Spukrian

I'd like to see a new Geneforge game set between Geneforge 2 and Geneforge 3. I feel that there is a "gap", both in the timeline and the story, between them. Since every game explores areas unseen in previous games, I imagine the game would be set somewhere between Okavano Barrier and Western Morass. You start as a Rebel, but as a twist, you can only choose between Servile, Shock Trooper and Sorceress. The main task in the beginning of the game is to slowly infiltrate the small settlements in the area, while sabotaging Shaper operations and gathering resources for the rebellion. The first steps would be that the PC helps the Rebellion take control of the roads in and out of the swamps. The PC is then ordered to explore the area and search for a secret Shaper research facility, where classified secrets from Sucia and Drypeak are stored. Secrets that Ghaldring needs to build a new Geneforge. There would be two main factions that the PC could join, Rebels and Shapers. Within both groups there will be moderates, which the PC could help (or not) and this would be reflected in the endings. There would also be the beginning of the Trakovite faction present in the swamps. This faction would be the antagonists of the game, having designed a weaponized disease that targets only those who could Shape.

I don't think there are any thematic/character connections other than the name, but I've never actually encountered Mooralas in the game, I've only seen his name mentioned. I've only read The Keep and SIMS, can't really say anything about his other books. Well, in the book

In Geneforge 3 there is an elusive character named Mooralas. This is a reference to Molasar/Rasalom in the novel The Keep by F. Paul Wilson. Also the novel SIMS by F. Paul Wilson is an obvious inspiration for the serviles in Geneforge.

I will be following this. I don't really like the skill tree either, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the game. The thing I really like about Avadon are all of these moral conundrums you have to solve (like in Geneforge). Avadon also has a lot of political comentary that is actually somewhat relevant depending on how you interpret certain elements of the story, which I think is a nice touch.

Thanks for an entertaining Let's Play! To be honest though, I haven't finished yet but I will.

Hey thanks, I didn't know that. Now I have to look the word up...

Consider Carnelian's tendency to lose her gloves anywhere and everywhere - even Sucia Isle!

I agree with you on the mini-map, it was much better in Avernum 4 & 5.

Maybe Dionicio in Avernum 5 and Vandrin in Avernum 6 would count as major characters? They follow you through the whole game and are present for some very important battles. That said, they only interact with your party and not with anyone else (maybe Vandrin talks with Solberg, can't remember). Neither of them are that important to the plot. In A4 Gladwell lives in Bargha and wants you to feed his slimes in the basement.

I'm not sure if we are talking about the same thing here, but in that video you say "we got the touch and we got the power" which is a reference to this song: Don't know how to embed.

A few comments: In one of the early videos you meet Gladwell, and IIRC you express the belief that Gladwell was the guy in Avernum 4 who asked you to find the GIFTS. Back when I played Avernum 5 for the first time I thought so too. But I went back to check and Gladwell is the guy asking you to feed his slimes (the guy asking for GIFTS is someone else). Excellent reference in this video, made me feel nostalgic.

Beautiful, well done! Your efforts are much appreciated!

I've had quite a few dreams like this, sometimes even of games I haven't played or games that don't even exist. But I've never had a Geneforge themed dream, so far.

Whew, binged watched your let's play over the weekend and finally caught up. I really like the fact that you play as the Empire in Avernum 5, it is a bit refreshing with the change of perspective. I also thoroughly enjoyed the fact that there are several different groups/individuals that you can ally with during the game, feels a little bit like Geneforge in this regard.

If you have Gladwell's quest, a gate will be open on the lower level of the tower and a powerful enemy will be beyond it. If you don't have the quest, you can still get through the tunnel and into the tower. IIRC I didn't have any problems with going back to the spiders and getting the eggs later.

In the ambience of Dillame in Geneforge 4 I always hear something creepy that sounds like "I want souls, that's what this is about". Edit: Many soundeffects used in later Spiderweb games sound a lot like soundeffects used in Icewind Dale 2.

I'm along for the ride, as I've finished the Second Trilogy (just finished Avernum 6 today in fact). I will be following you to be sure.

I believe that Monarch in GF4 is actually Goettsch from GF1. He tried to carve out his own kingdom on Sucia Island and failed, then as Monarch he tried again and failed.... As for Geneforge 5, as I've interpreted it, the GF5 protagonist is someone who used the Geneforge too many times and using Rawal's Geneforge jumpstarts the PC and his/her memory...

Yes, make a separate thread, that's a good idea.

In general, Guardian is more difficult than an Agent if you try to solo, though if you use creations Guardian is generally easier. Unlike most others I had an easier time through GF1 with my Guardian than my Agent, but I haven't yet tried Torment.

I suspect that I'm entirely alone in this, but I'd like the Servile to be replaced with a human equivalent. Say, let's call the class Paladin or Juggernaut or something else that fits. Either that, or make Servile a race option for most or even all classes. But that probably won't happen, too much work with the graphics required...

Except that it isn't energy, it's essence. So it isn't really creating new matter from nothing. But you're right that it violates the laws of physics as we know them.

There is a Stealth skill in GF4 and GF5, however you can't raise it with skillpoints, only through wearing infiltrator items.

I assume you mean plasma in the biological sense? Nanotechnology is how I make sense of it in my head. As for the shades having information, sentience, etc without a brain I just assume that the shade makes a imperfect "copy" of the original mind and the nanotechnology itself (nanites or whatever) acts as the nerve system. As for them being centuries ahead of us.... well, the Shapers had magic, which certainly helped. So I guess it depends on what you think magic should be and how the Shapers learned it.

Shades consist of essence. If you come up with a plausible explanation for essence, then shades will be easy to explain as well. Essence is however difficult to explain however, at least if you want to keep the laws of physics intact. E.g. Shapers store essence in their bodies, how do they do this without gaining size and mass yet they are able to create beings larger and heavier than themselves? So you might have to make some pseudoscientific stuff up.