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Page 4 of 5
Other arts and crafts
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Return to Krondor has a richer variety of spells both in and out of combat. |
The magic system for Return has been expanded significantly compared with Betrayal. Magic is still divided up into differing paths, but there are a lot more spells this time (60 divided among the four paths). Each of the mages is rated in his skill within a particular path, which affects his effectiveness at casting certain spells.
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Alchemy will let you mix and match your own brews when camping. |
In addition to spell-based magic, there is now the alchemy skill. Whenever you rest, you have the option of pulling out your recipe book and portable lab and mixing up some quick healing potions. You actually place the items on the various receptacles, and your alchemy skill affects how successful the effort is. Jazhara has a small alchemy book with a few basic recipes and some starter ingredients. As the game progresses, you will probably find more complex alchemy recipes that yield different items (such as Nighthawk Poison or Quegan Fire Oil).
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Lock picking will be a test of knowing which tool to use at what time. |
Lock picking is now more of a puzzle than a random dice roll. Unlike other games where you simply click on a lock and let your lock-picking skill determine whether or not the lock opens, you have to actually pick the lock itself. When you click on a lock, you open a new interface that shows that lock. You have a variety of tools you can use, such as lock picks to jimmy open basic locks, probes to search the inside of a complex lock, and cutters to snip out parts of a lock. Locks grow in complexity, and disarming them requires proper use of the tools in the correct order. Your lock-picking skill determines how well you use your tools. Whenever you use a tool correctly, you get visual feedback on what happens on the inside, and you can see what to do next.
Return appears to use a skills-based system, similar to the original Betrayal. However, I didn't get to fully experience level increases, so I can't comment on exactly how your skills will improve. I imagine that it will be similar to Betrayal in that the skill increases marginally when you use it often, and that your skills increase overall whenever you attain a new level.
Next: Concluding thoughts and concerns
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