Demi-plane unique to the Althéa campaign, known as "Dagad-Nor".
Gameplay Length
The game starts linear, but more paths open to you as the game progresses. Subject to how the module is played will determine the overall playing time, but will probably be 30 +- 5 hours. (An in-game timer is included.)
Number Players
Suggested for a party of 4 players or single player.
Language
English
Level Range
1-20
Races
Any in OC.
Tricks & Traps
Light
Roleplay
Medium
Hack & Slash
Heavy
Classes
Any standard class will work. Most Prestige classes should also work. Epic classes are unsupported.
*** UPDATE: Alchemy Assist For Mana Potions Fixed: Mana potions were only restoring 50% instead of 75% with this ability.***
*** Soul Shaker should work fine with the latest patch v1.69. If there are any difficulties, please let me know. ***
<<< ATTENTION: WE ARE CURRENTLY ON MODULE 1.11 & QUICK FIX VERSION 1.11 >>>
Quick Fixes are only compatible with later versions of Soul Shaker (v1.00 +) and the last version in the old series (v0.18). If you are playing a module version prior to this, then you can only patch the module using the ADVANCED METHOD below to change to version 1.00 (or above) before using these later Quick Fixes.
WAN WARNING: Unfortunatly, I have found that NWN does not cope well when handling a module changeover with Soul Shaker when WAN players are involved. The changeover works fine when only LAN players ae playing, but any WAN users may not cope as well, and so may not enter the "database deletion module" at the end. However, this should not be a problem overall, and is something beyond my control anyway.
If you have already started Soul Shaker, then you have two options to update to a later version and continue playing from where you currently are. YOU DO NOT NEED TO START AGAIN!
EASY METHOD: Download the latest QUICK FIX HAK ONLY and replace the existing hak with the newer one, reload your game and continue playing as normal. All the most critical fixes will be included in this small file and using this method does not affect anything about your saved game in any way apart from fixing problems.
ADVANCED METHOD: Download both the latest MODULE FILE & QUICK FIX HAK and use both updates to move into the new module by carefully following the instructions in the manual. Changing the module in this way as well as the Quick Fix gives you some added benfits: E.g. Typo corrections, added objects or features, etc. Basically, things that are not as easily altered simply by using the Quick Fix method. Note, however, using this method does mean you will lose your NWN map details and any objects dropped, but all plot critical items and states should be maintained by the use of Campaign Variables, which means you can continue your game from where you left off, but within the newer updated module.
VERSION INFO: You will easily be able to tell which version of the Quick Fix hak you are using from the new style version onwards (I.E. v1.00 +), as its details are given in the player's text window whenever the Main Menu is used.
SCENARIO DETAILS:
SET WITHIN A DEMI-PLANE: I have stressed this in the past, but will do so again now: This is a very different module from anything you will have played before. It is not a standard NWN game, as the module takes place upon a demi-plane, so I have taken liberty with the mechanics of NWN. This makes for a very challenging experience, which may not appeal to everybody, but I hope will appeal to the majority.
PLOT: I won't go into too much detail so as not to spoil the adventure. However, the basic precept is that you are on a rescue mission, to help find and retrieve a wizard who was lured and trapped on the demi-plane. You need to find him to help you and your people with your own problems.
HENCHMEN: This module does not include henchmen as I preferred to keep the plot concentrated on the player ... and the plot demands it. However, as the module can be played multi-player, then players could still play the game as a group if they wish to. That said, there *is still contact* from someone who acts a little like a henchman. They simply do not participate in combat situations.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This module can be played single-player (SP) or multi-player (MP) with most PC classes between 1st and 20th level. (Pre-generated PCs have also been supplied if preferred.) Furthermore, while the original design was to cater for �good� aligned PCs, I have since managed to write an �evil� option into the game. However, unless you play what I consider to be �evil� you may or may not find that path and I have tried to incorporate different attitudes of PCs throughout the module.
There is *plenty* of combat, due to the nature of the environment. Although, some combat can be avoided by clever/cautious players. There are a few puzzles, which require thought and consideration to ensure the player can continue their adventure. (All puzzles relate to the plot.) You cannot break the game, but if puzzles are your weak spot, then you can refer to the hint sheet, which gives clues.
IN GAME FEATURES:
a) Voice acting. (Not all characters.) (NB: Text is shown inside the MESSAGE sub-menu on a replay of the message.)
b) Unique Loadscreens & Loadhints.
c) Independent Map System. (With a "Special Skill".)
d) Special Planar Interaction skill for interacting with alien/planar devices.
e) New (planar) Spell System (Demi-plane Soul Magik.)
f) New (planar) Skill System (Unique to the Demi-plane.)
g) New (planar) Weapon Skill (For three planar weapon types.)
h) Upgradeable Weapons (With the right planar skill - To more than one level!)
i) Weapon Degradation (Requiring planar skills to "sustain" or "repair".)
j) An option to place the camera just above your PC's head to allow a camera perspective more akin to a FPS. NB: It is not FPS, but I have found it similar enough to be a useful option.
OTHER IMPLEMENTATIONS:
There are a couple of unique implementations (at least to my knowledge) that I have tried to include:
1) An option to allow a DM to control a party of players combat in a true turn-based mode if wanted. The code is limited to a maximum of ten players in turn-based mode. (Code implemented, but will not be fully tested until later.)
2) A complete set of databases to track all major items, creatures, conversations and important plot points. This means, if the module should need updating or fixing, then a player can download the latest version and carry on their game from where they left off without having to restart the module. (Only NWN maps will be lost and need to be filled in again if required.)
BUILDER INFO:
I have developed a placeable that allows a builder to incorporate this module into any current module as another "quest" for the builder. There is obviously more work required to change the plot if the builder wished to alter some aspects, but I leave that up to the builder. (E.g. the "rescue target" name would need to be edited if the builder does not want the name I have used.)
*** READ NEXT TO DETERMINE IF THIS HAK IS REQUIRED ***
Soul Shaker makes use of some of the tilesets from "Darknesss over Daggerford". If you do not have this module, then download this cutdown version of the tilesets that I have used. This is an alternative smaller "Darkness over Daggerford" tileset only for use with Soul Shaker. It is provided for those people that do not have DoD or do not wish to download the full game. (46.5 MB)
*** REQUIRED DOWNLOAD - REGULARLY CHECK FOR LATEST ***
IMPORTANT: This file MUST be kept up to date before each playing session. For more information go to this post in the NWN Forums: http://nwn.bioware.com/forums/viewtopic.html?topic=574571&forum=66&sp=0#5137572
*** Module versions prior to v0.18 are no longer supported by this patch.***
No matter which version of the module you are using (v1.00 +), always be sure to have the latest version of this hak. I have added a reminder in the code now to help players remember to check for the latest version of this hak. Furthermore, the code checks to make sure you are not using an older version of this hak with a newer version of the module, which may cause problems if you are not completely up to date with this hak.
INSTRUCTIONS TO USE: Simply replace the existing "SSPatchedScripts" hak with this one and continue playing as normal.
Quick Fix Version 1.11 (LAST UPDATED: 28/07/11)
- Fixed Alchemy Assist to work with Mana Potions to 75% (v1.11)
- Moved final portal to a reachable location. (v1.10)
- Ensured all PCs enter cutscene mode on encounter in MP Mode. (v1.10)
- Freeing Lord Reginold exploit removed. (v1.09)
- Journal typo corrected. (v1.09)
KNOWN ISSUE:
In a MP game (WAN), players may sometimes see each others attributes on a Menu load. I have been unable to fix this, but a simple open and close of the menu again will fix this anyway.
Check the the ReadMe in the hak for earlier fixes covered.
Two manuals set in the same style as the Game Manual to help guide you through the Realm of the Dark King. Use THE TACTICIAN�S GUIDE to gain gentler hints and inside information about some aspects of play ahead of time, or use THE SOUL SHAKER WALKTHROUGH to give you all the details you need to finish the game.
THE TACTICIAN'S GUIDE (v1.4 - 12/01/08 - Blog Update):
- How does my starting class determine my Realm class, skills and attributes?
- What is the best progression route for my Realm class?
- What is the best way to manage my inventory?
- What are the best combat strategies for my Realm class?
- Learn the best strategy against the various denizens.
- Learn the denizens strengths and weaknesses.
- Learn other information about the denizens of the Realm.
- List of potions and how they can be put to best use.
- List of Spirit Rings and how they can be put to use.
- Weapons and reminder on when best to use weapon skills.
THE SOUL SHAKER WALKTHROUGH (v1.2 - 12/01/08 - Blog Update):
- The list of files needed to play Soul Shaker.
- How to patch the module!
- Managing Macros.
- Understanding Power Founts.
- Understanding Soul Regenerators.
- The importance of Realm Scrolls.
- Detailed MAPS for every area!
- A Quick Info Guide for many sections.
- Walkthrough starts detailed at the beginning for starters.
- Walkthrough becomes more focused at later stages for ease of use.
- Important topics highlighted throughout.
- Information on the "Good" or "Evil" Path.
- Final Comments.
This is the main Soul Shaker hak. (No changes are made to this hak during any updates. All changes are made in the SSPatchedScripts hak only, which is a much smaller file to download as it is updated.)
(CURRENT VERSION v1.11) This download includes a folder with two modules, the required tlk file, eight pre-generated PCs (to choose from only if you do not have your own PC to play the module), the Soul Shaker Readme file, an erf for builders to add a placeable that connects to the Soul Shaker module, an SSFAQ (Soul Shaker FAQ) in HTML format and the ESSENTIAL Game Manual, which is required reading if you wish to play Soul Shaker successfully. The "Soul Shaker" module is the one to start when playing a new game. At the end of this module, the "SoulShakerDBUtility" module will load that allows players to delete the databases created with this game. Alternatively, the "SoulShakerDBUtility" can be loaded separately if a player wants to delete the databases prior to finishing the game for instances where they may wish to start again. (Name changed for MAC support.)
*** READ NEXT TO DETERMINE IF THIS HAK IS REQUIRED ***
Soul Shaker requires the Bioware 1.67 Tilset Hak. I originally supplied a direct download link for this hak, but as MAC users cannot execute the installer, I have extracted and compressed the six hak files together in this one download. If you don't have the Bioware tileset, then you need this hak. (16.9 MB)
Hi McV, Thanks for your kind words of support and vote! It's great to have the work appreciated .... and I hope there are still others out there ready to play and vote to make the HoF so. Many Thanks. Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by McV at on03/17/11
For anyone who looks at this module and goes "wow, that's a lot of downloads and reading," let me assure you that it is more than worth it. I delayed playing this for a looooong time because it looked like a ton of downloads (and, honestly, it isn't that many - it just looks like it). But this mod is worth the downloads, so check it out! This is a whole new way to play with NwN, and it's crazy that this hasn't made the hall of fame yet! Even if you play this module and don't like the game itself (and I won't give anything away - this is one that has to be experienced), the scripting is so freaking CLEVER. As a builder, take this module apart and look at how all the pieces are put together, it's super smart, good story, and fun to play! Thanks, Lance, for putting this one out there. _________________________ [Blog] [Revenant Module] [The Immortal Module] [Darkened Ruins Reskin] [Immortal GUI Alpha Test]
Posted by Lance at 2010-06-1712:05:16
Hi Velkito, Just to add to the above post ... Managing the "Watchers" and alarm systems is one of the critical moments you have to deal with in Soul Shaker. It takes both ingenuity and careful planning to get past these, but once you have mastered it, it will be a worthwhile achievement. :) Just watch out for more of them as you make your way through the module. Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by Lance at 2010-06-1711:48:28
Hi velkito, Soul Shaker is tough if you trip an alarm and are inundated with aggressors. The trick is not to set off an alarm, or if you do, run back to the safety of the earlier areas until the alarm stops and then try to pick the aggressors off one at a time. You get an audible clue as to when you might be about to trip an alarm or you may fire one immediately if not too careful. Download and check out the Tactician's Guide and Walkthrough if you have not doen so already. Alternatively, contact me direct (via email in books) if you have more questions. And do let me know how you get on. Progress at the start is very hard and until you are more familiar with the mechanics, you may need the additional help with the guides to start your game. Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by velkito at 2010-05-2701:29:10
Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but the beginning(before the elevator) is quite frustrating. Alarms that seem to go off out of nowhere, triplets of "aggressor" enemies that make minced meat of my character, which is not that difficult considering he has an AC of 10 and an attack of +1. Was I supposed to go straight to the elevator and return to explore the rest of the starting area later?
Posted by Lance at 2010-03-1716:05:54
Hi shuurai, Thanks for the vote. :) I'm glad you liked the story. The module I am currently writing continues the story if you are interested. It's a NWN2 module (can be played SP or MP), but will not be finished for a while yet. (Released as soon as its done.) My latest module takes place in the PMP (Prime Material Plane) and so there are no alteratins to the stats in this way. (There will be a few surprises though, although ony as much as the player wants.) The monster list was a little restricted due to the environment. However, with the variations there were more than first expected. (Check out the Tactician's Guide for a full listing.) The inventory thing was an experimental idea that worked most of the time, although may go wrong on occassion. The idea was the PC could never be unarmed, so if a "bad" weapon was selected, the previous weapon would automatially re-equip for the player. (This is removed in the next module.) My next module, Better The Demon (check out the blog link) is much more traditional, BUT with plenty of fresh ideas to help entice the player .. and hopefully, with a continuing story to help keep the player interested in the world. Thanks for playing Soul Shaker. Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by shuurai at on03/16/10
I really enjoyed the story. It's original and interesting, and I thought the pace and the sense of mystery was really excellent. And some really cool puzzles that actually made sense in the context of the module. The modifications to the character were interesting, and I can certainly appreciate the effort that went into that - but to be honest, didn't really add much to the game in my opinion. The skills and whatnot made sense in the context of the game; but I really didn't see the point of messing with the hit points or the attributes. I think it would have been nice to see some variety in the enemies... it got a little tedious fighting the same battles over and over again. One strange quirk... Any time I tried to switch a weapon I got a message saying it was already wielded and then it would re-wield the previous one.
Posted by Lance at 2009-06-3003:26:44
Hi FeyKina, Sorry for the late reply. I have been extremely busy on a NWN2 project and did not know it had been so long since I last checked here. Thanks to Herrjeff for bringing your post to my attention. Your problem sounds similar to one discussed before in this post. In the end, only a reinstall of the NWN fixed the issue of being able to see the module. I don't think this problem will be unique to my module in this case, but I would like to be sure you are up and running. If you (or anybody else) has problemsm a quicker way of reaching me is via my blog (link in text above in main description). Be sure to let me know how things are going. Thanks for downloading. Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by FeyKina at 2009-06-0421:32:52
I have been trying all night to install, but the mod just will not show up. The utility is there but no mod listed. So disappointed! I have tried new patches and everything I can think of . I am on a Mac but this has not stopped me from playing every HoF mod successfully. Is a complete re-install the only thing left to try? (a small tear upon my rogueish cheek) _________________________ ---We dance around the ring and suppose, The secret stays in the middle and knows....
Posted by Lance at 2009-03-2705:19:39
Hi rdawg, Thanks for your vote and comments. I am really glad you took the time to get familiar with its design. You should get the rewards as you spend more time doing so. :) If you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact me and ask, or leave comments here. Direct emails (from the manuals) will reach me quicker if you need to. Enjoy the game, and let me know if you have any problems at all ... :) Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
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