DA:O Woes

Okay, let's be honest. The DA:O toolset is a pain in the ass. Everything takes sooo long to make and bake and light it's ridiculous. Comparatively NWN 2 is a cake walk.

I was planning on making an entire module, but at the rate I'm going it will be out in 5 years. I haven't even finished making my first area yet (a tavern). Then again, I haven't really worked on it in a week because making sure ceiling tiles fit perfectly is kind of annoying and anti-fun.

Since the area design takes so long, I think I may have to do some concept mapping for the first time in my career. And to do said concept mapping, I may just flesh out the whole module in NWN 1. Since the areas are like toddler-approved lego sets, most of the time spent would be on the more portable aspects of design like the writing.

Kind of funny using an earlier game as a planning tool.

I'll have to think about this some more.

Small Favor

Got it, thanks

Module Corruption

That's the error I got when I tried to play after converting it to an actual .mod file. =(

Not good.

I love Oasis

Seriously, Noel Gallagher is probably one of the best songwriters/lyricists ever. If he wanted to fuck me in the ass, I'd bend over, grinning ear to ear. And no, I'm not even gay. That would defeat the purpose now, wouldn't it?

Now, you think may be thinking: "wtf?" but there is a point to this blog update.

I was listening to one of their songs that I hadn't heard before:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdjRRzH0COE

And I have to say it gives me a fantastic idea for a module. Possibly the best one that would have been created. Sadly, I will never EVER ever EVER ever EVER make another module after this one. Sorry to get your hopes up.

It would have been awesome, too.


....



Oh, and while we're on the subject of fornication, here's another screenshot of Live Forever that features my commendable writing skills.

Beta Testers... ASSSSSEEEEMMMBLLLLLEEEE

Oh man, I've been waiting to use that line forever.


That's right, people. I've finally finished scripting the module front to back, at least in the most basic sense. There's some stuff missing including spell effects and animations and a few conversations I plan to implement, but the module's roughly finished. That means I need a few people to give it a go. It's been so long that I've forgotten who volunteered in the first place, sadly.

Now, I haven't tested it in over a month, but I expect everything to work flawlessly. So, give me like 2 hours* to play through it and all, make sure it's all there... and we'll be good to go.

If you're interested, PM on the NWN forums or email me at kasabatic@yahoo.com .

Oh, and here's the story synopsis... or at least what I plan on putting on the vault. First of all, I changed the name to Live Forever 'cause that's won on the poll. Second, I decided all the extra information I wrote was stupid anyway, so this is what's going up there:


"Hello everyone, this is my second module (the first one being Asphyxia).

Thanks for taking a look at Live Forever. I'll be blunt; this is the worst module you'll ever play. It has everything of nothing. Wall-of-text conversations. A linear story. Flawed boss fights. Poorly written dialogue. Hell, I haven't entirely decided what the plot's about. I think it has something to do with a gem. Maybe a little bit about living forever. Or perhaps it's just pure, incomprehensible awesomeness packaged into NWN 2 form. As I said, I'm not 100% sure yet.

I do, however, think there's something buried beneath the nonsense. You'll have to see for yourself. Let me know what you come up with after playing. Maybe we'll solve the mystery, together.

And yeah, I know. Quite the hook to get you to download, right? Mom always told me I was great with the sales pitches. But seriously, I'd love it if you gave the module a play. It's a compilation of no less than four separate, unfinished projects of mine, complete with old areas, dialogues, and storyline ideas mashed together and loosely edited. I figure one module is better than no module.

Now, you're probably thinking: “wow, this sounds awful.”

Well, I'm here to tell you: you're wrong. The correct thought is: “OMG, I've got to play this... (and vote 10)”.

So what are you waiting for?

All I ask is you please complete the entire module before voting and leaving feedback.
And no, it's not quite as bad as what I wrote above. I'm my own worst critic.

Thank you."




*Okay, maybe like a week or two. I wouldn't want to throw a module THAT buggy on you guys.

Tutorial on How to Write Quality Dialogue

Hello everyone,

I've been reading a lot of tutorials on the NWN 2 blogosphere (great word!) about different aspects of the game, whether that be modeling creatures or setting up cutscenes. However, I noticed a profound lack in one category.

Here's a quick tutorial on (besides the graphics) one of the most important parts of any RPG: the writing. Often, the toughest is part is engaging the reader while maintaining a steady, believable, and dramatic tone. Dialogue must be serious, saddening, and sentimental at all times. Let's call those the three "S's" for short. I'll refer to them later. They are the most important parts when constructing a quality fantasy RPG.

But without further ado, here's some of the steps that I find the most important when writing a quality conversation in NWN 2:


Step 1) Be me.

- I understand this first step is a monumental undertaking for everyone out there, but it's crucial in order to achieve a higher level of writing perfection. If you aren't up to the challenge at just this moment, I recommend taking a breather, eating a hearty meal, and coming back later at a more opportune time. Don't worry, this guide will still be here when you get back!


Step 2) The Three "S's"

- As I said earlier, the three "S's" are the most important part of RPG writing. Here's a screenshot of my upcoming module (which has wonderful writing) to help illuminate this point.



- Now, there's a lot going on in this snippet of dialogue. The combination of the threat of annihilation with the theme of books brings to mind an intellectual destruction. What would happen if society lost the works of yore? That is hinted at through the fusion of these two themes, ultimately creating a very dramatic moment upon which the PC must soon act.

Does he press the button risking self-destruction of the ruin?

Does he choose not to press the button, losing trust with his companion, and ultimately not knowing what would have happened had the button been pressed?

Such drama is key when crafting an RPG. Notice how well the setting is hinted at, too. As clearly portrayed, this is an elvish ruin the characters are in; a very believable world, as mentioned. The frustrated mockery of nature (spruces) and elves suggests distrust in the eyes of the companion. Pants down, an allusion to how elves are always adept at stealth, builds upon this to further hint at the companions' condescending attitude towards the race. Two of the most prominent aspects of elven civilization are brutally insulted. Drama ensues.

How does the PC react to this outright racism?

Does he ignore the companion's outburst?


Well, that's about it for this tutorial. I hope it was helpful for all you aspiring modders out there. Check back later for any updates.

Remember the three "S's".

Reading is for losers

No one likes to read.
I can't even read my own huge wall of text conversations.
I've determined nothing should ever exceed 4 lines.
I really should delete everything, but then again it