Profile for Dintiradan
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Displayed name | Dintiradan |
| Member number | 6670 |
| Title | Guardian |
| Postcount | 1509 |
| Homepage | http://dintiradan.ermarian.net/ |
| Registered | Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
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| THE ABOMINABLE PHOTO THREAD REVOLUTIONS in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, February 8 2006 10:55
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Wow. I'm 18, but I feel old now. And hey, who knew that Prometheus was an illithid? Doesn't this violate the OGL? -------------------- Prometheus: The Early Years: http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/GiantITP/ootscript?SK=32 (OotS Rocks!) Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| how did you find out about spiderweb games? in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Friday, February 3 2006 07:54
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It was either "PC Gamer" or "PC Magazine" or something similar. A friend gave me one of the bonus CDs, and A3 was the only game my archaic PC could play. -------------------- Offices of the Magery Violators will be toad. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Oops in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, February 1 2006 07:54
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If the pun is the lowest form of humour, is the bun the lowest form of bread? Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Oops in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Monday, January 30 2006 10:26
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Eating kittens? Eating puppies? Everyone knows we're supposed to be eating the Irish. -------------------- I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, norishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout. - Jonathan Swift, A Modest Proposal Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Charge ion cannons. in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, January 25 2006 07:58
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Apologies for reporting subjective history. I merely was pointing out how any advance in technology can be corrupted. (For the record though, I am all for microwave riot control. Much better than tear gas or rubber bullets) -------------------- Famous Last Words: I attempt to disbelieve. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| What will come after Avernum4 for Windows? in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 24 2006 10:44
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I could be wrong, but I thought I read a thread a while ago where Jeff was toying with the idea of a comedy RPG. Meh. I think Avernum has the right balance of humour and storyline (I don't know how prevalent humour is in Geneforge). EDIT: Stupid pronouns with unclear antecedents. -------------------- The beast looks up at you mutely. You match gazes with it, trying to achieve some sort of common ground. In the end, you feel personally enriched, but you learn nothing. [ Tuesday, January 24, 2006 10:46: Message edited by: Dintiradan ] Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| best scenario to start with in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 24 2006 10:39
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Definitely Valley of Dying Things (the pre-packaged one). Until amateur scenario designers increase the number of scenarios to Blades of Exile numbers, it will be hard to find four scenarios as fleshed-out as the four pre-packaged ones (there are a few notable exceptions, but those aren't at low levels). Besides, for the full Avernum experience, it's best to play scenarios created by the maker of the game. -------------------- Heroes: So this village is called Wainscotting? Abruzzo: Yes. Doesn't it sound like a lovely name for a village? Wainscotting. Wainscotting. Wainscotting. Wainscotting. Wainscotting. Heroes: Wainscotting. Abruzzo: Wainscotting. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Charge ion cannons. in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 24 2006 10:28
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Brief history of advances in technology: Build house with rocks -> Build wall with rocks -> Throw rocks at people Make art with bronze -> Make shield with bronze -> Make sword with bronze Create energy with uranium -> Create sub using uranium -> Create bomb with uranium What next: Invent oven that uses microwaves -> Invent riot-control device that uses microwaves -> Invent direct-energy weapon It's inevitable. No matter what area we progress in, we find a way to turn it into a weapon. -------------------- I attack the darkness! - The Dead Alewives Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Time Limit Discussion in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Friday, January 20 2006 07:58
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Hmmm... good comments all. At the moment, my plan would be to base certain events on the Heroes' actions, and others on a timeline scale (for instance, increase the number of wandering Vahnatai as the party gains in power, and have attacks on the town as time goes by). Anyway, this will be my approach: 1: Create a completely static scenario. Back it up. 2: Make events based on actions. Back it up. 3: Add in a timeline. Back it up. 4: Decide which is best. If I'm not sure, ask beta testers to decide which of the three is best. -------------------- I think 'as constant as a dragon's gender' should become part of the Avernum lexicon. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| AIM Blades Chats in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, January 18 2006 19:58
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Alternate way to access the chat room: Sign in (duh). Go to File -> New -> Buddy Chat... Follow instructions as above. (By the way, I still can't find the 'People' menu. Maybe it's a platform issue, I'm on XP). -------------------- The best way to enjoy RoR? Roleplay a nihilist. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Time Limit Discussion in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, January 18 2006 19:47
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Thanks for the ideas Ephesos. I had planned my first scenario to take place in a newly excavated cave south of the Great Cave (for harvesting crystal), but west of Fort Remote could work as well, probably better. Unfortunately, that could involve recreating parts of A1&A2, something I'm not prepared to do (unless the A2 template is released already). The trilogy I'm planning takes place just before A4. My premise is that the Avernum magi keep a very close magical watch on inter-dimensional travel after the events of A3. In the first two scenarios, Adze tries to create a war to avert attention for his move. In #3, the events of A4 have started, and so he begins his plans. I might have said it in another thread, but I'm planning to use a different, smaller Vahnatai clan (either the ones in VoDT, or the ones whose crypts you keep on finding in A1). -------------------- Why didn't Erika just put on SPF 1,000,000? Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Will Exile ever be carbonized? in The Exile Trilogy | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Wednesday, January 18 2006 10:15
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I feel your pain, M.o.R. Microsoft's decision to stop using MS-DOS in XP made me mourn the loss of all those classics (good thing I have another computer with WIN98!). -------------------- VOTE FOR DINTIRADAN! I promise to reduce the number of random encounters in Valorim, introduce an adventurer tax cut, and legalize skribbane! Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Level Caps... in General | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 17 2006 11:01
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Personally, I didn't mind the lvl-40 cap in A1 (in retrospect, not at the time). Aside from cheating, the only way to get it is do ALL the dungeons. I found the Garzahd and Rentar battles in A2&A3 moderately difficult (on Torment) and the Hawthorne battle in A1 uber-difficult (on Medium or Hard, can't remember which). All because of the level cap (and probably a healthy dose of RPG inexperience). Remember, the point of playing computer games is to be challenged to near-breaking point. -------------------- What if we combined D&D with Avernum? Just think of the possibilities! (Aaaaah! Dire Alien Beasts!) [ Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:03: Message edited by: Dintiradan ] Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Time Limit Discussion in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 17 2006 10:50
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Sorry Stareye. I'll re-elaborate (is that a word?) on question #1, hopefully answering #2 along the way. Unlike any other demons, the forces of Grah-Hoth believe in 'Manifest Destiny'. Ever since the sliths summoned them to Avernum, they have laid claim to it (maybe because they are outcasts in the netherworld? That would work good with the whole 'Exile' theme). Now Adze is alone in Avernum. He knows he doesn't have the power to rule it himself (his power is limited to himself, several other haakai, and several score demons). He also knows that any attempt to summon more demons (or even Grah-Hoth) would bring the attention of the Avernum army. Therefore, he plans to get as many of Avernum's old enemies fighting them again. This is why he chooses to frame a Crystal Soul's destruction on an Avernum town. As for the time limit, I still think it's a good idea if it forces the Heroes to choose between saving the cursed town or stopping the Vahnatai. Lately, I've been thinking of scrapping the cursed town altogether (making the hook something like 'explore for mineral deposits'). As others have said, as the scenario stands, it is probably too complicated. Any ideas? Just for you, Dikiyoba, I will make sure the Heroes have as much time as they want to mop up the dungeon(s) after the time limit is over (if the time limit still exists by then). By the way, thanks a lot everyone for continuing to ask questions. Everytime I have to repeat myself, I change something. -------------------- Evil Necromancer: Do not fret, my loyal minions. Although the Heroes have won this battle, there is still EVIL MASTERPLAN 'B'! Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Time Limit Discussion in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Monday, January 16 2006 13:23
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Thanks a lot for the advice, *i. How does this sound: After the incident with the Crystal Soul, the Vahnatai take the stance of 'guilty until proven innocent', and ready their assault on the other Avernum town (the one the Heroes start in, not the one with the curse). From there, the Heroes must choose between wasting valuable time looking for evidence that may not exist, or 'taking care' of the Vahnatai. I'm not sure I'm ready to drop the time limit aspect of the scenario; I think it adds to the urgency. Also, I'm changing the look of my outdoors. The Heroes must pass through the dungeon with the Crystal Soul before they reach the cursed town they are trying to save. I admit that Adze-Haakai's character is still weak (he probably won't make an appearance in this scenario though). One thing though: he isn't banished. He merely could make his way through the portal in A3 quicker than Grah-Hoth could. As for why he's still serving Grah-Hoth, note that he was serving him during a similar situation in A1. I have several ideas that would make him a 'memorable' villain, but nothing that would distinguish him from any other demon. But that's why I'm on this forum. Any ideas? (In regards to Ephesos's comment: I'm a CompSci student. Making unique scripts is one of the reasons I'm interested in the Editor.) -------------------- Evil Necromancer: The dead aren't so bad once ... wait a second, I used that line on the last group of Heroes. Hmmm, I suppose an evil laugh will have to suffice. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| I Want to Crush Your Dreams. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Monday, January 16 2006 10:40
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I was planning on my scenario using a new tribe of Vahnatai (maybe the ones in VoDT), since the old ones are basically already at war with Avernum. Now that I look at Drakefyre's article, it works even better: in VoDT, the Vahnatai mentioned that they are looking for Resting Vahnatai. I'm thinking of even using those specific NPCs. Comments? As for Knotty's comment, the reason Adze is using the Vahnatai is their extreme sense of honour (they're more likely than any other species to start a war). -------------------- Mmmm... skribbane! Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Finalizing Scenario Ideas. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Monday, January 16 2006 10:22
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Okay, one more time: The Heroes are sent to investigate strange occurances in Avernum town. There are no leads, but they run into some Vahnatai, who accuse them of destroying a Crystal Soul. The Heroes must decide whether to help the Vahnatai and lose precious time, or attack them to gain an artifact that would help save the town. I've been thinking of adding a time limit. Any suggestions? (Also on the old post): Sorry Drakefyre, again I didn't make myself clear. The villain is NOT a homeland slith, but an old enemy of them. At a risk of providing a spoiler to all who wish to play my trilogy when it (hopefully) comes out, here is the basic storyline: Remember Adze-Haakai? The demon who was second-in-command to Grah-Hoth in A1? While he was killed in A1, he wasn't destroyed, and has come back (remember, Grah-Hoth also wasn't destroyed, only slain). Basically, Adze-Haakai was the first to come through the gate in A3. When the Heroes came to the Tower, Adze fled (he knows how deadly Heroes can be). Adze is still obeying his master's last wishes (eternal vengance against Avernum) and does this by war-mongering. In scenario #1, it's with the Vahnatai. In #2, it's with (pending). In #3, the Heroes try stop Adze from summoning Grah-Hoth (for what, the 5th time?). One concern I have is this: I haven't played A4 yet. Does this storyline conflict with the events in A4 (just answer YES or NO; A3 was ruined for me when I found out early who was behind things). -------------------- Make Bob happy. - The Creator Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| I Want to Crush Your Dreams. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Monday, January 16 2006 10:16
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Sorry Drakefyre, again I didn't make myself clear. The villain is NOT a homeland slith, but an old enemy of them. At a risk of providing a spoiler to all who wish to play my trilogy when it (hopefully) comes out, here is the basic storyline: Remember Adze-Haakai? The demon who was second-in-command to Grah-Hoth in A1? While he was killed in A1, he wasn't destroyed, and has come back (remember, Grah-Hoth also wasn't destroyed, only slain). Basically, Adze-Haakai was the first to come through the gate in A3. When the Heroes came to the Tower, Adze fled (he knows how deadly Heroes can be). Adze is still obeying his master's last wishes (eternal vengance against Avernum) and does this by war-mongering. In scenario #1, it's with the Vahnatai. In #2, it's with (pending). In #3, the Heroes try stop Adze from summoning Grah-Hoth (for what, the 5th time?). One concern I have is this: I haven't played A4 yet. Does this storyline conflict with the events in A4 (just answer YES or NO; A3 was ruined for me when I found out early who was behind things). I'll be posting this on the old and new thread, both still seem to be active. -------------------- Make Bob happy. - The Creator Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Finalizing Scenario Ideas. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Sunday, January 15 2006 15:16
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Oops. Just posted on the old topic, AND THEN I find this one. D'oh; just refer to the old post. (Yes, *i, it's longer than four sentences. Rest assured that it is limited to one outdoor section and five towns/dungeons). As for the chat, I am quasi-available 8-late (MST). Other times could work for me. -------------------- Famous Last Words: Oh, I ADORE the decor of this dungeon! These life-like granite statues are especially well-done! Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| I Want to Crush Your Dreams. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Sunday, January 15 2006 15:05
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I apologize for not making myself clearer before. The plotline I'm playing with right now has been narrowed to three separate scenarios. All three take place in different settings (two in Avernum, one in Valorim). The only thing tying the scenarios together is the villian (who has separate plots in each scenario) and a few NPCs. Anyways, here is my 'thesis' for #1. Please feel free to comment, insult, whatever. The Heroes are hired to investigate miners disappearing in an Avernum town. When they arrive, the town SEEMS completely empty, but they find cave with hibernating Vahnatai and a shattered Crystal Soul. As heroes investigated the C.S., living V. stumble on them and attack. Heroes must prove their innocence and discover the mystery behind these two separate events. A few added twists: Heroes discover that the task of saving the town becomes MUCH easier with a Vahantai artifact (makes Black Shades and Guardians visible). They have three options: trudge their way through the town, trying to find both solutions at once; attack the Vahnatai and get the artifact, making the town easy to save but possibly starting another Avernum/Vahantai war; or 'steal' the artifact, hoping the Vahnatai forgive them when they present proof that they didn't destroy the Crystal Soul. (This way, the approach isn't as much Good/Evil. It's more Brute Force/Stealth). One other thing: the villain in these three scenarios will be a deceiver/illusionist. Kelandon, is there any Homeland Slith words that could work for this? Possible meanings could be 'wielder of shadows', 'master of shadows', etc. Thanks a lot! Thus endeth the post (yes, yes, it's longer than one paragraph). -------------------- Famous Last Words: C'mon guys, it's just a suit of armour. We've fought golems tougher than this before. And this time there's only one of them! [ Sunday, January 15, 2006 15:06: Message edited by: Dintiradan ] Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| I Want to Crush Your Dreams. in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Saturday, January 14 2006 19:49
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I recently finished reading the Editor manual and have a vague storyline in the works. However, it will be at least a few days before I can package it down to one paragraph as Prometheus suggested. In the meantime, I'd like to make two observations/suggestions: 1: All the experienced designers are berating the newbies for planning this epic setting that, ultimately, will never get published. My approach is slightly different. Once your grand epic is completely thought out, partition it into several episodes, or 'mini-scenarios' (this is part of the reason I can't provide a plot right now: my idea involves a reoccuring villain over 3-4 scenarios, and while I have a basic idea for #2-4, #1 is still vague). 2: My other idea is creating 'drop-in' dungeons instead of full blown scenarios. For instance, before the grand epic is created, make a 32 X 32 alternative to Warrior's Grove. Or make your standard goblin dungeon that other designers can import into their scenarios as side-quests. Just a couple thoughts that might improve the chances of newbie designers (myself included) actually getting published. -------------------- Before they send us ... ... to a grave ... ... Alien Beasts use ... ... Burma Shave. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| General Scenario Design Contest in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Saturday, January 14 2006 19:02
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Yes! I now have a reason for existence over the summer! I'll try to get at least one out by November. Before I do so, however, I'm going to wait until A4 comes to PC (bloody elitist Mac users). -------------------- Heroes: What do you think of the Anama? Grove: I am sure they have their place. Somewhere. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Active Designers? in Blades of Avernum Editor | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 10 2006 12:04
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Just started to play around with the Editor a couple of days ago. Once I get the hang of it, I might create a few small scenarios. On a similar note: I wasn't planning on creating huge, sweeping worlds; rather, on making a few one-town scenarios that others can drop into their own scenarios as stand-alone dungeons. (The first idea I'm going to be working on is an alternative to Warrior's Grove). Just wondering if there are any like-minded lurkers out there; maybe an new topic could be started on dungeon ideas. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |
| Active Designers? in Blades of Avernum | |
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Guardian
Member # 6670
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written Tuesday, January 10 2006 12:04
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Just started to play around with the Editor a couple of days ago. Once I get the hang of it, I might create a few small scenarios. On a similar note: I wasn't planning on creating huge, sweeping worlds; rather, on making a few one-town scenarios that others can drop into their own scenarios as stand-alone dungeons. (The first idea I'm going to be working on is an alternative to Warrior's Grove). Just wondering if there are any like-minded lurkers out there; maybe an new topic could be started on dungeon ideas. Posts: 1509 | Registered: Tuesday, January 10 2006 08:00 |