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Trying to make a True Werewolf Mod (ToB)

Discussion in 'BG2: Throne of Bhaal (Classic)' started by Gldnlqr, Jan 11, 2008.

  1. Gldnlqr Gems: 1/31
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    Something that has always bothered me about the werewolf/shape-shifter kit: It does not have any wolf attributes, other than looking like one (No hierarchy, no territorial instincts, ext.) It's rather disturbing and I'm going to try and fix it. How? I really am trying to figure that out. The territorial thing should be easy (after all, it's already a given that the main PC gets rather peeved when their 'sister' Imon is kidnapped, right? And the whole thing with being able to take over the stronghold also makes it rather easy) the hard part is the hierarchy. In a normal wolf hierarchy, there are at least two alphas (the leaders and decision makers of the group. Mainly the two alphas are the main alpha (normally male) and their 'mate'. Sometimes it is the main alpha's sibling. Sometimes (rarely), there are three alphas (the main, their sibling and their mate). You can see how the alpha thing itself would be mind-boggling. Now, add on the beta, which is the right-hand man of the main alpha and sometimes a surrogate leader. Then the rest of the pack and the omega (basically the least trusted person, the one who would normally be an outcast, but is mostly there just for a punching bag and comedic value) and you have one really interesting time trying to figure out how to put it to BG.
    Now, any notes, advice or just criticism would be much appreciated, people. Thanks for watching me ramble. :D
     
  2. T2Bruno

    T2Bruno The only source of knowledge is experience Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    There is the Shapeshifter Rebalancing Mod -- which gives the true werewolf/greater werewolf abilities to Druid Shapeshifters (which could be considered unbalancing). As far as the alpha and omega aspects of a wolf pack, werewolves may or may not follow that hierarchy -- it really depends on the book/movie/tv show you're watching. Many werewolves in entertainment are loners.

    That said, the shapeshifter becomes inflicted with lycanthropy. He or she follows a devout regiment to maintain control over the affliction and use the abilities gained to help protect their druid grove and nature in general. Through prayer and meditation the druid overcomes the temptations and predatory aspects of the werewolf -- he or she also overcomes the desire to inflict the lycanthropy disease on others.

    If the npc were a true werewolf, he or she would not be very concerned about Imoen or revenge on Irenicus or even their own heritage/destiny. The primary concern would be the next meal. The alignment of the npc would be forced to CE (just as a paladin is forced LG). Experience and leveling would not be a concern as there would be no desire to improve -- the werewolf is already powerful enough to take what it wants (food).

    Of course, not wanting to entirely kill off the idea, the blood of bhaal could affect the npc and cause him or her to have behavior beyond the normal werewolf. There would be a desire to make companions werewolves as well -- although Cernd would be killed as a outcast. Alignment shifts to CE would make for interesting plotlines for many of the NPC's (Keldorn for instance -- although his ability to detect evil may also cause him to fight to the death) including loss of some special abilities, while gaining others. Levels of npc could be capped (as occurs with lycanthropy in pnp) with the ability to become greater werewolves or the npc could continue to gain levels in their primary (and in some cases fallen) careers. This could be quite complex.
     
  3. Gldnlqr Gems: 1/31
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    See, I'm not trying to follow the 'normal' entertainment standards for werewolves, but rather wanting to go with the really, really old legends. The one where werewolves were part of a real wolf pack. In the older stories, werewolves may not be true wolves, but the instincts of them would be the same. I think, truthfully, the only reason (if I'm going with my theory here on the territories and everything) that most werewolves are portrayed as 'insane' and 'bloodthirsty' is because of several reasons: 1, they have no 'pack' to speak of, they ARE loners because of it, and loners, even in real wolves are known for being vicious. 2, As beings who were once human, they respond badly to their new lifestyle (meaning, I think they drive themselves into a frenzy because they can't except that they NEED a pack, to survive) 3, if I'm going with the theory in #2, then they would still be territorial, even more so, and become 'bloodthirsty', especially after their first kill (like normal dogs, who go feral after biting someone)

    And this brings me to my next thing: real wolves may be concerned about food, but it is not their only concern. Believe it or not, they do worry about 'improving themselves'. It is quite common to have a beta try to overtake one of the alphas for their position. They have ambitions and because of their hierarchy, they are always aiming (even the alphas), to become more powerful. One of the reasons is rivaling packs. These other packs may be stronger, and it makes the pack want to do better, be stronger and faster. They are not as wildly chaotic, as you might think.

    On your ideas: While it is true that Cernd would likely be killed off as an outcast, it may be likely that they may include him, if say, he proves himself to the pack (like real wolves do to outcasts). I'll admit, most of the time, they drive them out of their territory or kill them, but considering that technically the PC would be on Cernd's territory, it would be more something to test his worth in the pack, then outright killing him or running him off.
    Like I said before, they don't HAVE to be forced to CE, only if they don't accept their new heritage, would it be 'forced'. I think other than that, the alignment choices would be limited due to the wolf instincts, but not nessecarilly to CE. And I agree with you on the complex part.
     
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