Kreig to the Spine of the World, John's run of a Kensai through NeJ1- Options

[JohnTheMutt]

Hi Vlad & Jan,

It's good to be back! And to be beta testing. My schedule is sporadic due to limited access to my computer (we have guests and they're staying in the guest room where the computer is at...) But I will endeavor to play and report when free time permits.

I kept the old install from my previous games, however I put in fresh copies of override, dialog tlk, and weidu log. They bring the install nearly (music folder still altered for example) back to original condition: ToB + official update + original Baldurdash.

NeJ2 installed without problem and so did the patches. After installation I installed Weimer's Item Upgrade, Ease of Use (only certain components), and Improved Horns of Valhalla. These are pretty much the only extra mods I will install and use throughout the test.

I imported a Fighter Character "Kreig" that I changed to a Kensai. Later, perhaps, I will dual him to a mage since no mages will be available in NeJ1 as NPC's.

For my beta testing reports, I'll do a looser walkthrough than I did before, since it's already been said. But anything that 'sticks' out to me, good or bad, I'll be sure to mention it. Of course any bugs or inconsistencies I'll report as I find them...

Thank you, Vlad & Jan, again for all your hard work in producing a fine mod.

Start:

So far everything seems to work okay in 'Chateau' Irenicus. I allowed for jaheira's new kit to be installed and see her nice new picture.

Currently just arrived in Easthaven...

[JohnTheMutt]

The only thing is that she walks into the 'fog of war' and you can't see anything. Is it possible to have the party follow close to her as she makes her way over there?

Unfortunately I failed to do so. I have worked on this cutscene for a long time and that's it.

Vlad, it's no problem. Really I think the cutscene is really very good, and am flattered that you even used my suggestion for one here. Thinking about it further, it is more realistic the way it is... since I haven't actually been over to that part of the cavern yet. If someone wants to see the interaction between Mother Egenia and the villagers then they can always sneak over invisible before the conflict, for example, and clear the 'fog of war'.

The cutscene dialogue is well done! It adds much more emotional depth to the whole bit on rescuing the villagers and really ties in well the reason Mother Egenia stays here on this level.

Both the acolytes of the forgotten god temple and the talonite priestesses seem to have un-interruptible spells.

It's not a bug John, and I think it's bearable.

Vlad, I hope I wasn't complaining, or that it was unbearable? If you put it there on purpose then I say great! Normally I play with tactics installed (I'll probably try installing it after the beta's are all done...) on the hardest difficulty setting and uninterruptible spells are just one of many features that enemy mages have which require dealing with. Put me on record please as being in favor of the change. It would be far too easy a battle if they were'nt.

John you don't need to send a screenshot, I know this. It's her limitation of the druid/fighter kit. She cannot get this proficiency at all while levelling her up. What can I do is to put 2 additional stars for crossbows in her proficiencies in advance but for me it looks really strange to join Jaheira with 5 stars in crossbows. biggrin.gif

Vlad, in the 'readme' it is stated that she can obtain Grandmastery in any missle weapon she chooses including light x-bows. Perhaps just changing the readme to reflect her situation then? Because I agree with you that 5 pips in x-bows to start is kind of strong to start her with...