Helpful Plugins

I have been enjoying my last few times in the toolset more than I have for some time. Not because I don't enjoy building, but because I have had both a different (read "fresh") part to work on, and new tools to do that work with.

First off, after experiencing the official toolset's Appearance Wizard crash on me for the umpteenth time, I was introduced to Grinning Fools Creature Creation Wizard, and finally have an easier way of producing clothed creatures. And it was while I had been reviewing and downloading this plugin that I noticed that a favourite of mine, the NWN2 Mapper plugin had also been revamped to work with the latest patched version of NWN2. Yes, I know according to the dates these were done some time ago, but I only just found out about them again. It's quite surprising how having a couple of additional tools to help with creation can add a new spruce of life/interest in getting on with a project.

Grinning Fools Appearance Wizard

An Appearance Wizard that does not crash NWN2 - Yeh!

NWN2 Mapper (Taken up by Sothis B)

Look! It looks like a map I used to do in the good old pen and paper days!

Other Stuff

I have been making requests for help with a couple of things in the Bioware forums, such as "portly" NPCs and "Ghost VFXs", and a few people have been putting forward and working on ideas. Eguintir is working on the "portly" models, and so knowing his work, that should yield some good results sooner than later. As for the Ghost VFX's, I have also been given some ideas on how to approach this, but as there are others also looking at doing something with this for me, I will leave my own investigations unless I really need to. Instead, I will spend the time continuing to finish the latest quests I started last time I blogged.

More Progress ... More Areas Though!

I know it seems like this module is taking me forever to complete, but I want to be satisfied with the results; and that means I find myself having to iron out the little things I come across during testing times. Fixes can include anything from in-game feedback to scripts not firing quite as I like (normally official campaign ones). Fixing things aside, I am also in the process of finishing conversations and quests. However, I have a confession now .... I cannot escape the frustrating feel that I NEED to design just a few more areas for this module.

Don't panic though! I don't intend these to be exuberant or time consuming areas, but (hopefully) some simple designs to help accomplish and satisfy that design need I have nagging at the back of my skull. We can blame my wife for the desire I now have (she knows I am kidding with her), because she has recently started playing NWN, and I was reminded of some other quests I had in mind to do. I really do feel they are needed to help balance the module's progress design.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may recall that I had originally intended to release this campaign as three modules in one go, but later decided to concentrate on releasing the first module only. As a consequence, I always felt that the content I had was not quite enough for a first module, and so have been adding content over the past few months. These last few areas will be the final few ... I promise. I already have the quests in mind for them, but cannot incorporate those quests unless I add these areas. Anyway, here is a screenshot from one of the new areas:-

I'm so glad they are only statues ...

Area Design Volunteers Welcome

On the back of this latest requirement, I am also welcoming other builders who may like to design some areas for me. I mostly need interiors, but these interiors require minimal detailing. If anybody wants to design an exterior area, I could certainly use it, but it is not essential. I can discuss further needs if you are interested.

Spell Modifications

I have touched on this topic before, but ask again for feedback on spells that people may want to alter in some way. I ask because I have found another spell that frustrates me with its use: Invisibility Sphere. I found it very frustrating to cast this spell on a group of PCs, only to find the moment I moved, the companions did not keep up close enough and the spell dropped off them. I am probably going to change that spell to something like Mass Invisibility Sphere instead, and imply that any party member within the sphere receives invisibility for the same duration as the caster. i.e. If they leave the sphere, it does not end for them.

GUI Tutorial Aids Builder

I was also delighted to receive a personal thanks from Loki_999 who has recently released his "Card Game" project for his PW. He told me that my GUI & XML Tutorial had helped him a great deal when making his game.

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