it in a more suitable area.

! Fixed

fixed the trigger around placeable crystals to make sure SpeakString fires only when entered by the player.

! Fixed

fixed a bug that caused Lost Soul not to spawn if player returned Astrid first and followed it with Olav. Worked fine if player returned Olav first and then Astrid.

! Fixed

fixed some spelling module wide.

! Fixed

wandering spirits have now had footstep sounds removed as well as added a new cosmetic change to their appearance.

+ Added

miscsmall/thin for spell components to stack within player's inventory. This should lower the amount of space and reagent bags required for lugging around so many reagents to cast spells and brew potions. Items now stack to 10 before creating another inventory icon.

   [requested by a number of players over the years]

+ Added

changing Auren Society Robe description when player levels letting player know what powers the runes are giving when the robe is worn. Robe also changes description when the robe is removed and the runes no longer are active.

   [requested by CheeseshireCat]

+ Added

changing Auren Society Staff or Bracers description when player equips Quarterstaff/Bracers, letting the player know what powers the runes are giving when used. Description also changes when the Quarterstaff/Bracers is removed and the runes no longer are active.

   * Bracers are offered to Gnome/Hafling characters ONLY!
   [requested by CheeseshireCat]

+ Added

added automatic auto load of Fate of the Auren at the end of Shadewood. Fate of the Auren will start only if player has downloaded it and included it in their \modules directory.

-----

Weave the weave, brothers and sisters!

Almraiven Latest Patch | 12.11.10

2010-12-11T15:59:00.021-05:00

Countdown. . .

Here are the revisions Almraiven has gone through since the last update in August 2008.

-----

* Almraiven Hakpak updated!

* Patched module to 1.69.
* does not include changes to ambientmusic.2da

- Removed

the scripted quill written by Leon (a.k.a. strannik). With new SetName() functions now on every NPC, the Naming Quill is no longer required.

[revised from September 15, 2006 update]

- Removed

the only two alignment shifts in the game to be more consistent with the rest of the module and the choices the player makes.

[requested by Vetch and Alabore]

! Fixed

The High Tower to make it match more toward what the Auren Society of Weavers are.

* Cosmetic changes only.

! Fixed

a few journal entries.

[reported by Casz & CheeseshireCat]

! Fixed

a few spelling issues module wide.

[reported by Casz, fire&ice, The Smiling Knight, Taltamir & Calgach]

! Fixed

a report of trigger not firing if player has summoned creature with them when exiting the sewers with Falis Goodmane.

* Applied trigger fix from Shadewood.
[reported by BernUnit & Miara`Lei]

! Fixed

a conversation loop crash on Rilari when returning her stolen goods during the day outside of The Diving Dolphin on The Villa.

! Fixed

dinar reward sink on Ulip which allowed player to quit the conversation, start it up again and receive the reward over and over again when helping Ulip out.

[reported by Calgach]

! Fixed

all door names that used the TAG of the door, as well as added descriptions to all doors that did not have any.

! Fixed

script on waitress of The Everburning Log not to open the door where Flaux meeting takes place. This would cause events to occur that the player may not want if they closed the door as per the instructions given by Flaux.

[reported by CheeseshireCat]

! Fixed

all glowing mushrooms in the Old Ward to non-useable placeables and used updated glow script from Shadewood. This will prevent the mushrooms appearing when the player hits TAB and still retain their illumination.

+ Added

comments by Purdee if player goes on a tour of Loom Avenue and returns home with Purdee, for whatever reason.

+ Added

transition fix to keep Creepy Creep inside player's home rather than following player into the street and killing the NPCs.

[reported by Miara`Lei]

+ Added

the ability to pass time/rest to midnight and noon on beds.

[requested by Taltamir]

+ Added

miscsmall/thin for spell components to stack within player's inventory. This should lower the amount of space and reagent bags required for lugging around so many reagents to cast spells and brew potions. Items now stack to 10 before creating another inventory icon.

[requested by a number of players over the years]

+ Added

OnExit script to Medusa Lair to destroy all remaining creatures once player completed task.

+ Added

reaction for showing Fade's Calling Card to specific NPCs who mention this particular NPC in conversation.

[requested by CheeseshireCat]

+ Added

changing Auren Society Robe description when player levels letting player know what powers the runes are giving when the robe is worn. Robe also changes description when the robe is removed and the runes no longer are active.

[requested by CheeseshireCat]

+ Added

changing Auren Society Staff or Bracers description when player equips Quarterstaff/Bracers, letting the player know what powers the runes are giving when used. Description also changes when the Quarterstaff/Bracers is removed and the runes no longer are active.

* Bracers are offered to Gnome/Hafling characters ONLY!
[requested by CheeseshireCat]

+ Added

script to OnSpawn of Almraiven Residents who walk the street to keep them from bumping into each other and stopping.

+ Added

automatic auto load of Shadewood at the end of Almraiven. Shadewood will start only if player has downloaded it and included it in their \modules directory.

+ Added

bonus experience at the end of the module for those players who got through Almraiven without drawing attention to themselves as a member of the Auren Society of Weavers.

[requested by Rosie]

+ Added

check to NPCs on Horseshoe Lane regarding Demon of an Old Man quest to see if player already met Sila on Caravan Run. If so, journal updates and player can skip the entire investigation on Horeshoe Lane to learn where Sila now resides.

[requested by GerbenS]

+ Added

the ability to pass time in the Blood Runner if player happens to get caught on board when the crew returns.

[requested by GerbenS]

+ Added

reaction to worn Silver Necklace on Gewia the Wererat found inside the Diving Dolphin during the evening on The Villa.

[requested by GerbenS]

+ Added

reaction to Jaer once Werefolk Lair has been cleaned out as she was hunting and guarding a home they used as a hideout.

[requested by GerbenS]

+ Added

reaction to Kalum, Velho and Venda once player has learned how to use the orbs in the Chamber of Thought.

[requested by GerbenS & Vetch]

+ Added

variable check on Wundra's Home to check if player has Belladonna and Remove Curse scroll before the Werefolk attack. If so, player no longer has to enter the home, speak with Falis and exit to trigger the Werefolk attack.

* This does not change the events of what happens next!
[reported by OliverH & Taltamir]

+ Added

a few more conversation options to drive player choices.

+ Added

fix to alley windows not being illuminated.

+ Added

snakes to the floor of the Medusa Lair that now slither across the floor during the chase.

-----

Weave the weave, brothers and sisters!

Area Design V | 07.16.10

2010-07-16T17:04:00.008-04:00

Building 101 - Area Design Part 5

PART 4 RECAP

Long ago ... in the last entry, placeables was the discussion and a long one at that!

We examined the STATIC CHECK BOX and how important it is to make sure it is checked if you're going to use a lot of placeables. This helps with pathfinding but also makes sure radius wide spells don't create LAG while it calculates the amount of damage that the placeable receives. With the STATIC CHECK BOX checked, placeables can't be destroyed and cause LAG in this fashion.

For the full review of the article, click here.

So what's next? Well, it's lighting of course!

ILLUMINATION

An area that is populated with some placeables can still draw the eye if those placeables are in the right spot. In this article, we're going to expand on our previous entry with placeables and how lighting can add some extra illumination to the area.

I'm going to touch on a few tricks to give your area that POP when you're fiddling around with lighting and just how important and quick it is to give an area that special feel you're going for.

DAY vs. NIGHT

It's very important to realize the changes in an area between day and night cycles.

Day time

Dusk begins to set

Night time

When designing an area, it's much easier to see the colors of a tile at night than it is during the day. So start to design your area in BLACKNESS!

EDIT - AREA PROPERTIES - VISUAL - RESET TO BLACK.

Click APPLY.

Also make sure the TOOL TAB has the little light clicked on. It's the fifth icon from the right nestled between the FOG icon and the PLAY AMBIENT SOUND IN AREA icon.

You're now in the working environment of adding color to your area. Know where this icon always is when adding color to your area because you'll want to toggle it as you move about your map.

This is how you're going to start to create the lighting for your area. You should already know the weather patterns or the mood you're trying to set for this particular area. It is cold or hot? A desert or forest?

Using the theme we've selected, the area is a swamp. Hot, humid and very wet. This is the theme and what will define the color of the area.

Area Lighting Off

Area Lighting On

ENVIRONMENT COLORS vs. TILE COLORS

There are two ways you're going to want to add color to your area. We've already defined the environment colors by setting the entire area to - RESET TO BLACK.

Our second step is to now add color to the individual tile itself.

CLICK on a tile within the area you've built so it creates a box around the tile you've selected.

RIGHT CLICK!

Select TILE PROPERTIES and CLICK!

A new window will now open revealing MAIN LIGHT 1 and MAIN LIGHT 2, your individual TILE COLORS.

By playing around with this when your entire area is pitch black, you'll get a better idea of how that color will work off placeables and tileset additions. Too dark, choose a brighter color. Too bright? Reverse.

The same is for the ENVIRONMENT COLORS which offer a much more wider selection but it defines the entire area, not a tile in the area.

AMBIENT vs. DIFFUSE

AMBIENT color illuminates the tile vertically while DIFFUSE color illuminates the tile horizontally. AMBIENT colors are great for illuminating the full tile as well as rooftops, treetops, open fields or just the ground. DIFFUSE colors are great for illuminating walls of buildings, windows, tree trunks, boulders or edges of the ground such as cliffs and rocks.

DIFFUSE lighting

DIFFUSE foreground; AMBIENT background

This is also the case for adding color for each TILE COLOR as mentioned above.

Main Light 1 = AMBIENT
Main Light 2 = DIFFUSE

When combined, you can create some very well illuminated areas that go well and beyond the default settings made available.

THE HUMAN EYE

In Neverwinter Nights, the Human has the worst vision when night falls, so it's a good way to test an area's lighting by using a test character that is a Human. This will allow you to see if there's not enough ambient lighting to allow a Human character to walk through the area without needing a light source.

Remember, a black night doesn't have to be just that. There's light in even the darkest places. Stars glitter and the moon shines. Windows flicker and ponds sparkle.

Appreciate the colors of dark blue, cyan and green for an area with an open or slightly cloudy sky.

DARK BLUE to add a touch of light reflected off the atmosphere from distant stars.

DARK CYAN to sprinkle as a diffuse.

DARK GREEN to brush across bushes, forest edges and placeable vegetation.

Placeables as well as the tile of the area will seem to glow slightly and with added tile colors, create a visual rainbow that illuminates just enough for the player to walk around in even though night has fallen.

FOG AMOUNT

Fog is defined as part of the ENVIRONMENT COLORS.

EDIT - AREA PROPERTIES - VISUAL - CUSTOMIZE ENVIORNMENT - SUN/MOON FOG COLOR.

The MOON - FOG COLOR should be darker than the MOON - AMBIENT COLOR and be part of the same color scheme.

This is an excellent way to create different degrees of placeable silhouette as well as blend in shapes which gives the illusion of depth and distance.

During the day, fog can be a little more forgiving. A lighter SUN - FOG COLOR reflects the SUN - AMBIENT COLOR choice and bounces light all over the place. This in turn creates a more brighter atmosphere for the player exploring the area during the day.

SKYBOX

Using a skybox also creates depth and adds color to part of an area that you cannot change by using the AMBIENT or DIFFUSE TILE or ENVIRONMENT colors. Keep in mind what skybox you are using for your area when creating it.

For our swamp, we're using a cloudy and dark skybox which fits or even sets the tone for our color choices.

Skybox day with fog

Skybox dusk with fog

Skybox night with fog

CUSTOM COLORS

Do not let yourself become limited by the pallette of colors that are given to you as predefined options. Creating your own colors for AMBIENT, DIFFUSE and fog can bring out the best of an area when mixed and matched to your own desire.

For customizing your own area using these values:

EDIT - AREA PROPERTIES - VISUAL - CUSTOMIZE ENVIRONMENT

CLICK on a color.

CLICK on DEFINE CUSTOM COLORS.

Move your cursor around to what color you want. Additionally, you may enter colors via the RGB fields.

Once your color is selected, CLICK OK!

CLICK APPLY!

Either your AMBIENT, DIFFUSE or FOG color has now been changed to your custom setting.

Here are the settings for our swamp.

SUN - AMBIENT COLOR

RED: 5
GRN: 19
BLU: 2

SUN - DIFFUSE COLOR

RED: 50
GRN: 50
BLU: 100

SUN - FOG AMOUNT

5

SUN - FOG COLOR

RED: 90
GRN: 114
BLU: 109

SUN - SHADOWS [OFF]

MOON - AMBIENT COLOR

RED: 34
GRN: 46
BLU: 47

MOON - DIFFUSE COLOR

RED: 57
GRN: 58
BLU: 41

MOON - FOG AMOUNT

15

MOON - FOG COLOR

RED: 5
GRN: 19
BLU: 2

FOG CLIP DISTANCE (m)

45

SHADOW OPACITY

50

WEATHER - WIND POWER

50%

SKY BOX

GRASS_STORM

WRAPPING IT UP!

Here is the description snippets from previous entries that describe what it is we wanted for each area the player is meant to explore in our swamp, along with a screen shot of the finished product.

1.

This is the arrival location of the player, who will come to this part of the swamp via a raft. So it's a wise choice to offer these visuals for the player to relate to on their journey.

A coil of rope has been added as a useable placeable, tied down to the STATIC placeable raft. When the time comes for the player to leave this area, the useable rope is their means of exit.

This exit point is always in the same location, allowing the player to know what corner they need to return to so they can move forward.

As well, we've taken the time to add placeables along the tile's edge but also taking care not to place them on the hill where the player will move their character.

Lighting Day

Lighting Night

2.

The rock fissures are certainly not easy to see but as the character moves to these two locations, they will enter a trigger which will fire a conversation description alerting them to a cave entrance that dives down into the earth.

Once again, a direct route is made available, placeable free, to keep the player from getting stuck while exploring these sections of the map. We also keep the majority of placeables to the very edges of the map, where the swamp is the thickest.

Lighting Day

3.

This is the location of our petrified villager, surrounded by three pillars and two scattered swamp cypress trees. Once again, we're going out of our way to avoid massive placeables in this part of the map because it is a focal point for the player to find and thus, have to move through.

Lighting Day

Lighting Night

4.

The second hilly region that the player can explore offers a ruined boat tipped on its side. A few barrels and debris scatter the edge of the hill but is otherwise open for the player to explore. A conversation will fire here, offering a description of the location they've stepped into.

Lighting Day

?.

During the creation of the area, two question marks were created due to not knowing what would go in these locations. As the rest of the area has come together, the choice here was for one question mark to be home to a set of ruins from an old cabin.

Lighting Day

The second simply has debris and floating barrels the player can explore and possibly find some helpful items.

Lighting Night

FULL VISUAL EFFECT

Color should never be left behind because it's quick, it's simple and it's easy to create an area with some ambience and atmosphere without having to go overboard with hundreds of placeables. Such care can make or break an area!

Do your best to stray away from the predefined settings and experiment. Know what feeling you want to present to the player when they're exploring and make it happen. Neverwinter Nights may be aging but with the right techniques applied, you can update it to the games of today.

Next update? Screens from Fate of the Auren!

NWNCQ v1.2 | 04.04.10

2010-04-04T11:20:00.006-04:00

What game is that?!

So on April 1, Chico400 of the Neverwinter Nights Community, released the ever popular and anticipated update to the already popular NWNCQ v1.1 release. Additions that expand on an already popular gaming platform are always welcomed by the community but Chico400 has taken a giant leap forward with the decorations made available in the NWNCQ package.

NWNCQ v1.2 comes in three different flavors.

Basic Override

Recommended to those who do not wish to alter the dynamics of downloaded modules but still enjoy the benifits that NWNCQ has to offer. Meaning, you will not receive additions that cause obstructions with objects, no terrain deformations, no added trees or other extras that can hide important items or placeables that a module builder added. This is especially useful for playing older modules.

Almraiven and Shadewood is fully supported with the Basic Override of NWNCQ v1.2.

Extended Override

Some obstructions with objects, terrain deformations, trees and extras.

Almraiven and Shadewood is not supported with the Extended Override of NWNCQ v1.2 due to known terrain deformations and obstructions that make it difficult to locate important placeables and items.

Builder HAK

Recommended to those new builders who wish to add the full impact of NWNCQ v1.2 to their module.

Almraiven and Shadewood does not make use of the NWNCQ v1.2 Builder HAK.

NWNCQ v1.2 Visuals

I've taken a moment to show off NWNCQ v1.2 using Almraiven, Shadewood and Fate of the Auren. The most notable difference will be the ceilings, which do add a lot to the game. They even reflect light properly, so vast corridors display depth and height, as do shadows and animated reflections. It's a nice touch to an otherwise aging game.

Inside the Green Drip

The infamous Medusa Lair

Chamber within Springwine Jones Estate

Cave exploration

An underground Laboratory

Bustling common room

Reaching ceilings of the Grand Library

If you haven't grabbed it yet, I suggest you do. The Basic Override is your safest bet if you'd like to inject some stunning visuals to some of the older modules without causing issues with obstructions, terrain deformations or added goodies that could otherwise get in your way or even hide items and placeables of importance.

Area Design IV | 03.19.10

2010-03-19T16:24:00.017-04:00

Building 101 - Area Design Part 4

PART 3 RECAP

In our last entry, we took the time to define the area and broke it down based on the use of sounds and their play sequence.

We touched on avoiding random sounds playing within a defined radius due to the spike it can cause to an area.

"The main reason for this is it can cause a noticeable hiccup when the player enters the area. Each time the sound is played, the engine needs to determine from what random location within the specified Volume Distance it will fire from. It will then determine how near that sound is from the player, which then needs to determine the volume of the sound before it fires."

We also touched on the atmosphere you're going for and how good sound placement can really add to an area, so much so that at times, music is not required. Good background sound will make any area come alive when placed properly and with care.

CREATING A VISUAL ORGASM

Placeables!

"Too many will cause lag."
"Too many will ruin pathfinding."
"Too many gets my character stuck!"

Alright, we've all read about it and know that it's true. Each point is valid but it's how one goes about placing a placeable that matters.

First of all, let me discuss the first point. Lag.

In a single player module, which is my primary focus, lag exists. It's not just the stuttering one can experience but the load times. Really, it's lag because you're left waiting. That's where nice looking loadscreens come into play but that's another entry altogether.

So yes, lots and lots of placeables can cause lag but it's how you create those placeables that matter. The STATIC CHECK BOX is your friend. You do not need to have the static check box unchecked for any reason unless there is some form of animation you want the placeable to apply. This is known as the ACTIVATED selection on a placeables PROPERTIES -> ADVANCED -> INITIAL STATE option. Otherwise, leave it static.

As BioWare has also made claim to, try to avoid putting a placeable that sits on the + section of the grid. How do you go about checking this?

ENVIRONMENT -> DISPLAY GRID

I'm unable to find the original post regarding this, so if you have the message available, let me know so I can update this section.

I've read it enough times on the official Neverwinter Nights forum from many builders that it seems like a good rule to follow.

The second and third point go hand in hand.

Do your best to avoid dropping placeables in the walkable zones. Of course, it's difficult to define this but from my point of view, it's simply playing your module and walking through your created masterpiece that will allow you to determine if that tree, rock or bush is in a location that a player might take a shortcut through or happen to get stuck on while moving in a straight line.

Much of placeable design comes from edges of an area, the part of a tileset where a player simply can't walk along due to having a lack of a walkmesh to begin with.

Sadly, this does not stop a player from attempting to walk there who then becomes stuck on the placeables you've placed. In any well designed and beautiful looking area, a player will attempt to cross a boundary they were never meant to in the first place.

With 1.69, there is now a friendly placeable that can help you make sure no one can go there.

STANDARD -> MISCELLANEOUS -> INVISIBLE WALL

Create your well defined area with your placeables and follow up by adding a few of the above mentioned placeables and anyone attempting to walk there will receive the typical "NO" click sound. It's a quick and easily solution to keep players from getting stuck.

So, with some of that in mind, it's time to deliver the placeables for our area.

PLACEABLE DESIGN

With the few points that have already been mentioned, it's time to dress up the area we've been creating.

Looking back to the Area Design II entry, each corner did have an interest for the player to explore, which helps define what placeables are going to be in that specific location. The rest of the area then becomes filler for whatever catches your mood.

PART 2 RECAP

Let's recap what we had in mind for each location and follow it up with a shot of all the placeables to bring the entire area together.

1.

As already noted, we want the player to start here. During the creation of the area, we want to make sure the player is drawn to location 3, either when they first come to the area or eventually by exploring all four corners of the area. At one point or other, they'll have to cross the middle of the map.

2.

The rock fissures are small and do not stick out unless the player moves close enough to learn that information. Having two of them allows the creation of the caves and caverns below to either connect or not. Even if they do connect below, we're giving the player a choice on which side they enter from.

3.

Here is the location of our petrified villager and it's the most important location in the area for it brings truth to what the villagers were speaking about. As noted, with three of the four corners of the map exploration locations, the player is bound to find the villager before anything else. Plus, a petrified villager will stick out like a sore thumb when players hit TAB.

4.

Remember that other hill in the top right corner? This is where a boat crashed at one point, grounding itself on the hard rocky surface, cracking its hull and eventually sinking. The remains of the boat still exist but its contents are long gone.

?.

These are up in the air design choices. The question mark in the bottom right isn't a bad place for an encounter of some kind as it is out of the way and secluded but the encounter should have nothing to do with what's turning the villagers to stone.

The second question mark could be much of anything. Perhaps a small container that floated away from the broken hull of the ship or an item one of the villagers dropped while trying to flee.

FINAL DESIGN

So how does it end up looking based on the information provided?

1.

This is the arrival location of the player, who will come to this part of the swamp via a raft. So it's a wise choice to offer these visuals for the player to relate to on their journey.

A coil of rope has been added as a useable placeable, tied down to the STATIC placeable raft. When the time comes for the player to leave this area, the useable rope is their means of exit.

This exit point is always in the same location, allowing the player to know what corner they need to return to so they can move forward.

As well, we've taken the time to add placeables along the tile's edge but also taking care not to place them on the hill where the player will move their character.

2.

The rock fissures are certainly not easy to see but as the character moves to these two locations, they will enter a trigger which will fire a conversation description alerting them to a cave entrance that dives down into the earth.

Once again, a direct route is made available, placeable free, to keep the player from getting stuck while exploring these sections of the map. We also keep the majority of placeables to the very edges of the map, where the swamp is the thickest.

3.

This is the location of our petrified villager, surrounded by three pillars and two scattered swamp cypress trees. Once again, we're going out of our way to avoid massive placeables in this part of the map because it is a focal point for the player to find and thus, have to move through.

4.

The second hilly region that the player can explore offers a ruined boat tipped on its side. A few barrels and debris scatter the edge of the hill but is otherwise open for the player to explore. A conversation will fire here, offering a description of the location they've stepped into.

?.

During the creation of the area, two question marks were created due to not knowing what would go in these locations. As the rest of the area has come together, the choice here was for one question mark to be home to a set of ruins from an old cabin.

The second simply has debris and floating barrels the player can explore and possibly find some helpful items.

FINAL STEPS

Our final steps will include lighting as it too can create a wonderful experience for the player. Color that bounces off of placeables can even bring them more wonder and awe and make your vision POP!

Happy Holidays | 12.24.09

2009-12-24T13:33:00.003-05:00

Ho-ho-ho, Auren!

I've wrapped up a few new screen gifts for those who visit from time to time, which you'll get more of here than on the Vault. Three new area projections were required for the next stage of your journey, so here they are. Sorry, no detail or locations this time, otherwise one will be able to piece together the module areas before it's released. Don't want too many spoilers!

Happy Holidays and may you all enjoy your time with family and loved ones right through the New Year and beyond.

Area Design III | 11.29.09

2009-11-29T10:55:00.004-05:00

Building 101 - Area Design Part 3

PART 2 RECAP

In our last entry, we took the time to define the area and broke it down based on the four corner rule.

That is, to offer the player something to do in all four corners of our area. This is so the player doesn't feel they're wasting their time exploring what we've created and to offer an event of some kind to keep the player interested.

"Not every corner needs to POP out at the player but it should offer something. Even the most basic text display describing a strange looking tree or finding an empty bottle floating in the swamp creates area depth.

All that's been done so far is the creation and layout of the area, which consists of two hills, one in the bottom left corner and the other in the top right corner. The rest of the area is split up between land and water.

We've also determined that the player will transition to the hill in the bottom left corner of the area. They'd be coming here because of rumors they heard in the village close by of people coming into the swamp to hunt for a rare fish not returning. Some speak of finding villagers, friends and family members turned to stone."

Finally, we've defined the area and what we're going to offer the player to do and find while exploring it.

NOTE: No lighting or placeables have been placed in the area at this point.

CREATING AN ACOUSTIC SYMPHONY

Sound is very important and should always be made available when creating an area. An area that has enough placed sound pieces and area background sounds can go without music, creating a different type of atmosphere for the player. Sounds that play at specific hours are a huge bonus to adding a little extra that the player may not have heard during their first visit simply because they were not in the area during those specific hours.

An Owl that hoots every 30 seconds during the night is one sad and desperate Owl. What female is going to respond back to a guy begging for a mate all the time?

Wolves, Dogs, Cats, etc., fall under this rule.

Continuous sounds are those that always generate sound. Waterfalls, rushing rives, windmills, etc., would fall under this rule.

NOTE: Try to avoid using the "Plays from a random position each time it is played" option in the POSITIONING TAB of the sound.

The main reason for this is it can cause a noticeable hiccup when the player enters the area. Each time the sound is played, the engine needs to determine from what random location within the specified Volume Distance it will fire from. It will then determine how near that sound is from the player, which then needs to determine the volume of the sound before it fires.

"Plays from a specific position" is always your best option.

SOUND PLACEMENT

So what does this area consist of? Swamp like sounds of course. The majority of what you see in the screenshot above is that of water sounds. Know that every sound placed in the area is set to "Plays from a specific position" to avoid the random hiccup that can be generated, as noted above.

When placing sound, think of what you want the player to be able to hear in that part of the area. In the case of water sounds, they're placed along the edge of the water where it meets land and a few in the middle of the water where the player can walk through. So here's the full area breakdown for sound, which only consists of ambient sound. No music is available in this particular area.

Area Properties

Wind Forest [Area Properties - Ambient Sound, Day]

Wind Forest [Area Properties - Ambient Sound, Night]

Forest [Area Properties - Environmental Audio Effects]

Placeable Sounds

Water Pool Small (34) [Area Location: Varies]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 15.0 Volume Distance.
- Play at all times.
- Seamlessly looping play style.

Water Pool Splashes (4) [Area Location: Random]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 25.0 Volume Distance.
- Play at all times.
- Repeating play style.
- Random play order.
- 30.0 second interval between splash sounds.

Fly (11) [Area Location: Random]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 5.0 Volume Distance.
- Play during the day.
- Repeating play style.
- Sequential play order.
- 11.0 second interval between fly buzzing sounds.

Thunder Claps Far (1) [Area Location: Heard Area Wide]

- Plays everywhere in area.
- Play during specific hours [AM: 1, 4, 7, 10 PM: 12, 3, 6, 8, 9]
- Repeating play style.
- Random play order.
- 60.0 second interval between fly buzzing sounds.

Swamp Sounds Day (1) [Area Location: Heard Area Wide]

- Plays everywhere in area.
- Play during the day.
- Seamlessly looping play style.

Swamp Sounds Night (1) [Area Location: Heard Area Wide]

- Plays everywhere in area.
- Play during the night.
- Seamlessly looping play style.

Rock Crumbles (1) [Area Location: 4]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 10.0 Volume Distance.
- Play at all times.
- Repeating play style.
- Random play order.
- 32.0 second interval between rock crumble sounds.

Ship Creaks (1) [Area Location: 4]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 10.0 Volume Distance.
- Play at all times.
- Repeating play style.
- Random play order.
- 35.0 second interval between ship creak sounds.

Wooden Beam Creaks (1) [Area Location: 4]

- Plays from a specific position.
- 10.0 Volume Distance.
- Play at all times.
- Repeating play style.
- Random play order.
- 12.0 second interval between ship creak sounds.

BRINGING IT TOGETHER

The next steps we'll be covering is placeables and lighting.

Fate of the Auren Update | 10.23.09

2009-10-23T16:03:00.007-04:00

You're dead, Auren

Where does the time go? I get so caught up in area building, conversation and plot design when free time comes knocking, that I don't even realize how much time has passed since the last update.

Today though will be a few screens from the final chapter in the Auren saga, which if you did not catch in the news on the Vault, can be viewed below.

Bramblewood Moor is a hot festering bog, created from the memories of the very strange and unique creatures that call it home.

The very rocks that burst through the soil in the Stonelands are said to be so sharp, that a simple slip of the foot can easily cause one's death.

Stranger still is that of Fyr Glen, home to beings that farm the towering fungi forest of the Felwood.

But worry not, Weaver. Not all things are strange and unfamiliar.

For this is where the true home of the Auren Society of Weavers can be found.

Area Design II | 09.10.09

2009-09-10T16:12:00.005-04:00

Building 101 - Area Design Part 2

PART 1 RECAP

In our last entry, we covered the basic history and reason for creating the area, a 6x6 swamp area, for the player to explore.

All that's been done so far is the creation and layout of the area, which consists of two hills, one in the bottom left corner and the other in the top right corner. The rest of the area is split up between land and water.

We've also determined that the player will transition to the hill in the bottom left corner of the area. They'd be coming here because of rumors they heard in the village close by of people coming into the swamp to hunt for a rare fish not returning. Some speak of finding villagers, friends and family members turned to stone.

NOTE: No sounds, lighting or placeables have been placed in the area at this point.

DEFINING THE AREA

Sure, an area can be created quite quickly and patched together but care and thought should always accompany such design. One important process to think about is the flow of the area and how we want to give information to the player as they explore our creation.

Defining what's in the area will give strength to the backdrop of the story we wish to tell. In this case, it's petrified villagers, turned to stone in some of the most unimaginable positions as they attempt to flee what it is they last saw with their living eyes.

Of course, there hasn't been a villager yet who can speak of what it is that's turning people into stone statues, so wild rumors can flow from their lips and even create false trails the player may or may not fall for.

AREA BREAKDOWN

The flow of information for any story can come from a number of means but one should also be careful not to divulge too much information as to spoil the atmosphere we want to create.

Let's take a look at how the area will unfold as we progress to its completion.

Each red numeric circle is some sort of event, small, medium or large, that the player can find something worth exploring. Take note of how each corner of the area has a red circle.

By keeping to this general standard when creating an area, you define a sense of reason for the player to explore everything, yet not feel empty by creating a "running around" syndrome.

Not every corner needs to POP out at the player but it should offer something. Even the most basic text display describing a strange looking tree or finding an empty bottle floating in the swamp creates area depth.

AREA FLOW

Now that the highlights of the area has been determined, we can begin to create the area and bring its design to life.

1.

As already noted, we want the player to start here. During the creation of the area, we want to make sure the player is drawn to location 3, either when they first come to the area or eventually by exploring all four corners of the area. At one point or other, they'll have to cross the middle of the map.

2.

The rock fissures are small and do not stick out unless the player moves close enough to learn that information. Having two of them allows the creation of the caves and caverns below to either connect or not. Even if they do connect below, we're giving the player a choice on which side they enter from.

3.

Here is the location of our petrified villager and it's the most important location in the area for it brings truth to what the villagers were speaking about. As noted, with three of the four corners of the map exploration locations, the player is bound to find the villager before anything else. Plus, a petrified villager will stick out like a sore thumb when players hit TAB.

4.

Remember that other hill in the top right corner? This is where a boat crashed at one point, grounding itself on the hard rocky surface, cracking its hull and eventually sinking. The remains of the boat still exist but its contents are long gone.

?.

These are up in the air design choices. The question mark in the bottom right isn't a bad place for an encounter of some kind as it is out of the way and secluded but the encounter should have nothing to do with what's turning the villagers to stone.

The second question mark could be much of anything. Perhaps a small container that floated away from the broken hull of the ship or an item one of the villagers dropped while trying to flee.

BRINGING IT TOGETHER

The next steps we'll be covering is sound placement, placeables and lighting.

Area Design I | 08.30.09

2009-08-30T20:50:00.003-04:00

Building 101 - Area Design

I thought I'd take a few down the path of how an area design leaves my mind and becomes part of the building process, which I hope to offer every Sunday until the area is complete.

LOCATION and REASON

This evening I'm going to create a swamp that will offer the player character enough to do and also pull them into the very reason for being there in the first place. As this is one of the first areas of a quest, it requires that jolt of input to shape what it is we want the player to experience.

What information the player gathers before heading off here, is that a few villagers have been turned to stone as they venture deeper into the swamp to find a rare type of fish that offers a lot of gold on the open market. Due to its high demand, villagers take the risk of heading into the swamp to find them.

As more and more villagers fail to return and those that do return speak of finding friends and family members as stone statues in the swamp, the talk in the village soon changes from finding rare fish to what villager was found as a stone statue. Soon, none of the villagers even want to risk going near the swamp in fear of becoming a stone statue themselves.

Sadly, without the income from the rare fish, the villagers are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Local crops just can't compete.

So, like any player looking for some adventure, it offers the player character something to do, either as a side quest or part of a greater plot.

One should never exist without the other when creating an area. Each and every area you create needs to have a purpose for existing, otherwise don't bother spending the time it will take to design it.

THE AREA

Welcome to a generic 6x6 (width x length) layout. For the sake of saving time, I've already plotted out its general design, adding in two small hills in the bottom left and top right of the map, along with some raised ground, all nestled between a dark layer of swampy water. Some trees do dot the landscape but they're part of the area tile itself. Placeables have yet to be added to this current area.

Pretty simple, for the most part. Now I try to keep an area pretty small because I don't like the idea, as a player, running around through empty space. So, when I do build an area, I do my best to offer the player something to do in every corner. That's my number one rule because wasting the time of the player is never, ever a good thing.

TIDBITS

In the behind the scene information, the village is south of this area, so the player will be entering on the bottom left in this area.

The water current, although never an issue in any area built with water, is moving from the bottom left to the top right. This is handy information if you use a boat to transition from one area to the next. Does one paddle with the current or against it?

In the weeks to follow, I'll detail the hot spots of the area, sound placement, as well as lighting and placeables.

Companions | 08.19.09

2009-08-19T14:12:00.015-04:00

In death they roam. . .

For those who brought along a companion from Almraiven and then through Shadewood, they fought and died along side of you in battle.

Fate of the Auren offers a total of three companions based on choices made in Almraiven and Shadewood and two new companions one can find in the Land of the Dead. The former are found through a specific side-quest associated to the companion you traveled with in Almraiven and Shadewood while the latter come across as spirits you meet during your adventure.

In the Land of the Dead, they roam.

Annex [Druid Female (Grower)]

"The very eyes of this Human Female pierce right through you as she catches you watching her and memories swirl of a previous existence within your mind. There is a feeling of calm that suddenly washes over you and the smell of flowers seem near. Her hair shimmers in the moonlight and the old black and cyan robe she once wore is now stitched in earthly shades and colors."

Annex is a result from completing the Darwien's Disappearance quest in Almraiven. You saved Darwien but also had to kill Falis for not saving his sister Wundra.

A Druid that comes with an animal companion named Patterfoot, Annex is the most difficult of the three companions to attain.

Her journey with you through Shadewood was a helpful one for it took place in her true element, where she brought forth a different view of what was happening in the wood.

Dying at your side, her spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Falis Goodmane [Fighter Male, (Dancer)]

"The very glare directed toward you from this muscular Human Male is cold. Crisp blue eyes that once captured your gaze now leave you feeling empty and lost. Blood stains his light colored hair while torn cloth and stitch hug scars and deep wounds that cut right into his very soul."

Falis is a result from completing Wundra's Wonder quest in Almraiven. You helped find his sister and saved her from the Werefolk who had her locked up in the sewers.

Falis specializes in the quarterstaff and is very quick on his feet but does not have any experience in adventure travel.

His problem with bugs was made perfectly clear during your journey through Shadewood but as the end drew near, his focus in protecting you outgrew that fear.

Dying at your side, his spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Shayla Shay [Sorcerer Female, (Guardian)]

"The projected memory of this Human Female is not what you recall from your previous existence. Eyes that were once cyan color are now black and the staff she once held does not have the same weave as it did before. The staff pulsates blue, shifting in size and design as if alive."

Shayla is a result from completing the Something in the Works quest in Almraiven. You helped find her sister and save her from the slave traders who had her locked up and ready to be shipped out.

Shayla also experienced fighting Blackend Souls and knows first hand what the Darkness did in the depths below Almraiven.

Her knowledge of this continued in Shadewood as the two of you moved to unlock the mystery of the wood. It is where she also came to terms with the very man who was responsible for the capture of her sister Kira.

Shayla comes with an intelligent staff named Nala that she is bound to by magical means and both died at your side.

Her spirit now exists in the Land of the Dead.

Ahlias Nox [Ranger Male, (Wilder)]

"The wary eyes of this Human Male watch you from where he stands. A green and brown cloak, stained with mud and soot along the edge, drapes over his large frame. A long sword carried by the man hangs off his left hip by a crude loop made of rope while a bow string hugs his chest from the shortbow slung over his shoulder. Dark browns, shades of tan and a touch of green lace in and out of the fabric of his cloth and stitch."

Ahlias Nox is from a distant projection where the very edge of the Emptiness meets the realm. His travels south got him caught between the Darkness that had begun to swallow the Land of the Dead and if not for small pockets, his spirit would have been consumed by shadow and filth.

He now travels northward toward Twyll, his home, where he hopes to rest his spirit and relax.

Chaj-ja [Fighter Female, (Hunter)]

"Chaj-ja's large golden reptilian eyes dance wildly as if expecting an attack at anytime. Many of the multiple horns at the back of her head are cracked or have been snapped off. She's a renowned warrior of the Chah-kra Tribe, hunting and killing numerous Stoneless that dwell deep in Bramblewood Moor."

Chaj-ja is very ignorant when it comes to projections outside of Bramblewood Moor, the projection she has existed in since arriving to the Land of the Dead. Existing in a festering bog, Chaj-ja is quite content with hunting and fishing but becomes drawn to the realm beyond after hearing stories and reading books on the subject.

She is clumsy out of her element and makes a lot of noise when she moves about on land, stomping and walking into things without much effort. At first sight, spirits see her as a Troll but her large blinking eyes and twitching ears soon put an end to that.

20° 48' N 156° 20' W | 07.18.09

2009-07-18T18:21:00.007-04:00

There and Back Again. . .

It's been a busy July! Out of the entire month, I've been at work for a total of TEN days. This week has flown by and as well as it should have considering that I just returned from Edmonton and I'm off again for two weeks. I'm not going to give you more details about flying but in its defence, the flight to Edmonton and back was uneventful :)

If you're interested in checking out the events that unfolded for the Dragon Age event, check the links below.

Jay Watamaniuk's Thoughts

Fernando Melo's Three Part Commentary

GameSpy's First Editorial

GameSpy's Second Editorial

The BioWare loot bag!

The uber items.

The working conditions.

Aloha!

53° 34' N 113° 31' W | 06.26.09

2009-06-26T18:36:00.017-04:00

Departures. . .

So I signed an NDA in December 2008.

Since the last update, I'm happy to announce that Shadewood won Module of the Year 2008 (Vault Award), Best Dramtic Module and Veteran Author Award (AME Award), Almraiven passed the 10,000 download mark and
I'm flying out to Edmonton in eleven days to meet the good old fashioned men and women of BioWare.

I hate flying too. 737-700 (winglets) plane. I type that because at first I thought it read "wingless" but I guess that's just my fear of being in the air and not in control. Sure, they say statistics show the odds of getting in an accident in a car is higher then flying. I'm not sure about you but driving at 60 km/h, (Canadian, eh?), doesn't sound so deadly as say, falling from the sky at 500 km/h while the men and women around you scream and children look at you with a questioning look of "what's going on?" when the plane is flipping and twirling through the air as you attempt to grab the oxygen mask which keeps slapping your face just before the plane explodes on impact.

Last October I flew from Toronto to Montreal for work and it's about an hour in the sky. You're up and then you're down. It wasn't so bad, after asking for two vomit bags while on the plane. To add to all of that, I had the middle seat in the row.

The year before that I flew out to Calgary. Never unbuckled the seat belt, had nothing to drink or eat and looked straight ahead while holding on to the arm rests. I was so nervous that I left my boarding pass at the bar. Could have been the beer though.

Summer is here, hot, sticky and humid, so building has really slowed down. I do my best, when I can, to pick and poke at the module, playing it to keep the story in my mind fresh as well as to come up with new ideas. Progress is always slow at this time of the year for me and is no different compared to the time I spent building Almraiven and Shadewood during the summer months. Canada Day is just around the corner, so Happy Birthday Canada!

I've been told my igloo in Edmonton has been reserved. HA! Good fun!

Clouds | 06.01.09

2009-06-01T15:27:00.019-04:00

I see shapes in the clouds. . .

I've ventured to the realm of skyboxes for the first time, custom ones that is. Do players really need to see a sky when the isometric view of a camera offers more visibility around the character? My own personal playing style is not done by dropping the camera behind my character but perhaps it's popular with some.

It's been fun learning a little about a side of the game I've never customized before. In Almraiven, the skybox was always available when outside in the streets. Shadewood offered it in a few choice places outside of the wood and both used Bioware default skybox settings. Even then, the only time I really took notice of it was when it was time to take screen shots, otherwise the camera angle I prefer never showed the sky.

Is it really worth the effort and additional size to a hakpak when it's all said and done or is it just a nice backdrop for those screen shots. In comparison, the earlier shots posted offered no skybox, which created a more darker and sinister view of the Land of the Dead.

Here are some shots with custom skyboxes enabled.

Dunroot Hollow | 03.21.09

2009-03-21T11:18:00.006-04:00

A spirit's thought. . .

I've seen a good number of strange places during my time in the Land of the Dead but I've yet to come across anything as strange as Dunroot Hollow.

Nestled along the border of Felwood does Dunroot Hollow reside. It's quite the journey for some spirits but well worth it if you're the adventurous kind.

Mushrooms twist around everything, growing upward to bask in the warm air above, breathing in the moist humidity which give birth to their enormous size.

Those trees that happen to grow tall enough, eventually lose the fight to the larger and more aggressive fungi.

Stranger yet are those who dwell here, burrowing into the very earth to make homes for themselves, harvesting the wide variety of abundant mushrooms which grow all around.

Like the mushrooms, Spring has Sprung!

Twyll | 03.07.09

2009-03-07T22:26:00.005-05:00

All Twylled Out!

From one idea to the next, the Land of the Dead begins to take fold based on the overall thought projection spirits bring to the realm. Each memory is accessed by the Well of Souls and becomes a projection that shape and create the Land of the Dead.

This beginning has allowed the third installment of the series to offer more creative areas and an open flow compared to Almraiven and Shadewood. The dead that roam the realm come from many other places of existence and not just the Forgotten Realms itself.

Welcome to Twyll, a projection from one of these other realms, situated on the very edge of an endless Void but still traveled across nevertheless. Such travel is made possible by airships that ride the thermal winds of the Void. These airships ride the vertical geostrophic wind to its peak, then launch outward, floating their way to the next one until they are caught in the jet stream located in the upper portion of the troposphere.

With the destruction of the portal in Shadewood, the Darkness that lingered in these parts has fled, allowing passage in the Void to resume. Captains of these airships are not very keen on testing the Void and many airships remain docked in port, nestled between aging trees, jagged cliffs and illuminated rope lines.

An Introduction... | 02.17.09

2009-02-17T20:07:00.009-05:00

The Unexpected

Took the time to complete the introduction cutscene, which, if you enjoy being spoiled, contains...

a prelude introduction, which span the recreation of your spirit after it has been captured from the Well of Souls at the end of Shadewood and the events that follow.

For those who don't mind a slight spoiler, just highlight the empty black box of text above.

Projections | 01.14.09

2009-01-14T20:43:00.015-05:00

To die, is to live again.

In the Land of the Dead, each spirit that becomes sorted by the Well of Souls, gives their memory freely from the time they spent in the Land of the Living.

These memories become the very foundation of the realm that is created. Such projections begin to form the Land of the Dead, spanning across all four corners of the realm.

Strange places, wicked places, born from spinning worlds and distant thoughts. It is in this realm that nightmares do come true, leaving very little hope for anything.

Darkness has come.

Bob Strikes Back! | 01.02.09

2009-01-02T19:46:00.006-05:00

Happy Bob Year!

Happy New Year all, for those who still continue to stop in now and again, it's 2009. Today I have a few shots of Kookoo's next module, Resurrection Gone Wronger, which I've been helping design. No names of areas are provided, to keep the spoilers at a minimum.

Fate of the Auren | 12.20.08

2008-12-20T17:00:00.007-05:00

Darkness fades. . .

As the Darkness began to retreat in the Land of the Dead, it revealed places where spirits once roamed freely.

Those spirits that return to the places of old, do so alone and at their own risk.

In Shavar Logoth, a city built on the bones and memories of spirits sorted by the Well of Souls, whispers have begun anew.

Such whispers speak of the storm that is coming.

Fester's Creations | 10.14.08

2008-10-14T12:40:00.006-04:00

Released 09.04.08

It's been over a month since Shadewood was released to the public and it's been doing well, with over 900+ downloads since September 4, 2008.

Almraiven has also seen a surge in downloads, perhaps from players who were waiting for Shadewood to be released, to even those who played Almraiven but returned to enjoy the latest update. Almraiven has seen over 700+ downloads since Shadewood was released.

In other news, Project Q was announced, a collection of new content from some very high ended and talented individuals. You can learn as well as see what's in development here.

Finally, after releasing Shadewood and updating to the lastest patch, which has offered builders a whole slew of new additions to play with, I started playing around myself. The following screens are from using 1.69 content as well as a few placeable HAK additions and a city reskin which adds different colored illumination on windows, even when using the alley hak.

Just for fun of course.

Shadewood | 09.04.08

2008-09-04T19:25:00.015-04:00

Released 09.04.08
"The creak of branches catch your ear as you come to the boundary of the wood. Known to many as the Forest of Mir, the wood has grown out of control over the past few months.

The trail left behind in Almraiven has brought you here; a foul wood that has been attacking those along the Western Passage, or so the locals of Almraiven have said. Branches reaching a little too far, roots curling upward to entangle the passer-by and wandering spirits have been on the tongues of many.

It is here your investigation continues. What started as a simple investigation will end with the Auren Society of Weavers closing the pages of old and opening up a new chapter in the arts of the arcane.

Bring your skills Weaver, for you will need them all."

The canopy lurks even during the day

Death playfully dances ahead

Shadows descend

A safe haven ahead

An overgrown port

The final stretch | 09.02.08

2008-09-02T20:38:00.019-04:00

What's that approaching?

These past few moments, for anyone who has built a module before, are the worst moments for myself. It's the little things you need to do and tie up before the big public release. Such as typing up the information file, preparing the screens that will go along with the module and knocking down those last minute bugs that just like to creep up at this time.

To start off September, Almraiven has had a large update. I'm trying to anticipate a mad rush to download and play Almraiven for anyone who becomes interested in Shadewood, as well as offer a very tidy adventure with as little bugs as possible for those who go to replay the city adventure. See Almraiven Latest Patch for what's been updated.

Dusk falls over Almraiven
That brings us straight to Shadewood. The last beta tester is still going through the final stages of the module, so I'm holding back from releasing for a few more days, which has also given me more of an opportunity to play through with Annex, Falis Goodmane and Shayla Shay. That's where I happen to be finding those last minute bugs but better that I find them now instead of a player down the road.

An overgrown village
Catch the bind soon.

Almraiven updated! | 08.27.08

2008-08-27T20:59:00.012-04:00

A tweak here, a tweak there.

With the release of Shadewood on the horizon, I've taken the time to update Almraiven and fix a few reported issues. This small update will be uploaded to the vault shortly and includes the following:

! Fixed Tale of the Ruby Red side-quest on Loom Avenue.
[reported by a number of players over the years]

! Fixed an issue with experience sink on Ulip, which allowed the player to continue to receive experience by saying Farewell in the conversation.
[reported by Calgach]

! Fixed Sorcerer's Friend on Caster's Claim 3rd Level inventory.
Offered Wisdom +1 instead of Charisma +1.
* if player has bugged version going into Shadewood, item is stripped on entering Shadewood and proper amulet is provided in player's inventory.
[reported by Mizar]

! Fixed a bug with Lamu always respawning on Horseshoe Lane even if already robbed by player.
[found while preparing for Shadewood release]

! Fixed a bug with chest in basement of Springwine Jones Estate that would continue to give a journal entry.
[reported by Azarr Kul]

! Fixed Rotting Boards blocking Abandoned House on Horseshoe Lane. Variable would only be set when boards were physically attacked. Now takes into account any damage.
[reported by Atlas]

! Fixed "man" on Domon Bin to as player would be called "man" even if playing a female character.
[reported by Faramac]

! Fixed an issue with Darwien's Dissapearance quest where Annex could not be found if player saved Wundra instead. Conversation options are now available to tell Annex that Darwien could not be saved.
[reported by Grylock]

! Fixed an issue with Domon Bin not taking player if they happen to be wearing an Evelyn Society of Thinkers robe. Captain of the Blood Runner also does this, so Domon Bin was fixed to allow player, otherwise if player spoke to both captains, they had no way of getting to the Forest of Mir.
[reported by Silvius]

! Fixed an issue with Tin quest that would break if the player spoke with NPC while not wearing street-side clothing even though player met required NPC. By doing so, option to speak and complete quest with the NPC became broken.
[reported by Paradoxical]

! Fixed an issue with potion brewing, which allowed player to place in multiple reagents and brew potions. Problem was, it would leave reagents behind, allowing the player to brew more potions over and over again. A large experience sink tank for doing nothing.
[found while preparing for Shadewood release]

+ Added more Bird Seed in Almraiven due to player requests on finding it difficult to locate the only Bird Seed in the city.
[requested by Elhanan]

+ Added new and improved Spell Conversation scripts from Shadewood to Almraiven for Scare and Charm Person. Said options would appear even if player did not memorize them.

+ Updated Auren Society Robe script from Shadewood to add consistency between both modules. Now when player levels up, script will auto fire instead of previous versions of Almraiven that required player to unequip and equip robe to gain the new level bonus.

+ Added some variables to store to Database file. Nothing major that will ruin the experience of previously played versions of Almraiven.

Release is near! | 08.24.08

2008-08-24T16:56:00.000-04:00

Is your Weave ready?

Shadewood has reached Private Beta 6 and quite quickly since PVB5 was announced. The final days of testing are coming to an end as I begin to feel much more comfortable releasing a public version of Shadewood. Already two testers have completed the module from start to finish and sent in their comments, issues and bug reports.

On another note, I'm now able to really do a lot with Neverwinter Nights 2, especially in the toolset, which was not possible with the old machine.

PBV5 | 08.18.08

2008-08-18T19:24:00.001-04:00

Testing 1 ... 2 ... 3

After a month of being out of the Neverwinter Nights loop, Shadewood has moved forward to Private Beta v5. It would have happened a lot sooner if my old computer had not decided to die but that's how it goes in the hobby business when you need your hobby the most.

As for the new system, it's doing just fine, except that I have no sound. Installing SoundMax and the drivers for the onboard sound card crashes Windows XP during the boot sequence, returning with a blue screen of death. So for now, I have no sound.

I'm feeling confident enough to say that Shadewood will be released in September now, two months behind schedule. Better late then never I suppose.

It's alive! | 08.17.08

2008-08-17T11:04:00.001-04:00

Reborn

I'm up and running, finally, although there are still a few odds and ends that need to be taken care of, the new machine is doing well. First process is to get everything working program wise with updates, software installations and the like. I've been unable to get any of the two new SATA drives recognized during the boot sequence, so I had to use an old IDE drive to get the OS installed.

So, for those who are computer lovers, here's the new system that will hopefully, last another seven to eight years.

Motherboard - Asus M3N-HT Deluxe/Mempipe 780a SLI
CPU - AMD A64 X2 6400+ 3.20GHz
Memory - OCZ Dual Channel XTC 4096MB PC8000 DDR2 1000MHz
Graphics - XFX GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB DDR3 SLI
Power - OCZ / GameXStream / 850-Watt SLI

Well, I'm off. Have to reboot and continue installing required software.

Fried Fester | 08.07.08

2008-08-07T18:35:00.002-04:00

R.I.P

On my return from a vacation to the United States, I booted up the Neverwinter Nights build machine, a 7 year old box that has done me very well, only to watch it die five minutes later. In the seven years I've had the box, all that's been upgraded is the graphic card so I could play Neverwinter Nights 2. From a GeForce 4200 to a GeForce 7800. The pocket book was very happy.

With the death of the motherboard, an Asus A7N8X Deluxe nForce2 powered by the old AMD Athlon XP CPU, it's as good as spent. No bios, no beeps, just a black screen when the power goes on.

Is there good news to this? I suppose. Now I get to build a new system. A long time has gone by for new nForce boards to be designed and new CPUs. I'll need memory too. Not even the old 450watt power supply is strong enough these days. Sigh ... what happened to that good news vibe I was feeling just moments before?

Is there bad news? Sure is. It's the second week since my return home and I've not been able to tweak the bug reports coming in from the Shadewood beta testers.

There are two "strange" bugs that I know are all variable based, keeping two side quests incomplete, even though they've clearly been completed. Spelling and grammar mistakes are quick to chew threw, so are the general suggestions to the improvement of the adventure but I don't like leaving bugged quests.

Until a new machine is up and running, Shadewood is grounded at Private Beta 4, the last update sent to testers on July 17, 2008.

After four years of building in Neverwinter Nights, I really miss it.

Aribeth's Farewell | 07.11.08

2008-07-11T21:24:00.016-04:00

1.69 Released!

So the end all of all Neverwinter Nights patches has arrived, clocking in at over 400 MB, provides a slew of new content that comes from the previous released Premium Modules. New Tilesets, placeables, monsters, music and much more, now gives builders around the world the opportunity to create new places to explore.

I almost forgot, it now adds Horses to the mix for players and NPCs alike to ride and enjoy.

Not bad for a game that's five years old and you can get it all here!

Shadewood Teaser

Sure, why not, right? The Private Beta that's in the hands of millions of testers is just around the corner and there have been lots of little fixes, suggestions and balancing in the past few weeks.

Highlight between the quotes if you'd like a slight teaser for this image.

"There are members of the Auren Society of Weavers in many places and this just happens to be one of them. Slinging magic is never easy, especially when dealing with binds created in the Land of the Dead."

Hugie ... back? | 07.08.08

2008-07-08T19:19:00.005-04:00

Thoughts from Hugie

What's this you say? Another update to an otherwise quiet place?

It's not that quiet, you just have to learn how to listen. Each and every hour a member of the Auren Society of Weavers passes through these halls, their spirit floating through closed doors and over dusty floors.

But now there are footsteps that twirl up winding stairs and through grand chambers. Could it really be Hugie, author of the Tale of a Mage series, Shelter from the Storm, The Island, The Art of Death - Back in Black and Perchance to Dream for Neverwinter nights?

It is!

Recently, recent to me because I only troll places now and then, Hugie made an update that he's reinstalled Neverwinter Nights, downloaded his old modules and has considered building once again.

"The truth is, I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to build, yet. But I know it's going to be NWN1, and it's going to be low-mid level (I'm thinking 6-8), and it's going to deal more with character development than my past works have."

You can read the rest here.

Of course, there's no mention of Shadewood on Hugie's blog *sigh*. Instead, here's another advertisement image a member of the Auren Society of Weavers put together for you.

AME Interview | 07.02.08

2008-07-02T18:11:00.003-04:00

An interview with grumpy Fester Pot!

There's an interview that the Academy for Modding Excellence (AME) sent ages ago that I took the time to respond to. The interview responds to questions about Almraiven, Shadewood and history on building modules.

Take a look if you've got the time here.

Beware the Beta | 07.01.08

2008-07-01T12:48:00.005-04:00

Now my nerves perpare for a workout!

This is the moment in which I come to learn if all the work put toward building a continuation to Almraiven is received as well as my first module was received. So many expectations. Bigger, badder, more.

Now I know how Britney Spears feels.

I'm happy to announce that today, July 1, 2008, the Private Beta of Shadewood has been delivered to the first beta tester. I'm still going through a list of folks who offered after Almraiven was released and a few still haven't responded. I guess two years is a long time for anyone to be part of the Neverwinter Nights Community once said player has gotten all they've wanted from it.

I'll troll around for new prospects if required.

QSW is back too and I finally heard from her regarding a review for Shadewood. It's only fair that the one who reviewed Almraiven should get first crack at reviewing Shadewood.

Happy Canada Day too! Almost forgot that. Canada is 141 years old and that's about as old as I feel after four years of building in the toolset!

It's sunny outside today and after all the years that have gone by, I need to get some sun. People are looking at me funny because I'm wearing my Auren Society of Weavers robe all the time.

Beware the Wood | 06.01.08

2008-06-01T18:30:00.002-04:00

The High Council has summoned you!

Well, not exactly but soon. Thought I'd post a few of the NWVault entries that will be making their rotation. Which one will start off the advertising campaign I have yet to decide on. Got a favorite?

A New Weave | 05.16.08

2008-05-16T16:11:00.002-04:00

Mother of Mouthmuck!

I'm not a good blogger if the last update I put together was in January. I'm also not a good builder to interview, still having to put together the answers to the questions I was asked by the AME Crew. One day, I promise!

So, let's get right to the meat. Shadewood.

It's going beta very shortly and by that I don't mean a private beta. The final hakpak and music pack should be up on the Vault by the end of the weekend (May 18, 2008) and those who have offered to help do some testing will be notified where they can download the module.

A six minute cutscene ending was completed today. I'm not very good at doing cutscenes, so much of what's available are static camera shots while dialog is read and a few flashy things happen on screen. It takes place at the end of the events that surround Shadewood and I'm very happy with how it's turned out.

Patch 1.69 is now at Beta #10 and Craig was quoted as saying if all goes well, 1.69 Beta #10 will become the FINAL!

Great news for those of us still lingering in the Neverwinter Nights Community.

Put on your robes, fiddle with your ring and grasp your staff.

The Auren Society of Weavers and your continued adventure is about to begin.

New Year | 01.27.08

2008-01-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Yeah, so I'm twenty-seven days late. :) It's always the thought that counts. Since this is the first post for 2008, I think it's fine to wish anyone reading this a Happy New Year.

So what's left? That's why you're here, right.

Bug tweaking, bug tweaking and more bug tweaking. No more building because that's all done. No more side quests as they're all done. No more major plot for that's all done too.

Small additions are being added though, little notes I wrote down over the building of Shadewood that I'd like to put into the module. These include such things as area descriptions, flavor text and conversation modifications. There's nothing worse than a builder who makes an NPC spill all the beans.

I'm very happy with the results thus far and have played Shadewood from start to finish with Falis Goodmane, Annex and Shayla Shay, the three companions you can pick up in Almraiven. That's what is taking me so long with my own internal testing. What works for one companion may be a bug in another.

The hakpak has been final for awhile but I'll be adding one more addition to it that just works with what's going on in the module plot wise. I have yet to get to that. It's just a placeable, for any wondering.

Also, the music collection is final. I did my best to include new tracks for Shadewood but also made use of the older tracks from Almraiven. That is, the tracks that fit. You'll not hear any tavern music while exploring the wood.

On another note, v1.69 is in Beta 4 stage, which means that sucker is just around the corner from final (fingers crossed). I'm really curious how many new single player modules or builders will come forth.

I'll be looking for beta testers soon, so keep an eye out.

Cheers!

Holidays | 12.29.07

2007-12-29T21:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Well...

I actually made it to the end of the year blog-blog wise. Who knows if anyone is reading this little corner but for those that happen to be lurking, Happy Holidays!

Christmas day went on by and I had a great time with the family and cousins as well, who happened to drop by. I don't see them that often, so it's always nice to catch up.

Of course, the reason I'm posting is to say that I'm very happy to announce the final side-quest I was working on is complete!

So what does that mean to those who are waiting for Shadewood? That the end is near. With all of the major side-quests completed, small bugs will be my issue in the weeks to come as the module is ironed out to a final beta release.

Not sure how many will offer to beta test, no one likes doing that it seems, but whatever.

I'll test it myself if need be.

I'm still debating on making Shadewood part 2. Ug. I know... I know. The module itself is almost 55 megs in size and has reached the point where the actuall game clock stops. Arg! This ain't no frickin' PW I say! As Falis Goodmane would say, "Mother of mouthmuck!"

Players might not be happy with a part 3 and with NWN on the downside of the bell curve, I might hurt my chances at a part 3 if no one is around to play it.

The debate continues into 2008 but with v1.69 around the corner, how many will come back and build?

Happy New Year everyone, for those of you stopping by.

AME Awards | 11.21.07

2007-11-21T16:36:00.000-05:00

NWN 2006 Golden Dragon Awards

Today there was a nice surprise waiting over at www.nwvault.com in regards to the AME Awards, the Academy for Modding Excellence for those who do not know, which is a voluntary organisation dedicated to finding and recognising the best community built content for Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2.

Almraiven was selected for the Best Adventure Module and went up against some very well built modules as well:

Prophet - Chapter I - By the Will of Kings and Mortals by Baldecaran
The Fall of Aielund, Part 2 by Savant & BlackDiamond.

I've read nothing but rave reviews of the Aielund Saga and it's on my play list when I'm done with building, so I was shocked that it did not take top spot. I don't know anything about Prophet but will add this to my list of modules to play, obviously an attention grabber due to its nomination.

Then there's the Debut Author Award, which this old grumpy man was also selected for and received, running along side of Andarian (Sanctum of the Archmage 1 and 2) and Proleric (Enigma Island 1 and 2). Anadrian is very well spoken for on the Bioware boards and Almraiven was released around the same month that Sanctum of the Archmage was released. I have yet to see Proleric, unless of course the nick on the forum is different but from the comments made on the module, it's a fine piece of work.

It's a hard nut to crack these days in the module building era of a five year old game that is Neverwinter Nights. Long standing members know the toolset well and do, on a more regular basis than before, churn out excellent and well designed modules. The bar is set higher than those released in 2002, as an example, for players expect more and builders can do more.

With modules like Darkness over Daggerford, the Rose of Eternity saga, HeX coda, Tales of Arterra, the Aielund saga on the minds of many players, it's a nice reminder to those of us coming to the party a little late that we too, are seen as contributors to a great building community.

Thanks to all who have supported Almraiven, played Almraiven and have also guided me during my early building years and to those who have put AME together, kudos.

Tweaks | 11.10.07

2007-11-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a good week! The pain I had felt after my wisdom teeth extraction has gone away, although I still have small holes where the stitching is, which I also have to clean with warm water and salt every night. I've finally been able to enjoy more solid foods too. As much as one enjoys jello, ice cream and soup, it gets old fast day after day. My craving for a steak is getting worse and I hope in another two weeks I can cut into one.

There's something called AME that's formed and founded by community member MokahTGS, and their current chairman is B G P Hughes. This group will be handing out awards for such things as best veteran author, best action module to even best RPG module. It's a good way for old and forgotten content to get noticed again.

Today I finished a major side quest I had been putting off and not because I've lost interest but due to the complex nature of designing it. I don't think I'll be doing an open ended module again due to the number of variables and checks that are required. Did the player do this before that or do that, then this before that other thing? Anyhow, I have one last major quest to tie up, which is thankfully, already done on the open ended side, so now it's just more of a linear pace until completion.

A few more conversation options are being added in as well as general fixing of very old issues that I also put off. One such bug, which I just knocked off, was the dinar system that was written for Almraiven. I never expected players to buy items in one store and sell them for more in another, which some did. This caused the player to collect 10,000 or more wealth in dinars.

Well, the dinar system will stop working when one reaches 10,000 in dinars, resetting the amount to 0. There's no way a player can collect so many dinars in Almraiven, even if all the quests are done but buying and selling via all the shops, one obviously can reach this number.

So Shadewood now supports up to 99,999 worth in dinars, which no player should require in a wilderness but one can never know the evil mind of another.

Plugging | 10.28.07

2007-10-28T13:29:00.000-04:00

I've been plugging and in more ways than one.

Just last Thursday I got my wisdom teeth yanked and it hasn't been very much fun since then. The time off work is nice though but using that time to plug bleeding gaps in my jaw with gauze wasn't what I was aiming for.

Today though the pain is very faint and I was able to eat a KitKat or rather, suck it to death with saliva.

The other plugging has been in Shadewood and I've actually tested it from start to finish with Falis, making notes on what still needs to be tweaked. Annex and Shayla Shay will still require a full run through before I feel comfortable enough to release to beta testers.

In other news, Ossian Studios is about to release a city adventure module for Neverwinter Nights 2. Lots of folks are excited about that, including myself. Having yet to dive into NWN2 and its ability to build, I'll be very curious just how well Westgate is designed as a city, how well it's populated and just how busy it's made to feel. Large empty streets with little to no activity is never a hit with me.

I'm sure Ossian can pull it off, there are enough folks who have the talent and experience from building their own modules, so it'll be one module I'll be keeping an eye on.

[RL] Calgary! | 10.11.07

2007-10-11T22:59:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a great few days as I've just returned from Calgary CANADA where I spent time in Japser and Banff National Park hiking and enjoying the crisp fall Canadian air.

Before I left I took the time to answer a few questions on Almraiven for QSW, Tiberus and Steve Savicki, so keep an eye for that on www.nwvault.com. Still going over a few of the questions as I did not have the time to complete them before I left.

Here's a few pictures from the trip!

Shadewood Q/A | 10.01.07

2007-10-01T15:06:00.001-04:00

Well if you can do it, so can I. There are still those who ask me how Shadewood is coming along on the Almraiven module page now and again, so I've taken the time to create this little place to inform those who are eager to play the continuation of Almraiven.

Q: Is Shadewood coming along?

A: Yes, it's still being worked on and it's coming along. There are bugs that are still being ironed out. For anyone who builds, you know the type. Those small annoying bugs that pop-up when you complete another part of the module. Those small bugs that turn into bigger bugs because you never accounted for a particular scenario, which makes fixing them that much more annoying.

Q: Is Shadewood in the beta stage?

A: No, I have not sent it out to anyone to beta test yet. If you're one of those who offered to help, you have not been forgotten.

Q: Must I have played Almraiven to play Shadewood?

A: Yes and you must have completed it and you must have the Almraiven database files in your /database directory for Shadewood to work and run properly. If you've reinstalled Neverwinter Nights or formated your PC without backing up your /database directory, you will need to play Almraiven from start to finish to get all the required information into the Almraiven Bioware Database file.

Q: Why can't I just play Shadewood?

A: Shadewood is not a sequel. It's a continuation of the story in Almraiven, which one must complete to move forward in Shadewood. Certain variables and information are stored in the Almraiven database file that will determine your starting location in Shadewood, who your laboratory assistant is and what other events unfolded in the city.

Q: There is a HAK for Shadewood on the Vault. Should I download it?

A: No. If you have, you will have to download it again when it's updated. I uploaded it thinking I wouldn't be adding anything else to it and that was not the case as Shadewood was being developed.

Q: What can we expect in Shadewood?

A: Shadewood is a darker module, not only in area design but also in the story arc. Members of the Auren Society of Weavers focus on a magical weave they pull from the Land of the Dead to gain their power. Shadewood offers more focus on this aspect of the society than Almraiven did.

The module is also non-linear in design, which is one of many reasons it's taken longer than expected to build. You can explore any region in the module without having to focus and advance the main story arc and complete side-quests as you see fit. Of course, the main story arc is linear and must be for certain events to unfold.

One will also experience a higher volume of battles due to the fact you will now be exploring the wilderness. Some areas include tombs, caves and forgotten places, all dotted within the Forest of Mir, the Spider Swamp and the Marching Mountains.

Shadewood Info | 10.01.07

2007-10-01T15:04:00.004-04:00

This is the online version of the shadewood.txt file.

+----------------------------------------------------+
: Shadewood . 09.04.08 Public Release by PJH :
+----------------------------------------------------+

I hope your fingers have itched in the past few months while Shadewood was in development and no doubt, your character from Almraiven has been waiting to continue his or her adventure.

This module was created for a single player level Wizard or Sorcerer of any sex that has completed the first module in this series, Almraiven.

If you have not played Almraiven, you will not be able to play Shadewood. Shadewood is a continuation of Almraiven and not a stand-alone module, thus you must have completed Almraiven to continue.

If you have completed Almraiven but reinstalled Neverwinter Nights and did not backup your Neverwinter Nights\Database directory, you will not be able to play Shadewood. You'll need to replay Almraiven so the information from that module can be saved to the database file.

The adventure takes place within the nation of Calimshan on the south-eastern shore in a wood called the Forest of Mir.

Shadewood is a full wildreness adventure and is the second and final installment of two modules.

Contact information :

E-mail : p2k__@hotmail.com
Forum : Fester Pot
Web : http://aurensociety.blogspot.com

Thanks to the following for offering to beta test Shadewood:

John, Courtney, Rich, Lennox, Tyler and Gangster No.1.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[0]-- T O C <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

[00] Table of Contents
[01] Software Requirements
[02] Hardware Requirements
[03] About the Module
[04] Introduction
[05] Currency
[06] Reagents
[07] Experience
[08] Build Suggestions
[09] Exploring the Wood
[10] Conversations
[11] Companions
[12] The Database
[13] Build Notes

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[1]-- SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Shadwood requires the following :

+ Neverwinter Nights 1.68 or higher

+ Shadows of Undrentide

+ Hordes of the Underdark

+ Almraiven Hakpak [REQUIRED] (from the first module)
- almraivenhak.rar
- Install jts.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Almraiven Music [RECOMMENDED] (from the first module)
- almraivenmus.rar
- Install all .bmu files to your NWN\music directory.

+ Shadewood Hakpak [REQUIRED]
- shadewhak.rar
- Install jtsfom.hak to your NWN\hak directory.

+ Shadewood TLK [REQUIRED]
- shadewtlk.rar
- Install dla_treant.tlk to your NWN\tlk directory.

+ Shadewood Music [RECOMMENDED]
- shadewmus.rar
- Install all .bmu files to your NWN\music directory.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[2]-- HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Do not attempt to play this module with an integrated graphic card. This means that the graphic card you have is built into your motherboard. Shadewood uses many placeables and an integrated graphic card may not be able to keep up with the high demand.

1 GIG of memory is suggested.

128MB Graphic Card no older than the 2001 GeForce 4600 TI cards.

200 megs of hard drive space.

Shadewood was built with the requirements noted above. If your system is better than that, you'll be fine.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[3]-- ABOUT THE MODULE <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

+ Single player.

+ Wizard or Sorcerer.

+ No death respawn.

+ No familiars.

+ Light to Medium combat.

+ Estimated 10+ hours of gameplay.

+ 60+ side quests.

+ Resting available in designated locations found in and around the wood.

+ Three henchmen available via quests completed in Almraiven.

+ Intended for characters that have completed Almraiven.

+ There are a number of cutscenes during the game that you cannot break out of.

+ Play this module alone in the dark with the lights down low for best gaming results.

+ Breaking out of a conversation may create problems. Just go with the options and always complete a conversation properly.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[4]-- I N T R O D U C T I O N <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

"The creak of branches catch your ear as you come to the boundary of Shadewood. Known to many as the Forest of Mir, this wood has grown out of control over the past few months.

The trail left behind in Almraiven has brought you here; a foul wood that has been attacking those along the Western Passage, or so the locals of Almraiven have said. Branches reaching a little too far, roots curling upward to entangle the passer-by and spirits have been on the tongues of many.

It is here your investigation continues and it is here the journey will come to an end. What started as a simple investigation will end with the Auren Society of Weavers closing the pages of old and opening up a new chapter in the arts of the arcane.

Bring your skills Weaver, for you will need them all."

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[5]-- C U R R E N C Y <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

The currency in Shadewood are small colored gems of various sizes known as Dinars. Their size, color and shape reflect a specific value. Due to the nature of the wood and what has become of it, Dinars will be of little use to you. Bring them along just incase, for you never know.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[6]-- R E A G E N T S <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Reagents are very important in Shadewood as they are required to mix and brew potions that will assist you during the adventure. Some spells will also require reagents so the weave can be complete and the energy of that weave released. Failure to have a reagent for a particular spell will mean the spell simply will not be cast.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[7]-- E X P E R I E N C E <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

You will receive experience during your adventure. Particular points of interest that will earn you experience :

Combat
Avoiding Combat
Using a Skill
Brewing a Potion
Learning Something New
Receiving a Side Quest
Advancing the Investigation
Completing a Task
Solving a Puzzle
Surviving a Dangerous Task
Saving Someone
Reading a Book/Studying
Creating a Weave
Gaining Knowledge

Do take the time to explore the wilderness. By doing so, you will find side quests that can help you gain more experience.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[8]-- B U I L D S U G G E S T I O N S <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Shadewood can offer many experience advancements and quickly too depending on how many side quests one decides to explore.

I highly suggest to go the route of a Pale Master if and when you reach enough experience for fourth level. This particular prestige class can offer a closer representation of what the Auren Society becomes in the Land of the Dead.

This is purely a role-playing suggestion but can also advance the story if the Auren Society of Weavers happen to be explored in Neverwinter Nights 2.

Being a Pale Master will also offer options that lean more toward the dead and since the Auren pull their power from the Land of the Dead, it's a perfect fit. Shadewood is also a lot darker than what one would have experienced in Almraiven, thus a Pale Master makes a good choice.

Of course, you may continue to go up in levels as a pure Wizard or Sorcerer if you so desire.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[9]-- E X P L O R I N G T H E W O O D <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Shadewood is all about exploring. A wilderness is nothing like what you would have experienced in Almraiven and due to this, you won't come across helpful people to guide you or point you in the right direction.

Resting is limited and this is made very clear once you leave the protection of particular locations that are otherwise safe havens.

Exploring will not only help you come across side quests but will also assist you in finding reagents required for spell casting as well as potion brewing.

Since this module is a focus on a wilderness adventure, finding a laboratory will be difficult. Of course, once one finds such a laboratory, the pieces will begin to fall into place.

I must stress, if you want to concentrate on the main plot, what you'll need to do can all be found within the Forest of Mir. Leaving the wood while you're exploring will take you elsewhere and events in which you find yourself in will not follow the main plot nor will those you happen to come across care, although some may.

Although the main plot is linear in nature, you will be free to explore the entire region as you wish, as fast or as slow as you wish. Some side quests will require that you complete another side quest before you're able to continue. This is also the case with the main plot.

I've taken many of the comments from Almraiven and made Shadewood much more open ended. Due to this, the module might become vast for some, as well as confusing. If you find yourself lost, return to the wood and start chipping away at the journals you've received for that particular area. This will allow you to focus on the main plot and also give you some general direction. The journal is your friend and is used as often as it can, even for some basic quests.

Explore everything. I can't stress that enough and take your time doing it too.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[10]-- C O N V E R S A T I O N S <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Kind of conversations :
-----------------------

Descriptive -

These will pop-up to give you more detail of the area you have entered or a description for something that is only a few feet away. If you have brought along a companion from Almraiven, they may inject a comment or two along the way. Always complete these conversations properly.

Companion -

As you venture forward in your investigation, find quests and new places to explore, your companion will converse with you. Always complete these conversations properly.

Non-Player Characters -

These are your typical conversations that will allow you to dig for information and learn a little bit more about your surroundings.

Conversation options :
-----------------------

These will vary depending on the situation and those you are speaking with.

Skills -

Skill checks are offered and made against your character based on the choices you make or questions you ask. Skill use are Bluff, Intimidate, Lore and Persuade. Even if you have 0 in the three cross-class skills, there's still a chance to gain information by other methods.

Offering Dinars -

When a skill check fails or there is no other option remaining, offering a certain amount of dinars can change the course of the conversation. The higher amount you offer, the better.

Weaving Spells -

Spells in conversations continue in Shadewood and have been expanded in an attempt to offer more conversation variety as well as make use of spells that don't make the popularity list. The following spells are used a lot in conversations:

Harmful: Acid Splash, Electric Jolt, Ray of Frost
PASS : NPCs will fear the power you're able to wield
FAIL : Dinars or skill check or attack or nothing

Horror : Fear, Scare
PASS : NPCs will see things and quickly spill the beans
FAIL : Dinars or skill check or attack or nothing

Rigid : Ghoul Touch, Hold Person
PASS : NPCs will only be able to move their eyes and lips
FAIL : Dinars or skill check or attack or nothing

Friend : Charm Person, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
PASS : NPCs treat you like a close and trusted friend
FAIL : Dinars or skill check or attack or nothing

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[11]-- C O M P A N I O N S <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Shadewood can be a lonely place, so having a companion from Almraiven will certainly spruce things up.

Annex [Druid Female (Grower)]

"The very eyes of this Human Female pierce right through you as she catches you watching her. There is a feeling of calm that suddenly washes over you. Her blue hair sparkles in the sunlight while her black and cyan robe changes color as she moves."

Annex is a result from completing the Darwien's Disappearance quest in Almraiven. You saved Darwien but also had to kill Falis for not saving his sister Wundra.

Annex is a good companion to have in Shadewood because it takes place in the wilderness. She's also a Druid that comes with an animal companion named Patterfoot and is the most difficult of the three companions to attain.

Falis Goodmane [Fighter Male, (Dancer)]

"Fine cloth and stitch drapes down and over the muscular features of this Human Male. Curls and knots make much of his light colored hair but it is his crisp blue eyes that capture your gaze. A black and blue tattoo circles his left arm."

Falis is a result from completing Wundra's Wonder quest in Almraiven. You helped find his sister and saved her from the Werefolk who had her locked up in the sewers.

Falis specializes in the quarterstaff and is very quick on his feet but does not have any experience in adventure travel. He also has a problem with bugs and his long golden locks always come first before anything else.

Shayla Shay [Sorcerer Female, (Guardian)]

"Brown hair with red highlights dangles over the left shoulder of this female that catches your gaze with her cyan colored eyes. Her robe is not from Almraiven and bears colors from a distant land. Her staff pulsates a cool green glow, shifting in size and design as if alive."

Shayla is a result from completing the Something in the Works quest in Almraiven. You helped find her sister and save her from the slave traders who had her locked up and ready to be shipped out.

Shayla also experienced fighting Blackend Souls and knows first hand what the Darkness did in the depths below Almraiven. Her knowledge of this will continue in Shadewood as the two of you move to unlock the mystery.

Shayla comes with an intelligent staff named Nala that she is bound to by magical means.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[12]-- T H E D A T A B A S E <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

Shadewood will use a campaign database in your NWN\Database directory that was created during your adventure in Almraiven.

These files should not be tampered with or deleted and if they have, you will be unable to play Shadewood.

When you've completed the module, your character will be exported and particular events you encountered during the adventure will be stored. If it's possible to pass this information to Neverwinter Nights 2, other modules surrounding the Auren Society of Weavers may surface in the future.

+----------------------------------------------------+
--[13]-- B U I L D N O T E S <---- :
+----------------------------------------------------+

++ SPOILERS REMOVED ++

! = Fixed.
+ = Added.
x = Removed.
* = Completed.
# = Latest NWN Patch.
@ = Unavailable.
? = Bad bug / no fix yet.

Shadewood Pics | 10.01.07

2007-10-01T14:48:00.001-04:00

Here are the first batch of screenshots that have been released to the Vault.

"Road raids and the odd creature once roamed the Western Passage but now that the wood has taken over, folks and creatures alike simply avoid it."

"Shadewood does have its secrets, many of which are long and forgotten."

"Sun does not shine so freely within the wood. Wild and overgrown in many parts, the soft glow of mushrooms guide those who venture too deep."

"The evil of the wood is not kind to those who walk in the Land of the Living. Once a thriving local village, this place is now home to those who roam the Land of the Dead."

Here are the second batch of screenshots that have been released to the Vault.

"As a member of the Auren Society of Weavers, your connection with the Land of the Dead is strong. One with your abilities can see past reflections of spirits left behind. Some of those spirits may even return to the Land of the Living to answer your call."

"There are places within Shadewood that one should never venture to. Creatures roaming magical havens, wild magic and elvish mysteries wrap around the tongues of drunken men and women who share such whispers with others."

"Of course, the Forest of Mir is not the only place one may find themselves. Those who wander could very well end up lost within the murky depths of the Spider Swamp."

"The lucky few may just stumble forward and find dry land to rest on but is a slave port in the depths of the Spider Swamp any safer? Safe enough for an Auren at least."

Here are the third batch of screenshots that have been released to the Vault.

"The northern reaches of the wood that rest against the roots of the Marching Mountains rarely allow the heat of the sun to melt its white blanket of snow."

"Even during high noon the wood remains stubborn with its icy grip."

"Ancient trees and forgotten places stand frozen in time."

"But there is a place, high above, were the weave of magic pulsates."

"Although such a view may look pristine to a regular observer, it is those who weave in the Arts of the Arcane that come to feel its true nature."

"The corrupted mythal of Myth Unnohyr acts as a wild-magic zone by day and a dead-magic zone at night. You've been warned, Auren. Stay away."

Almraiven Guide | 9.26.07

2007-09-28T11:34:00.000-04:00

Although you can download the walkthrough guide from here, I've taken the time to put the entire walkthrough online for easy viewing.

+----------------------------------------------------+
SIDE QUESTS
+----------------------------------------------------+
[o1] Learning the City
[o2] Amalin's Gazebo Woes
[o3] A Trap to Spring
[o4] Alchemy Investigation
[o5] Amulet of Reptiles
[o6] An Evening Ambush
[o7] Arra's Haunted Home
[08] Assassination Attempt
[o9] Ax Jester's Goods
[1o] Basement Trip
[11] Bookworm : Gimyr's Blood
[12] Bookworm : The Cloak of Almraiven
[13] Bookworm : The Elven Language
[14] Bumps in the Night
[15] Chamber of Thought
[16] Childhood Memories
[17] Darwien's Disappearance
[18] Demons of an Old Man
[19] Elusive Eldowen
[2o] Firiem's Prison
[21] Hidden Stash
[22] Irena's Investigation
[23] Jax's Invitation
[24] Laboratory Assistant
[25] Lair of the Two Sisters
[26] Lamu's Escort
[27] Lost Family
[28] Luanu's Death
[29] Marlo's Gift
[3o] Midnight Alley Ghost
[31] My Assistant Charles
[32] My Contact
[33] Mysterious Room
[34] Orange Stripe
[35] Personal Belongings
[36] Picture Perfect
[37] Rotten Rilley
[38] Snake Bite
[39] Something in the Works
[4o] Springwine Jones Estate
[41] Stolen Swordfish
[42] Street-side Investigation
[43] Suldolphor Refugee
[44] The Cuttback Murders
[45] The Tale of Ruby Red
[46] Tin
[47] Validation Request
[48] Wenuth's Message
[49] Wood Delivery
[50] Wundra's Wonder

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Learning the City
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Moving through Almraiven is done by learning where you can find particular city streets, which is done through talking to NPCs, advancing the main plot or receiving side-quests. Exploring Almraiven is not open-ended as one would want it to be. By this, you cannot click on a street sign and go anywhere you want in the city, you'll have to learn of that street first.

Loom Avenue

You start the game here and will always be able to return. This street is where your home base is and you'll be returning here often during the course of your investigation. It's a good idea to take the local tour by Purdee, your close neighbour, as he will show you and get you familiar with your neighbourhood and those who call it home.

Things to do:

Your home.

A Needle in Wool.

The Tweleve Orbs.

Gypsy's Goods.

The Golden Goblet.

One street merchant.

The Villa

The Villa is a popular location for those coming through Almraiven due to the fact one can find a Runner's Shop here, a central network of sending messages back and forth to other folks scattered in and around the city.

Things to do:

One street merchant.

Runner's Shop.

The Diving Dolphin.

Spectral's Call.

Herbalore.

Lilac Loft.

Lady Tolas' Home.

How to get here:

You can learn of this street by speaking with Purdee, the Halfling Male right outside of your home. Ask him for directions to a Runner's Shop and your city map will be updated.

You can also speak with Jax, a Halfling Male street-side living on Loom Avenue. He'll direct you to The Villa as well.

Finally, speak with Abelian, the Human Female on Loom Avenue who can give you directions to The Villa by asking about a reagent shop or a Runner's Shop.

Horseshoe Lane

Horseshoe Lane isn't the cleanest part of Almraiven but it's also not the worst part either. Designed as an 'H', Horseshoe Lane will offer you places to shop, abandoned homes to explore and a tavern to get roudy at.

Things to do:

One street merchant.

Abandoned Home.

Everburning Log.

R'taalin Armorers.

Arra's Home.

How to get here:

Abelian, the Human Female on Loom Avenue can give you directions to Horseshoe Lane if you ask her about an armory shop.

Speaking with Luanu on Mandrake Route about obtaining a corpse for your Laboratory Assistant.

Speaking with Chelim on Runner's End and receiving the Picture Perfect side-quest.

Speaking with Arra on Mandrake Route and receiving Arra's Haunted Home side-quest.

Runner's End

Runner's End is a nice little cul de sac which was named by the street-side that would chase folks here to rob them. There's only one way in and one way out but it does offer the visitor a thing or two to do.

Things to do:

One street merchant.

The Piked Boar

Wundra's Home.

The Spitting Camel.

Shot from Afar.

Imperious Blades.

How to get here:

Speaking with Abelian, the Human Female on Loom Avenue can give you directions to Runner's End if you ask where to find an inn.

Speaking with Elthorian on Mandrake Route in the evening by receiving Wundra's Wonder side-quest.

Speaking with Lamu on The Strip and offering to help escort her to The Spitting Camel on Runner's End.

Speaking with Rotten Rilley when you receive the Tin side-quest at the Lilac Loft.

Mandrake Route

Mandrake Route isn't the best place to live due to the growing number of Stinkers, otherwise known as Werefolk, that seem to frequent this part of Almraiven. A Stinker is known by their smell and you'll know when you're speaking with one if you get too close.

Things to do:

One street merchant.

Woods and Goods.

The Backward Stitch.

Old Abandoned Home.

Luanu's Home.

How to get here:

Via the Runner's Shop when you pick up your mail from your contact Luanu.

Altay, a Dwarf Male on Caravan Run can give you directions if you accept to help him bring back some wood from Woods and Goods via the Wood Delivery quest. Only available from 11am to 5pm outside of Water's Edge.

Via the parrot in front of Herbalore only if you happen to be on Darwien's Disappearance side-quest.

Gypsy Roseway

Gypsy Roseway is a place to avoid during the night as it is a haven for members of thief guilds and other dirty scum that hang out in the alley that connects one street with another.

Things to do:

Jar of Flies

The Shed.

The Roof-tops.

Rundown Home.

How to get here:

Speaking with Robert the Blind, the bartender over at The Black Sands on The Strip. Ask for work and he will give you the Something in the Works quest, which will open up this street of the city.

Speaking with Salaam Iringa, a Human Male during the evening in The Piked Board on Runner's End and only if you are wearing your Auren Society robe. Ask about reagents and he'll direct you to Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

Speaking with Salaam Iringa, a Human Male found in the evening at The Piked Boar on Runner's End, but only when you're on the Suldolphor Refugee side-quest.

Speaking with the owner of the Piked Boar during the day while on the Suldolphor Refugee side-quest.

Caravan Run

Caravan Run happens to be a very busy portion of Almraiven due to the high volume of merchants and street-side that frequent the street. A shop or two can also be found here.

Things to do:

Five street merchants.

Rune Wijadal's Home.

Fisherman's Grill.

The Water's Edge.

Glitterdust.

How to get here:

Speak with Luanu and advance your investigation about Rune and Jenna.

Speak with Flaux for your Laboratory Assistant and take the Blood Runner side-quest.

Benhi's Express

A very rich and clean part of Almraiven is what you'll experience when you first arrive in Benhi's Express. It is where the headquarters for the Evelyn Society of Thinkers is located and thus, magic is everywhere!

Things to do:

One street merchant.

Chamber of Thought.

Weeping Willow.

Memnon's Fingers.

Caster's Claim.

Coiled Quelzarn.

How to get here:

Linar street. You can only gain access to Benhi's Express once you've completed the Alchemy Investigation and Street-side Investigation quests.

Cuttback Kat Alley

Just wearing the wrong cloth and stitch can bring down a load of trouble when you first visit Cuttback Kat Alley. It didn't get its name from being a friendly place, so be prepared.

Things to do:

The Green Drip.

One street merchant.

The Muddy Prints.

How to get here:

Linar street. You can only gain access to Cuttback Kat Alley once you've completed your investigation of the Chamber of Thought on Benhi's Express and completed the Snake Bite side-quest.

Kingscourt

Kingscourt is nestled in a high class ward and one quickly notices this when guard patrols walk on by. It's a street where many wealthy merchants and nobles live.

Things to do:

Springwine Jones Estate.

Aqua Majesta.

How to get here:

Linar street. You can only gain access to Kingscourt once you've received the Springwine Jones Estate side-quest from the Second Sister on Cuttback Kat Alley.

Rosetyl Street

Nestled in the Dock Ward is Rosetyl Street, which is known for its very popular evening joint, the Twilight Tavern. It also is home to a shop or two.

Things to do:

Twilight Tavern.

The Blood Runner.

A Pinch of That.

How to get here:

Linar street. You can only gain access to Rosetyl Street once you have completed the Springwine Jones Estate side-quest and received the Amulet of Reptiles side-quest.

The Strip

Also found in the Dock Ward, The Strip is known for its bustle of goods that get shipped in and out of Almraiven. Sailors enjoy calling this particular portion of the city home.

Things to do:

The Black Sands.

Veiled Crystal.

Animal Cage.

Nyla's Home.

The Gifthouse.

The Silver Circles.

How to get here:

Linar street. You can only gain access to The Strip once you've received the Snake Bite side-quest and have been given directions by either Luanu or Flaux.

The Harbor

A series of dotted islands that rest between the Shining Sea and Almraiven. Many ships have sunk from running into the many jagged rocks found here.

Things to do:

The Blood Runner.

How to get here:

You can learn of this location from Flaux if you selected the Blood Runner as your side-quest for your Laboratory Assistant.

The Harbor Gate

Located on the south-eastern portion of Almraiven, the Harbor Gate is where many ships come and go, loading and unloading their cargo.

Things to do:

Leave Almraiven.

How to get here:

You can learn of this location from either The Mist captain or the Blood Runner captain when you pay for a ship ride to the Forest of Mir.

The West Gate

Located on the west side of Almraiven, the West Gate is used by those coming along the Western Passage, such as merchants and traders.

Things to do:

Leave Almraiven.

How to get here:

You can learn of this location from Jayen, a wilderness guide in the Twilight Tavern who can also guide you to the Forest of Mir.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Amalin's Gazebo Woes
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Kingscourt
NPC : Amalin

A friendly half-elf by the name of Amalin is in need of some help getting a few resources together to complete a gazebo he is building in his backyard.
The sister to his wife is coming all the way from Evereska and he'd like to have it finished before she arrives.

You can find Amalin by his home between 11am to 5pm.

- A pack of nails and a hammer
* Woods and Goods on Mandrake Route

- A shovel
* Street merchant on The Villa - DAY ONLY!

In return he'll give you Amalin's Cloak of Lurking.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
A Trap to Spring
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Rosetyl Street
NPC : Carft

This side-quest is nothing more than a warning to the player about future attacks made on the player by the Efreetum Society of Summoners.

This little warning is given by a street-side on Rosetyl Street, for the right price and if the player is wearing their Auren Society robe.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Alchemy Investigation
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Caravan Run
NPC : N/A

You will receive this side-quest after you've spoken with Rune and Jenna. It requires you to brew a Tracer Potion and as well as a Substance Lifter Potion.

To brew a Substance Lifter potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle (!)
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Spider Silk (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Palm Sap (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

(!) These ingredients are also in your wooden barrel within your laboratory, that is if you didn't make a Brewed Potion of Cure Light Wounds first.

To brew a Tracer potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Bone Dust
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Essence Tear
* Given to you by your laboratory assistant. (!)

(!) You must summon your laboratory assistant before you can brew this potion.

** Completing this will open up the Almraiven : Street-side Investigation side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Amulet of Reptiles
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Springwine Jones Estate
NPC : N/A

You've gotten your hands on the Amulet of Reptiles and
you now have to receive your message from the Second
Sister via the Runner's Shop.

6353 is the passcode.

You will then be told to deliver the Amulet of Reptiles
to Horgar, located on Rosetyl Street in the Twilight
Tavern. The Twilight Tavern is only open at night and
that's when Horgar will be waiting.

Give him the Amulet of Reptiles to complete this quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
An Evening Ambush
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Horseshoe Lane
NPC : N/A

This will happen if you've been walking around Almraiven telling folks who you really are. Eventually, when you've told enough folks, you will be ambushed the next time you exit the Everburning Log in the evening.

A young boy will run up to you, tell you his father has been stabbed and ask you to follow him. It is this moment the sequence will fire and you'll be ambushed by two
members of the Hastelet guild.

You can attack them, fool them via Charm Person or Scare or even run into the Abandoned Home at the end of the alley.

If you've been in the home before, you know what to expect. If not, avoid going into the attic or else the two members of the Hastelet Guild and the Attic Spider
will be on you!

If you want to escape with the highest reward, don't fight them.

If you have your staff/bracers and your ring equipped, no matter what you say or are wearing, they'll know you're an Auren as you fit the description.

If you cast Charm or Scare and they fail their roll, you'll receive experience for not fighting them as well as dinars as they feel bad for the mistaken
identity.

Inside the home, if you hide behind the crates on the first floor and IT WAS NOT RAINING outside, you can watch them slip by as they go upstairs. If it was
raining outside, they'll notice your wet footprints on the floor and attack you with your back against the wall.

If you go upstairs, running into the first room with the window will allow you to jump out of the window and back down into the alley.

Escaping and completing this quest is done by running out of the alley toward the sign post. You'll receive a good amount of experience for escaping from the ambush
and avoiding battle.

You can also complete this quest by killing the two members of the Hastelet Guild or using Charm/Scare spell during your first chance to converse with them.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Arra's Haunted Home
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Mandrake Route
NPC : Arra

This side-quest is introduced by Arra on Mandrake Route and she's only available from 11am to 5pm right between Woods and Goods and Luanu's Home.

Offering to help her solve her ghostly problems will give you this side-quest.

Arra can be found in the Spitting Camel by the grandfather clock if you accept this quest.

Her home should only be entered at night, that's when the ghosts appear.

You want to wait inside the house for the events to happen.

The first event is furniture appearing by the door, then the living room, then the bedroom, then the dining room and finally the kitchen.

When the furniture appears in the bedroom, the first ghost will attack.

When the furniture appears in the dining room, the second and most difficult ghost will attack.

When the furniture appears in the kitchen, the third ghost will attack.

Once the attacks begin, the ghosts lock the door to the house.

After all three ghosts have been killed, the basement door will unlock and open.

Down you go!

Rest, replenish your spells if you must, then try the basement door at the far end of the cellar.

Banging will resume, the door to the first floor will slam shut and eventually, Zombies will burst through the old wooden door by the wall. Kill them both. Rest,
replenish your spells.

Go through the door they came from and enter an underground tomb. Here people are buried but one crazy Skeletal Wizard now haunts the graves. He has the ability to toss Fireballs, so use the walls as protection. Kill the skeletal mage, grab what you want and return to speak with Arra.

Once you've spoken with Arra at the Spitting Camel about her home being cleared, the quest is over.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Assassination Attempt
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Caravan Run
NPC : Ulip

You must have spoken with Ulip back on Mandrake Route before this quest can be given to you. Ulip appears on Mandrake Route between 11am to 5pm.

Then he'll reappear on Caravan Run between 11am to 5pm in the far north-east corner of The Run. He's hiding behind some crates and the pillar with ivy all over it. Speak with him.

He'll want you to find an assassin that has been sent to kill him, an assassin sent by Rotten Rilley himself!

Offer to help.

You'll want to go and stand by the sign-post and wait. Your journal will update as the assassin walks by and vanishes again as he looks for Ulip.

You must spot him THREE TIMES before you're able to return to tell Ulip what he looks like and what he's wearing.

On the THIRD VIEW, you can also speak with the assassin. Coax him into meeting you by the water's edge and you can tell him where Ulip is instead.

If you save Ulip, he gives you some dinars and thanks, slipping away in the street.

If you help the assassin, he heads up to kill Ulip, takes his ear and leaves you whatever Ulip had on him.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Ax Jester's Goods
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Horseshoe Lane
NPC : Ax Jester

Meet Ax Jester from 11am to 5pm on Horseshoe Lane and he'll offer you a chance to see his goods in the evening. He'll tell you what door on the second floor of the
Everburning Log to knock on.

Due note, he will not offer you this if you're wearing street-side cloth and stitch.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Basement Trip
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Springwine Jones Estate
NPC : Raf

If you don't sneak through Springwine Jones Estate via Invisibility and using Knock spells, then you'll probably receive this side-quest to help Raf get some Orcish ale
and Orcish wine. You'll need either a Knock spell for the basement door or the Servant's Key from the Servant's Chamber to get down into the cellar.

Finding the meat in one of the cold rooms located in the Estate will help you avoid battle from the guard dog in the cellar and also give you experience for avoiding battle. You can also sneak past the guard dog using invisibility.

If you don't have the meat, the guard dog will attack you. It's a tough fight if you're not prepared.

Return to speak with Raf and hand over the Orcish wine, ale or both to complete this quest.

Wait around for Raf to get drunk too...

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Bookworm : Gimyr's Blood
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Fisherman's Grill
NPC : Gimyr

When Gimyr is telling you his story about what happened
to Bejala, there's a chance you'll notice he starts to
bite his lip (Spot check). You can read about this
and learn Gimyr is a Berserker Dwarf and have the chance
to question him about it when you receive the
Mysterious Room side-quest from him later on in the
adventure.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Bookworm : The Cloak of Almraiven
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Home
NPC : Bakadah

Bakadah will tell you about a book he left behind
for you to read. Reading it will allow you to read
a little more into the city and surrounding area.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Bookworm : The Elven Language
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Benhi's Express
NPC : Vorbin

If you cannot understand Elvish when you speak with
Vorbin (located on Benhi's Express), you will receive
this little Bookworm side-quest.

Simply return to your library and look up the Elven
Language, read the book and return to speak with
Vorbin. You'll be able to understand him now.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Bumps in the Night
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location: Caravan Run
NPC : Rui

This side-quest will be triggered when you speak with Rui, located on Caravan Run. His hand and arm were gone one morning he woke and he hasn't seen it since.

The arm in question has been deformed into a Creepy Creep creature that will begin to infest itself in your home. At first it will start to leave droppings in your home, followed by strange sounds. Near the end of the adventure it will reveal itself.

Kill it to complete the side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Chamber of Thought
+-----------------------------------------------------+
[TOP] | [NEXT] | [PREVIOUS]

Location : Benhi's Express
NPC : Blasted Magical Painting

You'll eventually have to gain entry to the Evelyn Society of Thinkers residence and to do so, buy an amulet from Walvis who can be found inside of the Weeping Willow. He'll offer you an amulet for 50 dinars.

Put the necklace on and speak with the Magical Painting again, then to Sogo, the other painting. You'll be transported to your chamber.

Speak with everyone on the floor, learn what you can about the lockdown and the death of Irena, even a little bit more about Bejala.

You'll want to learn about your message orb being able to teleport you to various locations in the Chamber of Thought. Once you've gathered enough information, you'll
be reminded in your journal to use the library located on your floor. Do so, find the book Voolahoo's Orbanics, read it and learn how to use the message orb.

You want to learn as many names as possible, all done by those you're stuck with on your floor.

Visit Irena's Chamber first, examine the blood at the base of the bed. You'll now need to get out of the Chamber of Thought to brew some potions.

Use the message orb to speak with JinkJum, the Owl of the Tower. He knows a name of a message orb located in Memnon's Fingers. He'll give it to you if you bring back some mice for him to eat. He'll give you another name where you'll go into the cellar, fight a few rats, loot the limited treasure room and return to speak with JinkJum.

Once you give him the meat, he gives you the name.

In Memnon's Fingers, buy what you need for your Substance Lifter and Tracer potions, return to Irena's Chamber and learn everything you can about what REALLY happened to her. Once you do this, this quest will be complete.

To brew a Substance Lifter potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Spider Silk
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Palm Sap
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

To brew a Tracer potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Bone Dust
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Essence Tear
* Given to you by your laboratory assistant. (!)

(!) You must summon your laboratory assistant before you can brew this potion.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Childhood Memories
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : The Villa
NPC : Rilari

Whatever you do, if you're an Elf, don't insult the dwarf, otherwise you will not receive this quest. The dwarf will return the respect to you if you give it to him.

Rilari is looking for three items stolen from her home on Loom Avenue. They are a pair of earrings, a hand mirror from when she was a little girl and a clock.

- Earrings
* Mandrake Route, Halfling Male - NIGHT ONLY!

- Clock
* Runner's End, Gnome street merchant - DAY ONLY!

- Mirror
* Caravan Run, Human street merchant - DAY/NIGHT!

Return all three to complete the side-quest and receive your reward.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Darwien's Disappearance
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Location : The Villa
NPC : Annex [COMPANION, Druid Female]

Find Annex between 11am to 5pm.

Easy side-quest to get, most difficult to complete.

CAN ONLY GET IF:

Player has not saved Wundra yet via Wundra's Wonder side-quest.

Darwien's completion hangs on the very balance, just like Annex does, the one you can receive this quest from.

Accept this quest from Annex to find Darwien.

In The Villa you have to speak with a street-side named Kara (DAY ONLY) and the owner of Herbalore to move the quest forward.

Once you've spoken to both, speak to the parrot outside of Herbalore. It'll want some bird seed.

Buy the bird seed at Caravan Run on the street merchant, then speak with the parrot again.

You'll learn that Dar was taken to Mandrake Route. Go there between 11am and 5pm to speak with Jaer. Question her on the little girl and learn Dar was taken toward the sewer grate near Luanu's Home.

Find her shoes and clothes to update the quest.

NOTE: This side-quest continues on Wundra's Wonder side-quest when you enter the sewers.

When you find Darwien, to complete this side-quest, heal her.

Meet with Annex and return Dar. She'll thank you and offer to assist you if you leave Almraiven.

Her contact number is 7733.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Demons of an Old Man
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Location : Horseshoe Lane
NPC : Old Man

This old guy is having his mind taken over by the spirits that have surfaced from your arrival in the city. They can feel your weave and know you can help.

Four spirits were murdered and three of those four have taken over the mind of this old man. You'll need to gather some information before you can meet up with these spirits, so prepare to do some investigation work here.

Two street-side on Horseshoe Lane can advance this side-quest. Speak with Vadora and Fezan and learn about Sila. Then speak with the owner of the Everburning Log to hear what he has to say and update this quest.

Once you've spoken to all three, you want to now speak with Sila. Sila is located on Caravan Run but only during the day.

Speak with her and you'll learn the tale of the house being engulfed in flames and a possible way down into the basement. Visit the Everburning Log and explore the pantry for the secret door leading down below.

This is where the three spirits will be found but only one will be seen carrying a lantern. You will have to brew a Channeling Potion [CP] to speak with the spirit
as well as see the rest down in the basement.

To brew a Channeling potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Ear of a Bat
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Well of Souls Water
* Given to you by your laboratory assistant. (!)

(!) You must summon your laboratory assistant before you can brew this potion. You also must be Level 2 Wizard or Level 2 Sorcerer to use this potion.

On your return, speak to each three, learn how they died and the item they require to be put to rest. To learn where those items are, speak once again to Sila.

Head to The Villa and explore Spectral's Call upper floor for the Urn that has the items Sila put away.

Return each one to put the spirits to rest.

Speak with the Old Man to complete this side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Elusive Eldowen
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Benhi's Express
NPC : Vorbin

You'll find Vorbin on Benhi's Express sitting around looking for his wife Eldowen. If you are an Elf or Half-Elf, you'll be able to understand his language and offer to help him.

If you cannot understand Elvish, you'll be given the Bookworm : The Elven Language side-quest.

Once you learn the language, return to speak with him.

Offering to help Vorbin find his wife will issue this side-quest to you.

She'll be found near the end of your adventure on Rosetyl Street in the Twilight Tavern during the evening.

You'll want to speak with her and then let Vorbin know where she is. Return to the Twilight Tavern to speak with Vorbin, who should now be at the table with his wife. If you return to Benhi's Express at night to find Vorbin, he'll be found in the Weeping Willow.

You'll receive your reward and compelte the quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Firiem's Prison
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Location : Fisherman's Grill
NPC : Firiem

Poor Firiem is locked away in a cage inside of Fisherman's Grill. Release him or help the owner keep him locked up?

Speak with Firiem, then with the owner of the bar, then return to speak Firiem again. Listen to his tale if you wish but if you want to complete this quest, you'll want to help him, or not.

Examine the Fading Weave to learn the spells needed to be cast on the Fading Weave. Depending on what spells you cast you'll either reinforce the bind or break it.

To keep Firiem locked in his cage, cast the following spells in this order.

Resistance
Bull's Strength
Continual Flame

Firiem won't be very happy but your reward this time around is with another. Speak with the owner to complete the quest.

To release Firiem from his cage, cast the following spells in this order.

Negative Energy Ray
Ray of Enfeeblement
Dispel Magic *

* Only available on Benhi's Express in Caster's Claim.

Once the bind is removed, Firiem will reward you and the quest will be complete.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Hidden Stash
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Horseshoe Lane
NPC : Parrot

Speak with the parrot to get the little rhyme of where some hidden dinars can be found. He's located right across from the Everburning Log.

Head to Runner's End, find the big fountain and go down into the alley. Walk until you find the chest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Irena's Investigation
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Chamber of Thought
NPC : N/A

You will get this side-quest when you're on the Chamber of Thought side-quest and it will appear once you examine the blood by Irena's bed.

You'll have to brew a Substance Lifter and Tracer Potion to complete this side-quest (and it also goes in completing the Chamber of Thought side-quest).

To brew a Substance Lifter potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Spider Silk
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Palm Sap
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

To brew a Tracer potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Bone Dust
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Essence Tear
* Given to you by your laboratory assistant. (!)

(!) You must summon your laboratory assistant before you
can brew this potion.

Return and use both potions to complete this quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Jax's Invitation
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Runner's End - DAY
Location : Spitting Camel - NIGHT
NPC : Jax

Jax on Runner's End has no relation to Jax on Loom Avenue. Totally two different Halflings that are identical only by name.

Speak with Jax on Runner's End between 11am to 5pm and he'll invite you to meet up with him at the Spitting Camel in the evening.

Meet him in the evening at the Spitting Camel and he'll offer you a little job. He's been tracking someone in the city and has come to learn they're staying at the inn on Runner's End.

He's too busy watching the common room to do the job on his own and he'll offer you a cut, 50-50 if you help him out.

Accept and he'll ask you to pick up something from one of his contacts. This person is just outside in the evening on Runner's End, in a dead-end alley washing her clothes. (Right across from The Piked Boar).

Give her the secret phrase to attain the Suldolphor Robe.

Return to Jax. Now you can just hand over the robe and get your dinars and the quest will end.

Or, you can put on the robe as per his request, head upstairs and knock on Room 88. The door will not open from the one inside, so you'll either have to bash it down via a conversation option (9+ strength), cast Knock on the door or use a spell/potion to boost your strength to get inside.

Once inside the one inside has fled out the window but you'll also pick up a slice of a robe, which you can now use to make a Brewed Tracking Potion, more on that later.

Return to speak with Jax downstairs (he will only speak with you about this quest inside of the Spitting Camel and not outside on the street). He won't be very happy and he drops everything to work on other clients.

He'll offer you the robe and some dinars for your time, completing the quest.

When you exit the Spitting Camel at this point, you'll receive the Suldolphor Refugee side-quest, which is now a full blown continuation of this quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Laboratory Assistant
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Home
NPC : N/A

You'll need to do this eventually if you want to make full use of your laboratory as well as advance the story.

You will gain information from Luanu by asking about where to find a corpse for your laboratory assistant. She'll direct you to Flaux at the Everburning Log and do know, he's only there AT NIGHT!

You also must be wearing your Auren Society ring when you speak with him so he knows who you are.

Follow him into the room so he can speak with you.

Close the door or not, it's up to you.

Sit down or not, it's up to you.

BLOOD RUNNER

Pay 25 dinars for this quest. The Blood Runner can only be done in the evening as you'll have to take care of the crew during the day and you want to use stealth, right?

Inside of the Blood Runner are four salt water troughs that must be filled with salt water from the barrel in the kitchen. Use the empty bucket to fill up the water and pour it into each water trough to unlock the door to the captain's cabin.

Inside of the cabin, examine the stuffed parrot and see where its eyes are pointing. Search that area to find the secret trap door. Go down.

This is the real cabin of the captain. Search it and get the key to the storage deck.

Head down into the storage deck and find the coffin that has the body you can use as your laboratory assistant.

Once you have this, return to your laboratory and summon your assistant from the Land of the Dead.

Quest complete.

SPECTRAL'S CALL

Difficult and puzzle heavy but a little more rewarding compared to the Blood Runner (although the Blood Runner does have its own rewards).

You have to press eight runes scattered in Spectral's Call while doing your best to avoid getting spotted three times by one of the guards.

The order that you must press the runes is listed right at the entrance inside of Spectral's Call. Have your compass facing north and read the runes left to right, top to bottom for the proper order.

1234
5678

You'll get some extra experience if you pass a Lore check when you walk over the runes.

Make sure you do not let the guards see you open the stone door leading down below and CLOSE it after you go through. If they spot you, you'll have to kill them all before you can venture down.

Down below in the depths the puzzle continues, this time with either red pillars and blue pillars, all controlled by twelve runes on the floor.

The runes must be walked over carefully and in the proper order. If the order is correct as you step on the runes, pillars of either red or blue light will appear.

You can only open one door, not both, so pick either to step on the runes that make the pillars red or the runes that make the pillars blue. Pressing
either a BLUE or RED rune in the incorrect order will reset the puzzle.

You can step on BLUE and RED at the same time, just as long as you remember to step on them in the proper order.

[FACING COMPASS NORTH]

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

BLUE ORDER

8, 2, 11, 4, 6, 10

Order is displayed right of the top North-Western locked door. Passed Lore Check will mention a little hint.

RED ORDER

Order is displayed to the RIGHT of the twelve master runes, separated by stone coffins. Passed Lore Check will mention a little hint.

1, 9, 5, 12, 3, 7

BLUE TOMB

Blue tomb has a clock puzzle. You must activate the two runes on the floor to activate the clock hands.

The combination is written on the coffin, so examine it for the description. Turn the clock hand to the first number using the rune that turns them clockwise.

Use the other rune to turn the clock hand counter clockwise until you reach the second number in the combination.

Finish it off by using the rune that turns the hand clockwise to unlock the coffin.

The combination is: 724

RED TOMB

Red tomb has a rope and design puzzle. You must pull each rope and make sure the second arrows match the first display of arrows. Doing this will unlock the coffin.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Lair of the Two Sisters
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Cuttback Kat Alley
NPC : N/A

Head to Cuttback Kat Alley once you learn that there is a Medusa in the city. It is the second sister that you will have to meet up with.

Pay your way to try the maze.

Wear the Evelyn Society robe to get in free.

Head down and try the maze.

Reloading experience will be set at 100 experience.

For every time you are killed below and have to reload, your experience goes down by 10.

The minimum reload reward you can receive is 50.

The maze is random, even where the Medusa appears, so you might get lucky and get all 100 reload experience or become unlucky and only receive 50.

Also, the key you need to find is random, so when you reload again, it will be on a different stone statue.

Meet up with the second sister as best you can, offer to help her (not much choice, you're surrounded by poisonous snakes and magic doesn't work).

This will complete the side-quest and open up Kingscourt as well as give you the Springwine Jones Estate side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Lamu's Escort
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : The Strip
NPC : Lamu

Meet Lamu between 11am to 5pm on The Strip and offer to help her find her way to the Spitting Camel located on Runner's End.

If you offer to help her, you can take her to the inn and receive some thanks, even a few dinars or lead her to an alley. If you lead her to an alley, you will have the opportunity to rob her of her gear.

Either choice will complete this side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Lost Family
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Caravan Run
NPC : Anta

Between 11am to 5pm on Caravan run you can meet a lost family. Speak with Anta and offer to help her, mother and father find an inn. If you've learned of any locations of an inn, you can give them those directions. They'll then be found there the next time around.

You can also give them incorrect directions, which will land them on Kingscourt sometime later in your adventure. You'll be able to learn what happened to them there.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Luanu's Death
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Luanu's Home, Mandrake Route
NPC : Luanu

Luanu will be found dead in her home if you went around telling folks in taverns, inns and the streets who you really are. Once a particular background AC variable has reached 20+, Luanu will be killed for associating herself with you, a member of the Auren Society.

This side-quest is completed when you meet the weaver that killed Luanu. He will be waiting outside of your home on Loom Avenue to engage you in a magical battle.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Marlo's Gift
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Loom Avenue, The Golden Goblet
NPC : Marlo the Bartender

Speaking with Marlo about work can get you this particular side-quest. It's a very simple fetch job, keeping you on Loom Avenue.

Marlo will ask that you return with a gift for his wife that can be picked up over at Gypsy's Goods. He'll give you a letter, which you show to the owner of the shop. In return, she'll give you the carved figurine Marlo is going to give to his wife.

You can sell it if you want but you'll receive more dinars and experience if you deliver it to Marlo. You'll also have the chance to up the amount of dinars you receive from the job via conversation options on your return.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Midnight Alley Ghost
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : The Strip, dead-end alley at midnight
NPC : Floating Spirit

This particular side-quest can only be attained after midnight on The Strip where a ghost haunts one of the dead-end alleys, right near the Animal Cage. To speak with this particular spirit, you'll need to brew a Channeling Potion [CP].

To brew a Channeling potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Ear of a Bat
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Well of Souls Water
* Given to you by your laboratory assistant. (!)

(!) You must summon your laboratory assistant before you can brew this potion. You also must be Level 2 Wizard or Level 2 Sorcerer to use this potion.

The spirit in question has been haunting the alley since your arrival to Almraiven as the weave of the Auren society has pulled the spirit back to the Land of the Living. Speak with the spirit and learn what you can about The Darkness, her society and others that was killed by the entity.

Her release will come when she's done sharing what she knows with you.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
My Assistant Charles
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : High Tower
NPC : Bakadah

Bakadah will give this side-quest to you and it must be completed before you can leave the High Tower. Simply speaking with Charles, your laboratory assistant and releasing him, will complete this side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
My Contact
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : High Tower
NPC : Bakadah

You'll receive this at the start of your adventure and your goal is to find the Runner's Shop, receive your message and meet up with Luanu.

Upon doing this, the quest will be complete.

The Runner's Shop is located in The Villa and your passcode is 2424.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Mysterious Room
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Caravan Run, The Spitting Camel
NPC : Gimyr

Gimyr will meet you on the street of Caravan Run as you are heading to the Strip for the very first time. He will hand over a key which Bejala gave to him the night of her death. This particular key will unlock a room on the second floor of the Spitting Camel.

Found inside will be a journal and a letter that Aunt Aries sent to her niece Irena, which was Bejala's Shawl Sister. The information within the journal brings attention to the Forest of Mir and Aunt Aries asking Irena and her society for help.

Take the journal and the note from the chest inside of the room to complete this side-quest.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Orange Stripe
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Benhi's Express, Menemon's Fingers NPC : Shop owner of Menemon's Fingers.

The first time you speak with the owner, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Orange Stripe, a rare plant that grows in and around Almraiven but only in the evening. You can return each plant to the owner for a reward.

Herbalore will pay you more dinars for this plant in hopes to take away business from Menemon's Fingers. Herbalore is located in The Villa.

Jar of Flies will pay you the most, as the Goblin owner would like to take away business from both Herbalore and Menemon's Fingers. Located on Gypsy
Roseway.

Finding Orange Stripe at night :

- Kingscourt, right by the front entrance to Aqua
Majesta.

- The Villa, Lady Tolas' Home, on her patio.
* You must be on the Wenuth's Message side-quest to gain access to her patio.

- Springwine Jones Estate, inside in the flower room, right by the fountain on the first floor.

- Gypsy Roseway, Roof-top patio.
* You must be on the Suldolphor Refugee side-quest to gain access to this particular portion of the city.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Personal Belongings
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : High Tower
NPC : Bakadah

You must gather the following items which are located in the High Tower.

Dinars (Sleeping Chamber)
Spell book 0-2 (Sleeping Chamber)
The Incantation (Library)
Body Preparation (Library)
Brewing Potions (Library)

You will not be able to leave unless you have collected all four books and picked up all your dinars.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Picture Perfect
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Runner's End
NPC : Chelim

You must speak with a Human Female named Uldoon and ask her about finding some work. She'll direct you to speak with Chelim, a young girl also found on Runner's End.

Find Chelim, ask her about work and offer to help her lift a painting from an Abandoned House on Horseshoe Lane. There's something nasty and sticky
up in the attic where the painting she needs is.

Decline and she'll do it herself, not wanting to get killed by Rotten Rilley. If you venture to the attic, she'll be found dead up there. :(

Offer to help and you have until MIDNIGHT of the day you accepted the quest to deliver the painting.

Chelim will be waiting for you outside of the Spitting Camel.

Head to Horseshoe Lane and to the Abandoned House, go up into the attic and kill the giant Attic Spider or use Invisibility to sneak to the chest and loot it battle free. :)

Return the painting. You can bluff, persuade and intimidate Chelim to get more dinars out of her.

If you keep the painting yourself, you can sell it. If you miss the midnight deadline, the quest will fail but you can still sell the picture.

Tell her you got but are keeping it, she'll walk off very pissed and you might meet some trouble later on in the city when Rotten Rilley sends his collectors to collect!

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Rotten Rilley
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : The Villa
NPC : Kara

You must speak with Kara, a street-side on The Villa while wearing street-side cloth and stitch to get this side-quest.

You can also speak with the Halfling Female on Horseshoe Lane speaking with the old lady next to her. They appear from 11am to 5pm near the Abandoned House. It's the old lady that is constantly saying the password :)

From 10pm to 5am you can try the door. The password you must TYPE as if you were chatting with people in an online mod.

TYPE THE WORD: Asavir

Note, this password will not work if you already received and completed Chelim's side-quest PICTURE PERFECT. The password will have been changed by then.

Once inside a few things might happen.

If you entered wearing your Auren Ring/Auren Robe/Staff/Bracers your cover in the city will be blown. Both thief guilds and society members will be there at Rilley's table. Your colors will ring true to them and you will suddenly be known in Almraiven. **

** All ambush side-quests will then start getting triggered, Luanu will be killed, mage ambushes will begin and Purdee will start to appear at the front of your home warning you of what's going on in the city.

Go in there as a street-side, not showing anything of who you are (no robe, no ring, and no staff/bracers) AND have not been speaking to folks about who you really are when they ask your name and you can receive the Tin side-quest.

If you've been blabbing your Auren name when folks ask you who you are, Rotten Rilley will have you escorted out of his establishment, not wanting to do business with an Auren or offend his guests who do not care for you.

If you're given the Tin side-quest, you will be escorted out but on good terms, none of the guilds or societies will know who you are and you'll also get paid for your service for doing the Tin side-quest.

Either way, once you exit the establishment, this quest is complete.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Snake Bite
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : Chamber of Thought
NPC : N/A

You will receive this side-quest once you've completed the Chamber of Thought side-quest. You'll need to speak with either Flaux or Luanu and ask them about poisonous snakes.

If you talk to Flaux, he will give you directions to The Split, to speak with a fellow named Bado at the Animal Cage. You'll need to rent a raft from Water's Edge on Caravan Run to get to The Split.

Talk to Bado and learn of the Medusa below the Green Drip on Cuttback Kat Alley. This will complete the quest and open up Cuttback Kay Alley to you.

If you talk to Luanu (if she hasn't been killed), she will tell you to speak with Nyla, an old snake charmer who lives on The Split. You'll need to rent a raft from Water's Edge on Caravan Run to get to The Split.

Nyla will only be available during the DAY. Knock on her door, tell her Luanu sent you and mention how Irena was killed and show her the blood sample. She'll give you a book to read.

Return to your library, read the book and either speak with Flaux or Luanu about where to find a Medusa in the city. Get directions to Cuttback Kat Alley and the quest is complete.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
Something in the Works
+-----------------------------------------------------+
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Location : The Black Sands
NPC : Robert the Blind

Ask Robert the Blind, the bartender, about work. He'll want you to pay but you can bluff, persuade, intimidate, pay or even cast Charm/Scare to have
him hand over the information.

He'll tell you about a friend he met who's looking for some help and give you a wooden block to show the owner of The Shed.

The Shed is on Gypsy Roseway. Make sure you get those directions from Robert if you have yet to receive them.

At The Shed, show the owner the wooden block and he'll give you directions to go upstairs to the second floor and take the ladder to the roof.

Meet Shayla Shay [COMPANION, Sorcerer Female]

Her staff has the ability to communicate with Shayla and only Shayla. She's looking for someone to help rescue her sister, who has been taken by slave traders.

Accept, gear up and head into the old ruins of Almraiven below the city streets.

Your task from here on in is very linear and simple.

Search the buildings of Nightwatch Wharf and gather what information you can. You'll soon realize that The Darkness killed the slavers and you'll also have to battle some Blackened Souls, spirits left over that now hunt those who walk in the Land of the Living.

Find the key in the Raven's Nest, which will unlock the door to The Amber Sail. Inside, speak with the slaver to learn that Shayla's sister might still be alive.

Head to the waterfall and climb up it; follow the river. Battle more Blackened Souls and find the cave with the fire burning around it. Inside is Shayla's sister. Take her back to the boat, then the campfire to learn what happened and then back to the surface.

Shayla will give you thanks and offer her services to you if you ever leave Almraiven.

Her contact number is 9122.

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Springwine Jones Estate
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Location : Kingscourt
NPC : The Second Sister

You will receive this quest from the Second Sister below the Green Drip on Cuttback Kat Alley. She wants you to lift the Amulet of Reptiles before she'll hand over any information about the Floating Weaver.

The estate can be entered a few ways.

One is to wait until night falls. One of the guards leaves his post to wander the estate at night. Cast KNOCK by the door he was guarding to gain entry.

Another option is to CHARM/SCARE your way via conversation on the guard posted at the front door or the other posted at the side door. You can also pay them if you CHARM them. They'll be so spooked via SCARE that they'll let you right in.

Once inside you can do a few things.

TIPS:

If you open a door, remember to CLOSE IT! The guards will notice that a door has been left open and sound the alarm.

STEALTH VIA MAGIC

If you can cast Invisibility and Knock, you can simply move around invisible, cast KNOCK on the doors by the fountain to enter Springwine Jones private room. Inside is a key to the locked STONE DOOR in the fountain room.

That's where you'll find the Amulet of Reptiles BUT to get out without sounding the alarm, you'll need the CANDLE from the display case out in the hall.

Examine the window when you've picked up the CANDLE and MELT the window. Grab the Amulet of Reptiles. Cast Invisibility if you're able to again because you'll need to sneak past the GUARD DOG.

If you have the MEAT from the cold storage room found on the main floor of the Estate and are not invisible, you can feed the Guard Dog. He'll let you pass once you give him the meat.

If you're invisible, you can walk right on by, loot what you want and take the sewer grate out of the estate to escape.

NON-STEALTH / NON-COMBAT

Listen at the doors when they're closed for the footsteps. If you open the door and a guard is really near, you can close it quickly enough without them spotting you. Think of it as if you were opening it just a crack to take a peak.

When you can't hear any more footsteps, it's safe to open the door and move around.

You want to find the SERVANT CHAMBER. (North-East part of the estate). Remember to close all DOORS, even when you enter the servant's chamber. You can rest inside.

Take the servant garb, the key, anything else you want and put on the servant garb. You can now walk freely and leave doors open AS LONG AS YOU WEAR THE SERVANT GARB!

The guards will approach you on sight to speak with you. The guard walking the north-east portion of the estate is Raf. He/She will want some Orcish Wine/Ale, offer to help. This will give you an excuse to the other guard on the west side of the estate when he questions you.

Before you head down, find the cold storage room and pick up the MEAT. You'll want it for the Guard Dog. He'll let you pass if you feed him.

If you don't have ROPE, you'll find some down in the basement along with the Orcish Wine/Ale.

Return to give Raf whatever you want, it does not matter.

Now wait until Raf gets drunk. He/She will pass out in the pantry.

This is where you need ROPE and a PILLOW CASE. Stuff the pillow case in his/her mouth and tie him/her up as well. This is to keep Raf from sounding the alarm when he/she wakes up.

Now put on the gear Raf was wearing. Helmet, armor, staff, etc and head to the west part of the estate. Walk down the corridor where the sign reads "NO SERVANTS ALLOWED!"

If the guard patrolling there isn't close by, you can enter the last room BUT CLOSE THE DOOR! The alarm will sound if it's open, regardless of Servant/Raf gear. Find the key that will unlock Springwine Jones private room.

Do your best to sneak out of the room. If you're caught in the corridor with both DOORS closed, the guard will think you're Raf and want some Ale or Wine. You can get away by not having any, he just won't be happy with Raf when Raf wakes up :)

Visit the display case if you haven't yet and pick up the CANDLE, then head to Springwine Jones private room. Loot what you want and grab the final key.

This key unlocks the stone door in the fountain room. Inside is a window. Melt the window with the candle. Smashing the glass will trigger the alarm. Take the Amulet of Reptiles.

Now it's time to get out! Head back into the basement and go to where there's a sewer grate. Enter it to escape the estate.

ALARM SOUND / COMBAT

If any of the guards suspects you of being someone you're not (a servant), they will engage in battle via a conversation. The alarm will sound. All Springwine Jones Estate guards that were outside will enter the estate to being guarding the exits.

The City Patrol guards will be on high alert and will attack you if they catch you outside of the estate when you finally escape.

Feel free to kill them all if you wish.

The quest will complete once you get your hands on the Amulet of Reptiles.

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Stolen Swordfish
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Location : Mandrake Route
NPC : Firien

Firien can be found speaking with Arra between Luanu's Home and Woods and Goods on Mandrake Route between the hours of 11am to 5pm.

Talk to her about swordfish and she'll go on to mention that a merchant on the Trade Ward is having his fish stolen.

This merchant is found on Caravan Run and ONLY when you've received this quest and ONLY during the day.

Head to Caravan Run to speak with the fish merchant and he'll tell you about how his fish are getting stolen at night.

So, now you want to return to Caravan Run during the night and meet up with a Half-Orc and a Halfling (located near the Imp Cage).

Talk to the Half-Orc and the Halfling who "smells like fish" will begin to walk away.

If you fail to follow the Halfling to see where he's stashing the fish, when you return to speak with the merchant the quest will end. The merchant will have had all his fish stolen and be forced to begin living on the street.

If you follow the Halfling, stay close enough until he vanishes in the alley. You'll learn of where the fish are being kept. Return during the day to speak with the merchant and tell him where his stolen fish are. He'll give you a reward and not go out of business.

Quest complete.

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Street-side Investigation
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Location : Caravan Run
NPC : N/A

You will receive this quest once you've completed the Alchemy Investigation quest. Your goal here is to speak with four (4) NPCs during the DAY on Caravan Run to learn of what happened the night Bejala was killed.

These four NPCs are static and do not move around at all when you enter Caravan Run afterwards.

The fifth and final NPC is Gimyr found at Fisherman's Grill during the NIGHT.

Once you have spoken to all five, your journal will be updated and you'll have to speak with Jenna and Rune one last time.

Then the option to explore Benhi's Express will be available to you.

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Suldolphor Refugee
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Location : Runner's End
NPC : Via Jax's Invitation quest

After you've completed Jax's Invitation quest, this quest will open to you.

NOTE : ONLY if you got into Room 88 and listened to what Jax had to say afterward will you get this side-quest.

When you exit the Spitting Camel, this quest pops up and you'll have to create a Brewed Tracking Potion to follow the steps left behind from the one whom jumped out of the window of Room 88.

Return to drink the potion and the steps will appear. Follow them right into the Piked Boar.

If it's DAY, speak with the owner of the Piked Boar and ask your questions to learn the owner gave the lady directions to The Shed on Gypsy Roseway.

Visit The Shed.

If it's NIGHT, speak with Salaam Iringa sitting by the bar and ask your questions. He'll eventually give you directions to The Shed on Gypsy Roseway.

Visit The Shed.

At The Shed, go upstairs to the second floor. A room is being guarded by a member of the Shadowed Panurgk. Speak with her.

If you offer to walk away, you receive some experience and dinars for your services. Quest complete.

If you attack, you'll have to kill her and get the key to the room.

Now if you killed her, enter the room and you'll catch just a glimpse of a foot climbing out the window. Dash to the window to follow the person!

To the roof-top you go! Keep a quick eye on what she does and where she jumps from because that's your jumping point too.

Spot checks during the chase will activate. If they pass, you'll spot someone else chasing her too!

Follow her and stay on her until she enters a darkened alley. Save your game for the best result.

You're going to have to deal with another member of the Shadowed Panurgk, who corners you for killing one of her sisters of the guild. Kill her as quickly as possible.

The one you're chasing is now hiding out somewhere in the alley and you'll need to find her within 4 minutes REAL TIME or the quest is over.

The three places she might be hiding:

#1
From the alley you're in - Climb the ladder to the top patio - Climb down the other ladder on the other side - Enter the dead-end. If she's there, you'll be told and she'll appear. If not, try another of her hiding spots.

#2
From the alley you're in - Enter the Rundown Home and go into the basement. Search all four corners. If she's there, you'll be told and she'll appear. If not, try another of her hiding spots.

#3
From the alley you're in - Enter the Rundown Home and go to the second floor. Search the back room, far corner. If she's there, you'll be told and she'll appear. If not, try another of her hiding spots.

Once you found her, speak with her and learn what you can. She'll offer you some goods to let her go after she shares her story.

If you let her go, she'll tell you of a hidden key in the back alley on Horseshoe Lane for a room on the second floor of the Everburning Log. There you can find three hidden items under the wooden floor.

BONUS : If you have yet to visit Cuttback Kat Alley and you do not pay the 10 dinar fee to pass Chelles' corner and get attacked, Lilly will be there to help you out.

If you KILL her, her brother Fade begins to hunt you down. This is not an easy task for any thief, especially with very little to go on. Thus, Fade does not appear in Almraiven. He will though, in some other part of your adventure to come.

Quest complete.

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The Cuttback Murders
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Location : The Green Drip on Cuttback Kay Alley
NPC : Bartender, Owner

Ask for work and he'll tell you about some woman who comes around now and then asking about murders in the alley. Before you meet her, you have to be exploring the alley at night and find two bodies that get dumped there.

Once you found both, return to the Green Drip and find Azuv. She'll ask you to help, up to you if you do or not.

If you help her, she'll give you a ring. Speaking with the owner of Glitterdust on Caravan Run is an interesting turn of events. Flaux and Luanu can also help give you some basic information too.

Once you learn what you can, return to speak with Azuv about the owner of the ring. She'll thank you and give you a reward and exit the establishment, ready for the hunt.

During the course of your adventure, you will begin to find pools of blood and stakes littered on the streets or in a back alley or two. This is the work of Azuv hunting those who killed her children.

Quest complete.

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The Cuttback Murders
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Location : The Green Drip on Cuttback Kay Alley
NPC : Bartender, Owner

Ask for work and he'll tell you about some woman who comes around now and then asking about murders in the alley. Before you meet her, you have to be exploring the alley at night and find two bodies that get dumped there.

Once you found both, return to the Green Drip and find Azuv. She'll ask you to help, up to you if you do or not.

If you help her, she'll give you a ring. Speaking with the owner of Glitterdust on Caravan Run is an interesting turn of events. Flaux and Luanu can also help give you some basic information too.

Once you learn what you can, return to speak with Azuv about the owner of the ring. She'll thank you and give you a reward and exit the establishment, ready for the hunt.

During the course of your adventure, you will begin to find pools of blood and stakes littered on the streets or in a back alley or two. This is the work of Azuv hunting those who killed her children.

Quest complete.

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The Tale of Ruby Red
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Location : Loom Avenue
NPC : Newel

Newel can be found outside of the Golden Goblet with two other female ladies. As long as you are wearing an article of clothing from A Needle in Wool, Newel and the ladies will speak with you.

They'll invite you to the Golden Goblet in the evening for drinks and the tale of Ruby Red.

You'll want to return to speak with them still wearing an article of clothing from A Needle in Wool.

Sit down and listen to the tale.

This is a very small introduction to Fade, a new thief in Almraiven making a name for himself.

Fade is tied in with the Suldolphor Refugee side-quest, which surrounds his sister Lilly Lynn.

Quest complete.

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Tin
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Location : Lilac Loft
NPC : Rotten Rilley

You can only get this quest if you have not completed the Picture Perfect side-quest and ONLY if you enter Lilac Loft wearing street-side cloth and stitch, NOT wearing your staff/bracers or wearing your ring AND NOT if you've been telling folks you're a member of the Auren Society when they ask you for your name.

*PHEW*

Other than that, enjoy!

You'll want to talk to Olsen over at the Spitting Camel on Runner's End and learn of this Tin fellow he wants you to find.

You can find Tin sitting over on Benhi's Express during the DAY. Go there as a street-side though so he can tell you his story too.

Listen to it, return to speak with Olsen and receive your pay.

You will then be paid by a Runner that Rotten Rilley sends. This will happen near the end of your adventure when you're going to visit the Runner's Shop.

Quest complete.

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Validation Request
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Location : Kingscourt
NPC : Dock Worker

Only available between 11am to 5pm, right outside of Aqua Majesta working the docks.

When she asks you what you do for a living, mention you work the streets but make sure you're not wearing Evelyn cloth and stitch or a robe from A Needle in Wool, otherwise she'll see right through you.

She'll offer you a small running around task, to get the validation papers she has stamped by the proper authority.

Accept and she'll give them to you. You'll need to first get them stamped over at Water's Edge on Caravan Run and then head to The Strip to speak with Bado over at the Animal Cage and get his stamp of approval.

Once both of stamped the Validation Papers, return to speak with the female dock worker. Hand over the papers and she'll give you your reward.

Quest complete.

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Wenuth's Message
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Location : Cuttback Kat Alley
NPC : Drunken fellow

Sitting outside of his tent right near the sign-post is this drunken fellow, who will mistake you for Wenuth, someone who's to pick "something" up.

Pretend you're Wenuth and do your best to get the "something" he wants to give to you. Paying him is the best bet, but you can use bluff, persuade, intimidate or Charm/Scare spells.

Once he gives it to you, read the note and pick up on this little side-quest.

If you want to complete this task, go to Lady Tolas' home located in The Villa during the NIGHT. Going during the day, you'll run into her and she'll give you the wrong necklace just to save her hide.

At night you can enter her home while she's sleeping, kill her, suffocate her or knock her out to get the necklace.

You'll now want to head to the Golden Goblet to meet your contact. Take the message that you were given as proof of being Wenuth. Don't go into the meeting as an Auren or Evelyn, street-side is best.

Get your dinars for making the lift or keep the amulet for yourself to sell.

Quest complete.

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Wood Delivery
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Location : Caravan Run
NPC : Altay

Altay can be found outside of Water's Edge between 11am to 5pm and if you have the time to spare, offer to pick up some wood for him over at Woods and Goods on Mandrake Route.

Head over to Mandrake Route and show the owner of Woods and Goods the order form. The owner will then prepare a wagon full of woods and goods outside of his shop. Just click on the full wagon to deliver it back to Altay.

Speak with Altay to receive your reward.

Quest complete.

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Wundra's Wonder
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Location : Mandrake Route
NPC : Elthorian

You can meet up with Elthorian on Mandrake Route during the night and he'll be found sitting in front of his tent preparing for the nights work.

Wundra, one of his girls was cut up pretty bad but her brother Falis does not want to see or even speak with Elthorian. So, Elthorian will mention to you were Wundra lives if you want to look into it. Falis just might warm up to you because you're not in the same business.

Visit Runner's End during the day and knock on Wundra's door where Falis will answer. Offer to go in and look at Wundra for Falis and he'll invite you inside his home.

Now you'll want to explore his home and even the blood stains at the base of her bed. You're going to have to brew a Substance Lifter Potion [SL] to learn more about the look and smell of the blood.

To brew a Substance Lifter potion, you will need :

- Empty Potion Bottle (!)
* Bought on the flying Imp on Caravan Run.
* Bought at Veiled Crystal on The Strip.

- Bonding Agent (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Spider Silk (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

- Palm Sap (!)
* Bought at Herbalore in The Villa.
* Bought at Memnon's Fingers on Benhi's Express.
* Bought at Jar of Flies on Gypsy Roseway.

Pour it on the blood to learn what you can, then return to your personal library to study the different blood of the wild kingdom.

At this point, read the book and learn you need a Remove Curse spell (found at the Tweleve Orbs on Loom Avenue) and Belladonna (Bought at Herbalore,
Memnon's Fingers or Jar of Flies).

Return to speak with Falis and let him know his sister can be cured and he'll give you some dinars for the items you purchased.

Exit and re-enter his home to trigger the next stage of this quest or you can speak with Falis first, get the dinars, then buy the items, then return.

Either way you do it, the next event is entering the home to find Falis down on the ground and two Werefolk in the house. Kill both Werefolk and speak with Falis. He'll explain how they surprised him and he's going after
them to save his sister Wundra.

Offer to help and enter the sewers below the city.

You'll want to work your way down to the third level, battle the Werefolk until you meet up with the ring leader sitting in his chair. He'll be calm, no worries kind of attitude. Speak with him to engage the final battle and event.

Once you've taken care of him, take the key on him to unlock the stone door on the third level that will lead you to the cells. This is where you'll find Wundra.

BONUS: If you've done everything you need to do for Darwien's Disappearance, your opportunity to heal and save her has arrived.

NOTE: If you have not talked to Jaer and found Darwien's shoes and clothing to update the Darwien Disappearance, you won't be able to heal Darwien period. If you have not received the Darwien's Disappearance side-quest at this point, you will not be able to attain it later on.

So do you save Darwien or Wundra?

If you pick Wundra, Darwien turns into a Werefolk and attacks you. If you're on both the Darwien's Disappearance and Wundra's Wonder quest, Darwien's Disappearance quest will fail.

If you pick Darwien and you've spoken with Jaer and found Darwien's shoes and clothing, Wundra turns into a Werefolk and attacks you.

If you have Falis with you and you save Darwien, Falis will kill his sister and then turn on you!

If you attempt to save Darwien but have not been given the Darwien's Disappearance side-quest, the healing will fail and both Darwien and Wundra turn into Werefolk, Falis will also turn on you.

If you heal Wundra and Falis survives the adventure, Falis will offer his services to you as a companion if and when you leave Almraiven.

If you heal Darwien and return her to Annex, Annex will offer her services to you as a companion if and when you leave Almraiven.

The choice is up to you.

Quest complete.