Legends of Legaia and Legend of Dragoon.

Yeah... Its not very good but I did my best lol. I dont usually draw guys.



And here's mine:

Wow Whatbrick, you beat me to it lol... Well here's my version of Galsic's archer:



I tried to draw a Silent Hill one too, but I'm not talented enough to draw a missing jaw lol:



And here's my submission:

Yes, definitely signature styles are always more interesting than generics.
Just be careful you don't twist their backs into the snaky-range. ^^

Yes you're very right; I have a tendancy to give them funny backs. The archer I drew turned anorexic while I wasn't paying attention lol. It't why I'm studying anatomy right now, trying to fix those little problems.

Must say, you've got an interesting style with drawing your females, Unmei. ^^

I do? Thanks, I hope its a good thing lol. I really like how you draw most of your characters in action poses.

Do you think so? I would think it would just work on a timer when the area requirements are met. Is that not right?

This is a reason why I just loved the NPC-banters berelinde wrote for my BGII Ajantis mod. While I was going crazy about thinking what philosophical, etc. discussion Ajantis could have with the other NPCs, she wrote brilliant day-to-day banters: About cooking, looking at plants, Ajantis and Keldorn exchanging comments about their training routines.
Sorry if this turned out a promotion for my mod in progress, it's just that those banters hit exactly the nerve you are talking about.

So, in principle, I like this idea. It would have to fit the characters, though. Jaheira shopping is something I couldn't imagine. Aerie collecting a bunch of poor ill animals for nursing very well.

Wow, you're doing an Ajantis mod??? Where? I would love to take a look and learn more.

In principal though, after getting feedback and thinking about it, I think your way of doing it is probably much more efficient.

That was just a silly example off the top of my head, but you make a good point. Maybe when you go to sleep someone could remark about the strange behaivor of another member and you would get the opportunity to talk to them about it.

It just seems to me that we are missing out on some of the more domestic issues, or things that would naturally pop up when you're spending a lot of time with people you dont know very well. For example I just moved in with some new roommates and found out that one person, who I thought was only interested in video games, has a secret passion for agricultural product distribution. Who'd a thought? Its not mindblowingly exciting, but I thought it was interesting to learn.

If I was you I would just start writing dialogue in the BG2 format and see how much you come up with before you run out of steam.

A lot of modders and regulars around here will be happy to help you out with the coding side of things, it's the actual content that tends to be the biggest slowdown. Funnily enough most people think it is the coding that puts people off but really once you get used to the basics it's pretty straight forward. Coding all the conditions might seem problematic but that too can be resolved fairly easily so long as you outline what you want clearly in a post here.

BG2 format:

NPC SAY ~something~
Player Reply Option 1
Player Reply Option 2
Player Reply Option 3

NPC Reply to Option 1 SAYS ~something else~
Player Reply Option 1
Player Reply Option 2
Player Reply Option 3

NPC Reply to Option 2 SAYS ~something else entirely~
Player Reply Option 1
Player Reply Option 2
Player Reply Option 3

etc

Or at least that's the basic premise.

You'll find that for some people it's not as easy as it seems to write in this format. You always have to be thinking: the player must be able to reply and I cannot put words in their mouth (as in it is generally unacceptable to have a Player Reply with only one option to choose).

Thanks for the tips! I'll keep it in mind. I think I have the way of writing mostly figured out. I did a sample dialogue in my Khail NPC brainstorming session. It looked right to me, but then again, I always think I'm right until someone comes along and corrects me lol.

I am sure that charname's pretty darn busy hunting wizards, killing dragons, and discovering his/her divine heritage.  Regardless, god child or not, you still have to walk everywhere.  That amounts to a LOT of time on the road.  All that time walking, resting in inns, stopping for supplies, don't you think that the party could find just a little bit of time for a life?  I bet they could.

I think an interesting idea for a mod would be to bring a little bit of your party's life to light.  Not their tragic past or anything; you get enough of that!  I'm talking about hobbies, guilty pleasures, and the occasional mishap.  Does Imoen have a gambling problem?  Is Yoshimo addicted to chocolate?  Do you REALLY think that Aerie could make it through Athkatla without a kitten "following" her back to camp?  

My idea on how to implement this would be for events to trigger in certain areas, some of them when the party rests.  Here's an example:  You have Jaheira in your party and the first 3 times you rest in an inn in a city she leaves the party in the morning and promises to meet up with you in a few hours.  She leaves and returns as promised.  The fourth time you are of course very curious aren't you?  You will get the option to follow her and see what she is doing.  Low and behold she is shopping for clothes!  You follow her more and discover her secret stash of gowns.  Hmmm...  The druid has a soft spot for satin?  When she meets up with the party again you could talk to her and ask her where she'd been, make fun of her, ask to go shopping with her maybe?  This is just one idea.  

How many people would be interested in playing having a mod like this?  What do YOU think the NPC's are up to when they aren't wading through sewers?  What else would you like to see?  If I'm not the only one interested, I might just try to write it!

I do not mean to discourage you, but do not underestimate the amount of work that comes with a (fully designed and outlined) NPC mod. I can't find jcompton's quote, but it went something like "start coding with something easy, see your text in the game, and jump up and down in excitement"
I strongly recommend WeiDU and it's readme, which has a lot of examples in it.

And here a link to my Ajantis mod in progress (threads in English are marked as such): http://www.rosenrank...ex.php?board=68
Thank you for your interest!

I'm not underestimating the work it takes to create an npc mod. I'm just brainstorming right now. I know it would be much harder, but I think it would also hold my interest much longer. Plus coding comes kind of naturally to me. I write html, css, and a little bit of java, php, and vb lol. I'm not underestimating Weidu, but I think I could do it if I was passionate about the project.

And yeah, I'll definitely be checking out your Ajantis mod.

It doesn't sound like a bad idea in my opinon.
And it could be possible to implement, undoubtly complicated tho.

Good thinking Unmei, maybe ambitous, but good thinking nonetheless.
And I'm sure there'll be people willing to help out if you decide to go ahead with this.
I know I would.

Anyways there's just my opinion. Its all a lot of work regardless.

Thanks for that. If I were to write any mod I would undoubtedly need help lol. I have no experience.

I've put a lot of thought into this and decided that this is probably unrealistic for my first project. Maybe I'll come back to it when I have a better idea of what writing a mod really takes. I am thinking about doing an NPC mod. Possibly even more work than this, but there are a lot more resources on how to do it, and it sounds like even more fun lol.

Do you write mods? Any advice?

I love this idea, its really great!  I don't have much to add that others haven't said already except...  

You should DEFINITELY be able to send Anomen a bra, but ONLY if you're not romancing him!  Then you should be able to make fun of him mercilessly!  

"Anomen!  You must be engaging in most unknightly behaivor!  What kind of disreputable women are you fraternizing with?"



I can just picture him deny deny deny, while charname sends him undergarments in increasing proportions, until he finally catches charname in the act!  Then he gets so mad he leaves the party, then comes crawling back the next day.  Good times...

This feedback is so helpful lol. I wouldnt have thought of half of these things.

As for the no strings attached, yes that is what Khail is looking for at first. In fact, it might annoy the pc to see him flirt outrageously with any pretty females who join the party. Even Mazzy will get some action, although I doubt she would respond favorably. And because he is no strings attached up until things get really involved, you can kick him out repeatedly to your hearts content without breaking the romance. Really, if you want someone who is faithful and dedicated Khail is not the right guy. Once he admits to himself his feelings for the pc he will be grudgingly faithful, and 100% deddicated to her. But you will have to put up with... A LOT to get to that point lol! Also, charname will be able to have concurrent romances with anyone else, and participate in the Romantic Encounters all the way until the turning point, which will come closer to the end of the game.

As for the stats and money, it looks like I need some help in that department. Advice? What do you think his stats should be? He has to be physically much better than average (a slow mercenary is a dead mercenary) and he has to have at least better than average charisma. He is no mathmetician, but he isnt dumb. Also, for the money, what is a good price? I made it pretty low because I dont want it to interfere with someone useing this mod. Its part of the story, but I dont want it to be a road block.

So far, it sounds like people kind of like this idea of mine lol. I think I might go ahead and try to do it. I have never made a mod before so advice is more than welcome.

Thanks for all the help so far!

You're right of course, and I can see why you would think that. One thing to consider though; he does it TO annoy you, and he's not really "your man" yet. It would take almost the whole game to get him to commit.

Its in his nature to create emotional chaos. He probably does it partly to keep people off balance and partly to see how they will react. He will test each character in the party. Flirting with the women (who he is secretly not really intereted in) even when he knows he will be rejected is just one way he pushes the people around him. He will challenge the men in the party as well (although in different ways!) lol.

A difference of opinion I suppose. In real life I like to surround myself with people who will challenge me. People tend to take themselves much too seriously and I respect anyone who can bring me down a notch with a good dose of humor.

Code as you go huh? This is probably a good idea. I think I'll do some more brainstorming, and if I can flesh out my idea enough, I start writing/coding this.

And thanks for the tips vilkacis. Do you think this sounds more reasonable for stats?

STR 14, DEX 16, CON 16, WIS 10, INT 12, CHA 14

This is an idea I have for a romancible npc mod.  Its just me brainstorming, all really quick.  Anyone have any feedback or suggestions?

Khail NPC Mod

Description

This mod introduces Khail, a new romancible NPC for Baldur's Gate 2: SOA.  Khail is a reckless human mercenary who will join with your party as long as you keep him well paid.  He may enjoy your quests and even get friendly with some members of your party, but never forget that he is a sword for hire.  He certainly wont.  

General Information

Profile

-Race:  Human
-Gender:  Male
-Alignment:  Chaotic-Neutral
-Class:  Fighter  
-Stats:  STR 18, DEX 16, CON 16, WIS 10, INT 14, CHA 14, Total 84  
-Special:  Khail charges 500 gold per week to remain with the party.  

-Romancible:  Yes
-Friendship:  Yes
-Banter:  Yes
-Interjections:  Yes
-Quests:  2

Romance Requirements

-Gender: Female  
-Race:  Human, Elf, Half Elf  
-Halfling, Gnomes, and Dwarf with charisma of 18 or more.  
-Class: Any  
-Alignment: Any  
-Stats: Str 10, Int 12  
-Khail only respects women who can take care of themselves
-NPC Romance: No  

Location

Khail can be found at the Copper Coronet (yes, it is becoming overrun by adventurers but it is the best place to find employment).  

Biography

When asked about his past, Khail eyes you up and down as though considering charging you for this information.  Surprisingly he laughs instead, and recounts his tragic journey to manhood.  Khail is the bastard son of a nameless lord from a world far away, and a beautiful elven princess.  Although this union was forbidden by the princess' powerful father, their love could not be denied.  Khail was born and raised as a prince but was cast out by his fearsome grandfather.  Tragically exiled to this world Khail found himself in a land called Amn.  

Determined to make a name for himself as an adventurer, Khail has become renown as a famous dragon slayer and lady killer.  Once he tired of the countless maidens of virtue throwing themselves at his feet he made sport of smoting djinns, purifying liches, and exorcizing foul demons.  Recently he has at last tired of these meager diversions and in order to entertain himself he has decided to woo a goddess with his tender ministrations.  Having been unable to procure such a divine morsel he has considered settling for a lovely bhallspawn instead.  

As his story grows more outrageous and flamboyant you realize that Khail is lying shamelessly with a straight face.  As he finishes his self biography winking suggestively you cannot help but laugh, although you have learned nothing of your strange companion.  

Dialogue

First Meeting:

Khail: "Hello there.  Might I be of assistance?"

1.  I hope so.  I'm looking for a friend of mine; her name is Imoen and she was taken by the cowled wizards."  (Go to Info)
2.  "Yes, I am looking for a wizard named Irenicus.  You may have heard of him, he caused quite a disturbance at the Promenade."  (Go to Info)
3.  "Perhaps...  What did you have in mind?"  (Go to Aid)
4.  "No, I think not."  (Go to Refuse)

(Info)

Khail:  "Ah...  I can see that this information is worth a great deal to you.  It's unfortunate for me that I do not have what you require.  I do hate a missed opportunity.  Still...  I'm sure I could find SOME way to help."

1.  "Is that right?  What do you have in mind?" (Go to Aid)
2.  "I highly doubt it."  (Go to Refuse)
3.  "Get lost."  (Go to Turn Down)

(Aid)

Khail: "Why aid of the elite mercenary variety, of course!"

1.  "I see...  And how much would this cost me?" (Go to Cost)
2.  "Elite huh?  Is that right?"  (Go to Refuse)

(Refuse)

Khail: "Don't be like that!  I'm really quite famous.  Perhaps you've heard of me?  Sir Khail the Magnificent!  Dread Khail the Mighty?"

1.  "You must be joking."  (Go to Serious)
2.  "Neither of your titles ring a bell."  (Go to Fair)
3.  "Really?!  That's amazing!"  (Go to Amazing)
4.  "If you say so.  Either way, I don't think I'm interested."  (Go to Turn Down)

(Serious)

Khail:  "Not at all!  I never lie, and I most certainly never joke."

1.  "I'm not interested in anything you might have to offer me.  Leave me be."  (Go to Turn Down)
2.  "Ok then.  What do want in return for your ...help?"  (Go to Cost)

(Fair)

Khail:  "Haha, fair enough; you are a sharp one indeed.  Be that as it may, I can be quite useful.  I make a most delightful rabbit stew, and I'm not bad with a blade either."

1.  "And how much are your services?"  (Go to Cost)
2.  "I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I don't have room for you right now."   (Go to Turn Down)
3.  "I'm not interested."  (Go to Turn Down)

(Amazing)

Khail:  "But of course!  I am nothing short of miraculous.  And just think; my sword can be yours...  For a price."

1.  "How much?"  (Go to Cost)
2.  "I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I don't have room for you right now."  (Go to Turn Down)
3.  "I'm not interested."  (Go to Turn Down)

(Cost)

Khail: "Right to the point then!  I like that.  I'll accept nothing less than 5000 gold to join your party and 1000 each week thereafter."

1.  "Ridiculous.  I won't pay it."  (Go to Coin)
2.  "I see your sense of humor is as sharp as your blade."  (Go to Coin)
3.  "Unacceptable."  (Go to Coin)

(Coin)

Khail:  "I assure you, I am worth every coin."

1.  "No you're not.  500 now, and 200 weekly."  (Go to Jest)
2.  "Don't make me laugh.  I'll be generous and give you 700 now, and 300 weekly."  (Go to Jest)

(Jest)

Khail:  "Surely you are the one who is jesting.  I am worth at least 3000 up front, and 800 per week."

1.  "Too steep.  800 now, 400 per week."  (Fallen)
2.  "On second thought, I've changed my mind.  You're way too much trouble."  (Turn Down)

(Fallen)

Khail:  "How I have fallen...  I will accept nothing less than 1500 today, and 500 every week."  

1.  "...Very well.  You have a deal." (Go to Accept)
2.  "Then I'm afraid we won?t be doing business with each other."  (Go to Reconsider)

(Reconsider)

Khail:  "That is most unfortunate.  You won?t reconsider?"

1.  "Oh, alright.  You'd better be worth it."  (Go to Accept)
2.  "Very well, I'll accept your offer.  (Go to Accept)
3.  "I'd like to but I just can?t afford it.  Perhaps another time."  (Go to Turn Down)
4.  "No."  (Go to Turn Down)

(Turn Down)

Khail:  "Suit yourself...  You get what you pay for my friend, and in a pinch sometimes a sword is more useful than a bag full of gold."

(Accept)

Khail:  "Excellent! You won't regret it.  I can tell already we will have an excellent partnership."

I think it does. I can always change it later! Looks like its time to do some more writing.

I've been writing more to flesh out Khail's personality. Khails is pretty outrageous, and he will flirt maddeningly with any female characters in the party. Below is a banter of his first attempt at Jaheira:


Jaheira Banter 1 - Fresh Air:


Khail: Ahhhh... Fresh air! It is a fine day to be outside! Don't you agree Jaheira?

Jaheira: You do not need to ask; you are well aware of my love of nature. Though, I am somewhat surprised that you share the sentiment. You seem rather fond of the city and all of its... diversions.

Khail: Jaheira, my dear, No man worth his sword is unfond of diversions. And yet, I find myself attracted to this wilderness. It is both dangerous and beautiful.

Jaheira: Indeed it is; I would not underestimate it were I you. Your city wiles will not help you here.

Khail: Oh, I don't know about that... My sword is as sharp beneath the stars as it is in Athkatla's alleys.

Jaheira: I suggest you keep it sheathed lest you get cut.

Khail: Hah! I shall indeed. The clever hunter lies in wait.


Any feedback?

Doing my best to be helpful, I'll give you a quick analysis of what worked for me.
Pro:
-- I like the idea that he will give gnomes etc. a fair chance. It's a nice change.
(Though I seldom play as a gnome.)
Quite reasonable done, too. They just need to be pretty enough.
-- I find his a bit high, but I can live with that.
-- His biography is both funny and witty.

Con:
--I'm not really fond of the weekly fee.
As he's a mercenary, it makes sense, but while he's in the party he shares it with all members.
Where should it go? Doesn't it simply vanish, when you use a script?

Neutral:
-- Stats. I find his Intelligence and Charisma to be a bit high, but there might be a reason behind it.
Even if not I can live with it. Just a comment.
-- Korgan is a mercenary, too. He charges only on party entering.

Overall, I rather like him.
He seems to be funny and a bit more reasonable in his goals, money, than most NPCs.
That I like him is admittedly not all that flattering as I collect NPC like other people artwork, but I am
always happy to get another one for my collection.
But it could be a long way until he's done, when you have really planned two quests for him.
Though, don't let that discourage you. Good luck with it.

PS: This post was written rather late. I'm asking for lenience here. Don't kill me, if I don't make sense.

Thank you so much for your advice! You make some really good points. Stats are pretty negotiable at this point but I do want him to have a little better than average charisma. Its kind of part of his personality. He is so funny and easy to get along with that you forget how dangerous and unpredictable he can be. He'll definitely throw you some curve balls, and you'll just have to make it work.

I never did use Korgan; I didnt like his attitude lol. So I didnt remember he was a mercenary or what his price is. I kind of want to do the weekly price as part of his story line, but I could lower the price. I wasn't sure how much was reasonable. Also, the money does disappear but its because he's doing something secret with it. Every once and a while he'll buy himself something nice.

I love the idea of a weekly or even biweekly charge.

However, I would prefer him to not be romanceable. Maybe a friendship...but if he's such a hard core mercenary, don't you think perhaps he'd be too self centered to care about another that deeply? (Think Canderous from KOTOR)

He would have a friendship too, so you wouldnt have to pursue the romance if you didnt want to. I wouldn't call him a "Hard Core" mercenary either. He does the same thing the rest of the party does, only he makes sure he gets paid. In fact compaired to charname's conquests he's probably got it easy lol! He is pretty self centered, and thats one of the things that he would struggle with. He might betray you just to prove to himself that he can. (I don't know that, I haven't gotten that far yet lol).

I like the idea of another romance! It shows even the hardest toughest guy can fall in love!

I do find the idea of a weekly payment. But what would happen if somehow the party did not have enough gold? I also think that if he does fall in love with the PC that he should drop the payment and just stay with her.

He will EVENTUALLY drop the price. But that is one thing that he will struggle with the most. The price is more of a symbol to him. It reminds him of where his priorities are, and keeps charname at a distance. He doesnt have any dark and tragic past like many bioware and mod npc's, but he does need the money for something important. Giving that up would mean to put his trust into charname. If the party does not have enough money he will tell a warning, and leave if you dont pay him after a while. You can always go back and pick him back up without breaking the romance. Still, I wouldnt want this to be an issue, so if people think its better, the price can be lower.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback! I would love to hear more, even if you think its a dumb idea. At least then I will know not to do it.

No offense taken.

But he really isn't out for attention. He settles down after a while, he is just one of those people who likes to see how far he can push people. He respects characters who will put him in his place.

Jaheira, for example, distrusts him for a long time and reacts very negatively to his advances. But after a while she realizes that he says a lot of things he doesn't mean and means a lot of thigs he doesn't say. They won't ever be buddies, but they will come to respect each other as efficient warriors who can be relied upon when it counts (in battle).

You're right Berelinde. I get caught up in the small stuff sometimes.

And I haven't tried Hubblepot I'll have to give him a go lol.

Thanks for the support Berelinde, KIrving.

You should take a look at the definition and background info of Charisma and decide whether your character has these qualities.  There are lots of varying definitions, but the most common attributes of charasma are listed in several dictionaries:

*Leadership - Others see you as a natural leader; you easily take charge.
*Persuasion - You are easily able to convince others to do what you want or believe in your point of view.  
*Personal Magnatism -  Others are draws to you.
*Likeability - Others can not help but like you.  

If you character has high charisma she should have some or all of these characteristics.  Hope this helped.