After surviving the blazing anvil of the Forbidding Desert with only one item of your major quest uncollected, the locals try to involve you in the affairs of Egyptian sybling rivalry among two demi-gods.
See also: In The Name Of Our Fathers
http://nwvault.ign.com/View.php?view=Modules.Detail&id=32358&id=4774
After surviving the blazing anvil of the Forbidding Desert with only one item of your major quest uncollected, the locals try to involve you in the affairs of Egyptian sybling rivalry among two demi-gods.
After surviving the blazing anvil of the Forbidding Desert with only one item of your major quest uncollected, the locals try to involve you in the affairs of Egyptian sybling rivalry among two demi-gods.
Posted by RobertMoon at 2006-03-24 15:53:09 Voted 7.25 on 03/24/06
I was torn with what score to give... I *really* liked the pre-existing journal entries and thought they were perfectly structured and worded to get the player immediately into the genre. Bravo. The epic quests given to the PC during the game were also very well written and especially amusing, considering the PC receives only 100 xp for doing them! :D
On the downside, I didn't see the sorta-kinda hidden blue squares (which were way too small for a general direction area transition trigger) to complete the quests, and it took me a while to accidentally pass my cursor over the 1st one to realize it was there. (Yeah, yeah, you tell your players to look a the map, but to be honest by the time I read through all the journal entries and inventory items, I had actually forgotten to look at the damn map -- it being only a 4x4 area and not really in the forefront of my mind to consult.)
So in trying to figure out how to trigger these quests so I can recover the water, I had to replay and reload-from-save the mod several times. That really got on my nerves.
In the end, it was ultimately my fault, but I also wasn't expecting to get ... I dunno, nickel-and-dimed with game-ending punishments for doing things out of order.
So in the end, I really, really liked how you perfectly captured the ancient history epic quest feel, but disliked the implementation. Overall a very strong 7.25.
Posted by Botap at 2006-03-23 16:50:41 Voted 8.75 on 03/23/06
I didn't quite know what to expect when going into this module, but I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect there to be so much humor in it. This, however, was a good thing!
The journal entries and quest completion text were great. I loved the fact that these grand, epic adventures were summed up in a sentence or two. Understatement is an effective tool that is used far too little. I especially liked the part about forgetting about the quest for a year.
On the con side, the characters each spoke with a kind of urgency that, at times, put me off a bit. It sometimes made the conversation feel rushed.
The characters did all share a similar insanity, but as the author pointed out, their environment is enough explanation for that. In fact, I'd say it establishes a theme of sorts.
Overall, a very enjoyable mod. I liked it!
Posted by Syberduh at 2006-03-17 19:20:52 Voted 8.25 on 03/17/06
Quite amusing, especially if you've played a bunch of over-serious D&D games in the past. The journal entries were fun, but considering their content it seems like the PC's dialogue choices should have leaned more towards weary and harried than eager for the next adventure. The dialgoue bogged down at times - usually when it "went past the portrait"
What others have said about character voice and development is true. All of the NPCs are kind of nutty in the same way.
SPOILERS:
Loved the Enserric cameo as well as his death scene. It seems somehow wrong in a comedy module that you can screw up badly enough to make "winning" impossible. 'm curious why, after recovering in the oasis, the PC doesn't just keep wandering. He's given no indication that the scales are nearby, and he has no real motivation to help fight im-petu
Posted by imported_beer at 2006-03-16 18:59:47 Voted 9.25 on 03/16/06
I loved the quirky, warped sense of humor that permeated this mod. I did not play the `usual' way and loved tempting fate so to speak, just for the sheer joy of it.
It was a very enjoyable module,especially for those feeling a mite mischievous.
Posted by Lance Botelle at 2006-03-05 15:34:42 Voted 5.25 on 03/05/06
5.25 THE SPHINX, THE IM-PETU & THE VOLCANO (160TH TESTED MODULE)
This is my updated scoring system structured around the format provided by Bioware. The final score is still consistent with my old system, but I hope to give clearer feedback within the new guidelines. NB: Judging any material is always subject to personal taste. I have tried hard to be as objective as possible. Remember, this is only my opinion; Bioware�s is the one that counts! If you believe I have scored your module unfairly, or I have missed something of importance, please email me at �[email protected]� and I will consider any comments made.
All nine Bioware points can score a maximum of 1 point each, leaving 1 point for my personal interest/like of the module.
Text of Module: (1.5 out of 3)
The Writing: (I do not scan the writing looking for errors, but if I notice something while reading it, I will note it here.) I noticed one or two errors. Also uses modern language. (I struggle with comedy in modules.) (0.5)
Characterization: The comedy throughout tended to make all NPCs sound the same. Maybe it�s the sun! (0.5)
Dialog Flow: I found it quite hard to keep up with at times � there was simply too much to digest in such a small space. It needed to be tighter. (0.5)
Concept & Execution: (3.25 out of 6)
Originality/Creativity: The story (and background) was quite exciting, but it was overkill for this. (0.5)
Logical Flow: Again, logic loses some meaning in the context of comedy. (0.75)
Drama: Being able to travel distant lands was quite well done, even if a little orchestrated. Also finding water. (0.5)
Pacing: The pace fluctuated as I played. Sometimes it moved forward well, at other times it slowed. (0.5)
Character Development: None of the characters developed beyond their initial meeting. (0.0)
Multiple Paths: There were multiple paths and endings confirmed by the author. (1.0)
Conclusion: Technically, this module scored average in the writing in my opinion (1.5/3). The story scored average in my opinion. (2.75/6). My personal score is 0.5 out of 1.0 � I enjoyed the idea of being part of something much bigger, but felt let down by the parody.
MY SCORE SYSTEM (IMHO):
< 5 Not up with the competition.
5 - 6 Average.
7 - 8 Above average.
> 8 An exceptional piece
PERSONAL SCORING FACTORS (IN ORDER OF MY PRIORITIES):
GRAB FACTOR: How quickly am I involved in the action? Do I have direction?
PLOT: Is the story engaging? Is subject interesting? Varied conversation choices?
CHARACTERS: Are they easily identifiable? Are they rounded/memorable?
SPELLING & GRAMMAR: Is the text easy to read? Are there quite a few errors?
OTHER FACTORS (MINOR INFLUENCE): Design for atmosphere & scenery, including sounds & props. Quality of module stability; does it break easily? _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
I'm sorry for the low vote, but this mod confused me. I had no idea what was going on, and I found myself getting punished too easily because I spoke out of order.
Posted by Maerdicul at 2006-03-02 10:06:22 Voted 9.75 on 03/02/06
heheh, you shouldn't have graded yourself. i was thinking of doing the same thing with my own module and tanking the score because i was unhappy with how rough and unpolished it was ... but then it would have undone the time and effort people took to play it and grade it. nag, nag, nag. ;)
Posted by Maerdicul at 2006-03-02 09:54:04 Voted 9.75 on 03/02/06
i loved this module! reminded me of douglas adams' work. writing and humor was terrific and witty in parodying ancient myths and poking fun at religion while working in literary allusions. it also took swipes at the rpg genre for good measure. the only problem was that it was too damn funny, and i can't see the nwn2 people going in this direction, heh. i also got the sense that this module was much more fluid than your other work (which i played first) - and that this was the style of writing that comes more naturally to you. just my impression.
Posted by Brougham at 2006-03-01 14:25:39 Voted 6.50 on 03/01/06
Your humour struck me as weak in this mod. Only Find a Fish has made me laugh in this contest. Writing = soso and plot was full of holes as you point out voting your own work!!!!
Posted by Althernai at 2006-02-28 15:45:14 Voted 9.25 on 02/28/06
A strange mod. If you do everything right, it is fairly straightforward and boring -- the only amusing part is the description of the quests. But if you do foolish things (like provoking a creature of obviously superior prowess), the mod can be pretty funny.
Posted by MikeLM9215 at 2006-02-24 17:26:12 Voted 7.50 on 02/24/06
Journal entries set up lack of plot very well, but leave you stranded. Beginning leaves me confused. Designer may know you need to step on a trigger to get to next part but newbies probably won't. What are map notes? Why do I get a dagger and nothing to do? How did I open the cactus without getting pricked on spines? Why does dog face keep throwing me across the map? The farmer is repetitive. Why are there blue squares along the edge that do nothing? I can't remember which options I chose from the Prophet. What is that dinging sound? Where is the sphinx and what happened to the chariot? Am I supposed to be near a volcano? All those journal entries are making me sick! If I have the dagger why can I say I'll be back when I get a weapon? Why did my inventory items suddenly disappear? The dog-boy splattered me with blood, what do I do now? That farmer is still repetitive. At least the journals were fun.
_________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
Posted by nereng at 2006-02-24 10:49:32 Voted 8.75 on 02/24/06
Very funny module!
Good writing, but it's difficult to score characterization, because they're just nuts with no real depth.
Not sure if this can be said to be a side-quest (seemed more like a complete one!), but I won't subtract anything for that. You certainly did manage to tell a complete story!
Good luck to you!
Posted by herrjeff at 2006-02-21 07:18:08 Voted 8.00 on 02/21/06
The use of multiple journal entries provided a deep background story and helps to put this module into perspective. However, added to the 3 missions that would be required to complete, my PC felt a bit overwhelmed. In fact, this mod is more a nexus point than a side quest!
Posted by Kirian at 2006-02-18 10:06:34 Voted 4.50 on 02/18/06
I am sorry if I come across as harsh: remember that my criticism is aimed at this particular piece of work. When I say something is not good, I am not saying the author sucks in any way. :)
This being said, I must say I have to disagree with the voters before me. First, I thought the story was rather messy. A small module like this should be tight and focused, not 'full to the brim' like this one is. Second, the parody aspect did not work for me in this one. It is done much more convincing in 'Find the Fish' and 'The cat, the badger, and the book' for example.) Above all, the writing was below average. The dialogues contained too many mistakes, and they sometimes came across as immature.
Posted by NullthraBloodeye at 2006-02-17 20:38:50 Voted 8.00 on 02/17/06
This one has lots of journals. I enjoyed parts of it. Good conversations but they feel a little simple to me. The Npc's are expressed via conversation which is good. TY
Posted by Dnl_Jms_Frwrd at 2006-02-16 06:58:53 Voted 9.00 on 02/16/06
I thought that this light-hearted mythological romp was tremendously enjoyable. The humour was pitched just right for my personal taste: clever and undeniably present without screaming �look at that, a joke; isn�t it funny!�. I was slightly confused about what I had to do at times, but that was due to some of the design problems with cramming such an epic story into a 4 by 4 area and, as I said, it was only slight.
Posted by MikeLM9215 at 2006-02-15 22:05:31 Voted 7.50 on 02/24/06
To solve the drinking dilemma just walk in or near the oasis and you will trigger the cure. _________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
Posted by thegeorge at 2006-02-08 11:48:35 Voted 8.25 on 02/08/06
Indeed, a somewhat amusing parody. I particularly liked the use of the journal.
Posted by MikeLM9215 at 2006-02-04 11:11:40 Voted 7.50 on 02/24/06
They live next to one of the deadliest deserts in the world. Of course they're barking mad! _________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
Posted by Caprial at 2006-02-04 09:27:25 Voted 8.50 on 02/04/06
A very nice bit of parody here! The multiple quests in the journal give the general feeling quite well. I like the inventive use of the area and the way the player completes the necessary steps.
There is some �modern jargon� here, but that�s allowable in parody, I think. Some of the lines are quite funny indeed; there is a nicely sardonic sense of humor throughout.
Generally, I think you did a good job of fitting a great deal of information and action into a small space. It can be a bit confusing at the start, and does feel rushed at times, but the general tone is consistent and lively. The Sand Prophet might have his dialogue tree trimmed or rearranged a bit. There are several spots where there is almost too much to choose from, and that adds to the confusion. Your work has potential.
I had fun with this one. It would be nice to see this expanded into a larger module.
Posted by emperorzog at 2006-02-03 23:34:33 Voted 9.25 on 02/03/06
I am actually correcting a score that I first put of 8.75. As was pointed out to me I scored this for a particular annoyance that turned out to be my own fault.
In light of this fact I feel that the module does not suffer one of my primary concerns.
Posted by MikeLM9215 at 2006-02-03 18:49:00 Voted 7.50 on 02/24/06
When you get the new quests map notes will appear showing you where to go. That's why the sign says look at your map. A third note can also appear for another reason. _________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
Posted by Meerclaw at 2006-02-03 12:20:30 Voted 8.25 on 02/03/06
Well, where do I begin?
This module is nicely written and the characters all have strong personalities. However, they do all seem to be completely mad. Duse to this, the dialogue is rather confusing at times, though it is also rather funny.
Overall, I enjoyed playing and liked the way that the journal entries furthered the plot (I could understand what was going on with them, too... just about, anyway ;)
Posted by MikeLM9215 at 2006-01-31 01:33:32 Voted 7.50 on 02/24/06
Download the .zip, it fixed a bug that occurred while loading a game. It was submitted on time. _________________________ The road to Ravenloft is paved with good intentions.
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