Unique setting and mythology, copyright of Quillmaster
Gameplay Length
You could probably rush through this like a madman in about 8 hours, but that would seriously hamper your enjoyment. It is highly recommended you read books and item descriptions to get the most from the module.
The Bic file needs to go in your local vault directory so that Gerbilaf Bandiwide is available as a character.
Please note that the module is designed for the above character. Playing with anything else will render some parts impossible and spoil immersion.
Hak files go in your hak directory. The patch hak is provided so that future corrections can be implemented without the need to restart your game.
The Tlk file goes in your tlk directory.
WARNING:
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Death before reaching the top floor of the lighthouse will result in game over.
Death after the lighthouse will result in respawning at the lighthouse. Once you visit the Temple of Derath in Oasis, you'll have the option to respawn where you fall.
Death of your henchman will result in game over, unless they have a "Soul Crystal" in their inventory.
Although rest is limited, there are areas where resting is allowed, so pay attention to your rest icon.
KNOWN ISSUES:
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It has been known for the game not to end as intended when the henchman dies, possibly related to player death at the same time. If this should happen, you will need to reload a prior save point or the game cannot be completed. Sorry. If I find a fix I'll update the patch hak.
ABOUT THE MOD:
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The Relbonian Chronicles is set in its own unique world and mythology, designed to have its story unfold through the participation of several key characters.
As such, "Chapter One" is designed to be played with the Dwarven Fighter called "Gerbilaf Bandiwide" which will be included with this module. Please note that playing with any other character will not only spoil your enjoyment but also render parts of the module impossible to play.
It is recommended that you stick to Fighter on level up. Although this is a story with many conversations and books, fighting will intensify as you go deeper. Do not neglect the books and item descriptions, as in some cases they offer clues.
The module is designed to gently introduce you to the mythology and setting, which will help you understand the morals and motivations of future characters/classes in future chapters, so if you think you'd prefer to await a chapter featuring a class of your choosing, it's recommended that you still play this to enhance your experience of the overall story.
This chapter begins with Gerbilaf entering his favourite tavern in the city of Kerral after a hard week working in the local mines. Not one to shy away from danger, he will soon find himself acting as a messenger for none other than the God of...well...you'll have to play to find out ;)
It is important to note that you should try to avoid death. Death before you reach "The Lighthouse" will result in the game ending. After the lighthouse, respawn is possible to the lighthouse only. Once you reach the "Temple of Derath" in Oasis, respawning where you fall becomes possible as long as you own "Soul Crystals". Your henchman may also use them. Note that the game will also end if your henchman dies with no soul crystals in their posession.
To improve immersion, it is recommended you download the colourized scroll icons (and indeed any of their other sets) available from The Amethyst Dragon over at Neverwinter Vault.
Special thanks should go to:
Tolkien - For inspiring me since childhood
Gary Gygax - For inventing Dungeons & Dragons
Lance Botelle - for scripting assistance and playtesting
Jfoxtail - for bug hunting and his infectious enthusiasm
Axe Murderer - for assistance via the forums
Olivier Leroux - for his playtesting and much valued feedback
Gpudney - for playtestong and much valued feedback
Matthieu - for playtestong and much valued feedback
Galelabriel - for playtestong and much valued feedback
Rodde - for playtestong and much valued feedback
Invisigoth - for playtestong and much valued feedback
JML - for playtestong and much valued feedback
Evan Jobes - for playtestong and much valued feedback
DSenset - for playtestong and LOTS of much valued feedback
Genisys - for saving me valuable time with his spell hooking resources
Gestalt - for their wonderful cutscene system
and Lilac Soul, for making it all possible.
A thousand apologies to anyone I missed!
To stay up to date with the world of Relbonia, visit Link
Latest version of patch hak as of 26/06/2011. Simply overwrite current version to enable installation of corrections and continued play.
23/06/2011 corrections:
Should fix minor glitch with Thon conversation on second encounter, and enable Uthers diary to be picked up from within his bedroom.
26/06/2011 corrections:
Fixes conversation error with the Book of Naelwithp.
Fixes Journal update error with henchman conversation.
Fixes conversation error with last survivor that was potentially game breaking IF your rep with henchman was high.
Thanks Borden. I think you may have missed something with the book collection quest. Suffice to say you need to ask the armourer in Oasis about the book he's reading to get the ball rolling on that one. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Borden Ha'elven at 2011-09-03 10:57:48 Voted 9.50 on 09/03/11
Excellent Mod old pal, I would have voted ten but for the un-resolved book collection bit. (Or did I miss something?) _________________________ Stuff I've done.
Why are you frustrated TheNaq? Please ensure you have installed the latest patch hak. I think I need to remove the version from the module download to force people to download it, since it's telling that the patch hak downloads are a lot less than the module itself. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by TheNaq at 2011-08-12 04:06:44 Voted 9.75 on 08/12/11
I only rate 9,75 because I wanted to play much more of this great great mod ans now, I'm frustrated !
It's a must. _________________________ Ooooppppsss, I've mistaken your pocket and mine, no big deal, buddy... Hey, man, could you stop punching me when I'm talking to you ? Ooooch !
Hi lyokus. Sounds like you discovered the game breaking bug that occured if your reputation with the henchman ended on a high. Please chack you have the latest version of the patch hak which should correct this. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Great mod, but it seems I'm stuck : I'm in the room with the "last survivor", but the other exit doesn't lead anywhere, talking to the survivor again just generates the same "don't hurt me" dialogue, and nothing else happens.
What am I supposed to do ?..
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-02 17:38:19 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Well, I was *finally* able to finish the mod! :)
Like many posters before me, I too experienced the wild & crazy camera thing, as well as several instances where my keyboard controls would no longer work (I had to click the onscreen menu to do things like Save, Rest, etc.) but I'm sure these minor issues will be corrected in the next version.
I wasn't looking forward to playing a pre-gen char at first but after a while it didn't bother me too much. There were times when it felt like I didn't have much control (especially at the end) but I still enjoyed the mod very much!
So, a few points off here & there for this & that (and a pet peeve - no Save Character before EndGame) but all in all I had a ball! Thanks Quillmaster for a great adventure! :)
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-02 13:16:43 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Gahhh! It was the Hak!
I DL and reinstalled the Patched Hak, and lo & behold - there was the most obvious lever I had ever seen (or not seen)! :)
I should have thought of this long before bothering you (and making spoilers public in the process) but at least it may help future players. Thanks again for the detailed hints, and now I'm off to play again! :)
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-02 12:48:38 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Before I forget to say it, thank you for your quick replies and trying to help me! Unfortunately, I don't see any lever anywhere, and I've searched every room and every doorway on this floor. The Ceremonial Armor is for Good only, and your pre-rolled character is True Neutral!
Is it possible I've found a bug, or should I try to DL the patched Hak again, or...?
Why can't you wear the armour? _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-02 11:04:18 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Sorry, but still no luck. The only 2 things I found were the Journal (which I can't "use", only read) and the heavy armor which I cannot wear!
Getting a little frustrated but I feel like I'm so close!
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-02 09:35:40 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Thanks QM!
It's 10:30 A.M. my time and still no email, so I appreciate the extra nudge here! (I even tried emailing myself, didn't get that either.)
A possibly related observation: Several times I've noticed that hitting the TAB key would no longer highlight items (doors, chests, books, etc.). The only way I could get that function back was to call up a recent SavedGame. I'll go back and recheck that room again, so thanks!
Nellium, I'm surprised you haven't had the message yet, so looks like I'll have to post something here... all I'll say is going back to the bedroom opposite the trapped door should solve all your problems if you look around the room. There's something in there you either haven't used or have used twice and needs using again. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-01 16:00:59 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Hi Nellium. Have sent you a mail so no spoiler here. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Neilium at 2011-07-01 09:29:07 Voted 9.50 on 07/02/11
Hi folks!
I'm enjoying the mod very much so far (and I think I'm getting close to the finish), but I'm kinda stuck and would like a gentle nudge in the right direction, so...
**Spoilerish Questions Ahead**
.
.
.
.
.
[1] I found the Book of N but still cannot decipher it. What do I need to find that will let me finally read it?
[2] I also found H's Journal and we're now searching for a way down to the cellars to rescue hench's sister. I can only find one door leading down but it's locked, and I have no idea where to find the key. Hint please?
[3] Trapped door opposite H's room - what do I need to open? (I can't diffuse it, bash it, no spells, etc.)
**End Spoilers**
I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually, but would love to continue playing instead! :) Thanks in advance!
Latest version of patch hak as of 26/06/2011 now available. Simply overwrite current version to enable installation of corrections and continued play.
23/06/2011 corrections:
Should fix minor glitch with Thon conversation on second encounter, and enable Uthers diary to be picked up from within his bedroom.
26/06/2011 corrections:
Fixes conversation error with the Book of Naelwithp.
Fixes Journal update error with henchman conversation.
Fixes conversation error with last survivor that was potentially game breaking IF your rep with henchman was high. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by bubblej1218 at 2011-06-23 00:29:42 Voted 9.75 on 06/23/11
Best game ever aside from a few minor glitches. Keep up the good work!
Did you play this version burden? It is substantially different from the Beta.
UPDATE INFO
Latest patch hak has been uploaded to correct a conversation file and make an important book easier to pick up.
I hope to look at the end movie and cutscene issues some of you are experiencing over the weekend. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by burden of meme at 2011-06-22 16:08:23 Voted 8.25 on 06/22/11
I played this a few years ago. not bad. but it is not a 10 like review admins believe. it is a 8.25 _________________________ [yes]
Posted by eL_PuSHeR at 2011-06-22 13:05:06 Voted 9.25 on 06/22/11
I finished it. Very good module aside from the fact you are forced to use a pregenerated character (which is somewhat low-stats for a Dwarven warrior) but anyway, I enjoyed this module a lot. It has some minor glitches too. For instance
*** SPOILERS BELOW
At the end the video didn´t played (black screen) although I could hear some epic music. That's weird because the intro movie plays properly. Maybe it has something to do with me playing with music volume = 0 who knows? I have also experienced some minor camera angles annoyances in cinematic scenes (someone already made a remark about this) but overall this is a great module, great plot, great characters, low loot, low money, etc...
Posted by Hagaar at 2011-06-22 07:03:55 Voted 9.75
Will do. _________________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work to remain ignorant.
Hagaar, yes, I'd always welcome playtesters. As for when a sequel is available that's a hard one, as I believe Chapter One took about 4 years, mainly due to real life issues that on at least one occasion had me take a year long break. Having said that, there's a lot of work that a sequel would require already present within Chapter One, so who knows. I suggest you keep an eye on my blog for further news. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Hagaar at 2011-06-21 20:02:51 Voted 9.75
Welcome Quillmaster. It was worth a shot for you to look at it. Also, IF the diary is not a plot item, then I'd not worry about it if I were you. Perhaps allowing Player to Read it would be good too.
As for the End Movie... I didn't have any trouble with it. But as for the music, I tend to play with no sound due, in part, to the time(s) I play. I'll have to play through again but with sound on. Again thanks for a good romp!! When is the next part due?? And would you like some help Playtesting?? _________________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work to remain ignorant.
@QSW - Thanks Queenie, glad you had fun. I'll look into the end movie issue. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
@Hagaar - checked out the spellchecker, but am unable to use as I don't have Word.
I'll check out the diary issue. Fortunately it's not a game breaker, but it does add to the story so I'll try and get that fixed. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by QSW at 2011-06-21 15:52:58 Voted 10.00 on 06/21/11
Actually, I'm happy to give a ten on this. Vote upped. _________________________ QSW -NWVault Reviewers Forum
Posted by QSW at 2011-06-21 15:52:10 Voted 10.00 on 06/21/11
Just finished the module, and I must say that I have not enjoyed myself playing a SP module as I have this one for quite some time. I had no problems with cutscenesm everything seemed to work just fine.
I do wonder if was ever possible to gain the respect of that darn druid I teamed up with, even when I did something he approved of, he simply would not be nice! :P
My only complaint is that while I heard music, I had a blank screen for the end movie. Shame really, as I did enjoy the start movie.
The action was fast paced, and varied. The balance of fights was fun, without being impossible. I was able to use the terrain to my advantage. If there were typos, I honestly never noted them, but I read everything I could get my hands on, so I may have been text blind ;)
This really was a gripping story, and the ending is a real cliffhanger (pun intended!)
Thank you for creating this module and all the hard work that you put into it. I await the sequal (s).
Bravo, you've convinced me that a pre-gen PC with a pre-defined personality can be done well and be fun. Now -that- was a surprise! _________________________ QSW -NWVault Reviewers Forum
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