Below songs are the works of people at least ten times more talented than me. Please support their works even though you may have a myopic view on arts and creativity like the stereotypical Singaporean. Period. Basically, this also means I do not have a share in whatever being upped apart from... well, sharing. In case you're still too thick to realise my intention, these are merely songs I'd imagine playing in the Neverwinter Six saga. Therefore, some of the titles may not be that of the original ones. A/N-Due to my work commitment and the fact that I don't blog for money like Xiaxue, this post will be very brief. Basically, this post will only comprise of seven tracks. In other news, it seems that the Gothic loli doctor may be coming back to the GH for whatever reason. In case you're wondering why I'm mentioning someone totally unrelated to me...
The merchant caravan attacked hours earlier was doomed to a certain voyage, its one-way journey pointing towards rape, murder, and despair. Fools are meant to be fodder for the strong, a sea of blood completed with severed heads, limbs torn asunder, and enslaved maids no longer chaste.
All know this foulest race to be notorious for their raiding tactics, they say his people are cursed with nothing else of value. Cowardice the only trait rivalling the merit of superior strength, this is nothing more than a lie. A rally in numbers will always work, but only when they're sorely pressed. Such is the orcish pride, surely this has to be the greatest insult known to the Homm’Ogr.
If baleful leers and lustful loins are to be his people’s finest weapons, this is because those damned terrans deserve it. Driven from their inheritance, the only thing unnatural would be letting their wenches be. While the orcs have never been short of pure blooded females born from their seed, nothing satisfies the male half more than outright slavery and breaking their captives' resolve. As for their womenfolk, silence is never an option when it comes to a show of support.
Then that thrice-damned demon stumbled before him and his brudders. A plaything dumb like a sheep was their perception. Flay him, roast him, feed him to the beasts, and give his entrails to the birds.
In an instance, weapons were flashed and blood was spilt with the victor standing tall. Forty brudders against a single lamb, orbs of scarlet red shockingly unveiled a ravenous wolf. A monster hailing from Azrael's realm must be him. Otherwise, why would he be capable of terrifying feats only the Great Abyss himself is able to?
Unbridled power and absolute chaos became the real meaning of fear, a rampaging force leaving blood and guts in its wake. His mind destroyed by terror, only one question remained for Bork.
Flight or fight?
Bork chose flight.
)0(
The heavy breathing is sensed by the nocturnal life, their sights staying clear from the runner. Both beasts and birds know not the reason, the escapee's fear they can nevertheless sense. Returning to their foraging, nary an attention is paid.
Utterly shaken by a spectre of blood and steel, the lone orc curses the day he did something stupid. Why did he take the dare? Why did he attempt the first strike?
“Daynjer past, daynjer past nau oraydee…”
His stamina collapsed, Bork pauses to draw a breath. A breath of respite, a moment of reprieve. The coast should be clear by now, whatever distance covered is already far enough for comfort.
Unleashing a barrage of curses, Bork’s lethargy warps into anger. How dare this hooded bastard smears the orcish pride! How dare this hooded bastard raises his sword against the Great Children! How dare him! How dare him! Such is a mockery on the highest level, the greatest blasphemy!
There is a time for curses, a time for seeking allies. Glancing to his left, a rising trail of red smoke means only one thing: This is no travellers' camp, but an encampment fortified by his other brudders. Bork will tell them what happened, surely Bork's brudders will take up arms. If a raidband numbering forty strong wasn’t enough, then surely at least a hundred more will do the job. This is why warbands exist. To defend the orcish pride once push comes to shove.
A sudden rustling sound sows panic in Bork, his heart racing like a running wrug. Chilling fear seeps into his spine, the only sight greeting him is a fox pursuing its prey.
“Stoolpit rabitses, stoolpit fuxes...”
Five parts annoyed and five parts inflamed with lust, Bork makes up his mind to vent his anger on any unfortunate elven lass within eyeshot. Even if one cannot be found, surely some hapless terran wench will suffice. For now, that is. Then fear grips him like the jaws of a wolf sinking into an unlucky prey.
Bork slowly turns around, the inevitable heralding its arrival. Crimson orbs tainted with murderous intent reciprocate a horrified stare as the monster's merciless steel laced with azure blue slices into his chest. Searing pain exploding from inside, Bork’s world goes abruptly black.
)0(
Lindel, a modest city famed in the eyes of bounty hunters near and far. Situated in the Eagle's Horn, the place has been protected by the much respected Leonum Flammeus all the while. The folly of underestimating militiamen may seem tempting at first, for who would ever pay respect to the smallborne unless he is one himself? Yet, every fool would still have to pay his rightful due. The Kalaran dream has always been a solid rock for the Kalaran society, its fortress in times of both fortune and woe. They say that meritocracy is fair and flawless, this is why the Kalarans are so prosperous. Alas, the world has never been fair to any and all. If every mortal is born in slavery, who then is the slaver?
Midsummer is always a season to cheer about. To Aeravor, it is merely part and parcel of his drifting years. Children frolicking within shallow pools means nothing to him, the same goes for womenfolk indulging in idle gossip. Dwarven songs of yore ring aloud, he pays no heed to the sound of anvils struck. No one can understand the goblins’ absurd obsession over their so-called "technology", neither does he care as well. Verbal spats erupting from sundry stores lined at either side, he ignores the sight of flustered female clerks on the verge of strangling alive the nearest male kobold. Occasional sightings of the enigmatic elves go unquestioned by prudent folks, he suppresses an urge to cause trouble.
A bundle slung over the shoulder, this is to be his prize. His left hand resting upon the pommel of a longsword sheathed, this is to be his solace. A settled life is one he despises, innocuous greetings he desires not. All he wants is a bulging purse and some entertainment. Whores and drinks would top his list if not for a growling stomach.
And to think I have to wait three days without taking a piss or shit.
Continuing his silent walk, the sellsword ignores the numerous glances cast in his direction. Attention neither straying to the left or right, a single storey building looms into view. Bells of copper sound their greeting, the mercenary pushes open a wooden door plastered with mould. Shedding his cowl, the indomitable wolf greets a bespectacled old man with the briefest nod.
Lazy bastard trying to act hardworking…
"Taking or ending?" glares the old man much to his satisfaction. Apparently, pushing up his glasses has achieved its purpose. As the bounty hunter is about to disclose his answer, a sudden thought enters his mind. Understanding what he himself is capable of, the predator within is promptly restrained.
Count himself lucky. I'm not interested in stirring up shit for now.
“Ending.”
"Evidence? Target?" retorts the crusty coot.
"Marx Hanry. The evidence here."
Flinging the gruesome package unceremoniously onto the desk, a decapitated head adorned with shock and terror greets the astounded clerk.
"That's our man alright," grins the old man wryly, an impressed whistle paying final respects to a dead man’s head, "Then again, I thought that pretty boy was extremely dangerous.”
“Rape, strangling, and all that bullshit,” a derisive snort concluding a verdict equally mocking, Aeravor is not in the mood for banter, “Heard of rangers and what we do best?”
“Hunting random prey, striking from behind, killing them in the sneakiest way possible. Guess you did just that.”
"With his pants down. A pity I failed to impress his pretty young thing," sighs the rugged warrior while absently scratching the back of his head, "I swear that'd be some ample compensation especially given her stack."
"You got a warped sense of jest here, black stud," chortles the old man, his yellowed teeth bared, "Reminds me of my youth. Mark my words, you're not gonna be popular with all the rich missus. Holy Quintet be damned if you're no whore bait. What's your name, sonny?"
"Aeravor," yawns the ranger unsightly, "Congratulations for wasting three seconds of my life."
“You don’t look natural, though…”
"Money or your life," clearly annoyed, Aeravor starts tracing random patterns on the desk with a scowl staring down at its owner.
"Okay, okay, I know. Don't be such a grouch. You’re still young, you're in serious need of getting laid," puffing his cheeks, the clerk tosses into Aeravor’s hand a leather pouch brimming with crowns, "Here's your moolah. Marx Hanry's a jackpot and a real son of an eel."
Stashing away a keep well earned, Aeravor slams the door shut. A resultant boom reverberating in the old man’s ears, a good-humoured smile is nonetheless shown.
Brown skin, long ears, sharp features… half-elf with Tamurian blood, eh? Doesn’t seem right with that white hair…
)0(
Enjoying a hearty meal of grilled beef and creamy corn soup, Aeravor casually tosses a crown at a waiting boy's feet. Ignoring persistent thanks coming from a lad treated like a dog, the ranger continues savouring his meal. It has been quite a while since Aeravor had a decent meal, the handsome prize earned is worth every excruciating minute. How long did he have to lie in wait within the shadow of clustered trees? A day or three? Perhaps even a cycle and beyond. It matters not to him now, for the only sight more pleasing than whores, ale, and a nice meal combined is beholding his prey's final moment.
“Remember this, Aeravor. Once the hunter becomes the hunted, only death awaits. You now wield the Answerer, there is no turning back. Never a hero and never will be. I find it quite amusing that the current wielder is far more honest than its previous master.”
Losing appetite in an instance, Aeravor stands up in full ire. Ignoring the judgmental glares from bystanders and passers-by, the ranger cares not about the swearing caused by a wooden stool flying through the window.
And to think I'll have to give Deios three tenth of my money. Those arseholes from Redmarch.
)0(
Lesser individuals would have gone hungry in no time. Living by the sword and purse is never good, yet Aeravor has always been a mocker. His years and identity as part of the Vánagandr taught him the importance of physical tolerance, the only thing surpassing physical fortitude is a mind of steel. Unpleasant memories at last banished, the ranger can finally cast off his sullen mood. Bearing a wry grin in public has its disadvantages, but at least no one would be insane enough to challenge a person armed with a sword.
“Every one of us is fated to wear a mask. What about yours, Aera?”
A damning past sears him like a lightning igniting a withered tree, Aeravor lashes out in anger. A yelp is followed by a whimper, kicking a stray dog has served its purpose. Then a loud commotion greets his ears pointed and keen.
"Whatcha lookin' at? Ne'er seen some'un killin' befah’?"
Great. I feel like killing something now...
“Murderers, all these people!”
“Do something!”
“You do so then!”
“O’ Father above, smite these bloodthirsty men in Your anger!”
Okay, plus morons too retarded to do a thing.
Turning his back on the commotion, Aeravor understands too clearly that he's nowhere better, Apathy is no different from taking a life. Hence, it makes him a murderer. At the same time, if every quarrel can be resolved by talking cheap, then he’d like to be everybody’s friend. A casual stroll dismissing children grieving over their mother dead, it takes one idiotic ox to stoke a simmering fire.
"Hay 'u! A'm talkin' to yer!"
Good grip and some loud voice. Let's get busy killing.
"Want to swallow a sword?"
Vexation briefly giving way to smug satisfaction, Aeravor savours his moment of acid wit.
"Yer got gutz, 'uh? Lemme tell ye wat 'appen to peepz like ye. See dat beyotch o'er dere?" bellows a burly man, his wild gestures pointing towards a crowd parted in the name of cowering fear. Lifeless eyes of a bloodied woman never tugged at the ranger’s heartstrings, let alone a couple of bawling brats.
"See dat, 'uh? dat kan bee 'u nex!"
Annoying son of a bitch…
Choosing not to betray a single spark of burning wrath, why should Aeravor concern himself with those either dead or waiting to die? People will die one day, even this reeking drunk. Invasive stench unable to move his heart, Aeravor’s life has always been one forged from icy steel.
Tough luck. You’re barking up the wrong tree.
"I don't care about you, what you've done, or what kind of whore you prefer. Go do a good deed and give a little girl some money for her service," hisses Aeravor, his visage lifted in full view, "Maybe that'll make you a better man."
Formalities promptly done with a vulgar gesture shown, he shoves away the dishevelled scoundrel with a forceful hand.
"U dar too turn 'ur bac' on mee? Dy lik'ah dawg!"
An overpowering dirge playing its tune only for him, Aeravor brings forth his inner world. Judgment has been proclaimed, an azure edge utmost deadly and swift leaving its scabbard.
Revelling in the sight of crimson stain invading his victim's shirt, the former Vánagandr scores his first kill of the day. Booting the skewered dead off his blade, Aeravor spits his contempt onto his fallen foe. Twirling the Answerer about, its weight, balance, and crackling sound reinvigorating the wolf in him.
“Fuzzy ape with an equally fuzzy brain.”
His statement running its course, Aeravor beckons the remaining quartet.
“I don't always kill people. But when I do, I make sure they stay dead.”
"Yar basterd! Yev gott'us on'to u nao!"
And so begins the hunt…
Keeping his sights open to the surroundings, the lunging thug is to be Aeravor’s second target. With muddled anger filling his bloodshot eyes, an intoxicated swing of the bardiche is paid back with a parry and wide arcing slash. His quarry’s throat cleanly sliced open, the wolf decides to up the momentum.
Two down, three to go...
Getting circled behind in spite of superior technique honed, Aeravor exposes his back to a swinging broadsword wielded by a deceptively wiry man.
Boring like a frigid whore. Die.
Two glyphs etched in the mind, an unseen force is triggered. With his left hand, the ranger reaches out for the enemy’s blade. Blunt force tantamount to a rock hitting the ground greets Aeravor, his third kill’s expression is anything but cheap.
"A simple trick. A hard left hand."
One stride forward and a brutal kick against an exposed knee floors the worthless lowlife, Aeravor detects two more coming from behind. Contemplating a flashier reply, the ranger nonetheless decides against it. A killing blow as swift as the wind severing the windpipe, Aeravor turns around sharply. The final two suddenly rooted themselves to the ground, it is not some manner of magic holding them still.
The maniacal glint in a pair of azure eyes... an aura of rampaging madness released like a ravenous beast loosed from its cell...
Seizing an advantage proffered by the element of shock, Aeravor casually lops off his victims' lives.
One swing, two dead. If only my life is that easy.
"Leonum Flammeus! The Leonum are coming!"
Thundering boots making their tremors known, Aeravor finds it faintly amusing that nobody is left watching the show. As expected, the seemingly righteous is no different from an honest knave. An impressive sight of battle-hardened clowns adopting a phalanx formation greets his view, spears lowered for battle complimenting the show.
Murderous whims opening up a can of worms, Aeravor expects this much. Retaining a vicious grin as he prepares to correct his mistake, the ranger pays nary a heed before a pompous idiot opening his mouth.
No action, talk only. Talk to my sword.
)0(
...ain't mortal... absolute monster...
Recalling these final words, the former Vánagandr finds it amusing that the fodder is right after all. What’s his name? The leader’s name? No matter what the answer is, there can be only one ending for stupid people baring their teeth against him. Aeravor knows he's born a wolf, that no prey deserves the right to lower its horns and paw the ground. No elk should ever see a wolf as anything but an absolute monster. Let alone whatever trash tossed up into the air by a tornado conjured, their lives doomed as they laid there waiting to be culled.
At least he lasted a bit longer than the rest.
Beneath a sky cloaked in black, Aeravor knows this as the most beautiful scene in his lonely life. The sound of crickets chirping is music to his ears, the mournful howl of a wolf resonates across the vast uncovered plateau. This is a symphony of solitude, an aria of solace. Perching nearby is a couple of owls, no qualms are given as he feeds them some roasted game. A young fox nearby feasts on a partridge's carcass half-eaten, Aeravor soon closes his eyes for a temporary reprieve.
For the night is lovely and full of glimmering stars, the lunar moon both crimson and blue.
Okay, I'm gonna clean up this entire section. Basically, you won't be seeing this section from now on. The reason why being that I talked too much crap at times. Also, my brain is nearing sleep mode atm.
Glossary:
Azrael: The god of the orcs. Unlike the conventional notion towards deities in general, the orcs saw Azrael as both their sole master and a being synonymous with destruction. And that includes their own as well. Hence, it can be surmised that Azrael is both their creator and destroyer (the former being literal, the latter being an actual possibility).
Brudder: Basically the way any orc addresses a fellow orc. Only usable between males. Crown: The highest tier of currency in the Great North (i.e. the northern continent comprising of the Kalaran Empire, the High Realm of Teutonia, and the Free Confederation of Slarvea). Crowns are coins made of alloy mixed with gold with quarters (coins made of alloy mixed with silver) and pence (coins made of bronze) being of subsequent value.
Great Abyss: While this refers to the realm where Azrael resides, Great Abyss can also be used as an alternative name for Azrael. (no, I'm not about to answer whether gods do exist in this world of mine. Go figure)
Homm'Ogr: Formal term for orcs. To set the record straight, this is NOT a self-proclaimed title. Jackpot: A difficult but rewarding task. A slang used mostly by sellswords and those associated with bounty hunting. Moolah: Slang for bounty.
Raidband: A band of orcs numbering from ten to any number less than a hundred. Once it reaches the hundred mark, however... Warband; Remember what I said about a raidband? Well, this is the upgraded version I mentioned above. Traditionally, warbands are used for larger scale conflict while raidbands are used for small scale skirmishes. Eagle's Horn: A coastal area in the northeast of the Kalaran Empire. Primarily consisting of rocky terrain, any form of settlement is either situated in a valley or at the few hillocks surrounded by mountains. Lindel is incidentally situated at the junction connecting Eagle's Horn to the Empire's mainland. The area is shaped like an eagle's beak pointing upwards, hence the name. Jackpot: A huge paying job or a bounty worth a sizeable reward. Son of an eel: Someone who is particularly hard to catch. Tamurian: My very own version of the Malay ethnicity. Known and prized as exceptional mercenaries due to their skill in arms and savagery in battle, they hailed from their ancestral home of Tamuria in the southern continent.
Wrug: Wolf-like creatures used as mounts for orcs. Zoologists (i.e. scholars specialising in animal science) believed that wrugs are not wolves at all since they possess certain feline features like the tail and rounded ears. At the same time, an actual wolf will not hesitate to kill a wrug upon seeing one. Period. Redmarch: A fief in Teutonia famous for the wine produced.
Add P.S: If you think Aeravor's character seems eerily like yours truly, it means you know me more than I initially thought. To quote Minister Tan Chuan-Jin, "I would like to be your friend".
In other news, I blame my mother (and most likely my sister as well) for accidentally giving me an excuse to feel "murderous". Just now, some intelligent member of my family watched a real life crime show (i.e. basically a documentary chronicling some of the cases done by this guy). You see, there's this case of murder done a bunch of sikeena. Not even of a legal age and they already know how to murder some poor boy of the same race. The mastermind was only twelve back then, his arrogance decided to make me feel... well, "murderous". Which now comes the big question:
Will justice ever be done for poor Jega?
Before we start saying no, let us understand the implication for Moorthy provided his roommate didn't stick a knife into his eye.
Committing murder is no joke, whether you're arrogant or not. Moorthy was right when he said the jolly hangman from Changi couldn't hang him like what the Iraqis did to Saddam Hussein many years later. However, that merely means he's actually too dumb to realize what would likely happen 10 years down the road. Let me ask you a very simple question; Are you willing to hire an ex-convict?
If your answer is yes, then let me ask you another question: Are you willing to hire someone like Moorthy?
This is basic wisdom, not rocket science. You don't need to be K. Shanmugam or Karpal Singh to understand what kind of grave Moorthy had dug for himself. If he's lucky, it means he's already repentant plus making a decent living instead of killing people like a twelve years old terrorist.
If not, then he's most likely jobless and still begging for money quite literally. Worst come to worst, he'd already have a family, in which the poor wife would always get beaten up once every three days due to a fit of drunken rage. This is not me being a racist, I'm merely telling the story of humanity for what it is. Just don't ask me whether he's already dead.
The human psychology can be very fragile more oft than not. We tend to think ourselves as invincible, but that's because we've yet to sniff glue and become drug addicts. I've been through near twenty years of darkness, I've stared at hell eye to eye while wrestling with my inner demons (i.e. the figurative succubi). If you're to ask me, Moorthy was merely a pathetic little boy who must eventually wrestle with a massive inner demon wearing Jega's mask. There are many ways to indulge in your inner demons, not just watching porn. If no one is willing to hire you because of what you did ten years ago, it's only natural. Society had never owed Moorthy anything in the same way Jega had never owed Moorthy even a single cent. Moorthy owed the society because the jolly hangman could have hung him.if he's not a minor. Moorthy also owed Jega because the victim did not deserve to die.
Note: Because there are more than jus a few things capable of stoking my inner fire, any scene which may come into play for ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説 will be written in the form of short stories here. Basically this type of format.
Add note: I need to learn how to dodge backward. Or rather getting used to it since I tend to dodge forward 99% of the time. I swear Orcus' massive weapon is made of undodgeable material. Or just about anything used by a giant. -.-'
More add note: The whole depressing episode above reminded me of a J-drama I've watched N years ago. Back then, my pretty legal housebreaker had yet to convert my sis to Running Man.
Remaining character profiles
~Paramour~
Myrreas' path on his formative years amongst the Harpers. In a fateful stroke, his world came crashing down in the form of a foe most terrible: Manshoon. That was years ago, but the wounds still bleed ever surely. As if Beshaba have her eyes on him, events soon to come will challenge everything he has lived for. For every ounce of profit comes an ounce of loss, luck and misfortune are always like eternal enemies and best friends forever at the same time.
A/N: Myrreas' path will begin at Fort Precipice where he's informed of the annual Protector's Jubilee nearing. Apparently, he knows Quorthon.
~Dhaerow~
Sheallyn Melarn's route. The first half focuses on her traumatic past surrounding Menzoberranzan, which would eventually led to her leaving the city. The second half tells of her years with the Harpers and that chance meeting with Elminster Aumar, an event which would change the course of her life forever. Dhaerow means traitor, such is the drow nature. Before a goddess of treachery, perhaps the worst kind of dhaerow is one rejecting betrayal and lies.
A/N: Sheallyn's path will begin shortly after Myrreas' abrupt departure from the Harpers, after which the scene will fast forward to the Protector's Jubilee.
~Intrigue~
The story of Kariss Locras exploring her inner demons both figuratively and literally. Starting from her early years in Wheloon, her path would eventually take her from Luskan to its most hated rival Neverwinter. With great power comes great responsibility, but with absolute power comes absolute corruption.
A/N: Kariss' story will start from her years at Luskan, after which we'll see plenty(?) of flashback from her past. Most notably a certainmilitary genius who would eventually become an actual hero of Neverwinter.
NPC Jay
It's quite funny imagining a bard named Jay appearing in-game, but meh. The moment you start the story mode (no matter which character), you'll see Harper Jay conversing with an innkeeper. Due to a lack of traveling funds, Jay has to come up with a plan to keep himself warm (note: the timeline is most likely shortly after the events of Storm King's Thunder). Depending on which character you're starting, you'll see Jay singing at different locations.
~Left Hand of Kelemvor~
Location: Lonelywood
Hear my words, you who seek refuge in Lonelywood.
Certain heroes are born, some others made.
Then there are those forced to be one.
'Tis a tale of a wolf with a mind of steel,
Chosen of Kelemvor and victor over Crenshinibon.
A master of tactics and strategy,
Knight of the Feywild and Kingslayer.
~Fist of Torm~
Location: Termalaine
Discern for yourself, folks of Termalaine.
Hear the story of a soul noble and strong,
Of orcish blood and a human's soul.
A child conceived from union forced,
A shield of Torm and a sword against Gruumsh.
Brave and strong like Agorwal of yore,
Second only to the son of Beornegar.
~Image of Mystra~
Location: Caer-Dineval
Listen, you refined ones of Caer-Dineval,
For I shall sing a ballad of a noble lady fair.
Her love lost to death,
Her family both the dagger and hand.
Pride of Corellon and a beacon of Mystra.
Her stature akin to Lady Alustriel Silverhand,
Her beauty like one of the Seven Sisters.
~Paramour~
Location: Good Mead
Enjoy, revelers of Good Mead,
Here is a tale about one like you.
A Harper he has always been,
A charmer of ladies and lover of mead.
Beloved of Selûne and blessed by Tymora.
A carefree soul like the Sage of Shadowdale,
His nimble hands rivaling one of Bregan D'aerthe.
~Dhaerow~
Location: Bryn Shander
Savor my tale, brave souls of Bryn Shander.
One who is like that statue before your gates.
A child of Menzoberranzan,
A wizard like one from Cormyr.
A traitor to Lolth, a friend to Eilistraee.
A touch like the Harpells of Longsaddle,
Yet more refined a spellcaster than they.
~Intrigue~
Location: Caer-Konig
Pay attention, rival to Caer-Dineval.
To the one straddling between light and darkness.
From Wheloon she set off,
To Luskan she went.
A daughter of Belial, a champion from the Nine Hells.
Beguiling like Sharess,
A touch of madness with a temptress' charm. Paragon class level up
Realized I've yet to say anything on paragon class here. When we talk about paragon class, there has to be a way to level up. Simply put, your character's paragon class will automatically level up together with the starting class.
As you level up...
You'll gain new at-will, encounter, and daily powers. Not to mention class features as well. You'll end up unlocking new powers at level 10, 15, and 20. Once you reach paragon class status, new paragon powers will unlock at level 25, 30, and 40 (together with that of the starting class as well). Note that this system only works with the class level, not your character's overall level.
Also, you'll unlock an additional slot for your character at least once paragon class is eligible.
Encounter powers and daily power
L1:
Encounter power 1
L2:
Encounter power 2
R1:
Encounter power 3
R2:
Encounter power 4
L1+L2+R1+R2:
Daily power
A/N: Please note that your character can only slot 1 daily power.
Daily (plus) encounters
At-will powers do not have a cooldown, but encounter powers have. However, encounter powers are also more powerful so as to speak. Different encounter powers will have a different amount of cooldown period (duh!). However, there no stats which can affect this aspect of the gameplay. When it comes to gear, however, that's where the fun starts. However, it's not so much about the gear, but rather the nature of gear enhancement. In specific areas/places, you can purchase gear enhancements. The only catch? You must please your patron deity first.
Depending who is your character's patron deity, killing stuff will earn you favor points. These favor points can be used to purchase enhancements which will confer three kinds of bonuses.
1. Cooldown reduction
2. A specific property
3. Bonus for a specific attribute
As for daily power, you can only use it once per day. As your character levels up, however, the number of usages will increase. Basically, it's 1 additional usage time per every 10 levels (i.e. the character's overall level).
You can only use the daily power associated with the starting class, paragon class, and prestige class. Secondary classes are not eligible for their respective daily powers.
Actions
Actions are now probability based. In other words, stuff like second wind and healing surge requires an element of luck to trigger. At the same time, every action will have a 20 second cooldown. More than 1 type of action can be triggered this way. Below are the actions available in-game and their respective chances to proc.
Latest note: My brain was going on auto-pilot. Gonna tweak extra action.
Healing surge-30%
What it does: Restore twice the amount of HP healed whenever using a healing spell. Healing scrolls will have a fixed 45% to 60% probability (depending on the scroll's quality).
Second wind-25%
What it does: Gives temporary HP and increase in debuff resistance. 40% chance instead if under any control effect.
Extra action-25%
What it does: Conferring invulnerability for the next 5 seconds upon hitting a target or receiving a hit. Extra action cannot be triggered at the same time with other actions.
Stand up-50%
What it does: Recover from knockdown status. 30% chance of preventing knockdown status if your character has either at least a minimal Strength of 16 or a minimal Dexterity of 18. Chances of triggering this action will also be affected by your character's Constitution score (+1% per every point of Constitution above 14).
Charging-60%
What it does: Rushes at the nearest opponent before combat starts. Will trigger knockdown if your character's Strength is above 16.
Shifting-30% to 70%
What it does: Moving out of an opponent's attack, be it either ranged or melee. Chances of triggering this action depend solely on your character's Dexterity (30% with a Dexterity score of 12 to 70% with a Dexterity score of 16 and above). Only applicable against one attack. Cannot be used with the parrying action.
Parrying-30% (+1% bonus chance per every point of AC)
What it does: Deflecting an opponent's attack, after which your next attack will deal 50% bonus damage should it hit the target. Only applicable against one attack. Cannot be used with the shifting action.
Healing potion-10% to 80%
What it does: Enables your character to use a healing potion. Chances to trigger depends on how the amount of missing HP.
ACJC
AC does not mean Anglo-Chinese *insert relevant school here*. Rather, it means Armor Class. Basically, this is your character's defense stat. AC not only affects the damage you receive, it also affects your chances of suffering a critical hit.
At the same time, Dexterity and Constitution also contribute to AC. For every 3 points of Dexterity/Constitution above 12, one point of AC will be given. Every piece of armor will have its own specific AC rating.
Final note: Last Monday, I realized someone has been doing a legal housebreak all the while. I'm pretty sure my family members know the truth, that I'm the only one in the dark. To that unnamed housebreaker, be noted that (I think) I know who you are. You took five pellets of sweets from my box of Halls lime mint earlier on and put them back come that Monday morning while I was sleeping soundly. I swear my life for the past four years has been a K-drama. I should have realized something was wrong when you faked your actual name in front of me four years ago.
Okay, I've yet to start my analysis on how awesome the combat hunter ranger tree has gotten this time round. At the same time, I'm currently waiting for the current patch to hit home so that I can see for myself whether a hellbinder temptress is a better fit for Kariss (both gameplay and character wise). Suffice to say, I wasn't willing to burn 116K astral diamonds for a feats-boons respec even thought there's no actual reason for me to burn 7 Savras tokens for a resepc token (then again, there's no reason for me to spend the Savras tokens generally speaking as well). By next week (hopefully), I'll give my personal take on both Arylos and Kariss' character (gameplay) developments.
(note: I won't be touching on the new campaign for a while until Myrreas completes Icewind Dale).
[Add note: Hopefully the new rewritten version of A Requiem from Winter Past will be upped before this weekend]
Hence for now, I'll be doing this below...
Don't we all love moral choices? This November, moral choices will be made and America will never be the same again. If you think that's a joke, then you're sorely wrong. If you think voting is not about making moral choices, then I need to ask who is your god (if you happen to abstain due to your own freedom of [moral] choice, then I don't have to ask who is your god).
Enough about foreign politics, let's go onto moral choices in ネバーウィンターの勇者伝説. Because this is not the Witcher series, therefore there's only this much I can work with the freedom of moral choice. Because this is not a video gaming version of A Song of Ice and Fire, there's nothing much I can do about the freedom of moral choice. Definitely I don't have any freedom of movement since this not my very own 餓狼の鎮魂曲 (wait, Requiem of the Lone Wolf sounds better than Requiem from Winter Past...).
There are two ways to decide your characters' moral alignment.
1. Moral choices in-game. This applies to your default, unlockable, and DLC characters.
2. Having the freedom of choice to be good, evil, or neutral. Don't we all love rolling for the stats while deciding everything else?
I'll touch on the first aspect here (since the second aspect is all about Steel and Magic, Heroes and Villains).
D&D anyone?
D&D not as in your department's Dinner & Dance even though you and your other two BFFs happen to be colleagues as well. D&D not as in Dungeons & Dragons even if either Jason Mraz or JJ Linhappens to be your DM. D&D is all about Deals & Decisions. When you deal with a person, you're interacting with that person. When you have to make decisions concerning a person, it means you're dealing with that person. There are two ways to put yourself into a point of moral choice.
1. The relevant skill checks (i.e. Bluff, Intimidation. and Diplomacy)
2. Direct Q&A (i.e. MCQ. If you don't know what is MCQ, it means you've most likely failed in life)
Note that the two factors can overlap. For example, you can run a skill check, only to realize there's a social MCQ waiting for you. Then there will also be other moments where either a skill check or a Q&A is enough to settle the issue.
Moral choices will affect a few things. Namely...
1. Unlocking of side-quests
2. Bonus stuff (read: freebies)
3. One thing leading to another (read: various manners of recommendation)
4. Whether that person will be your friend or enemy (read: either you earn yourself a comrade or foe)
I really like this song. And it doesn't help that Nasu Kinoko is known for stuff like this, this and this. In the Neverwinter Six saga, the story mode will focus on the titular characters.Separated into six parts, you'll need to complete Arylos' path in order to unlock other characters' respective story mode where the remaining Five will be automatically unlocked. At the same time, there's also the chance of choosing which character to use in the scenario where more than one of the Six are present. However, you must complete the relevant portions before being able to do so. Another alternative will be to replay the quest once you've completed that particular character's story mode. Below are the character paths available:
~Left Hand of Kelemvor~
This is Arylos' path. Chronicling his life from his days with Eldreth Veluuthra, his journey would one day lead him to the Neverwinter Wood. From there, Neverwinter would eventually witness a manner of hero never seen since the days of Lord Nasher Alagondar. A person living in constant conflict, Arylos could never understand a peaceful life beyond the battlefield.
A/N: Because I don't want to accidentally add a personal touch to the whole big evil boss, I decided to alter the name from Isil to Isrin.
~Fist of Torm~
This is Bhaasmond Taran's story starting from his early years as part of the Flaming Fists. From there onward, the half-orc would eventually meet a soldier named Wilfred whose untimely demise would entwine the fate of the Jewel of the North with his. Being an unwanted product of rape, Bhaasmond sought to find his own self-worth as the ultimate aim.
A/N: Bhaasmond's path is the only one where the prologue stage of Neverwinter Online becomes legit in-game.
~Image of Mystra~
Cyrea Durothil's route. From her early years of self-imposed exile in Cormanthor to her days amongst the Lords' Alliance, the daughter of the prestigious House Durothil has seen much in a brutally flawed world still recovering from the Spellplague. Having decided that Neverwinter was far more of a home compared to Evermeet, her presence went a long way in stabilizing the previously fractured relationship between Dagult Neverember and the Harpers. As one understanding loss in its entirety, Cyrea strived not let the same tragedy befalling unto others.
A/N: Cyrea's path will begin straightaway at Neverwinter. At the same time, she's already a member of the Lords' Alliance by the start of the game. Per implied by her story mode title, I'm planning to integrate Mystra into her storyline. Maybe it's not so bad an idea to ditch the plan for a Tiamat set and give her a Sigil of the Controller instead (read: Tiamat set is more useful for righteous spec imo).
If you still remember what I've written in Garou Central, it means you most likely knew already that I enjoy designing gaming concepts. In fact, I've already started doing so in my first blog (i.e. the defunct That Random Blade. No thanks to the fact that I never got that password reset for my previous Google account, hence having to start from the scratch again).
To highlight the Tesla power of Pikachu and Raichu (or just abt every critter in the list)...
...every S'porean got caught up in the frenzy. Okay, not all. Also not literally since I'm pretty sure Private Ryan Shawcross won't end up crossing beyond either Tuas or Woodlands. Actually come to think of it, should we just equate the game with the term "Tesla girl" even though I don't know what that means?
Either way, I'm still interested to see whether the Prime Minister of Far Far East will be willing to work with yours truly (more specifically, it's the other way round).
Pressing the (basic) buttons
Intended for the PS4 and Xbox One, I won't be surprised if Nintendo will be included as well (I'm saying this because the Nintendo console interface in general has a history of being... well, quite literally different). Hopefully, history won't repeat itself for the sake of the better good of the relevant industry. Yes, I know I talk a lot for a normal human being (mainly because I'm born abnormal. A fact which not many people around me have been willing to accept). So allow me to simplify every word in a single meme.
Because I'm currently too lazy...
...I decided to use the PS interface. Before I do so, let me just explain some of the changes intended compared to last time round.
1. There will only be two at-will powers available in the beginning. At the same time, only four encounter powers, one class feature, and one daily power can be available in the beginning as well.
2. You can unlock additional powers during the 4th, 10th, and 20th level respectively.
3. Gameplay interface will be streamlined. This is due to the difficulty level of incorporating pen and paper in video games too damn high.
4. Two buttons will be reserved for potions and scrolls respectively.
5. I don't know whether this is considered a change since my memory isn't 100% photographic, but this time round I'm opting for the ARPG approach instead of the standard turn based genre.
I'll be thinking over about whatever turn based aspects possible for this game. Just treat it as the ARPG genre until then. Or even any U-turn decision.
Square:
At-will power 1
Triangle:
At-will power 2
Cross:
Potion
Circle:
Scroll
Please note that you can only slot in 1 type of potion and 1 type of scroll in the respective slots.
Paragon and Prestige
Every character can choose a paragon class upon level 20. Upon reaching level 40, prestige classes will be unlocked. While there are only minimal restrictions concerning choosing a paragon class (apart from the choice of starting class of course), prestige classes carry forth specific requirements. Hence, it's actually possible for a character NOT to be under any prestige class.
When you create a character, you also choose that character's starting class. That starting class will decide which paragon classes are available. Every class will be two paragon classes to choose from.
As for prestige class, this is something not relevant to your character's class. Rather, it's all about specific requirements.
That one thing every S'porean must be good at
If you're a S'porean just like me, it means you must not be like me (unless you happened to be a genius like me). In other words, I can't multi-task. Whenever you went for job interviews, most likely the interviewer would expect you to be some sort of wizard.
Multi-classing is an option. To multi-class, your character must reach at least level 12. At the same time, you can only level up your secondary class per every 4 levels of your default class. If you desire more than just 1 secondary class, you'll need to obtain a prestige class. Whether you end up having 1 secondary class or 2, you can only choose to level up the class of your choice (i.e. both the starting class and the secondary one[s]). Whatever your choice, just make sure you don't end up like this.
Focus is dropping more than just a wee bit now. Originally, my plan was to upload the first rewritten chapter of A Requiem from Winter Past. However, my brain was a tad too hyperactive due to the abnormal way my brain works. In fact, I'll need to cram a few things within this week. After all, my beloved team in red (i.e. Boro, not my local national football team) will be facing Stoke this weekend. If Alan Shearer thinks Boro will be relegated, then it's my mission to defeat him (i.e. I know what I'm capable of, definitely not this). Hopefully, I can start touching on the First Amendment aspect of the game next.
It's been truly quite an eventful 4 years. Ever since I started blogging in my now defunct That Random Blade, things have been quite unreal. From April 2012 until now, the prospect of being under the global microscope still feels unreal. From other people's proactive attitude amounting to positivity to my knowledge of a certain girl still waiting for me to be her boyfriend, it's been a funny ride. Everyone is currently acting dumb, I'm still that Truman Burbank of the Singaporean Truman Show. I'm under no illusions that every Singaporean knows how I look like, I already knew the name Kuok Minghui has been going around the world for way more than eighty days. As for my churchmates, I knew right from the start that they're forced to play dumb as well. While I do not know exactly the reason why (albeit I have made a guess or two), one thing I know for sure is that they're still telling me (in their own way of course) that their beloved little bro has become an unofficial global celebrity waiting to be made official. It still feels absolutely unreal (not to mention weird), but I understand that behind every unnatural reaction lies a natural reason. And that includes why I'm so daring now in pursuing that girl whom I know is still waiting for me in this manner below.
A/N: Garou Central won't be back unless there's a compelling reason for me to do a Soulforged effect on it. Period. When I said I wanted to start afresh with a new style, I mean it.
A message of congratulations...
...to my beloved sister in Christ, U. I once asked half jokingly when are you going to turn pro in being a harpist. Apparently, you're more interested in playing the harp as a form of hobby. Thinking back on my days in church since day one (i.e. from 2000 onwards), I realized I've been both stupid and misunderstood. Stupid because I truly ended up doing plenty of stupid things. Misunderstood because I'm still pretty sure nobody knew the reason behind my stupidity. And that includes my own family. No friends, only acquaintances. Got family, but no family members. Desired to have girlfriend, every of my ideal choice (both in church and otherwise) made me understood that I was never good enough. Fast forward to 2016 and I'll most likely be spending my National Day alone. Difference is, I now have God to spend it with me. This has to be the closest thing to Moses spending forty years in the wilderness of Midian and Elijah spending his time alone in the Kerith Ravine, definitely the closest thing to David's eight years in exile. This is not a boast, this is an expression of my own experience.
So to those whom I've troubled greatly due to my immaturity (I know there's at least that one girl in church whom I've had a crush on), I can only say sorry. If there's anything I could have done, most likely I'd have known by now. I know there are those happily attached and those happily married. Then there are those who are still single and waiting for a man ten times better than me. For the lack of better words used, I'm more than happy to give you all my blessings.
My aforementioned beloved sister in Christ actually shared this on her FB page. Not in public view of course. Then I started asking myself this question: What if this group of talented people is to perform songs we'd never expect?
Below are my personal choices. Enjoy. ;)
Disclaimer!
I can (truthfully) assure every jumpy (and nosey) individual that U is NOT one of those I've got a crush on. Period. That's why the title of this post is "Nothing but the truth...", not "Nothing but the PRC..."
C'mon, you think I'me being real in upping this one? Only two reasons for me to do this little piece of nonsense: 1. For her because I know she's a Chouder. 2. For me because a genius is always born abnormal. Now for the real (?) playlist
Of course must have Korean also...
Yes, I've upped this song before. Period.
At the same time, someone in my church actually piqued my interest in all things Korean and Three Kingdoms combined. In other words, it's thanks to him that I know what Silla was all about.
Of course must also have angmoh also what...
I'll be brutally frank here. It was accidentally thanks to my youth fellowship N years ago which brought me to this song above. Moral of the story? It's still not too late to know how abnormal I truly am provided you're daring enough.
This one is definitely one of my all time favourites. Period.
Because it's really running late at night, allow me to round off this post with two more songs.
Yes, that's the same song in the first video. Another one of my all time favourites.
I know this piece sounds quite dark. Trust me when I say I'm officially someone who is emotionally damaged beyond repair.
P.S: Four years ago, the same brethren who taught me a wee bit about Silla actually made a joke mention about me and some radiographer. At the same time, he made another joke about me which was(?) inspired by Prof Yi Zhongtian. All in good humour of course...
It's a common knowledge that geniuses tend to be jerks. They are mavericks who won't hesitate to make life difficult for those whom they look down upon. They're not necessarily dictators, but they don't really have a good opinion on idiots. They have low EQ as a result, perhaps this is why they tend to lose their virginity late (after all, you don't need to be a genius to get a girlfriend). Seeing my churchmates getting married actually gave me a surreal feeling. It's like looking at myself and how I've dealt with the opposite sex all the while. Then I looked at what I can truly do. My only conclusion? I was born a genius. Unfortunately, the girls whom I had a crush on didn't know the real me back then. *shrugs*
Trust the Japanese to be aesthetically prideful...
Really like this artwork of Belgarath and Poledra
Let's continue to Cyrea Durothil.
Worst kept secret ever...
There's a reason why I chose to do quite a few major spoilers for the Neverwinter Six saga. Because I'm pretty sure Ed Greenwood won't take notice of me. Funnily enough, it seems that the people at Cryptic and the Neverwinter Online community do. Since day one of playing Sword Coast Adventures, I realized there would be moments where the interface will go buggy either for the better or worse (mostly better). I received requests to join a small party at random moments where the requestor needs some help (read: I won't be surprised if I'm already a marked target for those seeking help. Not that I mind anyway...). And yes, the only difference between my surname Kuok and Kwok lies in the birdman.
If I'm not so much of a jerk in reality, it merely means my alter-ego hero of Neverwinter is. While I'm not about to say whether he has lost his virginity (after all, he's a genius), Arylos doesn't have a good opinion on others who don't agree with him. He's no Amos Yee, who would most likely disagree with people whom he deems stupid (to be fair, history do have a fair share of geniuses hitting a crash and burn. The key word is the one starting with the alphabet G). His problem lies with people who doesn't see the world like he does. To him, reality is merely an excuse for people to act like jerks (which is why he's actually one). Plenty of people doesn't like him. Either he's too abrasive (please note that most abrasive people we meet in reality are merely normal Joes and Janes out to make themselves feel better) or he's deemed a failure in life (something which his own people shouldn't be doing and saying, yet they actually do).
Out of the Six, only Kariss is able to communicate decently with him (and by that, I mean their common past). Myrreas is a fifty-fifty (as in Arylos doesn't care). Sheallyn is always worrying about him, but he doesn't give a damn as well (proof of someone damaged beyond repair like this fellow). Bhaasmond quite obviously can't wrap a finger around how someone like Arylos could become a hero of Neverwinter, something which that military genius can't be bothered with (proof of his Lancer complex).
So what about Cyrea? Actually, it's a bit like this vid below...
Inspiration for Cyrea Durothil
The name Durothil first surfaced before me during my first ever Respen's Marvelous Game run. When I decided to delve further (after all, I'm born an abnormal Singaporean due to a natural need to be inquisitive), I realized that Durothil is actually the name of a noble house. Traditionally, sun elves are the nobility class among the Tel-quessir (ironically, it's the moon elves which truly resembles the eladrin). House Durothil could be seen as a major noble house in this context. In other words, the nobility amongst the nobility.
Basically, this means two things.
1. Respen is both noble and crazy.
2. This gave me the inspiration to create Cyrea as a character.
If the Tel-quessir can be seen as a parallel to the Singaporean educational system, then the Or-tel-quessir would be the equivalent of an ITE graduate from the Dover campus while the Ar-tel-quessir would be the equivalent of a university graduate from Charles Sturt University (despite that It's The End scene in Jack Neo's satirical movie I Not Stupid, reality dictates another bunch of people better known as secondary school dropouts. They're called the Sy-tel-quessir).
While only overly intelligent people would speculate whether Arylos will declare himself as Cyrea's sword and bow, it must be stated that the exchange between Archer and Rin actually exposed a bit on my plans for their initial conflict. Like Rin, Cyrea is beautiful, rich, and intelligent. Like Archer, Arylos doesn't have a good opinion on a rich girl who lives somewhat a sheltered life (read: not quite literally, but definitely a sheltered life in terms of how reality is perceived). I don't have to spell out for you the chemistry formula prepared.
Her name is Cyrea
The funny thing with Cyrea is the fact that DDR (i.e. the X-ray department) itself should deserve some credit. I still remember a couple of times where there's this X-ray girl (i.e. a radiographer) called... well, I don't know how to write her name. What I do know is that there's this healthcare attendant calling her name as some word rhyming with cereal. It's quite funny because I never imagined there's actually a name that sounds like a product of Kellogg's (if that girl will be reading this post, it means I'm most likely famous already). Just don't ask me whether that cereal girl will become my girlfriend.
The Lords' Alliance
One of the key aspects in Cyrea's role lies in the Lords' Alliance. Better known as a council of the rich and powerful (yes, I know it sounds like *insert your favorite political party here*), it should be stated that House Durothil would rather end up like House Do'Urden (or just about any noble house in Menzoberranzan) than to have any part to play in the petty politics of equally petty races. In other words, there's no practical reason for Cyrea to be part of them. However, human stupidity has always been part and parcel of our everyday lives. We're prone to human error, the same goes for every politician as well. In other words, I need to find a legit way to justify her presence among the Lords' Alliance. Definitely not like this.
P.S: My dad is making noise after he woke up just now. What is intended to be a harmless toilet trip may have easily turned to be another show of evidence that his son was really born a genius. Sadly, it seems that he never know about it. Nearing 3 am already by the way...
