tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post3079307479199343316..comments2024-01-21T07:49:10.730-08:00Comments on Best cRPGs: The Aielund Saga Walkthrough Guide: Act One - Part I - Bracksworth (Bracksford), Southern Highway, Fort Highmarch, Northern HighwayLilura1http://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-46591695526827466732018-05-03T06:29:12.745-07:002018-05-03T06:29:12.745-07:00Go to 1:22:00 of this vid (Balkoth's Lets Play...Go to 1:22:00 of this vid (Balkoth's Lets Play of the Aielund Saga):<br /><br />https://youtu.be/hm5fnTuqhUI<br /><br />Hilarious! :DLilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-51633277865551994012017-10-29T09:32:20.429-07:002017-10-29T09:32:20.429-07:00Spartan can be equipped with items, just not armor...Spartan can be equipped with items, just not armor specifically, as an FYI.Balkothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12425374556730828853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-6770217735598130022017-10-29T07:31:43.892-07:002017-10-29T07:31:43.892-07:00Great effort! I've let Savant know about it. I...Great effort! I've let Savant know about it. I won't be able to contribute in the immediate future, but perhaps down the track. Cheers! Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-34954992053972005002017-10-28T19:15:17.871-07:002017-10-28T19:15:17.871-07:00Hi Lilura! Since Tales of Arterra has a TV Tropes ...Hi Lilura! Since Tales of Arterra has a TV Tropes page, I figured I created one for The Aielund Saga. Feel free to contribute.<br /><br />http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/TheAielundSagaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-939067068839805652017-05-15T11:46:55.724-07:002017-05-15T11:46:55.724-07:00No, I can see where you're coming from; it jus...No, I can see where you're coming from; it just didn't bother me. I come from the school of Fallout and Baldur's Gate, where the PC could say all manner of weird and OOC things, drawn from popular culture etc.<br /><br />You would probably like Mask of the Betrayer, which <a href="http://lilura1.blogspot.com/2015/03/recounting-mask-of-betrayer-part-i.html" rel="nofollow">I've also done a write-up for</a>. It's not complete, but it's a good starting point.<br /><br />Cheers!Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-63283751466018001492017-05-13T12:15:24.753-07:002017-05-13T12:15:24.753-07:00Thanks. I suppose I had a different impression of ...Thanks. I suppose I had a different impression of this module before I began it. It is rather linear, roleplay wise, and ever since playing games that are less 'linear' in feel, I just have to re-adapt. I don't like the casual dialogue in this module, from all sorts of characters. But I'm still playing it since it has fun moments and I like the game play system of NWN a bit (don't like how henchmen cannot be controlled).<br /><br />As for dialogue exploring the personal character personality, I simply prefer more choices; generally this module only has one dialogue option for most conversations among NPCs. Also the PC options to talk are inconsistent in personality; for example, in the thieves headquarters, you only get one dialogue choice where your character starts to sound like a sailor, swearing... and then in other places your character sounds like a noble knight, or a barbarian. It seems like PC has some issues, but this fact breaks the immersion of roleplaying, for me anyways.<br /><br />I am also playing NWN 2 OC and I feel like I have more options to say different things with my character (I usually play diplomatic/healer cleric type characters). Still, these are two different games so it won't be the same. That's my perspective on the issue though, I can understand some don't feel this way.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-60525003363987661792017-05-08T21:33:53.863-07:002017-05-08T21:33:53.863-07:00I think the dialogue gets better, yes. As for how ...I think the dialogue gets better, yes. As for how much better, I don't remember other than it has its moments. I only played this campaign through once and it was quite a while ago. <br /><br />Swordflight is a NWN campaign that has more reactivity in dialogue than most RPGs I've played, amateur or pro. However, its combat, non-linearity and resource management make it more difficult than the Aielund Saga, which is a sweeping, well-paced epic.<br /><br />Not sure what you're after in regards to dialogue exploring PC personality. Not even Mask of the Betrayer, Planescape: Torment or Arcanum impressed me in this respect.Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-1709160522409222902017-05-08T20:16:17.533-07:002017-05-08T20:16:17.533-07:00I'm playign this module, the first NWN module ...I'm playign this module, the first NWN module I have tried so far since getting NWN a few weeks ago, and I am in Act I. I find there are not many dialogue options to choose from, limiting my character's personality and roleplay choices, and te dialogue is a little corny at times, at one point my character said 'missy' to someone. Without being spoiled, I'd like to know if more dialogue options are available in later acts. And maybe improvements to the dialogue.<br />So far my opinion on the module is alright, however.<br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-38124927204220016262017-01-09T17:55:59.157-08:002017-01-09T17:55:59.157-08:00Hi Lanjane, and thanks for your kind comment and r...Hi Lanjane, and thanks for your kind comment and recommendations. I do try to bring some emotion to my retrospectives and walkthroughs, so it pleases me that you appreciate that.<br /><br />There are many great modules that I have not yet tried, but I hope to get around to them someday. I recommend Rogueknight 333's Swordflight to you, in return. <br /><br />Also, your written English is better than many native speakers, so don't apologise!<br /><br />Cheers!Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-43898920455793583992017-01-09T09:33:37.690-08:002017-01-09T09:33:37.690-08:00Hi, Lilura!
Thank you very much for your walktrou...Hi, Lilura!<br /><br />Thank you very much for your walktrough, it's a sheer joy to read. I like your sometimes 'perky', sometimes heartwarming style of story-telling, level of details and useful notes. Actually it was so inspiring that it forced me to download The Aelund Saga immediately and to start playing the same build as yours (PAL/WAR/COT). Playtested this build in Infinite Dungeons first, found it a strong one!<br /><br />I have to change my so-so opinion about paladins in general about a year ago, when playing module series Twilight/Midnight. By the way, these ones are very clever designed and polished, and have tough fights as you like. You can truly see the full powers of a paladin there.<br /> <br />Still play NWN modules from time to time. As for characters - in the past I used to stick with clerics, of course because they can buff and heal themselves and their comrades as well (save some money on potions).<br /><br />Have you checked Some Assembly Required, The Book of Shaddowe and Elegia Eternum/Excrucio Eternum modules? If no, I recommend them to you because they are my favourites and have a good replayability.<br /><br />P. S. > I apologize for not being word-perfect in English, I'm from Russia. Subscribed to your blog!Lanjanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-88151134380323901642016-12-14T08:54:53.458-08:002016-12-14T08:54:53.458-08:00Thank you Lilura for your installation how-to and ...Thank you Lilura for your installation how-to and guide. And, to Stephen Nowland...as someone old enough to play D&D when it first hit the shelf of a comic-book store, your Aielund Saga is the best of many good RPGs I've played on the PC. Skyrim...Pillars of Eternity...Dragon Age...Divinity Original Sin...all fun, all well done, but none have the magic and replay-value of your saga. Thank you! - NannyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-78024126101550857622016-01-13T17:48:21.889-08:002016-01-13T17:48:21.889-08:00Hello there, Ahti. Just wanted to give thanks for ...Hello there, Ahti. Just wanted to give thanks for the exceptionally helpful Aielund download sequence - last time I tried, everything went to the Abyss in Cespanar's handcart! Seriously, I'm not at all tech-savvy, and a late bloomer in the D&D RPG garden (though I do have a DM manual - version 1 - from 1978, and could probably still get lead poisoning from my early heroes), so you've been invaluable. I joined the ECB Guild early on in my endeavours to play NwN decently, and they've all been crackers too. Thanks again!<br /><br />Btw, Baldur's is my natural stomping ground, so I like your blatherings thereon too!Stagmeisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07978703445029979346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-47957632366796704382015-09-20T23:27:51.010-07:002015-09-20T23:27:51.010-07:00Ok well, Swordflight Chapter One is set in the des...Ok well, Swordflight Chapter One is set in the desert, but Swordflight Chapter Two has a lil' more variety (Undersea Ruins, Forest of Mir, Mountain Fort, Spider Swamp). I'm not sure where Chapter Three will be set. Apparently, the player faces obstacles en route to Candlekeep, which is a coastal area near Baldur's Gate on the Sword Coast, so I'm not sure if that means we're gonna be shipwrecked in some exotic locale and/or have pirate issues, or what. I guess we'll see! :)Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-28029750978446768302015-09-20T02:39:21.644-07:002015-09-20T02:39:21.644-07:00Lilura I checked your posts about Swordflight and ...Lilura I checked your posts about Swordflight and it seems to ba a bit... sandy and indoor:) What I really value in Aielund, among others, is the abundance of different landscapes (winter being my favourite!) and skies above your head.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03981124030849491907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-53440360885770680352015-09-19T18:35:33.898-07:002015-09-19T18:35:33.898-07:00Aielund Saga is the complete package, that's f...Aielund Saga is the complete package, that's for sure. <br /><br />For epic campaigns of sweeping scope, it certainly beats Crimson Tides of Tethyr & Darkness Over Daggerford hands down (kicks 'em to the curb, actually); but, with only two parts of a projected five completed, Swordflight series is already shaping up to be a strong contender for the mantle.<br /><br />These all-encompassing creations demand more players!Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-33148561977712334842015-09-19T15:11:47.280-07:002015-09-19T15:11:47.280-07:00I have just finished "Aielund Saga" and ...I have just finished "Aielund Saga" and want to use this space to thank Stephen L. Nowland for his grand work. I believe it may be THE BEST among epic, long scenarios for NWN created to date. In terms of complexity of the plot, believability and psychologically chiseled henchmen it is comparable only to "Dance with rogues" (I think of replaying it using e.g. female bard in order to interact with Robert -- an interesting personality). However, in terms of overall experience, the quality of language (after all, RPG should be like a novel), and meticulous aesthetic completness Aielund Saga is unrivaled and seemingly beats everything created for NWN so far (even HOTU). I really liked the fact you kept returning to same places and step by step sewed custom content into an epic experience (think of dwarven mines, spring that affects areas, creaking ships, snow-heavy forests with grand coniferous trees, deserts with oasis, cold and windy barbarian village, soaking wet Bracksford, long highways suitable for mounted travel, other realms etc.).<br /><br />One thing, but very technically, what I was lacking stems from limitations of the toolset. Sometimes, especially outdoors when I was walking up or down the hill I could not help an impression this is a world made of tiles and "levels" of terrain. Adam Miller in "Dreamcatcher" series tried to overcome this and managed to create steep hills, valleys seamlessly going up and down (did he use additional coding?). It is just a remark, after all Aielund offered something similar in places (e.g. a way to Culdeny where you meet Spartan --- the road descends towards the riverside quite naturally). <br /><br />I am looking forward for a new Aielund story Balkoth referred to... keep the community informed. Stephen, I don't know what your professional background is, but what is clearly visible in the Saga is that you made this game (don't call it a mod, with this amount of work it could be a standalone game on NWN engine) with passion. I wish you inexhaustible loads of artistic vision in the future.Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03981124030849491907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-78633063708540012602015-01-06T18:39:25.284-08:002015-01-06T18:39:25.284-08:00K, next NWN modules in Aielund series confirmed he...K, next NWN modules in Aielund series confirmed here, can't wait. Noted on the irrelevance of the source.<br /><br />Lilura, Act 4 didn't come out for a few years after the first three acts and Savant worked with a guy named Black Diamond on it. Can't answer the infancy part, though.Balkothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12425374556730828853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-27385144496662876272015-01-05T20:02:57.903-08:002015-01-05T20:02:57.903-08:00I had started preparing the story before nwn came ...I had started preparing the story before nwn came out, and started work on the first module within the week of the game's release. I don't recall the initial release date of the mod itself, but I think it was roughly 18 months later. At the time I hadn't planned for the series to go on for so long, but it lent itself to an epic story quite nicely :) No other modules influenced the story, though I did use scripts and such from other mods that I tried (I'm a terrible programmer and relied on others to do the grunt work!)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01888603533005518961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-6318878876734541482015-01-05T18:19:55.785-08:002015-01-05T18:19:55.785-08:00Hi Savant, I have two questions:
When was Aielund...Hi Savant, I have two questions:<br /><br />When was Aielund Saga for NWN actually released, and how long did you work on it? (The readme isn't dated and doesn't say).<br /><br />Which NWN modules influened your Saga, if any?<br /><br />Thank ye kindly.<br /><br />Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-45067602919042107432015-01-05T17:56:47.870-08:002015-01-05T17:56:47.870-08:00After book 6 I'll be doing the story that woul...After book 6 I'll be doing the story that would have been done in nwn2 if the toolset hadn't sucked ;) But I won't be modding again, it's a massive timesink I I'm trying to earn a living here :D I'm actually getting my work looked at by a local publisher in the next few weeks too.<br /><br />I get pretty much the same revenue from any of these sources. Your best bet for getting a smartphone compatible version would be Smashwords, they have multiple formats to choose from. If your smartphone is an iPhone, you can also get them directly from itunes too.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01888603533005518961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-74532400941984303252015-01-05T02:15:00.862-08:002015-01-05T02:15:00.862-08:00Yeah, there's multiple ways, but clicking cert...Yeah, there's multiple ways, but clicking certain links can potentially benefit Savant more (like he gets more money from the sale or more advertising revenue or whatever) or certain platforms may get him more.Balkothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12425374556730828853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-84004036062193326142015-01-04T23:18:24.700-08:002015-01-04T23:18:24.700-08:00Looks like there might be up to four ways to purch...Looks like there might be up to four ways to purchase it, when it comes out?<br /><br />http://www.stephenlnowland.com.au/index.php/books/the-aielund-saga/tas-book-6<br /><br />I'll probably go for something I can read on a smartphone.Lilura1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00672152692345839654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-84395735162512132542015-01-04T22:54:08.284-08:002015-01-04T22:54:08.284-08:00I completely understand, after all once the 6th bo...I completely understand, after all once the 6th book is published your time is much better spent producing the next NWN modules of the Aielund Saga. I'll worry about polishing the old stuff, I'm good at the mechanical work, you're the creative genius!<br /><br />What's the best way (in terms of benefiting you) to buy that? Through what link(s) and what service?Balkothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12425374556730828853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-24695804331748805312015-01-04T17:26:10.625-08:002015-01-04T17:26:10.625-08:00You've got your work cut out for you mate, now...You've got your work cut out for you mate, now you know why I don't have time to get it done ;)<br /><br />Just finished book 6 this weekend - going through the 2nd draft now and will have it released this month :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01888603533005518961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345126191270611325.post-46203295308101272442015-01-04T02:06:23.856-08:002015-01-04T02:06:23.856-08:00Well, it turns out apparently there's a lot mo...Well, it turns out apparently there's a lot more to do than I initially thought. I don't suppose you've ever heard that before, eh?<br /><br />How's the sixth book going?Balkothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12425374556730828853noreply@blogger.com