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Created by
Jasperre on Jan 16, 2024
4 minute read
Notes on the games class packages.
Updating PC Packages
The current packages are sometimes a bit naff. However since they might be used in modules for NPCs we have to be a little careful. The main fixes here would be:
- Removal/de-prioritisation of crafting feats. So many crafting feats! Many are useless in modules, and should be chosen only if the PC really wants them (someone purely using the package/recommend button probably won't!).
- Addition of newer feats and spells in appropriate locations.
- Improved descriptions detailing what the package chooses.
If old NPC only packages are made available to PCs might as well just add them in new lines.
New PC Packages
Packages currently only are needed for two cases:
- Base classes, choice at level 1 only
- Prestige classes, only one option required
Some tuning could well be done though so there are more solid options and spells and feats from expansion and Overhaul are also cleanly added.
In the future if packages can be chosen for each class slot it'll make sense to do additional packages to allow "continuations" between them.
New packages should be much "better built" for specific builds.
NPC Packages
Some of the NPC packages for Hordes of the Underdark were presumably once going to be available to players, since they're named very similarly to player-based ones (with translated TLK entries to boot which are completely unnecessary for the toolset!), and have some interesting descriptions, for instance With the blood of a red dragon coursing through their veins, this sorcerer package will lead to the power of a dragon disciple" for Deekin's packages.
There are some unused NPC ones as well, which either were intended to be PC ones but not added to the game for some reason, like "Barbarian, Blackguard", or "Bard, Harper Scout". Not sure why these were not added. Maybe the default alignment selections messed some of them up or just wasn't enough time to fix them up properly?
Below are some notes on them all, and some may be reused for PCs (although all the current NPC only ones will remain as such just in case some module has used them and so changing them might break things).
| Package ID | Original Label | Original Name | Original Description (minus "These packages..." spiel) | New Name | New Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | NPC_Sorcerer | Support, Sorcerer | This package focuses on direct damage spells and protection magic. | NPC, SoU Xanos, Sorcerer | SoU Xanos's Sorcerer package. His secondary Barbarian package is apparently the default one. | |
| 71 | NPC_Rogue | Rogue, Warrior | This style of rogue is not scared of wading into melee. | NPC, SoU Dorna, Rogue | SoU Dorna's Rogue package. Her secondary Cleric package is apparently the default one. | |
| 72 | NPC_Bard | Healer, Bard | This package is for bards who focus more on healing and defense. | NPC, SoU Deekin, Bard | SoU Deekin's Bard package. His secondary Rogue package is apparently the default one. | |
| 90 | Barbarian_Blackguard | Barbarian, Blackguard | With his thoughts turning to greed and power, this barbarian package will lead to the dark world of a blackguard. | Looks to be built to be a PC class, specifically Chapter 1 of HotU, where a script will use PACKAGE_BLACKGUARD will be used if they can advance to it if this is their starting package. Not the most efficient of class combinations but not awful. Possibly because alignments cannot be set in packages, this was not unlocked for use. | ||
| 91 | Bard_Harper | Bard, Harper Scout | Striving to hold back evil, this bard package will lead to the secretive life of a harper scout. | Looks to be built to be a PC class, specifically Chapter 1 of HotU, where a script will use PACKAGE_HARPER_SCOUT will be used if they can advance to it if this is their starting package. Not a terrible choice for Harper Scout, given the requirements of the class and some synergies. Possibly because alignments cannot be set in packages, this was not unlocked for use. | ||
| 95 | Monk_Assassin | Monk, Assassin | The arts of death are their trade, this monk package will lead down the dark and shadowed path to the assassin. | Looks to be built to be a PC class, specifically Chapter 1 of HotU, where a script will use PACKAGE_ASSASSIN will be used if they can advance to it if this is their starting package. Another interesting combination (Assassins are usually Rogues). Possibly because alignments cannot be set in packages, this was not unlocked for use. | ||
| 97 | Ranger_ArcaneArcher | Ranger, Arcane Archer | They use their magics to enhance their prowess with the bow, this ranger package will lead to the mystic arcane archer. These packages do not give any special abilities to your character, they simply configure your skills and feats so you don't have to and so you may pick the arcane archer prestige class. (note: You must take one level of bard, sorcerer or wizard to become an arcane archer. Also, your character must be an Elf or Half-Elf.) | Looks to be built to be a PC class, specifically Chapter 1 of HotU, where a script will use PACKAGE_ARCANE_ARCHER will be used if they can advance to it if this is their starting package. This one is odd since Rangers are not amazing at using bows in general. Possibly locked off due to the noted other requirements that would be easily missed by new players using these packages in the first place, ie the race choice and addition of a 3rd class. | ||
| 98 | Rogue_Shadowdancer | Rogue, Shadowdancer | Operating on the border between light and darkness, this rogue package will lead to the enigmatic shadowdancer. | Looks to be built to be a PC class, specifically Chapter 1 of HotU, where a script will use PACKAGE_SHADOWDANCER will be used if they can advance to it if this is their starting package. This one is the most odd to remove since Shadowdancers do not have any alignment or race restrictions. Maybe the feat requirements needing specific stats tripped up the system too much. | ||
| 101 | NPC_WizAssassin_Nathyrra | Wizard, Assassin | This wizard is using the arcane arts to become the ultimate assassin. | NPC, HotU Nathyrra, Wizard | HotU Nathyrra's Wizard package. | |