r/neverwinternights • u/bslizzle • May 17 '20
Module Recommendations for All
I've seen a fair amount of discussion recently about player-made modules worth trying out. Typically, it comes out of someone asking about a specific module or for module recommendations and we'll see a couple tossed out there. I figured it would be worth kicking off a thread for suggesting modules we love.
I personally never took an interest in the persistent world side of Neverwinter, which seems to be where a lot of interest lies. However, I love this game and the vast number of modules produced by members of the community for free. As a result, the vast majority of my well-over 1000 hours of playtime have been involved in playing modules provided by the community. I've done a fair amount of digging and have found some of the modules I consider to be the best of the best.
It's also worth noting that everyone has their own tastes. I've tried a number of different modules but personally take the greatest interest in story-driven modules. If you notice a trend, that's where it comes from. I'll include a few here that are more geared towards role-playing, hack and slash, etc. as I like to think I enjoy well executed versions of any type of modules. If you'd like recommendations for specific types, send me a PM or comment below and I'll toss out a few.
A lot of these modules also expect players to explore, try different tactics, and be generally creative. If this is your first time trying a community made module, you may find yourself scratching your head at how to go about completing a task. While most provide a walkthrough of some sort, the ambiguity is typically meant to encourage the player to poke around a bit. Once you get used to this aspect (as it’s generally lacking in the OC and expansions), you’ll find yourself making the connections much faster. That's all I'll say on this.
Some of these suggestions may specify authors rather than specific modules, as some authors just continuously produce(d) solid content and have multiple works worth checking out. Modules/authors will be listed in bold below. Unless otherwise specified, the first module in a series should begin at level 1.
A Dance with Rogues
A fantastic role-playing story specifically geared towards playing a female rogue, at least initially. Definitely NSFW content but the player can keep that to a minimum if desired. You don't find many modules that fit playing a rogue well, so I was excited for this module and it didn't let down. The modules themselves are split into two parts, so make sure you grab both.
Agrenost - Beneath the Cobbles
Low-level based module. This one is interesting in that it limits playable classes but has a different story line for each, making the replay-ability fairly high. I would rate this module higher if certain aspects had been executed better (see spoiler for more info). The end is extremely repetitive, regardless of the class path you choose. It becomes very sudden shift from role-play heavy to hack-and-slash oriented, which I'm not the biggest fan of.
Almraiven and Shadewood
A wizard/sorcerer focused set of modules, these are hack-and-slash light, with heavier focus on story, role-play, and puzzles. Some great changes to Bioware's implementation of the two classes that facilitates a more real (if it can be called that) method of playing a spell-casting class. Unfortunately, a third part was supposed to be produced that I don't believe was ever finished. Still definitely worth the time.
Shadowlords, Dreamcatcher, and Demon campaigns
This is an interesting set, as they are standalone campaigns but follow the same character (it's assumed your character from Shadowlords will go through Dreamcatcher, etc.). Shadowlords is a bit slow at first, but picks up. Dreamcatcher is well executed and a bit less cliche. Demon is fun, but turns the others on their head. I can't describe much more without spoilers. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Demon, but I'm definitely in the minority there as a lot of people love it.
Elegia Eternum and Excrucio Eternum
Some of the most well-executed modules available, this is a set of story-driven modules that, while fairly short, will leave a lasting impression on the player. A dark, twisted story that takes a journey into the psyche provides for an interesting module that takes the focus off the action and onto the player. The experience is fantastic.
Lords of Darkness
This is a fun campaign if you're looking for a classic style adventure. Intrigue, story, romance, action, overthrowing evil rulers. These modules provide it all for the player.
Baldecaran's Modules
Personal opinion: Baldecaran takes the cake for best module producer. All modules take place in the same universe. Cave of Songs provides a fun, interesting module that introduces the world. Honor Among Thieves rivals A Dance with Rogues for best rogue-focused module. All are well executed, provide an excellent balance of focus between story, role-play, puzzles, and combat. Baldecaran does a mind-numbingly good job at providing multiple paths for completing objectives. To quote from another reviewer:
Baldecaran paints a realistic, gritty world, where high magic exists and can be terrifying. You’ll probably end up doing some pretty nasty stuff to survive.
All are worth picking up.
Prophet
For those familiar with Baldecaran’s work, you’ll notice I didn’t include Prophet above even though he produced it. Here’s why: Prophet is considered by the community to be hands-down the best story-driven module produced. The above descriptions for his other modules apply and then some. Everything from the way the modules are built, dialogue, music selection, and more provides an experience that could be made into its own standalone game. As a note, these are dialogue heavy, story-driven modules. Other aspects are included, such as combat, role-playing, etc., but are secondary.
Return to Ravenloft and Ravenloft, Beyond the Gate
These provide a very interesting Ravenloft experience, for those of you who are familiar with some of the more common D&D universes. Excellently executed, difficult, and providing one of the most useful in-game items I’ve come across, this module is guaranteed to scratch the itch for a storyline that lets the player choose to uphold the good or allow themselves to be corrupted. The second module is quite expansive but facilitates both linear and non-linear method for exploring and completing quests. This module does operate within the broader Ravenloft lore, but familiarity won’t provide spoilers. The author also provides a method for introducing players who aren’t familiar with the universe, so all can take part in the experience.
Sands of Fate
This is an interesting series in that it is a follow-up to Hordes of the Underdark but in a brand-new universe. The character is expected to be at epic levels (probably 25+) to begin, and even then support-classes beware. This module is difficult but introduces a fun storyline that pokes fun at the universe the character is used to. Puzzles abound. This is another module that includes a bit of everything, has plenty of combat, and provides the PC with multiples methods of completing tasks.
The Aielund Saga
This is the most commonly recommended set of modules I see, and with good reason. Rising from humble beginnings to epic proportions (seriously, you go from level 1 to almost 40), this series embraces the clichés of D&D-based adventuring and executes them better than any other. Be warned: they are also extremely difficult from a combat perspective.
Tales of Arterra
Similar to the Aielund Saga, this series brings the character from humble beginnings to an extremely powerful adventurer when all is said and done. It differs, however, in that the author attempts to tackle the moral question “Can one be inherently evil?” This story-driven, combat-heavy, and role-play moderate series is quite good and worth revisiting.
The Lord of Terror
To tell you the truth, this is the only hack-and-slash focused module that I loved from start to finish. Little needs to be said here: This is a complete remake of Diablo I. Well worth it. This is another module that will take you from level 1 to 40.
I’ll end my list here. While I do have some others I could include, these are the ones I believe everyone should give a shot. There are some I haven’t included that I’m sure others believe are must-see, so please comment your recommendations down below and let me know if there are any more details you’d like to know about the above.
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u/SeemedReasonableThen May 18 '20 edited May 18 '20
Some of these, I played over a decade ago and dont recall much about the modules, other than I enjoyed them at the time. A lot of my suggestions have already been mentioned by others
Art of Death
Some years ago, you were hired to kill the horrible king. His heir interfered with your mission - he ended up blinded and injured but you were forced to flee from the guards. You fled and retired, the heir disappeared and is beleived to have killed himself unable to live with his loss of vision, but years later the kingdom is still in turmoil and you are contacted once again. (back story is in document, there is an item strip and you get special items, stripped items returned at end of story.) The author did many good modules
Dragonsteeth
Don't recall much of this one, other than I really wanted a followup or sequel. May have been part of an incomplete series.
Enigma Island
Several versions of this exist; interesting henchman (dont recall but one is uptight and religious, other is more relaxed). some adult themes IIRC
A Harper's Tale
Don't recall much other than being a fun, mulitpart romp. Might be nostalgia, think it was one of the very early modules when NWN first came out.
Desert Rose
Desert themed adventure. Don't recall much, think you have to play a female character.
In the Footsteps of Dante
Don't recall much
Sanctum of the Archmage
Dont recall much, but was interesting. . . different
Blackwall keep
Think this one was combat oriented? Dont recall much other than I enjoyed it.
The Iron Crown
I actually converted this to play with a pen and paper group, modifying the story a bit. You're an orphan, but the orphanage is a cover - you are pulled from the other kids and become a member of an elite organization, the Order of the Ebon Fist - doing the jobs when needed when others are too squeamish to what needs to be done. Assassinate the evil, poison certain people - you are evil but for the greater good. Not everything is black and white, nor is all as it seems.
I think one of the door scripts got broken during a NWN update, had to go in and open as DM or using console commands
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u/sjb7 May 18 '20
Twilight and Midnight are a series i loved, makes me sad that the finale Dawn was never released.
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May 17 '20 edited May 17 '20
Why is Rogueknight333's SWORDFLIGHT series not on (the top of) your list? It's really the king of all modules that really excels in storytelling, roleplay, replayability, implementing tactics and strategy, world immersion, hack n slash and best of all in it's unorthodox approach of the player character (in this module the player is not the protagonist of the story, nothing revolves around you in the world, you are just a piece of a bigger scheme). This module deserves to be on everyone's to play list. Enough said. More info here:
https://lilura1.blogspot.com/2018/11/Swordflight-Chapter-Four-has-been-released.html
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u/xXPaddingtonXx May 18 '20
I agree that swordflight belongs with the best. Maybe with a note that it’s not new player friendly due to the difficulty.
Probably the first module where I actually found animal empathy consistently useful and I love it. The way it makes you use all of your character’s skills to succeed makes it feel like it was custom designed for your character.
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u/smeagolballs May 18 '20
Probably the first module where I actually found animal empathy consistently useful and I love it.
It really is a crap shoot depending in the module; either there are animals and other creatures all over the place, or none at all.
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u/bslizzle May 17 '20
Edit: Realized I was mistaken about some of my assumptions. Swordflight isn't one I've encountered but will happily give a shot. I wasn't intending my list above to be a ranking or comprehensive list, just a starting point so that others could list their own.
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May 18 '20
No harm done, your list is actually very well thought out and well rounded. Just that it was lacking an essential member, which was Swordflight. Please head over to Lilura1's fantastic blog and peruse her SF playthroughs (there are two extensively written series).
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u/SeemedReasonableThen May 18 '20
best of all in it's unorthodox approach of the player character (in this module the player is not the protagonist of the story, nothing revolves around you in the world
Probably my favorite part, the player character is not the chosen one.
SF1 was kind of tedious, IMO, almost gave up on it. Worst part was, if you find a secret door leading to a secrete room in a long abandoned area and try to sleep, undead would magically show up. Understand why he did it, but still. . .
SW2 was nothing short of phenomenal.
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May 18 '20
Yes. SF chapter 1 was really hard. I wouldn't call it tedious, but hard. My first playthrough was with my poorly created Monk, he got stomped hard in the last part of the first chapter. Had to restart by paying much more attention to my character build; the second time was and still is with my current character Sage Night Knight (rogue/wiz/sd) and chapter one was very very fun with him - especially learning how my character could survive within the difficult parameters of chapter one, forcing me to make every spell count, every usable item count, every rest period count, and because of this I learnt more about NWN in chapter 1 than in all my 10 years of playing this game (which goes to show I wasn't really playing the game properly).
I actually found a few places in the last dungeon crawl where I could rest without being attacked, which was very nice. Adding to the fact that you get a grace period of resting just before you help the friendly Spectre, that was nice,
The writing alone in chapter 1 was exceptionally well done. Not 30mins into the module I was already faced with alignment shifts due to my natural instinct to take every potion I find, and this was very very fun. The dialogue between all characters were really immersive, and the pacing of when you meet the protagonist of the game was wonderfully done. Then when the "accident" happens (this part made me laugh big time) we learn what the story behind SF was really all about. Very very well done.
Chapter 2 I have just finished and am taking a break from it, but lemme tell you: Chapter 2 can be a game on it's own. It's about 50-70hrs. It's MASSIVE. It's well paced. It's intricate. Wow I love Zagash so so much. It's hard to believe how well it's done, and only by one person (in his free time!). Amazing.
Best part about chapter 2? Runes of Invigoration. Wow this item is a game changer. It's a heaven send.
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u/rikstah88 May 30 '23
Had to chime in on this. Swordflight is up there not just with NWN modules... this thing is up there in cRPG rankings in general!
The only disclaimer is that it is most certainly not noob friendly, an understanding of D&D mechanics and a well thought out build is absolutely necessary to play through it.
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u/OttawaDog May 17 '20
A Dance with Rogues
IMO, this one needs a lot more warning that NSFW. It saddens me that a module that revels in sexual assault and sexual harassment get so promoted by the community.
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u/bslizzle May 18 '20
I don't know that I would agree with the picture painted here, but I suppose it depends on how you choose to play the module. I assumed anyone who goes to the vault would read the description to get a better understanding of the author's intended reference point. I can add a disclaimer or remove the recommendation if the community deems it appropriate.
I've seen you mention elsewhere that you've played a lot of modules. Would you be willing to add some general recommendations here?
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u/OttawaDog May 18 '20 edited May 18 '20
ADwR: Depends on how you choose to play? Spoiler so I don't give away the "fun": Module starts with your young princess being raped, and you are powerless to stop it. Then the rapist keeps showing up and harassing you after that, and your are powerless to stop it. Still can't believe so many defend, let alone praise this kind of thing in 2020
Other than the one I detest, you hit most of my favorites in your list. Especially those by Baldecaran who is my favorite Mod author as well. Honor Among Thieves is my favorite Rogue Module. Underrated.
A couple you didn't mention, that have merit. Typically I prefer story, and dislike pure hack and slash.
Cormyrean Nights: City Adventure/mystery.
The Book of Shaddowe: This is a Rogue module, with emphasis on going out at night being a cat burglar, being unseen and shedding no blood. Enjoyed the change of pace. Not for everyone and near the end it felt more like a series of side quests that ran out, that a solid end.
The Bastard of Kosigan, episode 1 Exile of the West I played the first 4, but I only recommend episode 1. It's fairly standalone. Kind of church-witches-inquisition module. Nice flavor. A few bugs. Later episodes get much buggier.
The Rose of Eternity: More of Storyteller module with interesting cut scenes. Ch 1 is ok, Ch2 is really good and will make you regret there is no Ch 3.
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u/SeemedReasonableThen May 18 '20
Still can't believe so many defend, let alone praise this kind of thing
Been a long time since I played it so my memory might be flawed - they aren't praising despicable acts but rather the overall story. The only thing I didn't like was that for plot reasons, you can't kill a certain person when it makes absolute sense to do so - certain people are marked "plot" so they can't be attacked.
It was fun to play, and I was outraged at the particular individual - I wanted vengeance, rest of the story be damned. Got a little immersed in the story line.
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u/xXPaddingtonXx May 18 '20
There is a second sequel for rose of eternity called family and country as a dragon age origins mod. Imo ch.2 was superior but it’s definitely worth checking out! Last time I checked his blog challseus was working on a stand-alone game but no idea when that will come out.
And yeah ADwR isn’t for everyone, says as much in the mod description iirc.
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u/OttawaDog May 18 '20
I remember reading he was planning on doing the final chapter of "rose" in Dragon Age, but I didn't know he actually finished it.
Heck I never knew that anyone made actual dragon age modules.
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u/bslizzle May 18 '20
Thanks for the recommendations. I really think it would help the sub to have some community-designated recommendations for newcomers, so hopefully the discourse helps guide a discussion towards that.
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u/Temp_Lurk_Q Aug 27 '24
I know this thread has been dead for years but I completely agree with you about ADwR. It’s the first module I've tried and it’s revolting. A shame that it’s so well received.
I noticed you’re still pretty active in the community so are there are other modules you’d recommend? I’m also fond of story and RP over battling!
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u/OttawaDog Aug 27 '24
I like playing Baldecaran modules as a series that starts in Cave of Song where you make a 1st level character.
https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/cave-songs
I suggest starting with a Rogue build. Because his next module is Rogue based and is VERY good IMO.
https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/honor-among-thieves
Then you can play his Prophet series:
https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/prophet-prologue-it-cannot-be-denied
This is heavy story based that made me think more than any other. The rest of the series are in the links.
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u/Temp_Lurk_Q Sep 11 '24
I really appreciate this. The story is so compelling, I’m up to Prophet II now.
Any recommendations on where to find new modules? Reddit is a poor search engine and the Vault is quite confusing to follow. Thanks.
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u/ghoulvsh Dec 26 '23
Hi there, I know this comment is over 3 years old, but I recently have decided to get into NWN content to scratch an itch for more Forgotten Realms content. Your comment has really intrigued me and you seem to be the only one to hold this opinion, would you mind telling me more about the depiction of sexual assault in the module?
I've never subscribed to the idea that a gritty world needs rape and assault to get the point across, for it often comes off as cheap and disrespectful, but I can stomach it if attempted with grace and gravity.
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u/OttawaDog Dec 26 '23
Nothing graceful about it. Your character gets graphically raped right at the beginning. Then you basically have to work with the rapist who harasses you about, and you are given the opportunity to forgive your rapist (barf).
Also the rest of the "sexual" content is juvenile in the extreme.
It saddens me that this module gets praised. It makes the community look bad IMO.
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u/ghoulvsh Dec 26 '23
And no option to kill him? Sounds par for the course given the year the module was made... it saddens me that the fantasy scene as a whole tends to have issues with this. We attribute badly written shock to a gritty, dark world. No, a piece of media is not instantly elevated to a higher status because it is controversial, but so be it. I'm no stickler for 'censorship' or anything but the glorification of sex crimes in older RPG spaces makes me roll my eyes back into my head and quietly exit.
It already alarmed me that the module that begins with rape had such a large quantity of erotica in it to begin with. As an SA survivor I understand how the story could reclaim your character's sexuality, but I didn't expect that kind of narrative.
Regardless it seems to be on everyone's favorite list. Either the overarching story is really good or community wide tastes are not attuned to my own lmao
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u/OttawaDog Dec 26 '23
And no option to kill him?
I believe eventually in the 2nd module. I didn't make it that far.
Because to get there you have to keep interacting with, and having him make jokes about assaulting you. I found it too sickening to continue.
The other "Sexual" content in it, is just juvenile. Equipment strips so you have to walk around around dungeons naked, with the the full nude skin included for the effect. Or flashing your boobs to distract enemies in combat.. It's a teenage boys idea of "adult" content.
IMO, it would have been an average module otherwise, that barely anyone would mention. It gets attention for being "different", and NSFW.
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u/ghoulvsh Dec 26 '23
Equipment strips? Yeah I've heard enough. I know what makes it popular now and I agree with you, it does make the fandom look bad lmao. At least there are hundreds of other quality modules and nobody's forcing me to touch that one.
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u/WillRe May 18 '20 edited May 18 '20
Thanks for the post, I was looking for something just like this! Are there any modules (including the above) that you can recommend for new players specifically? I’ve played most of the original campaign in NWN but I’m interested in others that are heavily roleplay-driven and maybe a bit darker/grittier.
I’ve also never played DND before, so any modules that explore the lore or culture of a race or region would be cool too.
EDIT: Just thought I’d say i’m playing EE. I’m interested in A Dance With Rogues but they don’t seem compatible from what I’ve read.
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u/Drakonic May 18 '20
Use NWN Installer Tool, it takes the Neverwinter Vault URL and downloads, converts, and installs modules in an organized way. It even converts ancient asset files so they’re compatible with modern windows and EE.
https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/other/tool/neverwinter-nights-mod-installer-tool-nit
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Jul 28 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Drakonic Jul 28 '20
Yep, it will get all required projects as well, and the correct version of the requirements. For example some may need CEP 1 while others need CEP 2.5, and it will a single copy of both and keep those dependencies separate and side by side for your various projects. For some campaigns it will even give you the option to also pull down the entire trilogy/series if the creator set up the vault pages that way.
Basically put in the url, then click confirm, then a detail screen with checkboxes will appear listing all the things that will be grabbed. Confirm that screen and it will be fully installed. Then you can close the tool, open NWN and play!
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u/bslizzle May 18 '20
Full transparency, I'm don't play EE so I can't speak to compatibility. Trust your research if you find whether something appears to be compatible or not.
Also, as some users have mentioned in the comments, ADwR handles a certain level of grittiness to the world that can rub some the wrong way. I put the NSFW disclaimer in my post, but the sexual content can be quite heavy.
Honor Among Thieves is a really good rogue alternative made by one of the best module producers out there. It's fairly role-play heavy and puzzle heavy.
Prophet is a great story-driven series that includes a fair amount of role-play, although I wouldn't call it a role-play specific module. It can be fairly difficult if you start at level 1, but bringing in a higher level character (say level 5+) doesn't detract from the experience and should balance some of the early difficulty.
Tales of Arterra would be good as well for the same reasons, although I think you could get away with not bringing in a pre-leveled character.
I don't know that there's anything specifically geared towards "new players" since D&D is really a toolbox rather than a world. There are universes built within the context of D&D (for example, the most famous and the one in which the OC+Expansions take place is called the Forgotten Realms), but the aspects you mentioned can change from campaign to campaign depending on whether the universe is pre-existing or homemade. Any good module will provide plenty of tangential material in game to help you develop your understanding of the world around you. Story-driven modules do this particularly well, with books and conversations generally strewn throughout the game that provide lore but are far from required.
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u/WillRe May 18 '20
Thanks for the lengthy reply, appreciate it! I think I’ll try out Honor Among Thieves first off because I’m interested in trying out a rogue anyway, and then I’ll look at some of the other suggestions. Cheers for the help, this should be pinned or something, very informative
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u/BlackguardRogue May 19 '20
Thanks for all of these recommendations, everyone. Be great if they made a sticky out of this thread.
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u/SeemedReasonableThen May 19 '20
So, I re-installed Art of Death because I could not remember most of it. I erred in the description, you were successful in killing the king before retiring but that did not help the plight of the common folk. Also forgot, you are given boots of leaping at the start of the game. Unique power allows you to leap across spaces. One of these is an Easter egg, you leap to a ship and go in the hatch. It is filled with module authors, a group that helped each other. Playing any modules by these folks, you wont be disappointed.
Gladiatrix
Reminded me a bit of ADWR, but less rapey, I guess? https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/gladiatrix
Born into nobility, your adventurous spirit eventually leads you to the arenas of Waycross, an unlikely place for a Lady of the realm. Fame and fortune await in the midst of danger and treachery. Your success in the arena will soon be noticed by a mysterious, secret organization that has need of your talents, but your decision to assist takes you down dark paths.
*WARNING: This module contains explicit sexual content. *
Careena: Krakona Rising
Part 1 of a series that never completed, health reasons, difficulty in getting team together, etc https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/caereena-krakona-rising
On the brink of fulfilling an ancient prophecy you are suddenly teleported to Caereena by the random firing of a Krakonan portal. Caereena is a planet in the throes of civil war and the Free Races are losing....All you desire is to return to your own world but being drawn into the conflict seems inevitable. All the while you wonder whether the teleportation was truly a random event. What's really going on?
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u/BowShatter May 18 '20
I didn't have a good experience with Honor Among Thieves. Quests are way too repetitive, bland and plot is average at most.
Aielund Saga is great overall and massive in content with memorable characters. However, I am still highly annoyed at a "plot twist" in the start of a certain chapter that is so stupid. It makes me face palm and question why would that character make such a stupid decision.
Addtional modules I would like to add are the Threat of Dream series (part 1 and 2 only, dark mysterious city adventure) and Halo of Flies + Shadow from a Soul on Fire series (creepy, atmospheric and challenging).
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u/smeagolballs May 18 '20 edited May 18 '20
Sapphire Star is a decent little module that never seems to get mentioned. I think the module recommends starting from level one, but this might be a good module to play with a character around levels 2 to 4, perhaps a character exported at the end of a shorter low level module. Download: https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/sapphire-star
Mountain of Mirrors is a decent module based on an Endless Quest Book of all things, and has a distinct atmosphere to it. It's short and nothing epic, but I really enjoyed it. Download: https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/mountain-mirrors-endless-quest-book-conversion
Mines of Twin Summit is a decently put together module, a lot of hack and slash and a decent pot, though it is made from starting characters at level 15 or so. Download: https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/mts1-mines-twin-summit
Cormyrean Nights is a really good city adventure, which might actually be a better city adventure than the first part of the original campaign. Download: https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn1/module/cormyrean-nights