DM Kev's Quests Commentary

[DM_Kev]

So Deadly Surroundings was quite a success. It's certainly in high demand!

Right now I have laid out the skeleton for the next evil quest, currently unnamed...its actually called #110 for now (as it is the modules 110'th quest).

This will be a completely new challenge for Evil characters, bringing in new NPC's, a completely different style of conflict and themes including Impersonation of the enemy, an element of failure if the quest objective isn't met and much more.

The quest will show some continuity with recent DM events, with activities where the characters must sow discord amongst the enemy and then use it to their advantage.

To further his strong impact on characters and to develop him more, Vithos Kalem will feature in this Quest in a very close and (suitably violent) supportive role.

As with the Rohan quest, there will be many optional extras in the quest which characters can take to make the path of the quest their own making.

Quest cast which im sure of include:

- The Mouth Of Sauron
- Saruman
- The Grand Vizer of Umbar
- Vithos Kalem

I will post here occasionally with progress, and perhaps the odd screenshot :)

You are always welcome to post here and speculate on plots and general quest related banter. No spoilers of other quests please.

[DM_Kev]

*EDIT - Messed that one up*

[DM_Kev]

Progress has been swift this week with the first chunkof the new quest completed.

I can tell you that there will be a small element of undead involved in this quest since Evil have not had as much contact with them as the goodies have. Two areas have been made, both beautifully done. I hope you all find these areas really engaging and atmospheric. I put a lot of time into them.

I have a few sneaky shots of the work done so far. No big give aways though - the core of the quest im keeping well and truly stum :)

The Tomb I hope will really have an atmosphere of a dusty, sickly place where danger is a result of your disturbance of the dead.
http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_1.jpg


The amount of personalisation and the age of the tomb is clearly shown
http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_.jpg (http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_2.jpg)



Built into the rock face
http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_3.jpg



A walk in the wild - using the excellent builders base tileset here
http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_4.jpg



A long bridge to nowhere - Making use of the cool cep placeables and the long bridge.
http://merpuk.wireplay.co.uk/110_5.jpg



Hope these have started up come plot conjecture and general excitement.

Untill my next report, enjoy the game ;)

[Doomnair]

*drools*
I know the core of the quest is a big no no to ask about, but qhat about average party lvl? With the NPCs involved I guess its rather high, but how high?

[DM_Kev]

It will be for those evils who have completed the current last Mordor quest. So the party would be ranging from levels 15 and upwards.

[DM_Kev]

There's been plenty of progress with the quest in the last few days. As these higher level quests are becomming quite long and difficult to plan in terms of time, I have implemented an idea I had on a trial basis. It will become available when the quest goes online.

It's....A quest saving system!

Yes, no more hoping you'll have time to finish your quest! At a (roughly) halfway point in the quest, you will be offered the chance to SAVE your quest progress. The PC quest owner (the character who initiated the quest) will be given a token which represents the quest you are doing and your position in that specific quest. Once you choose to save and take the token, you will be jumped to the start area where you can logout or head off elsewhere. You can choose NOT to save, and continue the quest as normal.

When your original quest party is next assembled and has the time to do it, you can go to the NEW Quest Recall Alter in the start area. The character with the token can then use the altar and select the quest. Upon selecting the quest, all party members will be jumped to the location you saved at and all quest data will be stored on the PC with the token.

This is a trial remember. Hopefully it will be a success and will make undertaking the larger quests less risky and much more convienient for you all :)

[Flamgoch]

When your original quest party is next assembled and has the time to do it, you can go to the NEW Quest Recall Alter in the start area.

Does it have to be the exact same party?

[DM_Kev]

There is no actual check to enforce this.

Though we do ask that you try and bring the same party back onto the quest with you. We dont mind the odd extra character provided their arrival is well explained within the party.

Again, part of the trail basis - we hope players will use this service responsibly :)

[DM_Kev]

Well, with the quests thread running well, it may be a good time to kick start this thread.

With the evil quest shelved for now (i really want to continue that soon) im working on some additions to the Bree Lands. In particular a pair of quests to show new players and long standing players starting a new character the sort of quality module we have today - and to just make sure you all have even more fun.

Screenshots and further intrigue will be coming soon. :)

[DM_Kev]

Progress report:

Two new quests now completed:

Bree:

Alegard's Courier - Alegard requires assistance in delivering some restored items to his customers.

Grave Undertakings - After joining the village watch, you are assigned to investigate some very serious robberies.


And now back off the shelf and into production (currently about 75% completed)

Mordor:

Diversionary Tactics - (Previous reports and screenshots listed above - formerly #110)
A seemingly small operation turns out to be your toughest challenge yet.

[DM_Aiwendil]

I had a look at this quest last night and it's a good one :)

The "interview" with the watchmen in the watchhouse (oo! I've waited so long so see inside that place!) was well done with lots of information on the Rangers. After you recieve your first assignment you head (also finally) into the Bree graveyard where you meet the erm... caretaker?

This char's conversation is very nice and very atmospheric. He fills you in on the crimes and the crime scenes and you continue your investigations.

Not much more I can say without giving it away, but you'll need to keep your wits about you and your eyes peeled! Would be useful to have a rogue around as well as his skills will be undoubtely useful here, but he'd be wise to have some protection in case of danger (hint hint).

A nice quest for early levels.

Even more briefly on Alegard's quest, another non-combat quest here that's not very complicated or taxing, but very nice all the same (really helps you get into the daily routine of this thriving stop-over point for travellers, as well as letting you get to know some of the locals a little better).

[Avalyn]

Alegards Courier

A nice quest to get new players used to the layout of the town, and to earn them a bit of gold to help get them on their feet, the conversation options are very numerous and at times can be risky, but pay off in the end, Its a nice quest that points the way to;

Grave Undertakings

The watchmans conversation is very in depth and gives a good idea as to whats going on before you are pointed to the gravekeeper, who has a good personality, also the graveyard area is very well done and doesnt just point things out, the final destination is also a good atmosphere for its purpose, and will surprise you at times :)

"I give this book a C-"

"And I give you an F Eric, back to your seat"

Good stuff :)

[DM_Kev]

My thanks to Avalyn and Aiwendil for testing these two new quests in the Bree Lands. They should be online in a few days once the testing comments and fix lists are worked through.

I look forward to inviting special player testers to join DMs in testing "Diversionary Tactics" very soon :)

[DM_Kev]

Has anyone tried these new quests now they are online?

[DM_Aiwendil]

I have seen at least two players taking the watch quest, and even heard it used in a conversation in the Pony, along the line of "are you in the watch yet?" :)

I tried the watch one myself with one char but sadly he was to blind, or stupid, to find the secret door *slaps hand over mouth*. What secret door?

[DM_Aiwendil]

I saw vulpex, misterroboto2 and tekir doing this today, care to comment lads?

[misterroboto2]

I think it's a great addition to the quest database. We can finally take advantageo f the rogue skills (even if it is only for a single quest). I have nothing bad to say about it at all.

[karakedi]

Other than that one of us isn't a 'lad,' it was fun. Since I couldn't think of any cases where open lock was needed in the mod, my rogue didn't take it, but next time he levels, he will. And if he does, he will hope for more locks to open. ;)

[vulpex]

I think the watch quest was very fun stuff. Even more candy for a newcomer now. Hohoo, join the townwatch.

Vice-vice deputy Tuilinn *eats a donut*

[DM_Aiwendil]

Apologies Kara, no offence meant, the trouble with aliases and lowest common denominators (i.e. males ;))