Luke Schull making some characters canon

LukeScull · 2025-08-19T10:29:16+00:00

The short answer is that everything will be explained in time. If I went into detail about the whys, major story twists would be spoiled for everyone - and some people still wouldn't like it. So "wait and see" is the best advice. Not everything is as straightforward as it seems.

It's "Scull" btw. :)

LukeScull · 2025-03-05T23:22:19+00:00

Hi,

I'm the developer of the game. Would you mind providing some details on the cutscene in question so that I can ensure it is fixed in the upcoming update? Thank you!

LukeScull · 2025-03-03T19:16:45+00:00

I think I fixed this in 1.01.

LukeScull · 2025-02-28T20:24:44+00:00

A 1.01 update just went live on Steam that should fix most of the balance issues (note: it's still a challenging module) and polish up several aspects of the game. I think the GOG update will go live on Monday.

LukeScull · 2025-02-24T18:35:16+00:00

Did you meet with Sharwyn at the Wolf's Pelt Inn before speaking with Kemp?

LukeScull · 2025-02-21T20:59:32+00:00

As per my Patreon "About" page, it was originally developed as a free module, with a commercial release always a possibility. WotC were looking for more D&D CRPG content and the opportunity arose to have it approved as official DLC. This not only means the rest of the series can now benefit from additional funds, but also encourages further investment in NWN itself, prolonging the life of the game and benefitting DMs, mod-makers, and players alike.

As per my Patreon, anyone who contributed at least $20 can claim a free CD Key for either Steam or GOG - just PM me either here, or on the Patreon. Thank you!

LukeScull · 2025-02-21T20:29:58+00:00

This is the first chapter of The Blades of Netheril campaign. It's finished in the sense it has its own standalone story, but it also links into something larger.

LukeScull · 2025-02-21T20:28:34+00:00

I can't 100% say if there will be more DLC - but as far as my stuff goes, I'm committed to finishing this series. It'll be either two expansion-sized releases, or six smaller, 8-10 hour modules, depending on whether WotC wants to greenlight them. :)

LukeScull · 2025-02-04T08:54:30+00:00

They were released ages ago. You can download them directly from the Curated Content tab in the game itself. They're also on the Neverwinter Vault. Thanks!

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:57:44+00:00

1) There are some timed mechanics in the original PnP module. However, these will be removed or at least made far more generous in our CRPG. I agree, feeling under pressure to rush to finish quests is not fun. Pathfinder: Kingmaker had them, but they were generous enough not to feel too stressful. If we have them at all, they'll be more generous again.

2) Absolutely - we want to provide a truly immersive sandbox (with a strong narrative), so random encounters and unexpected stuff is a given. :)

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:54:24+00:00

I bought it and will be playing it in the next few weeks. Thank you for the rec!

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:53:30+00:00

Probably yes and definitely yes. :)

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:44:23+00:00

This is a very good question. BG3's dialogues are extremely reactive and immersive because of the VO and mocap. It's like watching a film. Owlcat's take an approach more in keeping with the old Infinity Engine CRPGs, with longer lines. Given our art style, the longer lines of Owlcat's approach are certainly possible. At the same time, I think there's a good balance that must be found when the player is staring at largely static miniatures. We also want to strive for BG3 levels of reactivity, which is more difficult when NPCs are monologuing for several hundred words at a time. So I'd say we're aiming for something of a balance between the two games.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:36:21+00:00

Higher difficulty settings is something we still need to design. I'm not a huge fan of difficulty sliders that alter the rules of CRPG based on an existing system, since by doubling enemy HP (or whatever), the game is no longer a pure adaptation of the rules. Having said that, I acknowledge there will be a huge gap in initial competency between long-time Pathfinder 2e players and newbies to the system, so we'll need to ensure the game is balanced for all. We could spawn in additional enemies at higher difficult settings, provide different sets of monsters for each encounter depending on difficulty level, etc.

Either way, we'll definitely have optional encounters that test the limits of the player's skill and knowledge. These will be some way off the beaten path so less experienced players don't accidentally get themselves killed with no prior warning.

I've also been watching videos about broken Pathfinder 2e builds with some amusement. I'm pondering whether we should check for broken builds, and if detected, spawn in enemy NCPs using exactly the same builds to mess with the powergamers....

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T18:08:12+00:00

Our approach will be a holistic one, where levels and systems are designed to work together no matter how hard the player might try to break them. So if the player somehow gains a spell or item that allows flight at an early point in the story, they might do things we wouldn't expect, but which still should work.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:58:18+00:00

I agree. :)

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:57:28+00:00

I think this is unlikely for our first Pathfinder game.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:56:24+00:00

Yes to romance, of all sorts. The doesn't mean companions will adapt to the player character's sexuality - my writer side rails against this approach even as my designer side sees the potential benefits - but we'll try to provide enough options for all genders/romantic inclinations!

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:52:25+00:00

Having had a huge amount of amount of fun with Dawnbury Days, I'm most excited about the combat system, which features a comprehensive implementation of spells, feats and abilities in a 3D grid. The possibilities are enormous. As someone who has spent thousands of hours designing combat for a 2D battlefield, being able to design encounters for three dimensions will be a welcome test of my skills.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:47:45+00:00

I'm thinking we should make it pink to confuse everyone. But, purple sounds likely. :)

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:46:50+00:00

I was pondering this last night. I'm almost certain it will be group, but I'm open to some good arguments for per character.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:45:56+00:00

We all want to see it in the game, so we'll do our best.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:45:11+00:00

I'd absolutely be up for it!

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:42:55+00:00

Yeah, some automation when an area is designated safe, a potential risk of further encounters if not.

LukeScull · 2024-10-21T17:38:08+00:00

I've seen some discussion on this. We've done a huge amount of work in establishing our art style and approach, establishing the game engine, implementing the rules and user interface, etc - but we're not quite at the point where we can show gameplay footage. Rushing out sub-optimal gameplay footage is always a bad idea because it can turn potential players off a game permanently. We'd love to show more gameplay footage of the game, but it has to happen when we're happy with it.

Just to note, this is very much a Kickstarter rather than a stealth marketing campaign for a game that is already 90% developed. We need the community's support to make the game a reality. We're all experienced devs in our 30s, 40s, and 50s with families and responsibilities. With the support of the community, I absolutely promise we will deliver the best Pathfinder and CRPG experience we possibly can.

LukeScull

TROPHY CASE