7 replies to this topic

[Alexander]

OK, I'm new to modding and have again found out how little I know. I've just converted my NPC's .CHR file into .CRE and saved it to the override directory. Is that the right place for it? More importantly, I've been following Ghreyfain's tutorial, but it then says,
"Once it's in .cre format, you can assign it its Death Variable, Dialogue file,
Scripts (if any), and Name. This is all fairly simple, so I don't think I need to
explain any further."

Unfortunately, I also seem to be fairly simple, so could someone explain to me what I need to set these to?
Thanks  

[Seifer]

All actions in the game are scripted. Scripts are the BCS scripts that you might have seen floating around the game via the override folder. The death variable for your NPC is what any script will use to summon him, move him or whatever. This is an example:-

IF
Global("DeathVariable","ARxxxx",0)
THEN
RESPONSE #100
SetGlobal("NPCExists","ARxxxx",1)
CreateCreature("DeathVariable",[000.000],0)
END

His dialogue file is what he needs to speak. Thus, if you want him to approach the party when he see's them, your character script will contain it whilst you dialogue file (DLG ingame, .D uncompiled)

Scripts are where you can programme any actions at various points, This has a wide range of possibilities and there are a load of tutoruials that cover this.

And the name is pretty self explanatory.

[Kismet]

I'm pretty sure when you CreateCreature() you use the .cre file name and not the death variable.

A death variable is a unique identifier (ok, it doesn't *have* to be unique, but for a joinable NPC it should be). It's used in scripting/dialog triggers and actions and is generally some form of the NPC's name (although, again, it doesn't *have* to be).

If you're using Near Infinity, you'd open up your .cre file and click on the edit tab to input those variables/names.

Your .cre file will eventually need to end up in the override, but if you're planning on making a distributable mod it's better to set up a mod directory in your BG2 main directory and have stuff copied over via the .tp2 file.

[Seifer]

You can use both as far as I am aware. This is how the game has multiple versions of the same NPC depending on level. I've never had a use for it though =)

[Alexander]

Well, thanks for helping, I think I've got a better understanding of what I need to do. However, I just managed to F**K my game up good and proper so I've had to completely uninstall it. I think I might leave my game alone for a while until I can understand what I'm meddling with a bit better.

[Vedran]

Heh, we all managed to do that once or twice, don't let that discourage you.

[Alexander]

Unfortunately I'm back at college now, so I've got two essays, two mocks, and a piece of coursework to do this week before I continue, but continue I shall.