Random encounter shadows

Probably off the point, but I see ToEE as a RPG that requires a lot of strategy.
For me, strategy takes time. If the game was time based, I wouldn't get very far, lol.

 

I agree Scryler... time based or in this case turn-based which allows you time to think, is a necessity. Besides it evens the playing field with computers that have a nanosecond decision time...

 

You don't get it, i use the wand after 8 hours of rest. What i'm doing doesn't change the game ONE BIT, the only thing that does is that instead of needing 30 days of rest i need 8 hours always. I have to say that VIA MICRO, i can do the same, just taking less than 30 days to heal, but it needs me to micro my spells for 5 minutes AFTER every rest, wich is no fun at all.

 

Yes, I do get it! I just do not see the purpose in it.
Because you still have the wand which can be used in any critical combat situation unless you have the iron will not to use it except to heal your party after a rest (which you use to regain your spells). The temptation is always there to use it otherwise.

The competition you are talking about would require everyone to have access to the same cheat so there is a level playing field otherwise the comparison is meaningless. Also the cheat would have to be used by all the same way or the comparison is still meaningless.

Basically what you are saying is you do not want to micro manage the spells. That is fine! And it does not take five minutes to heal the party even if you micro manage the spells.

But I believe in letting everyone play the game as they see fit.
But from what I have read from most of the people on this forum, competition about TOEE is not high on the list. Most of the people here want to help others over come bugs, build mistakes or offer friendly advice. I basically do not care about competiton especially with CRPGs. I am in it to explore, manage my party, make decisions and have fun at my own prodding pace. And yes sometimes I roll up or create a character with low stats to see how I can role play him/her and complete the adventure. Sometimes the world is not saved by the brightest, wisest, quickest or the strongest, but by someone dumb as a post and pure luck.
My favorite games aside from TOEE are still the Baldur's Gate series, Icewind Dale series and Planescape Torment. You did only got to roll up the main character. Everyone else you had to pick up along the way. I still like Minsc.
But to each their reach.

 

I agree Scryler. TOEE is an excellent tactical CRPG. It is quite refreshing change from the Action-CRPGs like Dungeon Siege II and Titan Quest. I have fun with Action-CRPGs, but they are not as satisfying as when I pull off a strategy in TOEE. I actually found an excellent use for Otiluke's Resilient Sphere in a few encounters and not just for defensive purposes.

 

Waterd103, you've previously mentioned that you only play (CRPG) games through once.

I must say you doing yourself quite a disservice. ToEE has several party alignment options which gives different stories and events for each one. The endings of each "game" are many and varied as well.

While I may understand where you're coming from regarding your play style, it would seem certain, not all, CRPG's just aren't going to fit well for you

 

First there is no tempation, the point of the wand is to use it after 8 hours of resting, not in battles or anywhere else, second, of course to anyone that is interested in my system WOULD HAVE TO USE THE SAME WAND ! And i will tell it so. Third, of course that anyone playing can do whatever he wants this is about ME playing TOEE. Fourth it seems like you didn't read all my very very long explanation really, or you wouldn't be bringing those points up.

 

I must bow to the Co8 crew masters. I just hit Hickory Branch. I loved the welcome committee. I can not wait to see what else is in store that is different from vanilla TOEE! Do not worry Gaear! I have said my peace and I am moving on to other topics that catch my eye.

 

It may be possible to implement something like this via the random_encounters.py script file. It's located in the data\scr folder

IIRC, the encounter_exists() function within that file is executed every for every hour of rest.

There, you can test for green tent status and heal the party:

Code:

if (can_sleep() == SLEEP_SAFE): ##tests for green test status
[tab]for DUDE in game.party[0].group_list(): ##FOR loop iterating every party member, including NPCs, summoned pets, etc.
[tab][tab]if DUDE.stat_level_get( stat_hp_current ) > -9 : ##test to see if DUDE is alive, so you wouldn't get a free raise dead
[tab][tab][tab]DUDE.heal(OBJ_HANDLE_NULL, dice_new("500d1"))

Now to test this sucka...

(Of course, this means a single hour of rest would be enough, but it seems to me you're disciplined enough for that.)

EDIT:
Crap, the script only get executed in yellow tent areas in the first place. Too bad

Also, regarding the original post:
I agree that the Shadow encounter is problematic. I think the only solution in your case would be to run away from the fight with some of your characters and let the shadows kill the others ("the others" being whoever they already targeted and would chase in any case), and when the fight is over - enter the world map with the remainder and limp back to Hommlet.

Anyway, I don't see why it shouldn't be tweaked to only appear for higher level parties.
The way it is right now, the DC for the shadow encounter is defined:

Code:

    elif (r == 4):
        # shadows
        n = game.random_range(2,5)
[COLOR=Red]        [B]encounter.dc = 2 + (n/2)[/B][/COLOR]
        encounter.enemies = ( ( 14289, n*m ), )
        encounter.id =  1035

Or DC(n) = {3, 3.5, 4, 4.5} for n={2,..,5}.

The condition for allowing an encounter is:

Code:

encounter.dc <= (party_level+2)

Where party_level is the average party level (including NPCs, summons, undead followers and pets) plus (party_size - 4)/2.

So waterd's party_level would roughly be 2 + (6-4)/2 = 3, meaning he could (and did) encounter up to DC = 5 random encounters at his level. Probably about right in most cases, but perhaps the Shadow encounter should be adjusted to account for their immunity - something along the lines of:

Code:

if n*m <= 3:
   encounter.dc = 3 + n*m
if n*m > 3:
   encounter.dc = 6.5 + n*m/2

or DC(n) = {5, 6, 6.5, 7} for n={2,..,5}

...meaning at worst he would encounter a couple of shadows under these new conditions, which could probably be handled.

Yea, nay, or something else?

 

Sitra Achara,

But would not the change have a global effect on all random encounters or can you specify certain enemies?

 

Thanks, but i woulda do if needed. But no, i couldn' t flee anyway, the map of the random encounter, is super small, you can't escape of it, i tried running with anyone on the corner and movement flee or whatever, no way, I didn't have an escape, if i could escape with one and let all the others die, i wouldn't complain, that wasn't the case.

 

@realmzmaster

I suggested specifically changing the shadow encounter's DC rating - it wouldn't affect anything else.

@waterd103

Looks like you're right, even the NE corner isn't far enough to end combat.

Another thing you could possibly have tried (quite a long shot, though): the Rogue you hired (Furnok) had a magic dagger on him, which should be able to inflict damage on the shadows. Assuming you're not playing with Humble NPCs on, you'd have to finish him off and dismiss him from the party, and then loot him with your fighter. Of course, even then victory wouldn't be guaranteed.

P.S.

Comparing the original Troika random_encounter.py and the Co8 modified file, it appears that Co8 has already increased the Shadows' DC up by 1.

 

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
If i would know that furnok had a magical weapon (wich I didn't, but was probably my fault) i woulda won the fight... ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Now i feel it's all my fault

 

Waterd103,

Not really your fault. You do not know what equipment an NPC has until you recruit them. The conventional wisdom on the forum is to run with five or less characters to maximize the allocation of experience (thereby leveling up quicker).

Unless of course you planned to recruit Furnok, but that also depends on your party alignment and the alignment of the other members of the party.

But give TOEE another go it is an enjoyable experience. :yes: