36 replies to this topic

[Jinnai]

Riona, on Jun 4 2003, 08:25 PM, said:

Another thing worth wondering about is this: if Sarevok "saw the signs" of the PC's heritage while at Candlekeep, why didn't he see those signs in Imoen??? I got the impression that Sarevok had almost a "supernatural" sense of who the PC was, and there was no way of hiding it from him, either.

One of life's many mystery's.

[Kish]

Not much of a mystery, really. Imoen wasn't a Child of Bhaal in BG1.

[Dan_Co9]

In BG1, I saw Imoen as just a girl from back home, more or less. She was a girl that grew up in the same place as you, but not necessarily a best friend or even sister figure. While I could have certainly bought into such a relationship, there was really no presentation of it (like someone else said, BG1 NPC development was, well, non-existent). So I just pulled her along feeling like she was an old acquaintance, and kind of a chirpy, annoying, tagalong, but sort of endearing one.

But of course, BG2 changed all of that. BG2 absolutely gave me the impression that the PC and Imoen had a powerful big-brother (well, in my character's case it was brother) little-sister relationship. You know, he's the older guardian kind of figure and she's the cheery little brat. Then it was all intensified ten times by Imoen's Irenicus-induced trauma and her rescue. I think that the PC-Imoen relationship is wonderfully complete as-is in BG2.

I've had a hard time seeing how the PC and Imoen could develop a romantic relationship without having to totally rewrite a major portion of SoA's tone and thematic structure. I could buy it had it started in BG1, but then I don't it could have coincided with SoA's plotline.

So yeah, personally, I find a romance between the two hard to swallow. But then again, who knows, Quitch (or someone else) might yet surprise me.

[Riona]

Longinus, on Jun 4 2003, 09:16 PM, said:

I thought I recognised the avatar, but I haven't watched anything Tenchi Muyo related in ages. I sometimes love the style of art seen in Japanese animated films and Japanese RPGs, especially.

Sarevok could've sensed the essence of Bhaal within a person when in large quantities. We are led to believe that the most powerful Bhaalspawn possess most of Bhaal's essence after all. It would also explain why the PC has such extraordinary abilities. Imoen could've hosted less of the fuel for Bhaal's return. Other than that, perhaps Sarevok just didn't meet Imoen, given her sneaky nature of course.

Yeah, you're right about that. Maybe Imoen just happened to stay out of his way--by choice or by chance.

And I'm glad you like my avatar (you too, Jinnai!). Washuu is one of my favorite characters--next to Kagato of course.

[Riona]

Kish, on Jun 4 2003, 10:20 PM, said:

Not much of a mystery, really.  Imoen wasn't a Child of Bhaal in BG1.

In my opinion, she still isn't, but that is only because I didn't like what the designers did with her story. I thought she was a fine enough character without being the child of some god.

Even after you rescue Imoen, the whole "Imoen is also a Child of Bhaal" feels like such an afterthought in it's execution.

[Riona]

Dan_Co9, on Jun 4 2003, 10:43 PM, said:

In BG1, I saw Imoen as just a girl from back home, more or less. She was a girl that grew up in the same place as you, but not necessarily a best friend or even sister figure. While I could have certainly bought into such a relationship, there was really no presentation of it (like someone else said, BG1 NPC development was, well, non-existent). So I just pulled her along feeling like she was an old acquaintance, and kind of a chirpy, annoying, tagalong, but sort of endearing one.

When I played the first game, I was playing the type of character who would think of Imoen as something of a best friend or even sister, but it isn't a feeling everyone would have to embrace. Your PC can be anyone--you can literally play a character who hates Imoen.

[Quitch]

This is the reason I intend to give the player a lot of choices. Not everyone thinks about Imoen in the same way. Lock her in the cage she frees you from for all I care (and if that can be implemented, it will be).

[Starx]

Reply to first poster:

Nope, you are not alone.
When I first played BG1(English version), I never once thought she was your sister.
I actually thought she would be your romantic interest, like Sarevok and Tomoko.

Of course, after hearing about BG2: SoA, I got it and was surprised that she suddenly became your sister.

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I am curious: would everyone still have found Imoen so endearing if she had kept her [ugly] BG1 portrait?

Yes, since she was my favorite character in BG1.
Her new portrait was a definite plus though.

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This is the reason I intend to give the player a lot of choices. Not everyone thinks about Imoen in the same way. Lock her in the cage she frees you from for all I care (and if that can be implemented, it will be).

I don't think you should do that, freedom may be nice, but that won't follow the story lines at all.
Considering that it is necessary for her to get out of the dungeon safely for the game to advance.

Of course, after you rescue her, anything goes.
Because really, you may not even plan to rescue her all along and just wanted power, which would be the second reason why you chase Irenicus, according to the storyline that is.

[Quitch]

What, because you lock her up she can't break free again? As I said, I don't intend to change the story.

[Jinnai]

Quitch, on Jun 6 2003, 04:57 PM, said:

Lock her in the cage she frees you from for all I care (and if that can be implemented, it will be).

Do you really think with her skills as a theif and a mage she'd be stuck in there for long (assuming she's in good condition)

[Quitch]

I don't intend to start making plot changes. Firstly, it's a sloppy way around any problem. Secondly, it carries with it the danger that this mod suddenly can no longer be used alongside a large number of other mods, should those mods dare to assume the plot is the same as it always was.

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Due to the gaping plot holes, I think that making a plot-neutral add-on would probably work better and let players think whatever they want about Imoen, be it divine half-sister, childhood friend, trusted companion, or lover.

From what I've seen, most players have already taken a stance, regardless. Frankly, I consider the plot as is, what makes this mod so interesting, it adds unanswered questions. The is she/isn't she your sister adds some real spice for anyone who wants to try and come on to Imoen. As for the sibling side of things, it really gives you something to talk about.

[Seifer]

I think I'll second that view Quitch. On the idea of narrative alone having something that is somewhat controversial stands out much better then something banal that causes discussion to be null and boring.

Remember that the old cliche rings true here. Folks round here are developing thesr things for their own intrinsic satisfaction and for their 'online community.' The fact that developers might have envisaged something else is not really relevant and only serves to dilute the efforts being made. Look at the Imeon romance over at TeamBg. My own mod covers the much vaunted 'fallen paladin' element as I want to offer my viewpoint on that particular argument. Even here, there is 2 Valgyar romance options, 3 if you look TS.

Lastly, its kinda incorrect to apply thoughts on the original game to modifications. Thats the point in the 'unofficialness' of it!

On that vein, good luck to you Quitch. Looking foward to the mod!

Seif

[Quitch]

Indeed, I have no problem adding to the plot, I simply don't want to change it. I wouldn't mind, for example, having people ask her what Irenicus *really* did to her.

[Thanatos]

aqw, on Oct 22 2002, 09:03 PM, said:

Who never thougth of Imoen as a Sister?

When I hear about romances I thought Imoen would be one of them, and when I started playing, I held off on other romances to rescue her, only to discover that she was not romancable (is that even a word?).

I wend looking for mods and everyone is talking about 'she is charname's sister'.


Am I really the only one who doesn't see them that way?

Well... in BG1, I REALLY didn't see her as a sister like figure... I mean, she was too playful and too obviousily caring for the PC, for me to even think that she'd be the PC's brother. I mean, little sister's are usually incredibly playful, and try to hide the way they feel towards their siblings because of their immaturity. Or, they'd be very caring towards their siblings, without being overly playful or annoying.

Actually, if I considered anyone in the game to be sisterly at all, it would be Jaheira. She's perfect for the role of the older sister. Strict, independent, clearly has an attitude, and a quarterstaff shoved halfway up her *cough*.

Well, those were my 2 cents.