4 replies to this topic

[Quezvax]

Okay, I'm a writer, and I've got a very original, very unique idea for an NPC mod. I've done a little of the work already.

I've got the CRE file (Halfling Swashbuckler/Cleric)
I've got an original soundset recorded, thanks to a friend (Not sure if the files are in the right format, so will probably need help with that)
I've got ideas like nobody's business, and can easily write all the dialog for my character.
I'd like the mod to be primarily written for BGT, but with a version for BG2/ToB. I have starting locations chosen for BG1/BG2 etc, and the character will follow the PC into Irenicus' dungeon if he/she has the NPC in their party at the conclusion of BG1.

The character will be romancable in BG2/ToB by any short PC, and if that does not happen, he would romance Mazzy, assuming she's in the party.

If my e-mail isn't showing up on here, it's quezvax@gmail.com.

I will absolutely give half credit to the coder for the NPC mod.

I'm looking for an at least intermediat, but preferrably advanced coder, because I plan to include a quest or four for Healzn.

[Eric P.]

Make sure the audio files for voiced lines are .wav files (unless you're packaging them as .ogg files, and have the installer set up to convert 'em to .wav).

Which files do you need to be created and coded up? Or, what do you have so far, and what do you need in order to complete the mod package?

If I possibly can, I'd like to help with SoA/ToB content.

[Quezvax]

The sound files are wav files. I recorded them using a mic and the basic Windows XP Sound Recorder program. Beyond that, I need pretty much all of programming. I tried working on a basic intro script for the character, but I learn much better when I've someone on hand to pick their brain as I go.

As mentioned, I've got the CHR file, and somewhere I'm pretty sure I had him converted to a CRE file, from what little I remember to do.

I know shadowkeeper like the back of my hand, and used that to create the character. Right now, I planned to have him start out a bit later in BG1 as part of BGT, but it wouldn't take any real measure of work for me update the character for SoA starting XP, etc.

[Eric P.]

Yes, converting the .chr to a .cre gets you started. You'll need a modder prefix, if you don't have one already, to identify your own files and keep them distinct from the vanilla game (and other mods) files. While I'm unfamiliar with modding for BG1, I know that, for BG2, your character will need at least one script file (npcname.baf), and four dialogue files (npcname.d, npcnameJ.d, npcnameB.d, npcnameP.d). These are created using a text editor, and the file you'll create to install the mod will be modname.tp2. All mod files (including sounds and portraits) need to have filenames no longer than eight characters before the suffix.

Please see this list of tutorials to become familiar with the nature and function of the files, and don't hesitate to ask questions, as you're sure to have some This isn't as challenging as computer programming, IME, but it does take a little while to get familiar with the concepts. I highly recommend tutorials written by theacefes, berelinde, and kulyok, and I respect and appreciate all other tutorials and their authors/contributors as well!

As for starting level/XP, it's sufficient to set up the .cre to assume a level 7 character when he meets the PC in BG2, and you can decide whether he always begins at that level, or begins at a level close to that of the PC (either by modifying his joining script or allowing for the player to install Zyraen's XP Evener Script).

Take your time, have fun, and ask about anything, any time.

[Eric P.]

Oh, yeah, if you're not thrilled with the sound of any or all of your audio files, I can probably help to shape 'em up, as I'm a trained audio engineer (as well as a musician and music composer).

You'll need three portrait files for your character (and a small one for each of any other characters in your mod), in .bmp format. If you don't already have these, there are some wonderfully talented portrait artists around here for you to bribe with cookies ask if they can create something for you I can't create visual art to save my life, but I do a lot of image editing, so I could help to fine-tune portraits, if needed.