What makes a module or PW good?

[PJ156]

On the subject of detail.

In my view, and some of this has been covered, two reasons for writing a module are (some modders may not be interested in #2).

Reason 1 - For me – to my satisfaction.
Reason 2 - To share with the world at large.

In the first instance, if you want to have the guards change. The market traders wear their hair down in the inn at night time or what ever other detail you choose, then do it. Some will love it, some wont notice, others will complain but at the end of the day it was you who slaved over this for many hours and it is for you to be happy with the end result.

In the second instance I think detail is glossed over if it is non intrusive and/or irrelevant, but it adds something subtle. Movement in the background adds to the immersion. Like in SoZ where the ship moves across the horizon. Not needed, but it added something to the belief that your character is moving.

If it is part of the story or the theme you are trying to create then, if it works with the story and does not hinder its progression, it will be appreciated. If it gets in the way, such as shops shutting at night, you are going to get complaints from some.

I personally like detail and movement. I dislike coming into a market at night and seeing all the merchants doing their 24/7 would you like to buy some armour act. In my mods I do something about this. No one has complained about that aspect (though I have had complaints about merchants and the cleric not turning up for work it the morning).

However, I agree with Wyrin as well. It's often an illusion we are creating. A guard does not need to change, it can be the convo that's different, the merchant could simply disappear at night, they don't have to be in an inn or their house. Quite a bit of depth can be created without complex scripting.

Where detail is strong for me is where it enhances the story. Or really builds a believable environment. Again I return to my wants from a mod (back to reason 1) I like the concept that, at night, the player rests, certainly while in town. There are four hours in the night where the only npc's you will find are the ones that facilitate the time jump required to get you through the night. The shops are shut, the merchants in bed and, if you do meet someone, beware.

Not every one will like that I guess, but that goes back to the first reason I gave for modding. I like it and others will as well. If it does not interrupt game play then the it will be okay for the moderates and hateful to those who feel that adventure should be 24/7.

PJ