I've been playing Baldur's Gate since its original release in 1998, and never once have I played an evil PC through the entire series. I finally took the plunge after taking a break from BGIII and wanted to use my dwarven berserker. As usual, though, I wasn't quite happy with how the portrait looked, nor with my remakes of some of the evil companions. One thing led to another, and I remastered several previous portraits. (It's almost painful to look back at where I started in these forums!)
More will come eventually, but I've spent far too much time on these over the past few days. If you want to use any, note that the best result seems to come from resizing them to 210x330 before placing them in your portraits folder. Though the EEs will load these larger sizes, they'll appear more detailed than the original portraits in the character screens. 210x300 gives them the soft blur in-game, making them match almost seamlessly.
EDIT
As always, I already found things I'm dissatisfied with in the baldie pictures, so I've updated them with different versions.
Bellum - BG1 (Old vs. New)
Bellum - BG2 (Old vs. New) (The changes aren't as dramatic in this one, as it was one of my better portraits.)
Abdel - BG2 (Old vs. New) (I'm not sure how much work I'll do on the BG1 version.)
Dorn - BG2 (Old vs. New) (This one matches my BG1 version better.)
Isandir - BG2 (Old vs. New) (Ye gads! My eyes...or his! The BG1 version is high on my to-do list.)
This is the Lathander paladin version that I've never uploaded before. If you want him to be the paladin of a particular god, just let me know, as I can switch out the symbol very easily. (I kept it as a separate layer in Photoshop.)
All BG2 Portraits Compared to Originals (Plus my Hexxat)
Thanks, @Kensei_xXx. I very rarely make portraits anymore, but repeatedly playing BGIII made me want to go through the whole series again. That almost always results in tweaks.
I also just discovered these incredible-looking mods, so it seems like the original games are alive and well over 25 years later!
Yeah, the scene is still up and kicking, even after all these years.
btw
Since your HP has been gone for a while, is there another source for all your pictures besides Deviant Art, where some of them are missing as far as I can see?
Or how about maybe updating the Portrait Mod which was released years ago?
I let my site lapse (though I still own the domain name) since it hadn't been updated in years. It may reappear someday, or I may update the DeviantArt page eventually. The issue I have is that I'm a perfectionist, so I constantly want to replace the portraits I've made. (To give you an idea of how bad it gets, I just updated Bellum and Dorn for the fourth time since uploading them a couple days ago.) I know that some others may want older versions, but I want to get the point where I only have the "master copies" available in a single location.
As for the mod, I actually wasn't the one who compiled it; someone else did that with my permission. I'm fine if anyone wants to tackle it again...as I would become frustrated precisely because I would want newer versions of the portraits in it all the time!
For now, here's the BG1 version of my eponymous character. I'm probably more satisfied with this one that any others I've ever made, and it only took 10+ years of periodic portrait making to master the style! When I created my prior versions, there was no "dynamic" element like the original portraits usually have, and I didn't want to just do the same old weapon pose again, so it's just his raised hand instead. It could be imagined it as a "Halt! Who goes there?" or preparing to cast a spell. (In fact, for those who like the second idea...well, take a look at the alternate version.) Both the hand and symbol are separate layers once again (as I've gotten far better at blending elements without merging them), so I can remove/replace either if someone wants a tweaked version. The same goes for the stubble and the BG1-style "shadow glow" effects.
Progression (2013ish to now)
Separate New Portraits
Recommendation: resize between 210x330 to 270x425, depending on preference, before placing in Portraits folder to maximize blending with originals
No spell effect
With spell effect
Disclaimer: note that it's incredibly hard to control color variations across monitors, etc. These blend well with the originals on my desktop and laptop, but you may want to adjust colors/tone if there are discrepancies on your device.
I hope to mean no disrespect, but I tinkered around with that one too, to use it for Ajantis. I therefore tried some AI upscaling, but ended up with a female version of "Isandira". Maybe you like it...
I hope to mean no disrespect, but I tinkered around with that one too, to use it for Ajantis. I therefore tried some AI upscaling, but ended up with a female version of "Isandira". Maybe you like it...
That is disturbing. The general facial shape looks weirdly similar to the Photoshop AI tools I'm using to upscale my old portraits before repainting them...but with feminine features and some makeup added! I guess some AI is the same as the girdle of masculinity/femininity.
Changing it to a paladin/cleric of Helm is an easy tweak. As I said, I keep everything as separate layers now. (Take a look at the second image for an idea of how crazy it can get.) The 2nd edition symbol is too long to have more than the top of the fingers appear now, so it's the 5th Edition "closed fist" version of his symbol. I tweaked the tint on the collar as well since one of Helm's favored colors is steel.
Naturally, I already decided the Lathander symbol needed an overhaul, and the placement was off slightly. I'm about to update the ones I uploaded yesterday as well... This is what I mean about not ever being satisfied!
Really nice, thanks. I ended up using your Thorfinn Portrait from DSotSC for Ajantis, which also fitted quite well. But might decide to take this one, maybe for the Ajantis BG2 mod. We'll see.
I had some similar outcomes for Coran. Might work for other chars as well. So if you're in search for portraits for a proper usage with the girdle, feel free to use'em.
Really nice, thanks. I ended up using your Thorfinn Portrait from DSotSC for Ajantis, which also fitted quite well. But might decide to take this one, maybe for the Ajantis BG2 mod. We'll see.
Well, just in case I made a BG2 version as well, so it would work as an Ajantis replacement for both. I personally just can't imagine this face with that voice though! The last time I had Ajantis in my party was likely my second or third playthrough back in the late 1990s.
Of course, in the process I managed to accidentally save over my BG2 version master file, so now I'm going to have to separate all of the layers again...
[EDIT: Tweaked already as usual... I included the new one with the "dynamic hand" element Sass relied on for the BG1 style, as well as another version that still doesn't have the hand.]
Years ago when I was making the portraits for the re-release of the Dark Side of the Sword Coast mod, I pitched two new evil characters to the team: Juoda, a half-orc cleric of Talos, and Vihane Sodalane, a half-elf kensai. Unfortunately, due to the heavy workload they had in updating the mod, they couldn't provide any coding support. As I had only a bare understanding, neither character appeared in the final release.
I'm still toying with the idea of eventually putting together a Vihane NPC mod at the least. (Alternatively, I'd be happy to collaborate with anyone who has the coding knowledge but needs an artistic touch for portraits and writing). Until then, Vihane at least gets a new portrait closer to what I originally imagined for him. His biography, stats, and items that I originally drafted are included below as well. The story that I had drafted would allow you to change his alignment and tie in to the Knights of the Shield (ironic given that the organization plays a big part in the backstory of BGIII).
As with my last couple portraits, I've managed to keep everything as separate layers in the Photoshop, allowing easy changes to colors, scars, etc.
Vihane Progression
Separate New Portraits
Recommendation: resize between 210x330 to 270x425, depending on preference, before placing in Portraits folder to maximize blending with originals
With hand
Without hand
Disclaimer: note that it's incredibly hard to control color variations across monitors, etc. These blend well with the originals on my desktop and laptop, but you may want to adjust colors/tone if there are discrepancies on your device.
Vihane Comparison
Vihane Bio & Stats
(Note that this has a few minor changes from the original that I wrote.)
[Note that the proficiencies were based on the assumption that he'd join you at a particular level. That now isn't the case with the EEs.]
STR 16
DEX 18
CON 12
INT 17
WIS 10
CHA 11
(Total: 84)
Vihane's scarred lips curl into a smile as you speak to him. Born to an elven mother and human father near the Forest of Tethir, the half-elf experienced a relatively normal childhood until his thirteenth name day. Seeking to purge the borders of human influence, the Eldreth Veluuthra--a militant elvish group--attacked his family's home. Pressing a small blade into his mother's hand, Vihane's father ordered them to flee and charged toward the attackers. As they ran into the forest, a single elf raced after them, gutting the boy's mother in front of him. Vihane picked up the short sword and struck at the murderer furiously, suffering several gashes across his face before killing him.
Alone and bleeding, he wandered for two days until reaching the small settlement of Mosstone, where a priest of Waukeen treated his wounds. Taking odd jobs throughout Tethyr and Amn over the next few years, Vihane gained a reputation for his talent with a blade, as well as his keen intellect and ability to garner information. It was the latter that brought him to the attention of the Knights of the Shield, who recruited him as a spy.
Since that time, Vihane has reported to the head of the organization in Athkatla. Ordered to accompany its emissaries to Baldur's Gate for the negotiations with the leaders of the Iron Throne, he was tasked with a more clandestine purpose: to investigate rumors that a high-ranking individual in the Iron Throne may have other motives. Hearing of your group's encounters with them, he sought you out, hoping to discover more. However, you can't help but wonder if he has an ulterior purpose...
Default equipment:
Vihane's Wakizashi +1: Veleno
Veleno
A striking blade, Veleno bears the mark of Shou Lung, the massive empire to the far east. Vihane claims to have received it from a wandering warrior, a Chung Tao who introduced him to the philosophies of the Way. Garnished with a writhing serpent with ruby eyes, Veleno moves in a blur in Vihane's hand, almost as if it were seeking to strike its opponents before they could retaliate. You also notice a slight, sickly green sheen, similar to a serpent's venom, coating the edge of the blade.
Ring of the Shield
Granted to the elite agents of the Knights of the Shield, this ring offers both strong protective magic and more subtle enchantments that enhance the wearer's charm. This enables them to unobtrusively infiltrate organizations and places, and acquire information by lowering the guard of those nearby.
@Isandir : I can't help with coding an NPC, but I just wanted to say: It's great to have you back! I've always admired your portraits and use them frequently for my main characters in my game playthroughs.
@Isandir : I can't help with coding an NPC, but I just wanted to say: It's great to have you back! I've always admired your portraits and use them frequently for my main characters in my game playthroughs.
@Acifer : Thank you! I appreciate that, and I'm actually ashamed to say that I never knew about the incredible mods you've been making until a few days ago when I stumbled across the trailer for Throne of the Mad God. They're all being added to my playlist now...
Thankfully Grok has been helpful in providing a much more structured breakdown of how to begin coding a mod than the patchwork guides I used to try reading, so I may tackle a small NPC mod with Vihane on my own eventually. Conversely, though, if you want to add any NPCs into any of your upcoming mods, I'd be happy to make new portraits for them!
At this point I'm itching to create a more "normal" character if someone can give inspiration for what they're imagining, as the ones I just remade used professional models (excluding a couple). Even if they blend in well with the BG1 and BG2 originals in terms of style, it becomes a bit off-putting when they're all the generically "attractive" types.
@Acifer : Thank you! I appreciate that, and I'm actually ashamed to say that I never knew about the incredible mods you've been making until a few days ago when I stumbled across the trailer for Throne of the Mad God. They're all being added to my playlist now...
Conversely, though, if you want to add any NPCs into any of your upcoming mods, I'd be happy to make new portraits for them!
Oh, thank you - that’s a fantastic offer! I’ll get in touch once I’ve made a bit more progress on my current projects! I'm really looking forward to it!
Regarding NPC modding: Kulyok's Branwen mod is a very good tutorial if you want to create an NPC mod: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Branwen_for_BGII
Comments
https://www.krea.ai/enhancer
BG Gnome/Half-Elf enhanced;
More will come eventually, but I've spent far too much time on these over the past few days. If you want to use any, note that the best result seems to come from resizing them to 210x330 before placing them in your portraits folder. Though the EEs will load these larger sizes, they'll appear more detailed than the original portraits in the character screens. 210x300 gives them the soft blur in-game, making them match almost seamlessly.
EDIT
As always, I already found things I'm dissatisfied with in the baldie pictures, so I've updated them with different versions.
Bellum - BG1 (Old vs. New)
Bellum - BG2 (Old vs. New) (The changes aren't as dramatic in this one, as it was one of my better portraits.)
Abdel - BG2 (Old vs. New) (I'm not sure how much work I'll do on the BG1 version.)
Dorn - BG2 (Old vs. New) (This one matches my BG1 version better.)
Isandir - BG2 (Old vs. New) (Ye gads! My eyes...or his! The BG1 version is high on my to-do list.)
This is the Lathander paladin version that I've never uploaded before. If you want him to be the paladin of a particular god, just let me know, as I can switch out the symbol very easily. (I kept it as a separate layer in Photoshop.)
All BG2 Portraits Compared to Originals (Plus my Hexxat)
I'm a big fan of your Bellum Portraits and often used them for Kagain and Tiax during my last Playthroughs.
keep up the good work!
I also just discovered these incredible-looking mods, so it seems like the original games are alive and well over 25 years later!
btw
Since your HP has been gone for a while, is there another source for all your pictures besides Deviant Art, where some of them are missing as far as I can see?
Or how about maybe updating the Portrait Mod which was released years ago?
As for the mod, I actually wasn't the one who compiled it; someone else did that with my permission. I'm fine if anyone wants to tackle it again...as I would become frustrated precisely because I would want newer versions of the portraits in it all the time!
For now, here's the BG1 version of my eponymous character. I'm probably more satisfied with this one that any others I've ever made, and it only took 10+ years of periodic portrait making to master the style! When I created my prior versions, there was no "dynamic" element like the original portraits usually have, and I didn't want to just do the same old weapon pose again, so it's just his raised hand instead. It could be imagined it as a "Halt! Who goes there?" or preparing to cast a spell. (In fact, for those who like the second idea...well, take a look at the alternate version.) Both the hand and symbol are separate layers once again (as I've gotten far better at blending elements without merging them), so I can remove/replace either if someone wants a tweaked version. The same goes for the stubble and the BG1-style "shadow glow" effects.
Progression (2013ish to now)
Separate New Portraits
No spell effect
With spell effect
Disclaimer: note that it's incredibly hard to control color variations across monitors, etc. These blend well with the originals on my desktop and laptop, but you may want to adjust colors/tone if there are discrepancies on your device.
Isandir Comparison
In-Game Screenshot
I hope to mean no disrespect, but I tinkered around with that one too, to use it for Ajantis. I therefore tried some AI upscaling, but ended up with a female version of "Isandira". Maybe you like it...
That is disturbing.
Changing it to a paladin/cleric of Helm is an easy tweak. As I said, I keep everything as separate layers now. (Take a look at the second image for an idea of how crazy it can get.) The 2nd edition symbol is too long to have more than the top of the fingers appear now, so it's the 5th Edition "closed fist" version of his symbol. I tweaked the tint on the collar as well since one of Helm's favored colors is steel.
Naturally, I already decided the Lathander symbol needed an overhaul, and the placement was off slightly. I'm about to update the ones I uploaded yesterday as well... This is what I mean about not ever being satisfied!
Isandir: Paladin of Helm Version
A Peek Behind the Scenes
I had some similar outcomes for Coran. Might work for other chars as well. So if you're in search for portraits for a proper usage with the girdle, feel free to use'em.
Maybe someone should design a small mod around that concept, like it's in the underdark where you're turned to drow...
Well, just in case I made a BG2 version as well, so it would work as an Ajantis replacement for both. I personally just can't imagine this face with that voice though! The last time I had Ajantis in my party was likely my second or third playthrough back in the late 1990s.
Of course, in the process I managed to accidentally save over my BG2 version master file, so now I'm going to have to separate all of the layers again...
Edwina
Even ChatGPT fuses the fingers. So I told it to replace the hands instead with praying hands
Edwina (Closed Eyes)
Edwina (Open Eyes)
Version 2
Never like Feldorn original portrait... but I love the shadow druid concept
(A)
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
Version 4
(B) Version 2 Branch
Version 5
Version 6
Version 7 (Nicer Teeth)
Years ago when I was making the portraits for the re-release of the Dark Side of the Sword Coast mod, I pitched two new evil characters to the team: Juoda, a half-orc cleric of Talos, and Vihane Sodalane, a half-elf kensai. Unfortunately, due to the heavy workload they had in updating the mod, they couldn't provide any coding support. As I had only a bare understanding, neither character appeared in the final release.
I'm still toying with the idea of eventually putting together a Vihane NPC mod at the least. (Alternatively, I'd be happy to collaborate with anyone who has the coding knowledge but needs an artistic touch for portraits and writing). Until then, Vihane at least gets a new portrait closer to what I originally imagined for him. His biography, stats, and items that I originally drafted are included below as well. The story that I had drafted would allow you to change his alignment and tie in to the Knights of the Shield (ironic given that the organization plays a big part in the backstory of BGIII).
As with my last couple portraits, I've managed to keep everything as separate layers in the Photoshop, allowing easy changes to colors, scars, etc.
Vihane Progression
Separate New Portraits
With hand
Without hand
Disclaimer: note that it's incredibly hard to control color variations across monitors, etc. These blend well with the originals on my desktop and laptop, but you may want to adjust colors/tone if there are discrepancies on your device.
Vihane Comparison
Vihane Bio & Stats
Vihane Sodalane
Half-elf
Male
Kensai
Lawful Evil
Weapon proficiencies:
Scimitar/Wakizashi/Ninjato: ++
Two-weapon Style: +++
[Note that the proficiencies were based on the assumption that he'd join you at a particular level. That now isn't the case with the EEs.]
STR 16
DEX 18
CON 12
INT 17
WIS 10
CHA 11
(Total: 84)
Vihane's scarred lips curl into a smile as you speak to him. Born to an elven mother and human father near the Forest of Tethir, the half-elf experienced a relatively normal childhood until his thirteenth name day. Seeking to purge the borders of human influence, the Eldreth Veluuthra--a militant elvish group--attacked his family's home. Pressing a small blade into his mother's hand, Vihane's father ordered them to flee and charged toward the attackers. As they ran into the forest, a single elf raced after them, gutting the boy's mother in front of him. Vihane picked up the short sword and struck at the murderer furiously, suffering several gashes across his face before killing him.
Alone and bleeding, he wandered for two days until reaching the small settlement of Mosstone, where a priest of Waukeen treated his wounds. Taking odd jobs throughout Tethyr and Amn over the next few years, Vihane gained a reputation for his talent with a blade, as well as his keen intellect and ability to garner information. It was the latter that brought him to the attention of the Knights of the Shield, who recruited him as a spy.
Since that time, Vihane has reported to the head of the organization in Athkatla. Ordered to accompany its emissaries to Baldur's Gate for the negotiations with the leaders of the Iron Throne, he was tasked with a more clandestine purpose: to investigate rumors that a high-ranking individual in the Iron Throne may have other motives. Hearing of your group's encounters with them, he sought you out, hoping to discover more. However, you can't help but wonder if he has an ulterior purpose...
Default equipment:
Vihane's Wakizashi +1: Veleno
Veleno
A striking blade, Veleno bears the mark of Shou Lung, the massive empire to the far east. Vihane claims to have received it from a wandering warrior, a Chung Tao who introduced him to the philosophies of the Way. Garnished with a writhing serpent with ruby eyes, Veleno moves in a blur in Vihane's hand, almost as if it were seeking to strike its opponents before they could retaliate. You also notice a slight, sickly green sheen, similar to a serpent's venom, coating the edge of the blade.
Equipped abilities:
Armor Class: +1
THAC0: +1
Damage: 1d8+1, +1d6 poison damage (Save vs. Poison for half)
Damage Type: Piercing
Speed Factor: 2
Proficiency Type: Scimitar/Wakizashi/Ninjato
Type: One-handed
Weight: 6
Usable only by:
VIHANE SODALANE
Ring of the Shield
Granted to the elite agents of the Knights of the Shield, this ring offers both strong protective magic and more subtle enchantments that enhance the wearer's charm. This enables them to unobtrusively infiltrate organizations and places, and acquire information by lowering the guard of those nearby.
Equipped abilities:
Armor Class: +2
Saving Throws: +1
Charisma: +1
Not usable by:
WIZARD SLAYER
GOOD ALIGNMENT
The Insanity of Keeping Separate Layers
Clara
Hexxat
@Acifer : Thank you! I appreciate that, and I'm actually ashamed to say that I never knew about the incredible mods you've been making until a few days ago when I stumbled across the trailer for Throne of the Mad God. They're all being added to my playlist now...
Thankfully Grok has been helpful in providing a much more structured breakdown of how to begin coding a mod than the patchwork guides I used to try reading, so I may tackle a small NPC mod with Vihane on my own eventually. Conversely, though, if you want to add any NPCs into any of your upcoming mods, I'd be happy to make new portraits for them!
At this point I'm itching to create a more "normal" character if someone can give inspiration for what they're imagining, as the ones I just remade used professional models (excluding a couple). Even if they blend in well with the BG1 and BG2 originals in terms of style, it becomes a bit off-putting when they're all the generically "attractive" types.
https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate/mods/52
https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate2ee/mods/111
Might try to update this later.
Regarding NPC modding: Kulyok's Branwen mod is a very good tutorial if you want to create an NPC mod:
https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Branwen_for_BGII
I have seen theses portrait but it looks kind of sterile, artificial. But thank you for pointing out.
Oh that's very close to the original. I like it! I look forward for your update.
Wow, these portrait are very beautiful. Thank you!
Here it is my try on the upscaling:
Nice upscalings, my first attempts with Melissan were so bad.
Coran
Told ChatGPT to give him elven ear to match up to his half-elf background