Icewind Dale 2 Forum Update

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(Originally posted by Z-Layrex)

J.E Sawyer, Lead Designer

Having joinable NPCs: We have discussed the difference between CNPCs (similar to Viconia, Xan, et al) and hirelings (Diablo II style, or Sulik-style, if you prefer). Some people hate the interactivity of NPCs, and would rather have laid-back, independent dudes that do their own thing. It would be nice to give players the option between fully controlled "buddy characters" and quiet independent AI mercenaries.

BTW, that is in no way meant to suggest that hireling-type characters should be included in a game INSTEAD of CNPCs (Viconia/Xan style).

Fighters getting Intimidate: In IWD2, fighters do receive Intimidate as a class skill; if they didn't, characters with low Int would have nothing to spend their skill points on.

Cleric domains: Painbearer of Ilmater, Morninglord of Lathander, Silverstar of Selune, Watcher of Helm, Lorekeeper of Oghma, Battleguard of Tempus, Dreadmaster of Bane, Demarch of Mask, Stormlord of Talos.

Tempus domain giving an extra martial weapon profiency: Unfortunately, no. This ties into the whole, "Engine doesn't know a confined bonus feat from a regular feat" deal. You actually get three martial weapon profs: axe, hammer, and large swords.

Hammers: All of our hammers are heavy hammers, but not two-handed.

Expertise: Expertise is a "modal level" ability that is turned on and off at your whim (but only at the beginning of a new round). You can have Expertise active at any level and do anything without turning it off. However, its benefits and penalties only apply when appropriate. Ergo, you can have Expertise "on" when firing a bow, but you gain neither benefits nor penalties from it. Hmm... I'm not sure if it applies the benefits when spellcasting or not.

Modal feats: Power Attack, Hamstring, Arterial Strike, Rapid Shot... some other ones, I think. You click on the feat, select the level, and it just stays on until you choose to turn it off or select a different level.

People from Neverwinter in the game: The actual people you meet from Neverwinter in IWD2 are pretty upstanding folk. Most of the other characters you meet from that general area are from Luskan and are typically scumbags.

New hit point bar on the interface: It looks like Scott "Bugmaker" Everts and Darren "Bug-making Approver" Monahan finished up a "really final for reals, we mean it this time" change to the interface.

The only change is the HP bar. Nothing else new. The HP numbers could always be toggled with the . key.

Dave Maldonado,Designer

Having joinable NPCs: I'm certain someone else here wanted to do it before me, though all I know for certain is that when I asked about including it we were too far into development. Most seemed to like the idea, though, so it'll probably crop up in future titles.

And come to think of it, there are a couple of areas where the party gets help like that - just never quite like in Ye Olde Gold Box Games where Skullcrusher (or whomever) would follow you around as a proper party member busting heads for a time. Some "helpers" will shift from area to area, though...