I've been using an item for the randomizing mod we're making with Imp in the other thread. Weidu code makes creatures equip the item - by class, by name, by race, but there can be other filters and regular expressions. In the game the item applies a series of Instant/Permanent effects to creatures as they spawn - individually. I've changed avatars, stats, colors this way, equipment is possible too. The Create Inventory Item opcode can spawn any kind of loot or weapon or gold. But it occurred to me that I could use the item to replace creatures completely. It would only take the Replace Self opcode, the silent option, and I could put in the percentages. That would randomize encounters automatically.
Let's say an area has an Ogre actor somewhere. I don't know if it's possible to set up an area-specific filter in Weidu, but even if it's not, this could work for default encounters everywhere. So, an Ogre spawns somewhere. This isn't the special Ogre with the belt fetish, his file should be copied separately in the end. Let's say I installed the file and gave the item to all Ogres.
The usual pattern of encounters is too predictable for replays. One Ogre every time, and you know where. But with this item I could replace him with another creature - and the players will encounter a Dragon, or more likely something in the same power range. Or (and) I could put a Summon Creature effect in the item so it sometimes spawns another Ogre. This doesn't require a Spell ability for the creature to activate - which obviously it can't without scripting. Simply make a Self-targeted Cast Spell effect in the item, put a Summon Creature in the spell and make Original Caster its target, and it won't crash. Puff, a creature materializes. If every Ogre comes with, say, 50% chance to spawn another Ogre, and that Ogre does too, then statistically we should have 2-3 Ogres in places. More or fewer as percentages decide. This is actually similar to "roll again" in the Dungeon Master's Guide tables.
But there is more. In addition to Replace and Summon, I could put Remove Creature in the same item, but higher on the list of effects. If its percentage clicks, the Ogre will just disappear and there will be no encounter in that spot.
Encounters don't have to be hostile. What if I want some of the creatures neutral towards the party or even friendly and help it? Easy: add a Change AI opcode, or maybe several for a range of neutrals, friendlies and charmed-like creatures (in the manner of Korax the ghoul). In addition to just making exploration more fun, what is the player going to do if this playthrough the half-ogres he was sent to kill by that wounded paladin are actually not hostile - maybe even helpful and fighting on the side of the party (GOODBUTBLUE)? Is he still going to kill them for the +1 shield? Of course, it's a small chance for these particular half-ogres, but - an interesting surprise if it happens.
Hostile or friendly, I might want to spice up a fraction of creatures. They may be shamans and witch doctors, they may have been enchanted or they are potion-drunk or maybe they are just tougher - individually or as a group. I would put a couple of extras down the list. If the creature carrying the item has not rolled the zero and removed itself, if it has not replaced itself... In short, if it's still there, and even after an AI change, some of the time it may cast, say, Stoneskin on itself. An Ogre with a Stoneskin should be an interesting challenge. A creature can also cast a Self-targeted spell that affects all those nearby of the same allegiance like Bless. Make it a cast-instantly spell, though it may be better to put a Cast Spell on condition in the item instead. Let the condition be that the creature sees an enemy. Bless its group? Sure. Ettercaps firing a web as soon as the party comes up to engage them? Possible too. Come to think of it, you could program quite a few behaviors this way - outside of scripts. The item will do it, and it has one shot of everything.
The item should be undroppable, of course, but if you want to free the slot after it's done its job, you can: make Remove Inventory Item the last effect on the list, and it will disappear. Since the effects are all Instant/Permanent, not Instant/While Equipped, they will remain.
Now this is obviously a presentation of a concept, just short of Power Point, and an invitation to modders to take it and make something grand with it, but I have a little demonstration. Take this ring and make someone in the party put it on - after you save the game. Just put the files in override and summon it in the game - item name "ring." What does it do? The wearer is:
1) 30% likely to be removed; if not,
2) 30% likely to be replaced with a being of power; if not,
3) 50% likely to put on Stoneskin and also check for all of the below:
4) likely to summon 0-3 bandits (40% chance for each);
5) 30% likely to change allegiance to NEUTRAL;
6) 50% likely to cast Bless around itself - and if it is now neutral, neutrals will benefit;
7) 100% of the time the ring will vanish.
I spaced out the effects for better visibility. Have fun!
Attached Files
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Ring of Wonders.rar 433bytes
119 downloads
Edited by temnix, 05 April 2017 - 05:45 PM.
