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)
This mod is ridiculously innovative-- I'm still exploring it but it clearly deserves a 10. The mod may take a little while to get accustomed to, but it's absolutely worth the initial investment of time.
Posted by Lance at 2008-11-1711:28:58
Hi Rosefinder, Great to hear from a fellow "System Shock" player. :) I am so glad you tried this module out, as part of its aim was to appeal to like minded players who also enjoyed System Shock 2. As you say, having played System Shock already, then the controls will probably be familiar to you. And a Manipulator was my favourite class to play as well, because it was like the technician in SS. POTION BUG ... Yes, I know what you mean about that. Unfortunately, this is caused by the way NWN handles items being placed into an inventory. It adds it to a "blank space" (if available) before placing it in a group of like potions. The best work around for this is to acquire (and learn stats) to be able to use the Preachers Potion Carrier. (See The Tacticians Guide.) Thanks for the vote! I really hope it all goes well, and let me know if there is anything that you need help with. :) Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by rosefinder at on11/16/08
This module is simply awesome. I used to play in "System Shock" and in Soul Shaker I can find everythig what I liked! Skills, classes and enviroment is familiar to me so maybe I have advantage here (I don't need to learn how to play and develope my PC - she is Manipulator). In short, it's like receiving strawberries and champagne at once :). It deserves 10 because of everythig, even annoying alarms (heh). I have only one minor bug to report: when inventory is full potions should go to inventory slot with less than 10 potions of this type. Instead they stay in crate/body and I can't take them even if my inventory is cleared. For now I'm just trying to avoid this, it's really minor annoyance.
Posted by Lance at 2008-08-0113:43:55
Hi BoomWav, I hope you have fun! Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by BoomWav at 2008-08-0109:44:21
I'll try that! You module seems great! _________________________ [Enhanced class icons] - Last updated [07-20-2008] [Enhanced skill icons] - Last updated [07-26-2008]
Posted by Lance at 2008-07-2315:16:24
Hi GB, That's strange. Not to worry though ... All you need to do then is make a directory in your C:\NeverwinterNights\NWN folder called tlk and place the tlk file in there. It should al work fine. Let me know if you have any other dfficulties in getting going. I am about to go to bed now, but will check here again tomorrow. Alternatively, send me an email to the address in the manual (last page). Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by GrandaddyBonegrinder at 2008-07-2311:52:33
Greetings Lance, I dont' seem to have a tlk directory to place the Altheatlk.tlk Any advice? _________________________ At your service, GB
Posted by Lance at 2008-07-2209:58:01
Hi Phantasma, Thank-you! :) Your kind comments are once again, very much appreciated. I know what you mean by possibly being "too diffeent". With my NWN2 projects (Althéa in the new era), I have decided to take some of my favourite elements from Soul Shaker and combine them with a traditional mod style (and a little hard core). Hopefully, the new combination will appeal to a bigger audience. I just nee another few years to complete it now. ;) Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
Posted by Phantasma at 09:23:08 Voted10.00
Hi Lance, Got your mail conveying the good news, many congratulations on your award, it's thoroughly deserved. I'm so glad that your 'mod' (well, it's more a unique gaming experience than a 'mod' :-) ) has finally got the recognition it was due. What you created with Soul Shaker was something completely unique, maybe 'too unique', too 'different' to have got the volume of votes it deserved to on the Vault, but I'm so glad that the unbelievable masterpiece you created has been recognised. Congratulations, it's completely deserved :-)
Posted by Lance at 2008-07-2113:23:20
Hi laisee, Thank-you! :) I'm glad you enjoyed the module so much as well. I hope anything I do in the future will be as much fun.:) Lance. _________________________ World of Althéa Blog: Link
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