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.
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 at on06/22/11
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 on06/22/11
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 07:03:55 Voted9.75
Will do. _________________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work to remain ignorant. Benjamin Franklin
Posted by Quillmaster at 2011-06-2200:35:19
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 20:02:51 Voted9.75
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. Benjamin Franklin
Posted by Quillmaster at 2011-06-2115:57:39
@QSW - Thanks Queenie, glad you had fun. I'll look into the end movie issue. _________________________ View my blog regarding the Relbonian Chronicles project --> Link
Posted by Quillmaster at 2011-06-2115:53:26
@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 on06/21/11
Actually, I'm happy to give a ten on this. Vote upped. _________________________ QSW -NWVault Reviewers Forum
Posted by QSW at on06/21/11
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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