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ShadowGuard Gameplay Tips

By Ben McJunkin

Please note: Spoiler Warning

Ranger and Rogues

I have a thing for playing Ranger/Rogues, and there's probably a small slant towards such characters in the module. I like the idea of being able to utilize skills well, while still being capable in hand-to-hand combat, so such characters work well for my gaming style. Additionally, the whole idea behind ShadowGuard is stealth and secrecy, so such a character fits in well.

Any character can play through ShadowGuard just fine, but a Ranger/Rogue was what I used to do most of the design and testing, so that build will likely find the module a little more suited to them.

Imperial Grand Hall Puzzle

One of my favorite puzzles in the module is in the Imperial Grand Hall, towards the middle of the game. There's a magical shield protecting the Control Stone of Ghaarak (that the PC has to get access to so he can escape the city), and the PC must find a way to lower the shield. There are several methods to do so.

One way involves smashing a series of "emitters" generating the field, but doing so runs the risk of electrical shock to non-dextrous players. Another is a puzzle solution of trying to find the proper combination to the dial control by deciphering a riddle in a journal. Alternatively, intelligent players can find a way to by-pass the control altogether.

Focus on Non-Combat Skills

This module isn't extremely combat-intensive, however, so most of the fights are basic strategy for those familiar with NWN.

Ghost in the Marketplace

One of the toughest quests for which to find all possible ways to solve involves a ghost in the market district. Even during Beta-testing we were discovering new ways to solve it.

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