100 replies to this topic

[Eric P.]

the Elfwood Web site has a writing section (FARP, if memory serves) where I found questions we should ask ourselves about character development. I find this as useful for fleshing out a role-playing character as for creating a character in a work of fiction.

Would you mind posting a link? Or PMing me the questions?

EDIT: Also what's the language/translation for your sig?

With pleasure!

http://www.elfwood.c...crissychar.html

There are many useful items on that site, especially in the writing section. Of course, the main appeal of the site is (some of) the artwork

As for the sig...the language is Tolkien Elvish. If memory serves, it's Sindarin. That's enough hint for you, I think I'll spill it, though, if you prefer not to investigate for yourself.

Cheers,
Eric

[berelinde]

Four years, and this poll still gets a poke from time to time. Nice.

[Eric P.]

Four years, and this poll still gets a poke from time to time. Nice.

Uh-oh...does that mean I've necroposted again? Sorry if I did

- E

[Emzeror]

I think Berelinde really meant it was nice to keep some meaningful posts like this one going. Beside, the first one to "bump" this one was actually me

[vilkacis]

Uh-oh...does that mean I've necroposted again? Sorry if I did

- E

This is a pinned topic, so it's kind of meant to be around forever - it's not a problem here.

[berelinde]

No, what's important in an NPC is always a pertinent topic, so it's good somebody gives it a poke every once in a while to keep things fresh.

[Paloesha]

I voted for quality interaction.  Although fitting perfectly into the Baldur Gate world would be a definite plus as well.

I love to listen(or watch) characters talk, so I easily fall head over heels for any mod that gives the Bioware NPCS to talk some more(I'm sure almost everyone feels this way).  It's nice to get to know the people that strive to help your cause and makes finishing the game that much harder to do(not that I would know... ).  

Sometimes, I'd rather get a weak character that still had a great story and a lovable personality than a war machine.  Besides, there's always a way to win in the end(but not cheating... ).

That's my 3 cents.  ^__^

[Sir_Carnifex]

Lots of banter is good, humor is good, but if it isn't done properly, it can just make the character more annoying than anything else. Therefore, I voted for quality interaction. I also prefer "baldurized" text. I guess that would go under "Seems to fit perfectly into the game world".

[theacefes]

Good voicing, good portrait, lots of interaction, especially PIDs! I'm a sucker for PIDs. I like humor but as said above, it should be appropriate with the game. Also, mods that contain subliminal messages about how cool I am are a plus.

[Gabrielle]

What is most important in choosing an NPC?

One that I believe will fit in with my party.

What is most important in making an NPC?

Making an npc that I enjoy myself and hope others will like him or her as well.

[darlarosa]

Really I like npcs with an interesting story line that fits in with world rather nicely. To be quite honest I'm sick of elves...ELVES EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME!!! I am also tired of the angstyness of a lot of the npcs out there.

I like npcs with an interesting story it can have nothing to do with anything as long as it's interesting. I'm tired of the over all angsty-ness of certain mod members of the realms. I like npcs with problems but some talk to much or get all emo...I have enough emo people in my life already I do not need emo npcs as well


Also I think romance or friendship paths can be a bit fun whether it's the pc or another bioware npc. I like the interaction it should make you feel as if the npcs are real people and you become immersed in the games world. I like it when a mod points out a Bioware npc's flaws I love it really.

Also I'm a bit of perv so *cough*sexisfun*cough*allthetime*cough*

"Cool new kits, items, and spells" are very fun and I have yet to meet a mod item I did not like(when it does not fudge up my game)

Thanks for indulging me with this rant

[Azkyroth]

Define "angsty?"

[Sir_Carnifex]

Really I like npcs with an interesting story line that fits in with world rather nicely. To be quite honest I'm sick of elves...ELVES EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME!!! I am also tired of the angstyness of a lot of the npcs out there.

Yes, it would appear that humans are becoming extinct now. I don't mind the odd character once in awhile, but I rarely hear of a mod idea for a normal human (not half dragon, half demon, half angel, half minotaur... you get the idea), a halfling, a gnome, or a dwarf... what happened to these races? I guess they are being bypassed a lot because they are old and the "norm" , but if the rare races are overdone, then they are no longer rare and special, are they?

Heh... and a rant from me, too.... but Darlarosa started it!

[darlarosa]

Define "angsty?"

Really I think I meant more emo then angsty then when I think about it. But greally many mods seem to have...problems and they kind of whine about it or when they talk about it they whine

[Azkyroth]

Define "angsty?"

Really I think I meant more emo then angsty then when I think about it. But greally many mods seem to have...problems and they kind of whine about it or when they talk about it they whine

More details? What level or kind of personal problems would you consider unobjectionable in a mod NPC, and where do you draw the boundaries on "whining?"

[darlarosa]

Define "angsty?"

Really I think I meant more emo then angsty then when I think about it. But greally many mods seem to have...problems and they kind of whine about it or when they talk about it they whine

More details? What level or kind of personal problems would you consider unobjectionable in a mod NPC, and where do you draw the boundaries on "whining?"

It's not so much that they are objectionable but it's that they are overly done

With Whining I think it's when the npc just starts pining over something. Like whenever the subject is brought up they get a bit overly emotional I mean it's like "1,2,3 oh this subjects pissing me off, I'm gonna shut up now" 50% of the time and "<CHARNAME> why me, and he/she sucks, and I don't understand why me why did it happen" 20% of the time. I mean I get it and most people in real life are like that but still I can put it up with it majority of the time but not all the time.

Sorry I'm not being clear >.<

[berelinde]

Really I like npcs with an interesting story line that fits in with world rather nicely. To be quite honest I'm sick of elves...ELVES EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME!!! I am also tired of the angstyness of a lot of the npcs out there.

I like npcs with an interesting story it can have nothing to do with anything as long as it's interesting. I'm tired of the over all angsty-ness of certain mod members of the realms. I like npcs with problems but some talk to much or get all emo...I have enough emo people in my life already I do not need emo npcs as well


Also I think romance or friendship paths can be a bit fun whether it's the pc or another bioware npc. I like the interaction it should make you feel as if the npcs are real people and you become immersed in the games world. I like it when a mod points out a Bioware npc's flaws I love it really.

Also I'm a bit of perv so *cough*sexisfun*cough*allthetime*cough*

"Cool new kits, items, and spells" are very fun and I have yet to meet a mod item I did not like(when it does not fudge up my game)

I could not agree with the first few points more. I, too, dislike too much angst, elves, and more angst. We've got enough of both. I do like emotion in mod NPCs, but I like familiar emotions, ones I can identify with: joy, sorrow, sincere anxiety about the wellbeing of others, even rage, if the situation calls for it. Basically, it should feel real, not forced, and not just "I'm so tormented, and I don't even know why! It's got something to do with my mysterious past, I tell you."

As for steamy mod content, well, everybody knows I'm a perv. As long as everybody's having fun, gods bless.

As for the cool new kits, items, spells, etc., I can take them or leave them. I'm not big on gadgets, so I'll look at special weapons or innates through narrowed eyes.

[Cal Jones]

Heh, seems I'm not alone in my feelings about elves. I'm starting to feel like that bigot in Waukeen's Promenade. Don't get me wrong, there are some good elf mods out there (Kivan, Xan) but, like, can we have some other races please?

[Anaximander]

I voted for sex, partly as a joke but also because I would like to see more mods that feature, or even emphasize, mature content. Sex and sensuality are an important part of the human experience, and there are a lot of deep and often complex emotions associated with them. CRPG's offer a unique media in which to explore these feelings in a safe environment.

everybody knows I'm a perv

There is nothing perverse about sex or enjoying it. I believe you are the author of my favorite encounters in the Romantic Encounters mod. Good work.

I'm starting to feel like that bigot in Waukeen's Promenade. Don't get me wrong, there are some good elf mods out there (Kivan, Xan) but, like, can we have some other races please?

I also agree that elves are overrated. I'd like to see some more ordinary humans. We are supposed to be the most populous race in the realms, right?

[Azkyroth]

I could not agree with the first few points more. I, too, dislike too much angst, elves, and more angst. We've got enough of both. I do like emotion in mod NPCs, but I like familiar emotions, ones I can identify with: joy, sorrow, sincere anxiety about the wellbeing of others, even rage, if the situation calls for it. Basically, it should feel real, not forced, and not just "I'm so tormented, and I don't even know why! It's got something to do with my mysterious past, I tell you."

I don't understand the apparent excess appeal of elves either. I wrote Arkalian as a half-elf initially because they can validly be fighter/mage multiclasses and aren't actual elves, but the character's backstory quickly evolved to the point where that was actually a meaningful element of the mod storyline. Can we agree that having a character be an elf or elf-hybrid without a compelling reason other than "pointy-earred pretty-boys are hawt!" is kind of annoying?

As for steamy mod content, well, everybody knows I'm a perv.