Temple of Elemental Evil News

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 5.9.2 BETA and 5.9.2 NC BETA Released

Dateline September 24, 2010, USA

The latest installment of the 5.9 series modpacks are now available. Circle of Eight Modpacks 5.9.2 BETA and 5.9.2 NC BETA are patch releases in the form of new modpacks and contain optimization and bugfixes for the 5.9.0 and 5.9.1 releases. Treat these releases as separate modules and install them accordingly (see previous installation instructions). These modpacks are not compatible with saves from the previous 5.9 series modpacks, since they are separate modules. You must start a new game after installation.

You can download Co8 5.9.2 BETA and Co8 5.9.2 NC BETA from our host ModDB here:




Changelog:

General

- Fixed Armario masterwork delivery.
- Tweaked Thrommel Scather delivery scenario to good-aligned PCs.
- Fixed and standardized barter inventory refreshing for all merchants.
- Fixed tile blocking issue on Temple Entrance map.
- Fixed locations where it is registered that Otis has been to temple with you.
- Removed extra longspears from skeleton guards at Emridy Meadows.
- Bulletproofed scripting in Skole goons encounter so you don't have to revisit Boatmens Tavern for it to fire.
- Removed last of undead amulets from Emridy Meadows zombies.
- Faded edges of Moathouse Exterior map that became exposed due to expanding map limts.
- Lowered escaped Lareth reward payout amount.
- Removed DO NOT USE arrow from Water Node.
- Removed DO NOT USE bullets from Moathouse Dungeon.
- Fixed dialog bug where Kelno wouldn't take you to the Greater Temple.
- Simplified area descriptions in saved games.
- Mobbed in Moathouse Ambush.

Hickory Branch

- Hopefully re-bulletproofed Noblig so he doesn't reappear at Hickory Branch entrance anymore (NC modpack only).
- Fixed heartbeat bug where Hungous would sometimes stop combat and do his speech again (NC modpack only).
- Changed Hickory Branch orc archers to use five foot step, not rage, and carry only shortbows (NC modpack only).

Moathouse Respawn

- Mobbed in Moathouse Respawn (NC modpack only).
- Upped constitution of Moathouse Respawn witch (NC modpack only).

Verbobonc

- Fixed various flag and scripting issues with Senshock in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Bulletproofed Verbobonc banker's dialog so he can't offer to sell you castle a second time (NC modpack only).
- Bulletproofed the Verbobonc fugitives' disband and attack routines (NC modpack only).
- Beefed up Wilfrick entourage mildly and added two archers (NC modpack only).
- Changed Wilfrick's dialog so you can talk to him about assassination topics during the day at city hall (NC modpack only).
- Bulletproffed Wilfrick's dialog further to stop him mentioning assassination job if you haven't got it, avoid loops, and nullify it if Darlia is dead (NC modpack only).


- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Upcoming Releases

Dateline November 17, 2010, USA

Here is the release plan for the immediate and fairly distant future:


Short-term


Co8 5.9.3 BETA

• Contains: bugfixes and some new content.
  
• Due: sometime very soon (depends largely on how much sh*t ToEE gives me over the next few days).

Co8 6.0.0

• Contains: the cumulative results of all the 5.5 - 5.9 releases; possibly some additional stabilization and bugfixing efforts; maybe even some new content but not much.
  
• Due: end of December 2010.

'Teh Future'


Co8 7.0.0

• Contains: this is not set in stone yet, but it's very likely - a shift of all the Co8 major expansion content (with the exception of Welkwood Bog) to the end of the vanilla game, post-Zuggtmoy.
  
• Why? Because the way it is now unbalances the vanilla content. We don't want that, and this is the most practical way to fix it.
  
• It seems like we've been 'rebalancing' for years. Just rebalance it already! That's what we intend; the only way to gather information in this regard is to put out betas and get feedback though. That's what we've achieved through all the 5.5 and up series: a clear picture of what's what.
  
• But we've only just gotten used to talking to Brother Smyth for NC! I know.
  
• Due: sometime in the first half of 2011, most likely.

The barebones version

• Contains: nothing! This would be a purely bugfix only version, stripped of as much custom content as could possibly be removed from the modpack. It's uncertain if this will actually ever get done, mainly because I'm unsure of demand (NC downloads outpace even the normal standard version by a wide margin) and whether or not I actually want to put any effort into it.
  
• Due: the hazy future, if ever.

Why the numbering disparity jump? 5.X.XXXXXXXX and then 6.0.0 and then 7.0.0? In the old days, nearly every Co8 release got a new version number. If we still did that we'd be at version 17. The entire 5.5 and up series was a longterm strategic effort to systematically 'straighten out' everything that went awry starting with 5.0.0, and there was a lot. A great deal of additional new content got added in, but that was really not a part of the original plan. You have to roll with the punches though. The main goal was still the big fix picture, which I hope we will have achieved with 6.0.0. After that, we can go back to smaller goals with successive releases, hence 7.0.0 is the next step.


5.9.3 CHANGELOG HIGHLIGHTS

• New Lareth battle scenario and semi-Moathouse-reactivity (courtesy of Sitra Achara)
• New quest/scenario for Hextor in Verbobonc (formerly the 'Eliminating Wilfrick' scenario with new players - should be tougher as it can be done as soon as you get to Verbo and the enemies have been beefed up a bit)
• New 'Eliminating Wilfrick' quest/scenario from the Scarlet Brotherhood in Verbobonc
• New quest/scenario for Pelor in Verbobonc
• New quest/scenario for the Castle of the Lords in Verbobonc
• Five new Verbobonc-centered reputations
• Updates to numerous elements of Verbobonc
• Fixes for the assassin and Lodriss bugs (courtesy of Sitra Achara)
• New twists and weaponry for the Slavers
• Some new (empty) interior maps for Verbobonc locations
• Numerous miscellaneous bugfixes
• More

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 5.9.3 BETA and 5.9.3 NC BETA Released

Dateline November 24, 2010, USA

The latest installment of the 5.9 series modpacks are now available. Circle of Eight Modpacks 5.9.3 BETA and 5.9.3 NC BETA are patch releases in the form of new modpacks and contain optimization and bugfixes for the 5.9.0, 5.9.1, and 5.9.2 releases. Treat these releases as separate modules and install them accordingly (see installation instructions). These modpacks are not compatible with saves from the previous 5.9 series modpacks, since they are separate modules. You must start a new game after installation.

You can download Co8 5.9.3 BETA and Co8 5.9.3 NC BETA from our host ModDB here:




Changelog:

General

- Fixed bug where selling Lareth's items didn't trigger assassin.
- Fixed bug where Boatmen's Tavern would not repopulate after Lodriss and co. were sent outside to deal with Skole.
- Overhauled Lareth and troops battle scenario and made them reactive.
- Tweaked Lareth's prebuffing.
- Updated Lareth's spell selection to include Dispel Magic and Obscuring Mist.
- Improved Lareth's guards' AI to allow them to wake each other up if they're asleep.
- Fixed miss chance for partial and total concealment for Obscuring Mist and Fog Cloud.
- Fixed bug with spells Holy Word and Blasphemy killing foes that they shouldn't and not awarding XP for kills.
- Fixed miss chance percentage for Obscuring Mist and Fog Cloud.
- Entangle spell made to work only in outdoor maps that have any significant plant growth, as per rules.
- Added utility script to cycle through entire party to look for open inventory slot.
- Modified Kelno and Bugbear Chief dialogue and scripting to accomodate regroup scenarios.
- Updated various testing/scripting aids.
- Added Bearded Devil, Bralani, Chain Devil, Djinni, Janni, Lantern Archon, and Shadow Mastiff to Help file. Summon Monster I-VI monster descriptions are now complete, except for elementals.
- Added Help file spell entries for Acid Fog, Blasphemy, Delayed Blast Fireball, Mass Hold Person, Holy Sword, Insanity, Power Word: Blind, Tenser's Transformation, and Undeath to Death.
- Linked paladins to all their level 3 and 4 spells in Help file.
- Fixed typos in death knell and haste spell descriptions and precise shot feat description.
- Fixed price of repeating light crossbow and masterwork repeating light crossbow.
- Fixed orc prisoners giving you wrong townmap flags for location of stairs up and down on Temple Level 1.
- Removed DO NOT USE bullets (illegal protos) from Temple Level 2, Temple Tower, Waterside Hostel first floor, and Boatmen's Tavern.
- Added spell description for Acid Fog.
- Corrected values of Helm of Midnight, Robes of Midnight, Senshock's Robes, Masterwork Great Cleaver, Masterwork Heavy Saber, kama, masterwork kama, and Hedrack's armor and shield.
- Corrected values of Shields +1 to +5 and changed names to reflect whether they're wooden or steel.
- Fixed Ophelia dialog inconsistency regarding Jenelda/Riana quest.
- Fixed bug where Feldrin combat would not always stop properly when he starts dialog to surrender.
- Less Humble NPCs implemented for Furnok, Fruella, and Serena.
- Added long description for Antonio's mace and lamia figurine.
- Added generic ToEE inventory icon for items that don't have an icon.
- Fixed the following magic items being pre-identified: Rod of Smiting, Staff of Striking, Robes of Midnight, Helm of Midnight, Hedrack's boots, gloves, and helmet, silver breastplate +1, Staff of Fire, Staff of Frost, all elven chain, all headbands of intellect, and wakizashi +1.
- Fixed value and stats for kukri, masterwork kukri, and kukri +2.
- Fixed values of green, blue, and purple elven chain and flagged them as magical.
- Fixed damage listing in long description for bastard sword +1 and short sword +2.
- Fixed damage properties of Unholy Orc Double Axe +1.
- Removed extra bracers from Senshock's inventory in the Temple.
- Added memorized domain spells for Ashrem.
- Fixed long description damage listing for Hedrack's Greathammer and changed name to 'Greathammer.'
- Fixed long description damage listing for Moradin's Soul Hammer.
- Removed aura of courage feat from will-o'-wisps.
- Fixed long description for Scarab of Proof Against Poison.
- Added masterwork flail.
- Added new derivative portraits of balor, glabrezu, hezrou, and vrock for non-guardian versions.

Welkwood Bog

- Made Mathel's personal inventory unavailable for looting later (NC modpack only).
- Increased Mathel's hit dice (NC modpack only).

Hickory Branch

- Made sneaking without detection possible again for Hickory Branch speaking NPCs (NC modpack only).

Arena of Heroes

- Fixed bug where Arena of Heroes Master would not award prize if talker's inventory was full (NC modpack only).
- Added additional dialog to Brother Smyth to direct players to read the Book of Heroes before moving on with new content (NC modpack only).

Moathouse Respawn

- Fixed Gnarley drow not having lootable armor (NC modpack only).
- Removed redundant Drow boots and gloves (NC modpack only).
- Lowered death counter in Moathouse Lareth and bugbear areas so that respawns fire reliably (NC modpack only).
- Made it so that respawn critters don't appear the moment conditions are satisfied (NC modpack only).
- Eliminated Gnarley Forest map travel loophole (NC modpack only).

Verbobonc

- Added 12 new interior maps to Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added additional derivative portraits for Drow (NC modpack only).
- Added six more reputations in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added 'Fear Of Ghosts' quest/plot to Castle of the Lords in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added 'Monster Mash' Pelor quest and scenario in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added new 'Eliminating Wilfrick' quest and scenario in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added conclusion to Lerrik scenario in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Added park locations to the Verbobonc signpost (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where there was sometimes no non-violent dialog option with Senshock in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Lydia would mention Jenna's absence while she was not absent (NC modpack only).
- Bulletproofed Verbobonc attorney further so he won't appear in Watch Post lower floor if you aren't in jail (NC modpack only).
- Changed Darlia and Lerrick dialogs to look for party spot skill level instead of speaker's (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Darlia wouldn't take diamond from Dwarven jeweler from you (NC modpack only).
- Boosted levels of Scarlet Brotherhood and Hextorites (NC modpack only).
- Reworked assassination scenario at Welkwood Bog for Hextorite service (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where killing Verbobonc guards at Welkwood Bog gave you Constable Killer rep (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Verbobonc guard corpses at Welkwood Bog would disappear (NC modpack only).
- Fixed magic missile damage for Welkwood Bog assassination mage casters (NC modpack only).
- Made it so that Prince Zook will give you the key to the gnome tunnels if Nybble isn't around (NC modpack only).
- Added an extra possibility for Zook to mention talking to Lerrick, which can lead to recruiting Corporal Holly (NC modpack only).
- Added an extra line of dialog to Captain Achan for if you already have all the fugitive info (NC modpack only).
- Added contingency scripting for bringing fugitives in unconscious (NC modpack only).
- Updated/tweaked Slavers scenario with more dynamic scripting (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug in Tarah's dialog for LE and CN parties (NC modpack only).
- Upgraded Slavers' weaponry (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Slavers would not initiate dialog if party leader was sneaking (NC modpack only).
- Added a dialog out for avoiding Slavers' lengthy dialog and related character deaths (NC modpack only).


- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpack at DIYGamer

Dateline December 2, 2010, USA

Here's a nice little write-up on the Circle of Eight Modpack at DIYGamer:

Temple Of Elemental Evil Revival Continues Thanks To The ‘Circle of Eight’ Modpack

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpack 6.0.0 Release Date

Dateline December 19, 2010, USA

The official release date for Circle of Eight Modpack 6.0.0 is set for Tuesday, December 28, 2010. The cutoff date for actionable bug reports or any other submissions to the modpack is Tuesday, December 21, 2010.

New features:

• Co8 6.0.0 will install via an actual installation utility that does most of the installation for you. (No more fiddling with WinRAR.)
  
  app.jpg
  
  
• The modpack version will be listed on the splash screen upon bootup instead of the Main Menu screen.
  
  splash.jpg
  
  
• The modpack version will also be listed under the Co8 category in the Help file (accessed by the question mark thingie in the shuttle control in the lower right screen), so you can check what version you're playing in-game at any time.
  
  ver.jpg

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 6.0.0 and 6.0.0 NC Released

Dateline December 28, 2010, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the culmination of all the work spanning the 5.5 - 5.9 beta series modpacks - Circle of Eight Modpacks 6.0.0 and 6.0.0 NC. These releases are non-beta.

Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. These include:

• Welkwood Bog - where the undead menace Mathel the 'lich' leads his band of rogue raiders.
  
  
  
  
• Hickory Branch - where Lord Hungous and his army of orcs, bugbears, ogres, gnolls, goblins, and kobolds lies in wait to wreak havoc on the land.
  
  
  
  
• The Arena of Heroes - where three nebulous challenges from the mysterious Master of the Arena await you.
  
  
  
  
• The Moathouse Respawn - where one loyal sister has taken over Lareth's old headquarters, while her sibling has run into a little problem with the Drow in the Gnarley Forest.
  
  
  
  
• The city of Verbobonc - where intrigue of all types abounds ... from Lord Viscount Wilfrick and the Verbobonc Watch to Lerrik and the Scarlet Brotherhood, from Canon Ramses of the Church of Pelor to the shadowy Church of Hextor, from the overseer Triplets to the Verbobonc fugitives, from dragons to Drow, and from Prince Zook IV and the gnomes of the Gnome Quarter all the way to the fabled Slavers - all waiting to be discovered in one enormous new city quest-hub.
  
  
  

Meanwhile, in the standard modpack you can look forward to these new challenges:

• A newly reactive Lareth and his Moathouse guards - who will no longer stay separated for your convenience.
  
  
  
  
• A reactive Air Temple led by the high priest Kelno, which will regroup when threatened.
  
  
  
  
• A reactive Water Temple led by the high priest Belsornig, which will regroup when threatened.
  
  
  
  
• A reactive Fire Temple led by the high priest Alrrem, which will regroup when threatened.
  
  
  

Updates in Circle of Eight Modpack 6.0.0/NC include:

GENERAL

- Fixed bug where only first instruction was being applied for reputations with multiple effects.
- Did quality check to ensure that all Hommletians count toward (if they are killed) and respond to Butcher of Hommlet rep.
- Made Butcher of Hommlet reputation trigger auto-attack only from Burne's Badgers.
- Made all generic villagers/citizens take no combat actions and flee combat.
- Made it so the following NPCs disband and attack you if you try to kill a generic citizen/villager while they're in the party: Elmo, Paida, Otis, Meleny, Y'dey, Murfles, Thrommel, Taki, Burne, Morgan, Pishella, Rufus, Spugnoir, Holly, Ronald.
- Overhauled Otello's scripting to improve all his routines.
- Added separate faction for Wat, Dala, Pearl, Rentsch, and his guards in the Waterside Hostel so all the Nulb villagers don't join in fight.
- Made it so Dala and Pearl don't fight and run off if fight starts in Waterside Hostel.
- Increased map limits for all remaining maps that could have issues with widescreen displays.
- Added help.tab spell entries for Extraplanar Chest, Gentle Repose, Horrid Wilting, Mass Hold Monster, Miracle, Polar Ray, Power Word Kill, Power Word Stun, Ray of Clumsiness, Warp Wood, Weird.
- Fixed bugs where Lareth would sometimes not surrender and his sergeant in the corridor would not run off if he did surrender in modified Lareth/Moathouse scenario.

NEW CONTENT

- Added all new content expansion areas to random encounter tables so they generate appropriate random encounter monsters for each area (NC modpack only).

ARENA OF HEROES

- Fixed bug where the Master of the Arena wouldn't appear in Arena of Heroes (NC modpack only).

VERBOBONC

- Made guest book in Spruce Goose Inn in Verbobonc useable (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where many Verbobonc citizens gave Butcher of Hommlet rep upon being killed (NC modpack only).
- Improved operation of Verbobonc killer reputations, arrests, incarceration, and sentencing (NC modpack only).

Circle of Eight modpacks 6.0.0 and 6.0.0 NC also come bundled with Temple of Elemental Evil Front End-X (TFE-X) version 3.0e, which includes various stability updates and adds functionality for changing screen resolution to the widescreen settings common in today's monitors.

For a full list of updates to both the version 6 series and the entire progression of the 5.5 - 5.9 beta series, please see the included release notes. It's a very long list.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 6.0.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 6.0.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



We sincerely hope that you enjoy these versions of the Circle of Eight modpack! We've worked very hard to bring them to you.

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Patches For Versions 6.0.0 Released

Dateline January 30, 2011, USA


Modpacks 6.0.0 and 6.0.0 NC have been updated to patch level 6.0.1. Get the patches here:

Circle of Eight Add-On 6.0.1

Circle of Eight Add-On 6.0.1 NC


Installation Instructions:

These are TFE-X add-on modules (.tam files). To install, simply double click the download and follow all on-screen promps in the installation utility. Launch TFE-X after installation, select Add-On Packs, select the Co8 6.0.1/NC add-on pack, and click install. WAIT OUT THE INSTALLATION.


Compatability:

This add-on should be compatable with all saves unless you've already been to the Bazaar of the Bizarre in Verbobonc. If you've been there and try to go back after patching, your game will CTD.


Errata:

Note that if you have any other add-on packs installed (such as dolio's spells add-on), activating the 6.0.1/NC add-on will remove it. Only one add-on can be installed at a time.


Changelog:

- Fixed bug with continuing Lareth fight after he offers to surrender.
- Fixed bug where charmed members of Lareth's troops could wake up fellow troops.
- Parsed Lareth villain speech audio.
- Added generic item inventory icon for Lareth's dresser.
- Fixed bug where Turuko and Kobort would auto-join parties during combat if the other was charmed.
- Fixed bug where Kobort would restart his dialog during combat in the Moathouse Ambush.
- Fixed bug where story state 5 wasn't being set by Alrrem or Romag if you were recruited. Also added bulletproofing to set same in dialog if temples are on alert.
- Fixed bug where it was still impossible to report Monster Mash quest as completed to Canon Ramses (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Darlia wouldn't initiate sequence of Wilfrick assassination if you thought about it and came back (NC modpack only).
- Added an option to opt out of informing Wilfrick about the assassination order after reporting on the drow and added an option to inform him separately through normal dialog (NC modpack only).
- Added Circle of Death spell description to Help.tab.
- Removed scroll of Summon Swarm from Bazaar of the Bizarre in Verbobonc. Also removed it from spell lists and help.tab.
- Fixed shift-click long description bug with traders' shortsword.
- Fixed magic black breastplates +1 being pre-identified.

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 6.1.0 and 6.1.0 NC Released

Dateline April 26, 2011, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present a significant upgrade to the 6.0.0 series modpacks - Circle of Eight Modpacks 6.1.0 and 6.1.0 NC.

Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. The fixes from the 6.0.1 patch are included in these releases as well.



Updates in Circle of Eight Modpacks 6.1.0 and 6.1.0 NC include:

GENERAL

- Added Circle of Death spell description to Help.tab.
- Fixed shift-click long description bug with traders' shortsword.
- Fixed magic black breastplates +1 being pre-identified.
- Tweaked generic citizens' runoff scripts.
- Fixed bug where generic citizens wouldn't flee combat.
- Added assistants for Burne, Otis, and Mother Screng to handle their bartering.
- Added resurrection scripting for all NPCs with death scripting so as to avoid other NPCs acting like NPCs are dead if they've been resurrected.
- Made good/lawful NPCs in party disband and attack party if party attacks generally good/innocent NPCs.
- Made good/lawful NPCs in party disband and refuse to rejoin if party attacks innocent farm animals.
- Made Rod of the Viper (a quarterstaff) a large two-handed weapon.
- Made Rod of the Python a large two handed weapon, per its long description.
- Reduced Robe of Eyes spot and search to 10 from 15, per the SRD, and removed the -4 penalty to fortitude.
- Changed name of Lareth's Staff of Striking to Lareth's Club of Striking, as it is a club.
- Changed name of the Rod of Smiting to Mace of Smiting, as it is a light mace.
- Added long descriptions for bardic instruments, red forge plate, and axiomatic warhammer +2.
- Fixed scarab of protection being pre-identified.
- Fixed script bugs in Pintark, Tuelk, Deggum, Kella, Brunk, Scorpp, and Darley's dialog files that weren't properly calling for race: halforc and race: halfelf.
- Fixed proto errors for half orcs Tubal, Smigmal Redhand, Brunk, thug leader, and hired thug that gave them wrong monster category subtype: half_orc instead of subtype: orc and human.
- Added Scroll of Acid Fog proto.
- Made it so that Assassin, Thrommel reward, Countess Tilahi reward, and Sargen reward random ncounters don't occur on Scrub Road map with campfire.
- Fixed bug where the slaughtered caravan map graphics were not displayed.
- Fixed installation utility bug that appended an extra 'Temple of Elemental Evil' onto any secondarily selected installation directory.

HOMMLET

- Fixed bug where Turuko and Kobort would auto-join parties during combat if the other was charmed.
- Removed non-essential mobs from Hommlet exterior whose scripts were sometimes malfunctioning.
- Removed DO NOT USE bullets from Welcome Wench first floor and traders' store.
- Removed Furnok's open diary related dialog.
- Made Burne's magical gear and valuables non-transferable (Less Humble NPCs).
- Fixed bug where Valden wouldn't give out spiked wooden shields like he says he will.
- Reduced likelihood of Calmert having holy maces +1 and silver light maces in stock to 10%.
- Reordered Hommlet signpost and added three destinations: blacksmith, tailor, and woodcutter.

MOATHOUSE

- Fixed bug with continuing Lareth fight after he offers to surrender.
- Fixed bug where charmed members of Lareth's troops could wake up fellow troops.
- Parsed Lareth villain speech audio.
- Added generic item inventory icon for Lareth's dresser.
- Fixed bug where Kobort would restart his dialog during combat in the Moathouse Ambush.
- Restored original DCs, lock status, and trap status of chests on Moathouse maps.
- Moved Moathouse Dungeon ghouls' chest contents from chest to ghouls' nest at back of crypt, per the module.
- Moved Moathouse Dungeon crayfish loot contents from chest to edge of pool, per the module.
- Removed scroll of Raise Dead from Moathouse Interior.
- Reduced loot of Moathouse Interior fine chest, per the module.
- Restored Lareth's diary to unlocked condition.
- Removed Lareth purchase equipment dialog.

NULB

- Made it so that Tolub uses a weapon in any battle outside of Eye of the Tiger brawl quest.
- Tweaked Dala and Pearl's runoff scripts.
- Made Otis' valuables non-transferable (Less Humble NPCs).
- Made Otis take his gems and jewelry from his anvil when he joins so you can't loot it while he's in the party.

TEMPLE

- Fixed bug where story state 5 wasn't being set by Alrrem or Romag if you were recruited. Also added bulletproofing to set same in dialog if temples are on alert.
- Added alignment to NPC Ed.
- Gave NPC Ted 10 hit points like Ed and Ed instead of 1.
- Made it so that Morgan runs off permanently upon disbanding from party (will not reappear in Temple cell).
- Changed Earth Temple Lieutenant's AI type so he doesn't just defend.
- Added dialog for generic temple prisoners to leave after being rescued.
- Made Smigmal Redhand's proto race: halforc instead of human, as she's supposed to be.
- Restored original Scather and Fragarach models.
- Overhauled Scorpp: removed Wonnilon's crossbow and bolts and Wonnilon's scroll and hill giant rocks from Scorpp's inventory so he only uses hill giant spiked club in combat; made dialog proactive so Scorpp speaks when you enter his room; made pet worg non-hostile when Scorpp stops combat to surrender and/or join.

NODES

- Made it so that Taki runs off permanently upon disbanding from party (will not reappear in Air Node).



MOATHOUSE RESPAWN

- Gave Mother Monster Plant and Monster Untripable properties (NC modpack only).

VERBOBONC

- Fixed bug where it was still impossible to report Monster Mash quest as completed to Canon Ramses (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug where Darlia wouldn't initiate sequence of Wilfrick assassination if you thought about it and came back (NC modpack only).
- Added an option to opt out of informing Wilfrick about the assassination order after reporting on the drow and added an option to inform him separately through normal dialog (NC modpack only).
- Removed scroll of Summon Swarm from Bazaar of the Bizarre in Verbobonc. Also removed it from spell lists and help.tab.
- Added Scroll of Acid Fog to Ariel's inventory in Bazaar of the Bizarre (NC modpack only).
- Expanded Canon Ramses' dialog to include Hextor neighbor discussion, Monster Mash quest, and castle ghost consultation (NC modpack only).
- Expanded Maurice the banker's dialog to include castle ghost inquiry (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug that may have interfered with time limit to do Removing Wilfrick quest (NC modpack only).
- Added paladin falling in Verbobonc for killing: Gregor, Victor, Jylee, Maurice, Elysia, Lord Viscount Wilfrick, Lydia, Jenna, Nybble, Gleem, Chanda, Ariel, Canon Ramses, Prince Zook IV, Verbobonc and Narwell guards, gnome guards, Captain Abiram, Captain Absalom, Captain Achan, Bella, jewel merchant, attorney, Pelor clerics, Verbobonc and Narwell mages, Verbobonc citizens, Canon Thaddeus, Bathsheba, Samson, and Goliath (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug with Hextor priest and cleric portraits (NC modpack only).
- Made it so that the fugitives will only stay in your party for five days (NC modpack only).
- Reworked Narwell and Wilfrick escort ring inventories (NC modpack only).
- Stopped all Narwell and Wilfrick escort gaurds' deaths from counting toward Constable Killer reputation (NC modpack only).
- Added bedrest flag to Jylee's Inn upper floor and floors one and two of the Verbobonc castle (NC modpack only).
- Fixed bug with clearing murderer reputations in Verbobonc (NC modpack only).
- Made the Verbobonc overseers and guardian barbarians (NC modpack only).
- Made the Verbobonc overseers and guardian spawn if you attack Wilfrick at home or at work (NC modpack only).
- Consolidated some non-essential Verbobonc interior maps (NC modpack only).
- Made some cosmetic improvements to Verbobonc exterior map and eliminated some non-essential buildings (NC modpack only).

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 6.1.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 6.1.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



We sincerely hope that you enjoy these versions of the Circle of Eight modpack.

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 Release Date

Dateline October 26, 2011, USA

The official release date for Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 is set for Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

New features:

• War of the Golden Skull - Ranth's major high level expansion that has the player fighting multiple large scale battles against (or with) forces of Hextor in Hommlet.
  
• Revenge of the Scarlet Brotherhood and the Hextorites - (the Verbobonc Hextorites that is) ... revenge with feeling and malice of forethought.
  
• 'Epic' battles with the game's big dogs - (use your imagination).
  
• New maps.
  
• New NPCs.
  
• New not-so-random encounters.
  
• More in-depth plots and interactions.
  
• An overhauled Castle of the Lords.
  
• Bunches of bugfixes and tweaks.
  
• More.

Why is this so damn long in coming? We are currently in active testing of the major NC load for v7. This was necessary this time around because its effects are really quite unpredictable - there's much high level content added. We'll very likely be ready to launch sooner than 12/20, but rather than plot a release date based on how things are going day-to-day, I think it's better to just plan on a realistic date and let people know sooner rather than later. One way or another, v7 will release on December 20.

Stay tuned for some cool screens and whatnot ...

[Gaear]

Screens Up

Dateline December 10, 2011, USA

Check out these new screens from the upcoming Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 NC. Enjoy!

THE CASTLE OF THE LORDS











THE RABBIT HOLE



THE GREMLICH



THE SCARLET BROTHERHOOD









WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.0.0 and 7.0.0 NC Released

Dateline December 20, 2011, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack for Troika Games' Temple of Elemental Evil - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.0.0 and 7.0.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. These now include:

War of the Golden Skull - a high level expansion where the village of Hommlet comes under seige from the powerful Hextorite army, intent on locating and taking possession of the nebulous Golden Skull.

Other updates in Circle of Eight Modpack 7.0.0 include:

GENERAL

- Overhauled pregenerated characters so their hairstyles and colors match their portraits, so that strongmen are strong enough to wear heavy armor, and so that facemen are competent in social skills.
- Fixed pregenerated iconic characters Mialee and Tordek's incorrect portraits.
- Removed giant PC pregenerated character because it mysteriously stopped working.
- Fixed halberd and masterwork halberd long descriptions so they're not listed as reach weapons.
- Reassigned many script IDs to promote organization.
- Added ability to locate extraplanar chest if you leave it on a map and don't take it with you.
- Fixed exploit where you could rest indefinitely on second floor of inns when you only paid for 24 hours.
- Fixed targeting problem with spell Good Hope.
- Reduced volume of spell sound effects for multi-target spells by limiting playback to single instance rather than once for each target: Cone of Cold, Confusion, Consecrate, Deep Slumber, Desecrate, Flame Strike, Holy Smite, Ice Storm, Mind Fog, Prismatic Spray, Scare, Sleep, Sleet Storm, Spike Growth, Spike Stones.
- Removed Acid Fog spell, as it is apparently an irrevocably illegal spell due to being spell number 000.
- Fixed bug where Wonnilon, Jaer, and Wicked would cause problems with NPC interventions upon entering combat.
- Lowered CR on greater temple bugbear (proto 14174) and greater temple bugbear leader (proto 14346) by 2.
- Fixed rare bug in Hommlet joinable NPCs' dying scripts that could cause Butcher of Hommlet rep.
- Changed dragon meshes and added custom sound effects.
- Improved firepit on random encounter scrub road.
- Added unique critter sounds for bearded devils.
- Fixed duration of Giant Vermin spell.
- Fixed AI exploit where Spiritual Weapon could be abused by making enemies not target them.
- Fixed bug with Summon Monster spells initiative.
- Bulletproofed reward encounter scheduling.
- Updated Co8 section of in-game Help.
- Added five missing iconic pregenerated characters: Aramil, Eberk, Gimble, Kerwyn, and Naull.
- Added stone giants.

HOMMLET

- Fixed Jaroo heartbeat script that caused his cloak to flap and gameplay to stutter in the Grove.
- Mobbed in Amii and removed unnecessary associated scripting from various NPCs.
- Made it so that Amii doesn't die immediately if you botch her quest through indifferent dialog with Jaroo.
- Recreated all Hommlet Exterior generic citizens.
- Fixed bug with Jaroo spell permanancy fix.
- Made it so Brother Smyth detects giant head in anyone's inventory, not just speaker's.
- Made it so Pishella can destroy golden skull while she's in the party.
- Tweaked pathfinding on Hommlet exterior map.
- Made it so Corl doesn't come back to Black Jay's field after you throw him out.
- Fixed some dialog and map inconsistencies with Mickey.

MOATHOUSE

- Tweaked Lareth scripting for when he stays in his room after joining combat if players stay in the hall.

NULB

- Made the Nulb Rannos Davl fat like the Hommlet Rannos Davl.
- Fixed dialog bug where you could ask Mona about Serena without knowing anything about her.
- Fixed bug that was making Nulb revenge encounter fail.
- Made it so that Dala does not run off permanently after pickpocketing you if combat starts, while still avoiding combat.
- Bulletproofed Nulb Mickey's dialog conditions.

TEMPLE

- Mobbed in electrical trap and control boxes on Temple level 4 and added TZGY scarab as method to defeat them.
- Fixed temple faction problem that sometimes caused oohlgrist to go KOS.
- Fixed blocking tiles problem on Temple deserted farm map.
- Fixed bug where Scorrp would repeat dialog during combat.

HICKORY BRANCH

- Made it so that Brother Smyth gives you Orc Season quest if Kenter Nevets is dead, or if he becomes dead.

ARENA OF HEROES

- Tweaked MOTA's heartbeat script so he appears more reliably.

MOATHOUSE RESPAWN

- Changed Mother's mesh to modified version of old crone rather than Zuggtmoy and changed portrait.
- Added Season of the Witch quest as culmination to Moathouse Respawn.
- Fixed bug where Gnarley witch wouldn't give you ring of resonance if you came back a second time and bought it from her.

VERBOBONC

- Fixed bug where making the second payment on your mortgage on the castle in Verbobonc on time didn't stop you from becoming delinquent.
- Further bullet-proofed Wilfrick report dialog node.
- Made it so that Wilfrick does not still go to the warehouse if you reveal Darlia's assassination quest to him.
- Fixed bug where Castle of the Lords was not safe for rest even if ghost conditions hadn't been met.
- Fixed heartbeat bug with castle ghosts that caused them to make noises even if they weren't supposed to be there.
- Added a one day delay to get access to Darlia by paying.
- Changed method of reporting Hextorite job done to Canon Ramses to avoid incorrect var count and fixed object name reference error.
- Added scoutpoints to Hextorite patrol in Temple.
- Fixed bug where buying your way out of a Verbobonc execution would make it so that the Slavers would not appear if they had been scheduled to, and that Wilfrick would think you had murdered the Dyvers rescuers.
- Tweaked Wilfrick dialog re: drow and white dragon.
- Made it so you can't report on Drow situation to Wilfrick over and over.
- Fixed bug where Wilfrick acted like he never met you at home.
- Tweaked Prince Zook dialog re: drow being dealt with and defeated.
- Added following quests to Verbobonc: Ratting Out The Hextorites, Snitching On The Scarlet Brotherhood, Narcing On The Scarlet Brotherhood, The Rabbit Hole, The Gremlich, Lords and Ladies, Demons and Demigods.
- Added following reputations to Verbobonc: Hextor Rat, Scarlet Brotherhood Snitch, Scarlet Brotherhood Narc, Scarlet Brotherhood Whistle-Blower, Hextor Whore, Savior of Hommlet, Hommlet Deserter, Disfunctional, Uptight, Consort of Lady Asherah, Associate of Lady Asherah, Slayer of Iuz, Slayer of St. Cuthbert, Slayer of Alzoll, Hommlet Destroyer.
- Added repercussions for having above reputations.
- Added methods of discussing and reporting Scarlet Brotherhood and Hextorites to various NPCs.
- Added options for getting location of Slavers.
- Added redesigned Verbobonc castle interiors and an additional floor.
- Added Rabbit Hole map and Uncle Orrengaard III NPC.
- Added method for getting stats on NPCs, as well as answers to other common questions.
- Added Lady Asherah.
- Added Verbobonc Cave Exit worldmap location.

We hope that you enjoy these new versions of the Circle of Eight modpack.

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpack at DIYGamer

Dateline December 27, 2011, USA

The Circle of Eight Modpack was recently featured at DIYGamer: http://www.diygamer.com/2011/12/mod-spotlight-co8-toee/

Thanks for the nice review!

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.1.0 and 7.1.0 NC Released

Dateline February 21, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.1.0 and 7.1.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.1.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.1.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. This release is primarily a bug fix release for both versions.

CHANGELOG:

GENERAL

• Updated zombies,' skeletal hill giants,' and undead wizards' start combat scripts so they attempt to break free and don't target spiritual weapons.
• Fixed Shillelagh spell damage description.
• Re-disabled bug where credit movies would play on Hommlet worldmap transitions.
• Removed great mace as it is not RAW.
• Adjusted Necklace of Adaptation description so that it accurately reflects that the necklace works only once, and only against the spell Cloudkill.
• Removed masterwork great cleaver from shops and replaced with regular cleaver.
• Added failsafe for extraplanar chest disappearance and recall.

HOMMLET

• Positioned clerics in Church of St. Cuthbert so that Calmert sees if they are attacked and joins battle.
• Tweaked Calmert and Terjon enter combat scripting so that each appears nearer to the summoner when entering combat.
• Added option to get masterwork leather items from Jakk Borton/Bing without doing other Hommlet Fedex quests.
• Made it so that Kenter Nevets won't mention Kobort, Turuko, or Elmo in request for rumors if they are dead.
• Made it so that Burne won't say he's going to talk to Rannos and Gremag about labor camp sabotage if they are dead or have run off.
• Made it so that Burne will offer to tell puzzles anytime after Moathouse is cleared.
• Made Armario not flee combat so as to avoid him not running off properly if attacked for Gremag.
• Made it so you can't confront Otello about stealing unless you have heard of it from Filliken.
• Made it so Black Jay won't offer Dead Sheep quest until/unless you give him his wife's ring.
• Expanded options for getting magic shortsword from Gremag.
• Made it so that killing Rannos or Gremag singly gives you the Purveyor of Swift Justice reputation.
• Fixed bug with Fruella's dying script and the Butcher of Hommlet reputation.
• Fixed bug where you couldn't tell Burne about Rannos and Gremag Nulb ambush after it happened.
• Switched Black Jay's wife's ring to the Moathouse Tower spider for evil parties.
• Fixed bug where Elmo would appear in the cellar of the Welcome Wench.
• Added quests for contacting Brother Smyth's various NC contacts that tell you who they are and where they can be found (NC only).

MOATHOUSE

• Made it so that Lareth won't object if you take his diary while undetected.

NULB

• Added two day delay for Preston Wetz to tell you about thugs looking for you in Nulb if he just sold you the house.
• Removed Summon Monster IV from Rannos and Gremag enchantress' spell list so she doesn't summon monsters who get targeted by her party.
• Updated Dala's theft and flight routines.
• Bulletproofed Tolub so he can't shout challenges in tavern if he's dead, unconscious, or prone.
• Fixed bug that allowed you to show Lodriss Skole's gem even if he hadn't given it to you, and to tell her you'd accepted the quest and been paid even if you hadn't.
• Fixed bug where you could use diplomacy or gather information with Preston Wetz over and over to find out about his sore tooth repeatedly.
• Fixed bug where you could ask Tolub about Bertram after losing in the brawl and complete Betram's quest even if you hadn't accepted it.
• Fixed bug where Riana would reappear in both Snake Pit and Mona's store if she had been in party and disbanded.

TEMPLE

• Removed Hextorites from ogre cave exterior map.
• Fixed issues with Alrrem re: Oohlgrist and the ogre cave ogres.
• Fixed bug with Bassanio hostility re: the Oohlgrist quest.
• Removed fog of war from Temple exterior maps, increased map limts, added portal between tower and ruined house maps, and tweaked sectoring.
• Fixed bug where old crone would remain after Zuggtmoy banishment if stealing gem horde (NC only).

HICKORY BRANCH

• Made Lord Hungous and Lord Krunch attempt to break free from Web spells.
• Upgraded Lord Hungous' armor to Barbarian Armor +1.
• Tweaked pathnodes on part of the Hickory Branch map.
• Made it so that resting at Hickory Branch will trigger regroup and cave blockage as if you had left the area.
• Added 'Orc Obliterator' reputation for clearing Hickory Branch.

MOATHOUSE RESPAWN

• Fixed bug where crystal oozes weren't appearing in Moathouse Respawn.

VERBOBONC

• Fixed bug where castle ghosts would sometimes not appear.
• Fixed flag mixup with Darlia and the Gremlich.
• Fixed bug where Victor's weapons shop wasn't refreshing.
• Made it so that Tarah will not kill Mordenkainen's Swords instead of party members in her preamble.
• Fixed bug with Paladin atonement in Verbobonc.
• Reverted young white dragons to Ice Lizard model.
• Fixed speaking and globals issues with Lady Asherah and Demons & Demigods quest.
• Added scheduling system routine to Bandits, Scarlet Brotherhood, Gremlich, and Sports encounters for increased reliability.
• Tweaked Sports encounters.
• Gave Gremlich subdual immunity.
• Bulletproofed Asherah and Verbobonc Cuthbert, Iuz, and balor scripting.
• Toughened up Verbobonc balors considerably.
• Added Lady Asherah's Estate to Verbobonc signpost.
• Fixed bug that could cause multiple Gremlichs to spawn and tweaked scripts.

WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL

• Fixed bug where Hextor old man would attack players.
• Gave WotGS Hextorites different faction so as to avoid mixups with reputations gained against Verbobonc Hextorites.
• Fixed bug where Ariakas would stop talking after two days.
• Bulletproofed King Battlehammer's heartbeat so he can't stand up after combat ends and he dies.
• Fixed bug where Fireforge would remain active in the Welcome Wench after saying he was leaving for Verbobonc (NC only).

Note that we are aware of the so-called jerkstop (jerky character movement, incomplete movement commands, severe performance slowdowns) issues associated with WotGS, but a solution has not been arrived at as of yet. This release does not fix WotGS jerkstop.

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Volunteers Needed

Dateline March 14, 2012, USA

Please see Project Jerkstop: The Final Solution and do your part today.

[Gaear]

2012 Release Schedule

Dateline May 2, 2012, USA

The following are official release dates for The Circle of Eight Modpack for the remainder of 2012:

• June 24, 2012 - v7.3.0
  
• August 26, 2012 - v7.4.0
  
• October 28, 2012 - v7.5.0
  
• December 30, 2012 - v8.0.0

It's uncertain at this time exactly what each modpack will feature, but major advances somewhere along the line will include:

• An overhauled user interface.
• A comprehensive fix for lag.
• A comprehensive fix for jerkstop (hopefully!).
• Rebalanced major new content expansions, where they are moved to the post-Zuggtmoy Verbobonc-centered phase of the game and generally occupy levels 11 - 20.

There will no doubt be many less major additions as well, such as routine bug fixes, the occasional new NPC, possible new movies and endslides, and various other tweaks.

Should be a fun ride.

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.2.0 and 7.2.0 NC Released

Dateline May 7, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.2.0 and 7.2.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.2.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.2.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. This release prominently features new texture upgrades for the city of Verbobonc.

CHANGELOG:

GENERAL

• Included new version of TFE-X-Linux that fixes common issue with inconsistent character case in file names.
• Normalized out of combat movement rate between all races.
• Fixed wepaon property type proto errors with Silver Sword of Chaos and various other custom protos.

HOMMLET

• Removed pathnodes from Hommlet exerior as test measure to enhance performance and relieve jerkstop.
• Fixed bug where game would end upon entering Hommlet tower if you had already destroyed the orb and Zuggtmoy was dead or banished (NC only).
• Fixed bug where Rannos and/or Gremag's ghost would reappear in the traders' shop after they ran off.
• Made it so that Pishella won't join party if you witheld information from Burne and Rufus, and that Ostler will charge you more for a room.
• Added paladin falling for refusing to tell Burne or Rufus who sabotaged castle orders.
• Added paladin falling for taking bribes from Rannos and Gremag.
• Removed paladin falling from drinking contest.
• Added information about undead to Spugnoir's dialog.

NULB

• Removed pathnodes from Nulb exerior as test measure to enhance performance.

TEMPLE

• Removed Hextorites from the Ogre Cave exterior map.

VERBOBONC

• Removed pathnodes from Verbobonc exterior as test measure to enhance performance (NC only).
• Upgraded textures and overhauled layout of Verbobonc exterior map (NC only).
• Added NPC Lhizeas to Verbobonc (NC only).

WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL

• Resolved faction differences between miltant hextorites and bearded devils (NC only).
• Fixed bug where Fireforge would not appear in the Welcome Wench (NC only).

TEXTURE UPGRADES

















We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack.

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.3.0 and 7.3.0 NC Released

Dateline June 25, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.3.0 and 7.3.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.3.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.3.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version.


CHANGELOG:

GENERAL

• Comprehensive lag fix implemented: significantly reduces or eliminates lag in the Air, Earth, and Fire Nodes and in Temple levels two and four.
• Disabled descriptive "empty/not empty" hover-text for containers.
• Adjusted jump points in Moathouse Dungeon (near Lubash) and in Broken Tower (from Escape Tunnel below) to avoid parties being separated in different rooms upon arrival.
• Changed Lantern Archon attacks from melee to ranged touch (per RAW) casting Searing Light.
• Reduced value of summoned shillelagh to 5 CP (same as quarterstaff) so as to avoid selling exploit.
• Bulletproofed drinking contest routine so that Paladins don't fall.
• Corrected some exotic armor prices and stats.
• Updated Moon-Ivy armor as follows: removed spell casting ability and charisma bonus from regular variety; added Poison-Ivy, Explosive Spores, and Pheromones varieties per the Arms and Equipment Guide. Reduced availability of all varieties so that they are rare.
• Reduced CR for Drow, WotGS dwarves, and both Hextor factions to slow leveling (NC only).

HOMMLET

• Removed many mobs added in Co8 v5.5 from Hommlet exerior as test measure to enhance performance and relieve jerkstop.

MOATHOUSE

• Bulletproofed runoff routine for gnome and elf captives in Moathouse.

NULB

• Fixed pathnode-related Nulb exterior crash bug.

TEMPLE

• Made Romag and Hartsch appear in creatures killed log.
• Removed Kella's spell resistance as per the module.

HICKORY BRANCH

• Fixed bug where Hickory Branch blockage would not appear after leaving area and coming back (NC only).

WELKWOOD BOG

• Merged Welkwood Bog exterior maps (NC only).

VERBOBONC

• Upgraded many Verbobonc interior maps to be consistent with the upgraded exterior (NC only).
• Upgraded Darlia and the Verbobonc Scarlet Brotherhood cousins and nephews (NC only).
• Upgraded gnome tunnels spiders (NC only).
• Upgraded Verbobonc dragons from adult to old and from young to juvenile (NC only).

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.4.0 and 7.4.0 NC Released

Dateline September 1, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.4.0 and 7.4.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.4.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.4.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version.


CHANGELOG:

GENERAL

• Fixed Shopmap resting bug.
• Fixed Shopmap missing clothing chests.
• Fixed numerous NPCs and monsters being missing that arose as a result of renumbering maps.
• Fixed numerous portal destination and standpoint errors that arose as a result of renumbering maps.
• Fixed various rest condition location errors that arose as a result of renumbering maps.
• Added Circlet of Discernment (functions like Discern Lies spell).
• Added scrolls for all remaining custom high level spells.
• Fixed Cloak of Elvenkind competence bonus description.

HOMMLET

• Restored pathnodes for Hommlet exterior map.
• Fixed bug where Pishella would still consult Burne re: recruitment even if he wasn't there.

NULB

• Restored pathnodes for Nulb exterior map.

VERBOBONC

• Restored pathnodes for Verbobonc exterior map (NC only).
• Added Verbobonc Drainage Tunnels, 'What Lies Beneath' quest, three new NPCs, and three new reputations (NC only).
• Fixed bug where Merchant Row map art would disappear at night (NC only).
• Cleaned up Verbobonc day and night City Hall map art (NC only).
• Bulletproofed routine for Narwell guards to destroy magic rings upon dying (NC only).
• Tweaked Orrengaard's dialog file (NC only).

WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL

• Added feats for Ariakas and removed his spell resistance per RAW (NC only).

SCREENS






We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Updated 2012 - 2013 Release Schedule

Dateline September 6, 2012, USA

After much ponderation, I have concluded that there is absolutely no way that we are going to 'finish' the Circle of Eight Modpack by December of this year. Therefore, the development/release schedule is being extended into 2013, to include versions 7.5 through 8.0, with releases coming approximately every two months and 8.0 coming on September 16, 2013 - exactly ten years after the original US retail release of ToEE in 2003. Modular releases like this seem to work better for us than large, infrequent, monolothic releases.

The estimated release schedule is as follows:

• 7.5.0 - October 28, 2012
• 7.6.0 - December 30, 2012
• 7.7.0 - February 24, 2013
• 7.8.0 - April 28, 2013
• 7.9.0 - June 30, 2013
• 8.0.0 - September 16, 2013

You can also refer to this handy release calendar.

calendar.jpg

During this development cycle, you will see, among other things: the remaining major NC expansions (Hickory Branch, Arena of Heroes, and Moathouse Respawn) moved to the Verbobonc chapter of the game and rebalanced for higher levels; the updated user interface implemented; dolio's spells overhaul integrated; new content end slides added; the hopeful end of both lag and jerkstop; bugfixes; tweaks; some other new stuff.

As of now, Co8 v8.0.0 is being viewed as the 'final' version of the Co8 modpack, and will effectively represent ten years of modding, improvements, and additions by countless contributors from Co8. After that, who knows?

As always, stay tuned, thanks for playing, and we hope you enjoy the mod.

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.5.0 and 7.5.0 NC Released

Dateline October 28, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.5.0 and 7.5.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.5.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.5.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version.


CHANGELOG:


GENERAL

• Overhauled worldmap: restored original travel locations, appended custom locations, redrew travel paths, tweaked map graphics.
• Increased Ettins' run speed.
• Scripted two weapon fighting for all ettins.
• Added fix to give Weapon Focus: Ray and Greater Weapon Focus: Ray ability bonuses to ray based spells.

MOATHOUSE

• Fixed bug with spider factions in the Lareth battle.

TEMPLE

• Reworked Hedrack battle: added failsafe to prevent St. Cuthbert from participating in battles and Iuz from participating in battles after St. Cuthbert has appeared; added particle and sound effects for Iuz and St. Cuthbert routines; increased Hedrack's heartbeat detection distance so that he initiates party dialog further away; eliminated heartbeat detection distance for Hedrack when summoning Iuz so that this occurs regardless of party location; eliminated heartbeat detection distance for Iuz when speaking to the party so that this occurs regardless of party location; eliminated heartbeat detection distance for Iuz when spawning St. Cuthbert so that this occurs regardless of party location; made NPC speakers seek party leader; added numerous clear shitlist failsafes to prevent combat starting during or around conversations; removed KOS scripting from Hedrack allies so they don't initiate combat between stop combat routines; removed Iuz's particle effects because they don't go away after he's gone; made Iuz raise/heal gargoyles and Barkinar (if present) as well as Hedrack; replaced generic zombies raised by Iuz with type-specific replacements and added new meshes and audio for same; retimed Iuz and St. Cuthbert departure routine so that it occurs before combat reinitiates.
• Attenuated some of Hedrack's audio.

HICKORY BRANCH

• Fixed bug where Hickory Branch blockage would reappear.

ARENA OF HEROES

• Restored CR of Arena owlbears and hill giants.

MOATHOUSE RESPAWN

• Replaced invulnerable skeleton archer in Witch battle.

VERBOBONC

• Gave Prince Zook a copy of the Gnome Tunnels key.
• Standardized all gnome tunnels spider factions.
• Fixed Verbobonc teleport destination errors with castle teleporters.
• Overhauled castle resting and ghosts routine.
• Eliminated repeat Boroquin charmed dialog and repeat associated quest evidence incrementation on same data.
• Eliminated ability to increment Panathaes implication counter too far via repeat dialog.
• Tweaked Captain Abiram dialog related to declaring evidence against tunnels suspects.
• Fixed issue with Captain Abiram removing Panathaes from party prematurely and not recognizing you had captured him.
• Removed gems from arena balors' inventories.

WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL

• Fixed bug where Wakefield would not appear for WotGS.
• Fixed bug where WotGS northwest patrol would not show as defeated.
• Fixed bug where Fireforge would not appear in Archer's Eye after hiring him.
• Removed bracers of armor +5 from Drow Ranger's inventory.

SCREENS






We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.6.0 and 7.6.0 NC Released

Dateline December 30, 2012, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.6.0 and 7.6.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.6.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.6.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. You must start a new game with these modpacks. Old saves are not compatible.


CHANGELOG:

GENERAL

• Implemented half of user interface overhaul: higher quality background textures on many interfaces and larger, more stylish Priory font.
• Repathnoded following maps for strict grid: Hickory Branch exterior, Quarry exterior, Verbobonc Exterior, Verbobonc City Hall, Welkwood Bog Exterior, Water Node, Hommlet Exterior and WotGS, Moathouse Exterior, Temple Interior, Temple Entrance, Temple House, Temple Tower, Coliseum, Emridy Meadows, Imeryds Run, Moathouse Cave Exit, Nulb Exterior, Random Forest, Random Forest Road, Random Riverside, Random Riverside Road, Random Scrub, Random Scrub Road, Temple Deserted Farm.
• Fixed worldmap issue with 'travel immediately to -' dialogues.
• Removed hand crossbow proto.
• Deactivated all hand crossbow-related feats.
• Adjusted positional audio for dynamic effects to be suitable for 1680 x 1050 (max supported) resolution.
• Reverted Spiritual Weapon fix due to related CTDs.
• Made Rannos and Gremag, Lareth, Skole, Ah Fong, and the Gnarley Forest witch fences.

HOMMLET

• Repopulated Nira Melubb and Jaroo's chest contents as per the module and flagged them as stolen so that only fences will buy them from you.
• Flagged Black Jay's wife's ring as stolen that only fences buy it and not decent, law-abiding vendors.
• Eliminated repeat barter dialog for Rannos, Gremag, and Calmert.
• Added Burne, Rufus, and Kenter Nevets as NPCs who can give the Clear the Moathouse quest and refined Terjon and Jaroo's routines.

MOATHOUSE

• Replaced Lareth's club of striking with a new one as the old one lost its ability to set charges.

NULB

• Added scripting failsafes so that Nulb ambush spawner doesn't enter or remain in combat.

HICKORY BRANCH (NC)

• Fixed faction issue with Hickory Branch dire bear.

MOATHOUSE RESPAWN (NC)

• Replaced immune undead in Moathouse Respawn courtyard and gnoll area.

VERBOBONC (NC)

• Made Verbobonc not available until after Zuggtmoy is dealt with.
• Updated Verbobonc night map graphics.
• Upgraded Verbobonc river water textures to appear more still and reflective.
• Updated and customized Verbobonc signage.
• Upgraded Verbobonc exterior dynamic ambient audio.
• Fixed bug where Verbobonc Merchant's Row west shop art would not appear at night.
• Fixed bug where Panathaes would not be removed from party when turned in to Captain Abiram upon completion of sewers quest if he was not guilty.
• Removed Boroquin and Rakham from Verbobonc citizen faction so that citizens don't get mad if you cast spells on them.

WAR OF THE GOLDEN SKULL (NC)

• Moved WotGS plot activation delivery to Wilfrick in Verbobonc.
• Added fog of war to Hommlet exterior for War of the Golden Skull to hopefully reduce animation-related lag.
• Reduced War of the Golden Skull reward items to +2.
• Fixed bug where Bing would stay at the leatherworker's shop during WotGS.

SCREENS










We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.7.0 and 7.7.0 NC Released

Dateline February 24, 2013, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.7.0 and 7.7.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.7.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.7.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. You must start a new game with these modpacks. Old saves are not compatible.


CHANGELOG


GENERAL

• Fixed bug where some random encounters would occur with competing opponents.
• Fixed short description listed range for masterwork light and heavy crossbows.
• Reworked animal companion strategies so they are less self-destructive.
• Renamed many unknown condition protos to be less specific and more general.

HOMMLET

• Touched up Fruella, Furnok, and Raimol's portraits.
• Fixed issue with being unable to confront traders about assassin if you had exposed Jayfie and reported to Burne.

NULB

• Touched up Serena's portrait.

TEMPLE

• Fixed bug where Temple Level 3 was getting wrong random encounters.
• Gave Iuz and St. Cuthbert nominally more complex AI strategy routines.
• Gave Barkinar and Deggum dying/resurrection flags.
• Restored Senshock's potion loot and moved it to his chest.
• Gave Senshock a magic quarterstaff because he had no weapon.
• Gave Deggum an Unholy Mace +1 because he had no weapon.
• Replaced Senshock's random gems and jewelry with specific gems and jewelry from the module.
• Restored Barkinar and Deggum's potion loot and moved it to a new chest. Added gold treasure per the module.
• Gave Deggum and Barkinar gloves and pocket money.
• Removed scripting that affected Senshock, Barkinar, and Deggum's inventory.
• Adjusted day/night standpoints for Barkinar and Deggum so that they are both in Senshock's study by day and their own room by night.
• Removed Barkinar's waypoints.
• Updated Hedrack, Senshock, Barkinar, Deggum, and Temple mages' spell lists and strategies.
• Updated Hedrack, Senshock, Barkinar, Deggum, and Temple mages' prebuffing routines.
• Made it so Senshock will arrive as backup in any major Temple Level 4 battle.
• Made it so that Barkinar and Deggum will arrive as backup in Senshock's chambers.
• Made it so that bugbears arrive as backup for Barkinar and Deggum battle.
• Made Senshock's elementals unconcealed.
• Made Senshock's elementals and quasits docile if he is present and hostile if he is absent.

VERBOBONC (NC)

• Reduced Fireforge's smithy armor to + 3 and weapons to +2.
• Moved Archer's Eye Firefoge to Archer's Eye smithy.
• Added Simon NPC and Simon's Wonderworld shop.
• Added Jesus Staccatori NPC and Major Tremolo shop.
• Added Aerich Dragonsbane NPC and Dragonsbane Bows and Fletchings shop.
• Added Cyn NPC and Cyn's Sensuous Silks shop.
• Added Carl NPC and Golden Bullseye shop.
• Added Dame Nelly NPC and Touching Cloth shop.
• Added Anom NPC and Mystic Services shop.
• Tweaked conditions for getting Prince Zook's notice.
• Tweaked Captain Abiram's dialogue to allow for getting information on Wilfrick in repeat visits.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.8.0 and 7.8.0 NC Released

Dateline April 28, 2013, USA

The Circle of Eight is pleased to present the latest versions of the modpack - Circle of Eight Modpacks 7.8.0 and 7.8.0 NC.

You can download Circle of Eight Modpack 7.8.0 and Circle of Eight Modpack 7.8.0 NC from our host ModDB here:



Both modpacks are identical, save for the major new content expansions included in the NC version. You must start a new game with these modpacks. Old saves are not compatible.


CHANGELOG


GENERAL

• Corrected Garl Glittergold's domains to Good, Protection, and Trickery.
• Fixed cost and max dexterity bonus and arcane spell failure stats for Masterwork Marauder Armor.
• Made it so that Amulets of Mighty Fists and Amulets of Natural Armor don't stack in inventory.
• Fixed club and masterwork club weapon range long descriptions.
• Added long descriptions for heavy saber and masterwork heavy saber.
• Added armor proficiency information to long descriptions for Bone, Troll Bone, and Mithral Plate armor.
• Fixed armor proficiency error in Barbarian Armor long description.
• Fixed critical range long description for light crossbow.
• Added proper spell and level crafting limitations to Wand of good Hope.
• Added Wand of Longstrider Wand of Ray of Clumsiness, and Wand of Rage to craftable items list.
• Made scrolls of Owl's Wisdom, True Seeing, Undeath to Death, and Greater Dispel Magic scribable by wizards, as per RAW.
• Fixed item creation name for Scroll of Dominate Monster (formerly Scroll of Suggestion).
• Added scrolls of Gentle Repose, Extraplanar Chest, Summon Monster VI, Summon Monster VII, Summon Monster VIII, Summon Monster IX, Circle of Death, Greater Dispel Magic, Eyebite, Undeath to Death, Mass Hold Person, Insanity, Power Word Blind, Mass Charm Monster, Horrid Wilting, Polar Ray, Power Word Stun, Mass Hold Monster, Power Word Kill, Mass Inflict Moderate Wounds, Mass Inflict Serious Wounds, Mass Inflict Critical Wounds, Mass Cure Light Wounds, Summon Natures Ally VI, Summon Natures Ally VII, Summon Natures Ally VIII, Summon Natures Ally IX, Harm, Heroes' Feast, Blasphemy, Holy Word, Miracle, Warp Wood, Greater Command, Inflict Minor Wounds, Dispel Fire, Glibness, and Mass Cure Serious Wounds as scribable scrolls.
• Added scrolls of Reincarnate and Negative Energy Protection and made them scribable.
• Removed all craftable item descriptions from crafting interface to avoid text overflow.
• Raised caster level for crafting Vest of Escape from 4 to 7 to compensate for item adding Freedom of Movement ability without requiring same spell.
• Improved function of Lesser Restoration spell when cast from an item allowing no radial menu selection so that it looks for a damaged ability and restores it when found rather than randomly selecting one which may not be damaged.
• Tweaked mystic garb as follows: touched up inventory icons, added yellow, orange, and purple versions, replaced dwarf and half-orc female red mystic garb with correct colors, replaced awful male mystic garb with more colorful versions, fixed issue with missing male versions of black and white, brightened teal, pink, red, blue, and green versions.
• Fixed mesh bug with gold plumed helm and various wizard hats.
• Fixed bug where black longcoat would not display chest mesh for some races.
• Upgraded meshes and inventory icons for Druid Vestments, Robe of Blending, and Robes of the Archmagi.
• Made custom inventory icon for Helm of Midnight.
• Added custom inventory icons for Hands of Death, Electricity, Fire, Ice, and Life.
• Changed Battleaxe + 1 icon from single axe to magic battleaxe.
• Touched up portraits for: Hommlet man, Hommlet woman, Burne, Rufus, Elmo, Fillikin, Spugnoir, Turuko, Lisbeth Borton, brigand, guardsman, Ploceus, Sunom, Preston Wetz, Skole, Rentsch, Romag, Belsornig, Wonnilon, elf prisoners, Countess Tillahi, Wicked, Antonio, Tubal, hill giant, Kella, Falrinth, Jenna, Tinafer, Feldrin, Iuz, sea hag, groaning spirit, brigands, Skole's goon, caravan bandit, elven noble, elven retainer, Ikian, Non, Neukoln, Earth Temple lieutenant, Nulb man, Nulb woman, and Mona.
• Replaced portraits for: Hommlet laborer, Grud Squinteye, Anom, Princess Tillahi couriers, brigand lieutenant, generic wizard, generic witch, Dex, Burne's assistant, Otis' assistant, Canon Ramses, half-orc witch, Lord Krunch, Lord Hungous, Pelor cleric, dwarven bodyguard, dwarven jewel merchant, Corporal Holly, Robin, Robin's archers, Robin's rogues, Robin's fighters, Friar Tack, Wakefield, Hextor fighters, Ganna, celestial dire bear, celestial owl, dire bear, fiendish hawk, fiendish raven, avoral, bebelith, celestial bison, celestial eagle, celestial giant eagle, celestial giant owl, celestial roc, djinni, eagle, giant eagle, hell hound, hound archon, night hag, owl, giant owl, roc, shadow mastiff, yeth hound, bearded devil, Uncle Orrengaard, Master of the Arena, drow ranger, St. Cuthbert cleric, Screng's assistant, undead wizards, skeleteon priest, skeleton guard, hired thugs, enchantress, thug leader, Zuggtmoy priest, dying woman, kobold, kobold sergeant, Verbobonc guard, Hextor cleric, Hextor mage, forest tyrant, river tyrant, swamp tyrant, Hextor priest, Hextor cleric, Hextor monk, Verbobonc mage, Bathsheba, Samson, Goliath, Canon Thaddeus, Narwell Guard, private guard, Narwell archer, mohrg, Ivy, William, Gnarley Forest witch, Moathouse witch, Ronald, Carl, Dame Nelly, gnome guard, Prince Zook, Darlia, Gregor, Victor, Jylee, Verbobonc man, Lerrik, Verbobonc woman, Verbobonc boy, Verbobonc girl, Maurice, Hextor priest, Wilfrick, Hextor cleric, night watchman, drow matriarch, Lord Ruff, slave boys, slave girls, Captain Abiram, Captain Achan, Verbobonc laborer, Captain Absalom, Captain Achan, Bella, attorney, Gunter Gladstone, Kendrew Commonworth, Quintus Corpus, Rastes, Simon, Jesus Staccatori, Aerich Dragonsbane, Cyn, Rothbert, Becka, Panathaes, Rakham, Boroquin, wizard zombie, and Lady Asherah.
• Temporarily removed area description boxes as a jerkstop testing measure.
• Added craftable Cloaks of Resistance +1 through +5 in black, green, red, white, blue, fur, orange, and violet.
• Added craftable Cloaks of Arachnida in black, red, and spiral pattern.
• Added craftable Cloaks of Charisma in white, black, blue, and stars pattern.
• Added craftable Cloaks of Elvenkind in black, green, and fur.
• Added craftable Mantles of Spell Resistance in black, blue, violet, and stars pattern.
• Added craftable Capes of the Mountebank in black, blue, and green.
• Added gold breastplate, gold plate gloves, and gold plate boots.
• Added five types of boots: buccaneer, fine leather, green leather, combat, and white leather.
• Added major rings of enchanting, creating, abjuring, divining, evocating, illusing, transmuting, necromancing, summoning, and protecting.
• Added quickflame, quickfrost, quickscald, quickspark, and positoxin alchemical capsules.
• Added dsitilled alcohol, quicksilver, spore no more, and ooze you lose trade items.

HOMMLET

• Made it so that Kenter Nevets won't recommend Rannos and Gremag for equipment if they are dead or have escaped.
• Tweaked Kenter Nevets' dialogue re: the Moathouse and quest issuance.
• Fixed issue with Jaroo issuing and completing Clear the Moathouse quest.
• Fixed Rufus' unmet decription being 'Wizard.'
• Fixed issue with Amii not appearing for her quest.

NULB

• Rehabilitated Nulb exterior night map art.
• Made it so that Mother Screng/Canoness y'Dey will be favorable toward lawful neutral parties as well as good parties.

TEMPLE

• Fixed bug with shadow stuck in the wall on Temple level 3.
• Fixed issues with Belsornig and Kelno not moving for Reactive Temple.

MOATHOUSE RESPAWN (NC)

• Upgraded Moathouse Respawn difficulty and moved to Verbobonc chapter.
• Added Blaspheme, Wight, Blood Amniote, Hulking Corpse, Atropal Scion, and Nightwalker.
• Upgraded Mohrg.

VERBOBONC (NC)

• Moved Verbobonc worldmap landing point closer to signpost.
• Fixed bug where Lords and Ladies quest would not complete in some scenarios.
• Added Alchemist NPC and shop.
• Added Richard Blade NPC and Liberty Emporium shop.
• Added Heather NPC and Bear Essentials shop.
• Added Veenah Glavrol NPC and Veenah's Fashion shop.

WOTGS (NC)

• Upgraded Hextor soldiers and archers.
• Randomized hextor fighters and soldiers' armor.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this edition of The Circle of Eight Modpack!

- The Circle of Eight team

[Gaear]

Release Date for v7.9 Delayed

Dateline June 18, 2013, USA

This is just a notice of a short delay in the release of v7.9, which is being pushed back one week from June 30, 2013 to July 7, 2013. Please mark your calendars.