33 replies to this topic

[Lava Del'Vortel]

I am creating an illithid NPC and I would like to hear what players would think about it, however first (well, it is obvious ) I have to make a small introduction.
Varshoon is an evil illithid, but different from those "ah, I am extraordinary represtentation of my race". He do not act as he was different from other mind flayers, however... does being an illithid means "I am only walking evilness"? I want to create something a bit differnt. Illithids are creatures that believes in themselves and knowledge. Varshoon joins only intelligent protagonists. Why? Because to be gained knowledge you have to travel with those who understand the power of lore. Varshoon says that he was never on the surface, never visited other Planes... He was focused on his own colony.
Probably some of you have thought like "gosh, travelling with an octopus-like creature?!" at the moment. Well, there is something that can be called friendship path, still I do not know if calling this friendship is in place. In dialogues Varshoon wants to know something more about the culture of those from the surface. He do not understand some aspects of living of those who live in sunlight, he thinks that all of those are foolish. That's nothing new, aye? Maybe... but by some intelligent talks you can be given respect. I included something like "influence" in NWN2. Respones can rise influence or you can be given "minus points". Race, intelligence, reputation also can change the influence. Why is it for? I will explain that in next paragraph.
There are some alternative versions of illithid lair plot. How will Varshoon act when being inprissoned by illithid? Well that depend on you. His reaction is based on the influence. I won't tell you what are the options, because that would be a spoiler... however there are more than 2 possibilites and not all are very... nice.
What about his stats etc? I do not want to focus on numbers. That does not matter in whole idea. What about the rest? Well, I will show you that.

Varshoon

Psionic Forcer

Psionic Forcers are illithids that were trained in melee fight. They use their psionic and mental abilities to stun, confuse and weaken their enemies. They are not a fully trained warriors and they will never have as impressive melee skills like warriors of other races, but as a mind flayers Psionic Forcers are given great protection from all kinds of magical and phisical attacks.

ADVANTAGES:

-Protection from all kinds of mental spells and attacks
-20% protection from magic and +2% every two levels
-25% protection from fire, cold, acid and +5% every three levels
-10% protection from all phisical weapons and +1% every two levels
-Has starting base AC 6 and is given bonus 1 AC every 5 levels
-On levels 1, 2, 3 is given "Feel Intentions" skill (Works like know alignment spell)
-Can cast "Psionic Gate" once per day (Teleport in sight of the caster). Extra "Psionic Gate" on levels 10, 20, 30 and 40
-Can cast "Mental Domination" once per day. Psionic Forcer is given extra "Mental Domination" every 5 levels.
-On levels 5, 10, 15 and 25 is given "Mental Stun", which works like hold person spell. It works on animals too.
-On levels 7, 14 and 21 is given "Psionic Stab" skill. It cause 3k6+3, target suffers -2 inteligence and wisdom for 30 seconds and there is 50% possibility to stun victim for 12 seconds. 
-From level 12 can cast "Psionic Shield" once per day. (Works like Oiluke's sphere but effect will be given to the caster)

DISADVANTAGES:

-Maximum charisma is 16
-Can use only his personal boot, armour, weapons, helmet. Those items can't be taken off.
-Must be of evil character.
-Can't specialize in any kind of weapon. (However starts with 2 stars in daggers.)

I think that his item restrictions (that he may use mainly his own items, no other weapons) is a minus that will rebalance Varshoon. While playing I will try to balance him. I won't allow Varshoon to be a tank. Maybe kit tells something different, but I realy will work on "balacing" this illithid. Oh, and do not be afraid of "illithids instant killing". You won't see that with Varshoon!

I would like to hear your opinions. Probably the biggest thing you won't like is the kit... Is it realy to god-like? Well, I think I will have to make some changes to it.

PS. Sorry for mistakes. English is not my mother tongue, but know that texts in my projects are always proofread.

[Jarno Mikkola]

Well, I already am making an Illithid NPC, well it's a lot more complicated than that, but I could really use a writer, so if you have a story to tell, I could make Esiriak into Varshoon.

[Lava Del'Vortel]

I know of Esiriak, but I like writing by myself. I already did the items, 100 kb of talks, kit, .cre files etc. Do not take it as an offence I simply like working on my projects by my own. I can help with projects of other people, but if I ask for help that means I realy can't do something by myself, however the interesting part may be crossmod between those illithids...

[Jarno Mikkola]

I know of Esiriak, but I like writing by myself. I already did the items, 100 kb of talks, kit, .cre files etc. Do not take it as an offence I simply like working on my projects by my own.

Yeah, I know a lot of that too... no offense taken.

I can help with projects of other people, but if I ask for help that means I really can't do something by myself, however the interesting part may be crossmod between those illithids...

Hmm, let the City of the Mind bow under our feet. And good luck to you.

[Lava Del'Vortel]

And if you know that there is some progress, here are some images. Oh, and I forgot to tell that me and Erephine made illithids look a bit better
Remember that this is not finished project so there was no proofreading done yet.

[Icendoan]

Quite frankly, this looks amazing! The kit doesn't look God Like, because of the weapon restriction. There aren't that many daggers which are better than swords or axes! I suppose testing shall tell.

Also, the screenshots look amazing, and I am awaiting it with baited breath!

Icen

[Lava Del'Vortel]

I would like Varshoon to join SHS mods in future when it's finished, but still I think they do not like a... uncommon NPCs like this one, but I will give it a try.

There aren't that many daggers which are better than swords or axes!

It does not matter since he may use only his personal weapons. I had to do that because I did not want an illithid to use for example axes, spears etc... It would be not in place Player may chose from different types of weapons: piercing tentacles, crushing tentacles, cristal (ranged weapon) and Varshoon's dagger. I know this is a big minus, but I think the reason is good.

I think I have to look for a dark music for his dialogues... ^^

[Daulmakan]

Those paper dolls look amazing.

I'll be keeping an eye on this.

[Epantiras]

Really interesting!
BTW in the dialogue screenshot, is it dead Xan lying at your feet?

[Lava Del'Vortel]

Hmm.... Yest I was trying out Varshoons weapons
Well, I thought that project will be less interesting, but yay, you are all writing in this topic

[Chevalier]

It seems that you are putting alot of thought and work on this, but really a Mind Flayer walking around a city?? Shouldn't everyone run and the guards attack?

[Lava Del'Vortel]

There is a dialogue about that, but ask the same question to Hiden from Jan's quest I'm doing my best to make it clear when questions "why?", "how?" and "what the hell...?!" appears. If finish some files soon maybe you will be able to check what I am speaking about Varshoon should be given a chance Well, I think so... ;P

[Chevalier]

There is a dialogue about that, but ask the same question to Hiden from Jan's quest

The answer is that you meet him underground and he is the Hidden (almost no one knows who or what he is). You really should make the mod and those who like it will play it. I just think it is a step too far.

[Lava Del'Vortel]

the line looks strange without the context but still:

*I see thoughts as material things, and I am able to influence them. They do not see me as an illithid, but simply as another human companion of yours.*

I understand that not everyone wants to play with an illithid. It is an opportunity. Usually I do not add any dragons, beholders, slimes etc to party, but in my opinion a new opportunity is nothing bad since it is well written. I will try to make it good... Some poeple in this topic were interested...

Edited by Lava Del'Vortel, 20 July 2009 - 03:18 AM.

[AnnabelleRose]

To be honest, I don't really like the idea behind this NPC.

The Illithid way of thinking is so alien, I just don't see how or why they would work with a bunch of humanoids.

I will say you took great steps on the kit toward balance, and Erephine's work is flawless as always.

I do think you should make this (not everyone will like every mod - my work in progress is proof of that).

Now, my above statements don't mean that I won't dowload it and save it for archive purposes....

...and probably play a little with it out of curiousity.

An Ilithid NPC would just have never been my first choice.

[Lava Del'Vortel]

But still you have the point. I want to make working, interesting mod, but it won't be interesting for everyone Someone may preffer to play Aerie and Minsc but someone would like to play chaotic team including Korgan, Varshoon and Ninde... Varshoon won't suite every team, but still he can suite some of them
BTW, the idea was how "alien-like" (as you called him) NPC can work with simple humans, dwarves etc... And that's why I created influence. You realy have to understand his point of views, even try to talk with him or he will

Spoiler

simply betray you in the illithid's lair, and it is hard to make him not to betray you.

question for this mod: Can illithid work with simple <PRO_RACE>?

[Kulyok]

Inventory looks good, and the avatar looks great. You might need someone(a native speaker, preferably) to help you with the dialogs/grammar, though - the one in your screenshot looks raw. Dead Xan is nice, though. Best of luck in your quest! That is, NPC.

Oh! I'm interested: tell us about the wardstones in his inventory! What are you going to use them for?

[Icendoan]

I'll give it a shot at proofreading, if you like.

Icen

[Lava Del'Vortel]

I know it will need a proofreading Eee... a wardstones are simply wardstones from the game, not from mod, but when you mentioned that... well... I have to think about something interesting like wardstone... Well, thx Kulyok About the quest, well if you are interested in for example betatesting it, write to me Then I will give you the access to Workroom (well, maybe not me, but I will tell Liam to give you the access )
Icendoan, well it is sure I will need a proofreader I will keep your offert in mind... Maybe I should even start the proofreading... I will consider starting the proofreading

[Lava Del'Vortel]

I am not sure if anyone is still interested in this project... Well, but since I wrote most of it, I decided to finish it, even if there are people who really hate the illithid NPC idea. If someone is playing a drow charname, an illithid NPC may be a companion that will suite the character well
...however, I just wanted to show some more screens. Don't expect great speaches from him. Illithids are not like that. I can't imagine great talks and stories told by an illithid with a cup of tea in his right hand. However, here are the screens:
(note: the text still wasnt checked! It will be proofread as TotDG )