1) The end results are random i.e. you can't chose which potion you want
2) Potions can be brewed while enemies are nearby (i.e. even during combat)
3) The player can create potions out of thin air (no cost) and earn easy money by selling them
So, in order to rectify that, I've thought about making this HLA dialogue based. For example, using Alchemy will now open up a dialogue tree (with an invisible creature) and allow the player to select precisely which potion he wants to brew. Here's an example:
As you can see, potions are no longer free, they now have a raw material cost which needs to be covered. FYI, to get the costs displayed here, I had taken the base prices of the items in question and divided them by half. That way, the player pays fort the potions much less than he would to a merchant (even with maxed Charisma and Reputation) but still can't make a profit by selling them (though it's pretty close). Also, I think Bards and Thieves should be able to create slightly different potions i.e. Thieves focusing more on the thievery and combat aspects and Bards on protection and magical effects. So, here are the proposed Alchemy versions:
Alchemy (Thief version)
With cleverness innate to the class, an experienced thief has seen enough potions in his or her adventuring career to simulate the creation of one. Using the Alchemy skill, a thief can brew any potion from the following list:
1) Potion of Master Thievery
2) Potion of Perception
3) Potion of Invisibility
4) Potion of Defense
5) Potion of Extra Healing
6) Antidote
7) Oil of Speed
8) Oil of Fiery Burning
9) Potion of Frost Giant Strength, only usable by thieves or bards
Note: brewing potions is a delicate process which can only be undertaken in safe (non-hostile) areas. The thief can choose which potion he wants to brew. Raw material costs vary for different potions.
Alchemy (Bard version)
With cleverness innate to the class, an experienced bard has seen enough potions in his or her adventuring career to simulate the creation of one. Using the Alchemy skill, a bard can brew any potion from the following list:
1) Potion of Mind Focusing
2) Potion of Clarity
3) Potion of Regeneration
4) Potion of Defense
5) Potion of Extra Healing
6) Antidote
7) Oil of Speed
8) Potion of Freedom
9) Potion of Frost Giant Strength, only usable by thieves or bards
Note: brewing potions is a delicate process which can only be undertaken in safe (non-hostile) areas. The bard can choose which potion he wants to brew. Raw material costs vary for different potions.
Also, as you can see I've currently restricted the use of the Alchemy HLA to non-combat situations. I've even thought about restricting it solely to City areas (ARE files with a CITY flag) at one point (due to the raw material and equipment accessibility) but I've opted against it since some players might find it annoying. It currently only checks whether there are enemies nearby or if the party is in combat. Should I prevent its use in dungeon areas (ARE files with a DUNGEON flag) as well or would that be too tedious? I originally also wanted to make some time pass after using this ability, but unfortunately, the BG2 version of the Infinity Engine has very limited support for this (which sometimes causes unforeseen issues) so I ultimately chose not to do it. Any thoughts?
Edited by aVENGER, 07 March 2009 - 12:56 PM.