25 replies to this topic

[berelinde]

Sure, it's a bit odd for that to end such a powerful being, but it was still very epic. A battle between father and son? Nothing more epic than that!

But how many of the other Good/Neutral NPC's meet such unhappy ends?

Of the neutral NPCs, the only one that gets a happy ending, relatively speaking, is Jaheira, and then only if she the pc declines godhood. Jan gets busted smuggling monkeys, don't remember what happened to Haer'Dalis, but it was probably predictable, Viconia doesn't fare well if she's neutral, we all know what happened to Yoshimo, CN Anomen doesn't fare too well, don't remember who else was neutral.

All the evil NPCs get bad endings.

I see personally see the ending as a very poor attempt at tying up loose ends. Unfortunately it is only believable if one is willing to believe that Cernd was such a terrible father - I don't, despite Bioware having him conveniently forget all about the child after he is left at the Druid Grove.

I don't know. Ash was never Cernd's top priority from his conception to his death. In the entirety of BG2, the only time he ever mentions his son is during the quest. Once the quest is over, his son is forgotten. Maybe he *did* intend to go back to the druid grove and raise his son properly. Ash was only 2 when Cernd reclaimed him. It typically takes me 3-4 months game time to complete the entire game, so he would have been able to develop some kind of relationship with him. But patterns are patterns. If Cernd was willing to go the 3-4 months without giving his son another thought, maybe he went the next 18 years the same way, remembering in fits and spurts, but always being called away to serve Nature.

I'd like to see Cernd maybe mention once or twice that he wonders how his son is doing. Maybe something in the underdark: "I am glad Ash will not have to face the endless dark of these cold stone halls." Odd bits and pieces to let the player know that Cernd has not forgotten his son.

[Kaeloree]

I'm not sure how I'll handle Ahsdale - but I'm fairly sure that I'll be giving Cernd more dialogue regarding him, and the ability to visit him. In fact... he may insist upon it, in certain situations.

Thank you all for your input - it is extremely, extremely valuable and helpful!


As I have said, I won't be changing anything which is already ingame regarding Cernd. He is still a werewolf. And, after lots of thinking, I think I will follow one of MorningGlory's ideas - not saying which one, though... you might just have to wait. I'm not usually one for such secrecy (except for, well, when I am), but this is a special situation. Cernd is a character who needs to be handled delicately - and while I understand some people may not agree with how I and others view his character, I don't want people telling me I'm going to be doing it wrong. If you don't like it - don't install that particular component.

Rest assured... I'll try to make it as interesting, believable, and enjoyable as I can!


Still taking suggestions, of course, so if there are any ideas...

[Magnus_025]

Even if it is a very sand ending, I would accept his original epilogue if it were at least logical. If Cernd finish the game with level, lets say 30, he will only become more powerful with time, and I really don't believe that Ashdale can become as powerful as to kill his father.
A high level warrior Vs an archidruid can't stand combat in my opinion. He may have a lot of strenght, HLAs and so, but Cernd should be a Greater (greater) werewolf, with HLA, and lots of 7 level spells, so for me it's not believable that epilogue.
I'll be sure that K'aeloree and Co. work will be very good, even if Cernd dies in the end.

[vilkacis]

A high level warrior Vs an archidruid can't stand combat in my opinion. He may have a lot of strenght, HLAs and so, but Cernd should be a Greater (greater) werewolf, with HLA, and lots of 7 level spells, so for me it's not believable that epilogue.

If you look closer at Cernd's epilogue (PHEAR TEH SPOILARS OMG) it states: Years later Cernd attained the title of Grand Druid, but stopped the ascension when he learned that his long-estranged child now wielded twisted magics, and commanded an army threatening the Sword Coast.

So he's most likely a mage or possibly a cleric (...druid magic is not twisted, thank you very much!), which gives him a much better chance. Still won't be easy, of course, but much easier than it would be for a fighter.

[Kaeloree]

I'm undecided as to whether we will be changing the epilogues - if anything, we will be adding new ones, but... I'm not sure if we'll be changing them.

[Alatariel]

I think that changing epilogues isn't such a good idea. Just add some new ones in certain circumstances.


Btw, BGhead -- Jan Jansen HAS a happy ending. The best of all NPC's, actually. You should try to read it once again, I think...?
Haer'Dalis has a... neutral one, I guess.
I don't think that Jaheira's ending is so good, too...
But basically you're right. Being neutral sucks in BG2^^'.


As for 'unnaturality' of Lycanthropy - the fact that there *are* druids who willingly accept it seems to be going against that thesis. On the other side we've got Cernd/Tsujatha banters - Tsujatha *really* dislikes Cernd. But some may say that he is partially right with his observations.

For me Cernd is very conflicted character. I think it's really hard thing to understand him because even he himself seems unable to do that. I'm looking forward to seeing how are you going to deal with him, though:).