A Perfect Forest v1.0.1
By: Brian C. Kiedrowski (Stareye)

I. Introduction

Hi and welcome to A Perfect Forest, my first scenario for Blades of Avernum.  This scenario parallels the plotlines began in my Blades of Exile scenarios: At the Gallows, Spears, Emulations, and Foreshadows.  It is not necessary to have played those scenarios to understand the storyline in A Perfect Forest.  However, playing this is helpful in understanding some of the more subtle points related to the overall storyline.

I hope you enjoy this scenario.  If you have any questions, comments, or bug reports, send them to bckiedrowski@wisc.edu


II. Playing Requirements

A Perfect Forest is designed to be played with a beginner party.  You can expect, starting from level 1, to have your characters reach levels 5-8.  The scenario content is suitable for all players.


III. Known Bugs

Combat leaving replacement bug: Sometimes, when you leave combat, the engine places you in an odd place that puts you past important nodes and such. I pray that you live in a time where this bug has been fixed, but just in case, I provided some humble advice:

The primary place where this becomes a problem is in the Resistance Cave.  If you don't want to encounter this, it is best to stay out of combat unless you are directly attacked.

Vengeful Shade summoning error: I have a piece of code that allows a monster to summon a Vengeful Shade.  There have been reports of getting a procedure call error.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to duplicate this error.  If you find it, please send me a report with as many details about the fight as possible.

I hope in v1.0.1 that I have addressed these, but let me know if they crop up again.


IV. Scenario Intro Storyline

1474 IE -- Even in these late days of Imperial domination, some areas upon the surface world still remain wild. The twisting mountains, the thick forests, and isolated islands are among these.  One of the northern islands of Vantanas, unlike its fellow isles far less tropical and long considered devoid of valuable resources, has become a recent focus of attention.  The discovery of very pure copper ores has silenced the obscurity of Valzakov Isle. However, a very dense and thick forest upon the isle has left the isle mostly unexplored.

The wizards have done their best, but scrys can only be so accurate. The time has come to send real explorers to the island to create detailed maps and surveys of the region.  Of the few applicants, you have been selected. Granted, the pay is not exactly the best as little danger is anticipated on this mission, but work is work and money is money.  You have been given a ride by one of the Empire's many fleetships patrolling the seas on the constant lookout for raiding pirates. Your mission is to survey the island as best you can in the next three months.

Surveying the coast was simple. The training you received from the Imperial cartographers was put to simple use. However, as you move your attention to the thick forests inland, things become more difficult.  You venture for days in the forest, trying to map out as much as possible, taking note of any interesting objects and ore deposits. Using the surveying tools, you managed to find one area with a decent concentration of silver.

Then, one night a storm hit. You ran for cover, but some of your valuable maps were carried away by furious gusts of wind. When the calm returned, you realized that you were lost.  However, you are not foolish. Common sense tells that on an island, if you walk one direction and keep going you must eventually hit the shore. Applying this logic, you select a direction and walk.  You walk for an entire day and night is approaching. As the sun sets, you prepare to set up camp. However, another storm is setting in and you don't want to lose your bearings again.

Just ahead, you see something peculiar. It appears to be the remains of a settlement, one that seems fairly recent. You had been told this island has always been uninhabited. Perhaps this was not the case.  However, as the storm sets in, you have little time to ponder these things. All you know is the place is deserted for now and you should be safe to spend the night. The morning will allow more time to look around and explore.  You find a fairly stable hut and set up camp inside. As the storm approaches, rain pours down and fierce winds blow. Fortunately this time you are shielded by the crude mud walls of this forlorn hut.  Despite the roars of wind and thunder, exhaustion from the earlier trek finally takes over and you all fall into an undisturbed sleep.

You awaken early the next morning to the sounds of silence just before the sun is about to emerge. You should explore this ruin before heading further.


V. Credits

Author: Brian C. Kiedrowski

Graphics: Arancaytar, Dahak 

Beta Testing: Adham Saber, Alec Kyras, bigblue, ButteredToast, Creator, Dahak, Fang, Gabi Fritzke, J. Stafford, Jason N. Kerley, Jesse R, Jonah Zolohahni, Khoth, Miguel Garcia, Nicothodes, Reality Corp, Sboto, Terror's Martyr, Yuni.


