Tonweya

AC-3 is a MONSTER Scenario, the third in the series and is Top Notch! If your version says anything about the second half "will be coming", I'd say dump it and go to Alexandria to download the Completed and Updated version. It will be: AC3v203.zip 798k There may be an earlier, full, version floating around, (there shouldn't be, anymore), that has a "fatal" flaw. The author, Shyguy, left an "exit" tunnel during the writing stage and forgot to remove it when he submitted it. DO NOT play anything except the v203 version. Again, probably the best place to find it would be at the Alexandria site. There has been a big push on, lately, to update the BoE network. P.S.: Shyguy has been really good about answering questions about the scenario, if you should get stuck. This scenario is just tooooo big for a practical "Walkthrough". (At least, for now ;^})

It's 1/14/05 I've had no other response here, or at the Lyceum, so I'm "assuming" there are no comments on the questions. To answer one myself, the Arichat issue, seems to be a "wild goose chase" done by T.R.K. He put several items in the scenario that are "red herrings", and a couple of statements that make the scenario more interesting. It would appear that this is another one of them. You question and follow leads, just to find out he doesn't think you're "pure" enough for his "Inner Circle". (Kinda sounds like real life, don't it?) When I leave this, I'll send the two items to Traci. Hopefully, it won't be too large to be practical. If only the "Locations" is posted and someone wants the "Epic" version, I watch this board and the Lyceum regularly. Just ask. Again, it's a "freebie", or "public domain", or what ever the legal requirements are. ;^} Lastly, the moderators can scratch this posting as it's now just taking up space. Thanx all, me

k, How's this? Tatter-Walkthrough.zip = 214k That includes 21 pages of test, with 7 ea. *.bmp and the last four are specific locations. Tatter-Locations.zip = 15k That is only the four pages of specific locations. If you would accept them both, they'll be on their way in the morning, 1/14/05. Thanx for the interest, me ED: This is "no strings attached!" post, forward, give to anyone who wants them. i.e.: "freebie download" me2

To Princess Ruth: Thanks, too to you. I think that in most scenarios, Diamond Necklaces are only of monetary value. But there are a couple of references to them in this Trilogy that indicate otherwise. There is one instance where the Party finds several in one spot, having found a couple others along the way, and the scenario says, "The (enemy) Spell Casters have all been wearing Diamond Necklaces. You wonder if that means anything?" T. R. K. put in several "ruses" and, as this initial post indicated, I was wondering if anyone ever found any effect. I ran a specific scene, (keeping notes), just after finding them, I think, five times with and without them and noticed no difference in the effect received by the enemy.

To Giz': Thanx. I thought it would be a good idea to wait a couple of days. I wanted to see if anyone knew if I had missed anything. Seems to be the "norm" at this age. :^} For reference: My OS is W' 98. (I really don't want to grow any farther than that. Too many "bells & whistles" for me) The basic document is done in MS Word '97 and is saved as a *.doc file. The "screen shots" were edited in MS Paint and saved as *.bmp files. I don't have any idea if this will, or won't work on a MAC. If not, tell me where I can find a translator, (human, or program), and we'll tend to that, too. Because the pictures are *.bmp the document is around 1,368k, unzipped. If it's too "heavy", I can change the pictures to *.jpg, but I feel that the quality goes downhill. In photography, (does anyone remember that?), you have to start with a good negative. The document is 17 pages with the 7 pictures, (1/4 page), included and I'd really hate to clip it. Other than the three scenarios that Jeff Vogle includes with the BoE package, I'm partial to recommending this to be the first scenario anyone plays, due to the three styles.

* Contains "spoilers" for those who don't want to know them. I've completed the Walkthrough for Tatterdemalion. It's laid out in four parts: intro, BG, HO, SO. In my ol' age, I've learned how to "edit" screen shots, so I've added a total of seven "shots" to it. It has locations through the "story", then all the locations, (that I know of), at the end. I have a couple of unresolved questions that I'd like to verify before I submit it, though. Knowing T.R.K. put "ruses" in the scenario, I'm resolved that these are some of them. 1.) In Dolomite: I never got the door in the floor open. 2.) Arichat's "Inner Circle", "The Pure". 3.) Could never "read" the broken stone tablet. 4.) Although I wore the Diamond Necklaces, I couldn't tell if they affected enemies, or spell casting. If anyone can enlighten me as to the importance of these items, I'd be most grateful. As stated before, I expect to send the Walkthrough out next week, hopefully, Monday, the 17th. I'll submit it to Spiderweb and to Traci's site if they'll have it. Again, thanks for the help I've received, me

Might I suggest........ Everyone has something to say, feelings about what's important, at least, to them. Think on that. Work on that. Make notes, tie them together, You have a story. Now, refine it, if you need, and/or add some frills, or better yet, insert some hidden objects, or side quests. Now you're an author. Congradulations! Submit it and I, for one, would love to "give it a whirl".

Bruce, I hope that there wasn't a misunderstanding in the last couple of posts, in that: 1.) I not only think that what Traci is doing is a terrific thing, but I've written her, thanking her for what she's doing and offered to try to "rate" some of the many outstanding scenarios, as well as I might, despite my "beginner" level of "expertise". Several of the scenarios I attempted were "choppy" and difficult for me to "understand" what was intended by the author. When I tried to E-mail the authors, to a one, the mail would come back. The author was "non-existant" for what ever reason. (Probably why they are all "non-rated".) 2.) To submit a review, I set up a rating system I felt would be fair. Then I read a lot of the existing reviews to see how my opinion "fit" in the "majority". A great number of comments were negative to the point of being downright insulting. To this, I take exception! Though this is individual "opinion", I find this behavior to be detrimental to the entire BoE network and, since there were numerous comments of this level, (by high ranking members, I might add), I didn't feel my opinion would be of any value, so I've dropped back out to "re-evaluate" my motives. (I think everyone understands that "positive reinforcement" works, "negative reinforcement" does not!) I'm in a stage of my life where I have a LOT of time on my hands, (63 & retired) and I love these sort of games. I felt I could, and would, like to, be involved, trying to help upgrade this network. I'm the type that keeps notes of details, so it seemed like a good place to "do something good". Again, I'm sorry if anything was taken in a "negative" vein. That's the last thing I want to do here. Perhaps this is one of the "growing pains" that occur as something evolves. Let me just close with - I'm glad to see this network growing, I'm trying to grow too, and I'm going to stay with the games, with, or without being a part of the actual "functions".

"AND THE BEAT GOES ON......." (Sonny & Cher; '60's trivia.)

Drakefire: Thanks for the offer, but there's no reason to go to that level. I simply hit a "wall" and needed a "hint" to get past it, which I, thankfully, received. It sounds like I'm trying to do something like Bruce Mitchel is, only on a much smaller level. I have a lot of notes from scenarios that I've played, some completed, some not. So, I decided to document some of them in a "walkthrough" manner, including the coordinates. I find a personal shortcoming in my abilities with the "deeper" scenarios, (1), and with no complete walkthroughs on record for the Moderators to refer to, a player like me is "dead in the water" when a scenario reaches an "impasse", (2). 1.) I volunteered to "beta" TM's Corporeus, some time ago and felt like a fool because I couldn't get past the first obstacle. 2.) Also, I tried to rate some scenarios that Traci listed as "non rated", then couldn't resolve questions because the authors are not available, or the answers aren't available to the Moderators, again, feeling rather "inadequate". Also, I've read the "reviews" by other members and, although I realize this a "personal opinion" thing, I'm real "uncomfortable" with the "crucifiction" of numerous authors and their offerings. So, it turns me off to become part of that environment. So, here I am, in what's probably the state of many of the players out here, resolved to play the scenarios for what I feel they are and document them for my own satisfaction. I'd presume there are reams of paper in individual piles that could become part of a larger "data base", but will likely become "dust" over time. Sorry for the "soap box" routine. It just "slipped out" and I've been wanting to say it for some time. Again, thanks very much for the assistance offered. me

*I: When someone like Tarl "leaves", do they leave the scenario password with the Moderators, or Spiderweb? Or, is it probably included with the original submission of a scenario for you? If someone, like myself, has questions, would all the answers be available? It would seem terrible that any good scenarios would be left "hanging". Further, that you guys have the burden of looking up all this information. I've recorded the locations and events through all three scenarios of Tatterdemalion, with the exception of a couple items that I didn't resolve. Then, I'll go back and try to work them out. If I really can't, I'd like to know the info is "out there, somewhere". (With any luck, I'll end up with a "true" walkthrough!) I know I'll never reach the level of many of you guys. I'm just of the wrong generation. But, I am progressing and hope to reach a stage where I can at least deal with the more difficult scenarios. Finally, thanks for letting me know about the loss of Tarl. I've seen passing comments about Tatterdemalion for some time now and hearing about an author having left the site is sad.

Sarachim: "Heron" was right, thanks! Previous conversation with Reveé brought up the word, "password", while discussing Arachat's book, but on a return visit, I went through all the Dolomites and couldn't get any of them to give me the word, "heron". So, again, thanks. I might have "shelved" this scenario, had it not been for you. me

I appreciate the response. I'll go back and try it. In the Bodyguards scenario, I learned that I was to ask Arichat, "pure". I got him to tell me to come back later, then he said he didn't think we'd want to give up magic. I'm sure the papers in the Abandoned House in the Desert, that they used for their Meeting Room were another "clue", too, but I never got anything more from him on that, either. I may just go back to Dolimar to talk to him again before I try the Avian Fortress. He's one of a couple of characters that seemed to have something to say, but I couldn't get them to respond to anything. I didn't "push" any of the conversations, because it appeared they'd be more important in the other scenarios, like Ledland. Other than that, the trilogy plays really smoothly. I think it's a great way to learn the individual characteristics of the three PC types. Bodyguards went easy, so did the Holy Ones, but I had to struggle a bit in the beginning, with the Sorcerers only scenario. P. S. If anyone out there knows a current address for the Author, Tarl Roger Kudrick, I'd have dropped him a line first, but the two addresses: @charm.net and @access.digex.net, both came back as undeliverable. Thanx again. me

I made it through the Bodyguards and Holy Ones scenarios, but am stuck at the Avain Fortress in the Sorcerers' scenario. I found the dead Avian in the Desert with the broken statue of an Eagle in his pack and "assume" that has something to do with the answer to the access querie at the Fortress. Specifically, "Name your tribe, Avian." I've tried numerous answers about the statue, Avians, even some Native terms, but seem to have hit a "brick wall" (No, it's not wanbli, either.) Anyone remember what the answer is? I'd appreciate it a bunch. In advance, Thanx, me

As usual, I'm in the minority, but chose E1. I feel that E3 is excessively abstract and E2 is simply excessive. E1 is a good, solid adventure without a lot of hyperbole. (Mule Fritters) If I ever reach the advanced stage that many of you are, I'll surely change my opinion to E2. I can't deny that it's the "best" scenario, but for the "lay" player, it wears on you, making it excessive. In the BoE group, there are a lot of "simple" scenarios that allow one like me to "grow", but it's a long process and I'm only now getting closer. (* Though I'll probably always favor E1 over all others, because it's the "first experience". Well, with these games anyhoo.)

Without belaboring this, You'll hear this over and over; "Save Often!". Generally: Save before using, or identifying anything. As you see, if the item, (piercing crystal, "fails", you simply reload and try again until it does work, not using up whatever supply you may have. As for identfying, you can then reload and drop it without using the spell points. And NEVER "equip" something that's not identified. Also, keep a few saves each time you change an area, or quest. If it all goes bad, you can simply reload from a specific point and play it differently. Admittedly, it's playing in a "cheat" mode, but no game can be played throughout without some form of "cheating".

I'd have to go back through a BUNCH of notes, but did you have a fight with a patron? If I remember correctly, Savel has a "friend" who's a Haurathi and a bar patron picks a fight over a racial comment, or something. Anyways, as they say, I believe that after the fight Savel simply said, "Let's get going", or something similar and the plot carries on from there.

Gawd!!! Can you imagine if everone made a scenario of their favorite books?

Since both are really two dimensional, the conception of "three dimensional" is in the mind of the player. As such, I, personally, find the Avernum games to be more of a distraction. Maybe I'm weak minded, or maybe I just prefer more logical layouts. Regardless, I much prefer the X - Y graphics and have no desire to play the Avernum games, nor would I play scenarios laid out that way for the BoE system, simply because I don't like them, even if they were available. That's probably why the two systems exist, separately, because there are different likes and dislikes. Please don't misunderstand my statement here. I'm not "knocking" the idea if it gained support. I just don't think it would be practical to put X - Z layouts in the BoE series any more than putting the X - Y games in the BoA series.

Don't know if what you're calling a "back-up" to the scenarios is, but I'd assume you're looking for an alternative. There are numerous sites around, but Alexandria is probably the most well known an is receiving a LOT of attention and work lately. GoTo: <http://www.personal.psu.edu/staff/b.x.bxb11.boe/alexandriajs/search.html> The alternative BoE file you're probably looking for is: <bladb130.zip> ~42KB. !Read the notes! I hope this is what you're looking for. If not, both Bret & Traci are seriously working at making this whole thing better. Lastly, there are some really good designers out there. Ask.

You're probably right; I'm wrong. The green stalagmites were probably in a BoE scenario. Too much on the mind for the size of the mind.

You might try stalagmites that block your way. On occasion, these are affected by the spell and may / may not be identified by green markings. * I'd assume the green is an indicator of "mold" an as such make them "soft".

Thanx, Mr. Can. I'm 63 and grew up with those signs all over the roads in the heartland. I've never seen this site and am now glad I have. Again, thanx, me

Guess I'd better stockpile scenarios, eh? And I thought Wall Street was falling apart.......

Modify, (edit), one, (or more), of the existing characters?? It only takes a "little" time and you can create the individuls you want.