Generally speaking, there isn't much work left to integrate these changes into the mod, so I think it will be ready fairly soon. Right now, however, we are discussing the possibility of adding a micro-event to the romance - something like a nice little bonus.
I've always found it strange that theves never rarely pickpocket the PC in Athkatla; they usually just try to mug you outright. For instance, in Arcanum, the moment the PC arrived at Vermillion Station in Tarant, they got robbed immediately. So, IMHO, a micro-event like this would be a nice touch for the sake of variety. I'd really like to add it.
Event Idea: After accepting Shar-Teel into the party at the City Gates district, she gets "pickpocketed" by a female Shadow Thief, who "steals" the Tome of Dexterity. The thief then drinks an invisibility potion and heads toward the area exit, taking about 5, 7, or 10 seconds to escape for good.
As an option for the PC, if the thief turns hostile upon being attacked, 5 to 7 pre-set traps could finish her off on the spot. If she remains neutral, her path can simply be body-blocked by the party to prevent her escape and force her out of invisibility.
*If the thief is killed, the Tome of Dexterity can naturally be looted from her body.
And then, once the thief is wounded, the following dialogue will trigger:
ENG
-- event start --
Shar-Teel: Damn! That wench stole my gear!
[if] the thief is heavily wounded (-2/3 health)
Thief: Mercy, I beg of you! I am just a novice with the Shadow Thieves, they forced me! I am so sorry... I made a mistake. My organization... they will look for me if I do not return... and they will find you. Just let me go and I swear I will never trouble you again! -- r/to Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
PC (Option 1): Is that so? Well, such a powerful organization will surely find a bit of gold for your funeral. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 2): Poor thing, did they forget to warn you that the Shadow Thieves don't provide health insurance for novices? Well... you can file a complaint against them in one of the Planes of the Abyss. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 3): I think your tombstone will read something like: "Here lies an unfortunate fool. She lacked the wisdom not to steal the Tome of Dexterity, the intelligence to read it, and the dexterity itself to manage an escape." -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 4): Surrender. I do not wish for your death, but you shall answer for your crimes.
Thief: Yes, yes! No more stealing, I swear! Take it... take this cursed book! Just don't kill me! I'm going straight to the gate guards, look, I'm already going... Thank you, my[lord/lady]! -- [Good option for Paladin / LG-PC] -- combat ends, thief leaves [ostensibly to surrender to the gate guards] -- Tome of Dexterity goes to PC -- No RP gain, +1 Reputation
PC (Option 5): Hand over the book and all the gold you have in exchange for your life. And get lost before I change my mind.
Thief: Yes, yes, take it all! Here is the manuscript, here is my purse... Thank you! You won't regret your mercy! -- combat ends, thief leaves [ostensibly to surrender to the gate guards] -- Tome of Dexterity and 100 gold go to PC -- No RP gain
PC (Option 6): Had you stolen from me, I might have let you walk away alive. But you stole from her... And I am not about to stand between Shar-Teel and her prey. So, you'll just have to die. -- EoD + 2 RP -- combat resumes -- [This option is available for male PC only] (!)
PC (Option 7): Your story is very touching, but I don't care. You stole the item, and you will die for it. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 8): Do not interrupt my meditation and my thoughts on more important matters. Begone from my sight.
Thief: *The thief bows to you obediently and, without straightening up, scuttles backward into the shadows.* -- EoD, combat ends
Shar-Teel: Damn it, I can't believe you just let that wench walk away! Pffft! -- (Possible (?) -1 RP) -- Tome of Dexterity remains with the thief
PC (Option 9): Shadow Thieves, you say? I'll spare you - this time. Cross my path again, and even the Shadow Master won't save you. Hand over the book and get lost. -- combat ends - Tome of Agility transferred to MC - no relationship points -- the thief leaves silently (everything has been said)
Yoshimo: Wise choice, CHARNAME. You've got enough enemies as it is. -- EoD
Options: 1,2,3,6,7 (after the fight)
Shar-Teel: She'd been lurking around here for a while, clearly looking for a target. Thanks for putting her down. I had to kill for that manuscript!
If the PC lets the thief escape (timer expired):
Shar-Teel: To Hells with her. Let's move, we've got work to do.
I'll add that this is still under discussion, and I can't guarantee this scene will be added, as I don't know when I'll have time. I also think it would be technically difficult to implement (for example, a group wouldn't be able to block an NPC's exit from a location, especially for five seconds—it's technically impossible. If the code allows for an exit, NPC will leave anyway, simply disappearing eventually). Therefore, please don't consider the above text a future update; it would require too much thought and revision to add such a scene.
However, I will update the mod in the coming weeks with improved English text for the Shar-Teel romance, an improved alternate portrait, and other minor changes.
I'm joining the auctions helds at Lady Goldsword's mansion in Water Gardens.
In the description, you talk about 11 sketches.
I've just done the auction where I was sold the sapphire that gives you chaos shield. I'm left wondering if there is anything else, considering that the npc tells me that there are no auctions currently going on. Is the questline finished? I acquired 6 items.
Well, waiting for Austin’s release takes quite a while to say the least, so I’m rolling out a part of the upcoming update right now. I decided to name this pack Shar-Teel NOVA - mostly because it sounds cool
Essentially, this is Shar-Teel's restored, proper voiceover (drop it into the override folder), portraits (+ an alternative to the alternative one) (goes into the override folder and into Documents-BG2-portraits), and three updated English .tra files for her romance (drop these into the English language folder BEFORE installing the mod). There are about 250–300 changes; the text has been completely polished and proofread. I’ve tested it in-game just to be sure.
I suffered a very serious hand injury, and mods are the last thing on my mind right now. I can barely even type this reply with my left hand, let alone work on a mod. So, there will likely be no updates this year unless the mod's main author (Smiling Imp) returns.
Furthermore, after discussions in the thread for my other mod (HTAM), I realized that any work I do will eventually be criticized, even if I'm making it at the request of other players. Good reviews for mods are few, but criticism and constant suggestions for changes are abundant. I've struggled to find time for mods in recent years, and now I have no motivation to continue, especially given the need to devote time to my child, and now my injury. I might return to modding later, but I can't guarantee anything, as my family, health, and main job now come first.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me over the years. Be happy.
I suffered a very serious hand injury, and mods are the last thing on my mind right now. I can barely even type this reply with my left hand, let alone work on a mod. So, there will likely be no updates this year unless the mod's main author (Smiling Imp) returns.
Furthermore, after discussions in the thread for my other mod (HTAM), I realized that any work I do will eventually be criticized, even if I'm making it at the request of other players. Good reviews for mods are few, but criticism and constant suggestions for changes are abundant. I've struggled to find time for mods in recent years, and now I have no motivation to continue, especially given the need to devote time to my child, and now my injury. I might return to modding later, but I can't guarantee anything, as my family, health, and main job now come first.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me over the years. Be happy.
So sorry to hear. Wish you health and all the best, Don't strain yourself. Good luck, traveler.
I suffered a very serious hand injury, and mods are the last thing on my mind right now. I can barely even type this reply with my left hand, let alone work on a mod. So, there will likely be no updates this year unless the mod's main author (Smiling Imp) returns.
Furthermore, after discussions in the thread for my other mod (HTAM), I realized that any work I do will eventually be criticized, even if I'm making it at the request of other players. Good reviews for mods are few, but criticism and constant suggestions for changes are abundant. I've struggled to find time for mods in recent years, and now I have no motivation to continue, especially given the need to devote time to my child, and now my injury. I might return to modding later, but I can't guarantee anything, as my family, health, and main job now come first.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me over the years. Be happy.
Very sorry to hear about your injury, @Austin87 -- best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
It's disheartening that more people don't say "thank you" for your hard work and excellent mods. For what it's worth, I'm very grateful for them and appreciate your contributions to the community!
Блин, Остин, мне невероятно жаль это слышать. Так паршиво вышло, что мой предыдущий пост появился прямо перед вашим - я понятия не имел, мне правда очень неловко, что так получилось. У меня ещё и ВПН заблочили, поэтому я не мог ответить вам сразу, только сейчас восстановил.
Надеюсь, когда-нибудь вы еще вернетесь к модам. Поправляйтесь, Остин.
Regarding the criticism. I can say with confidence that Austin’s take on fantasy is one of the most balanced and competent I have ever known in the Russian D&D and cRPG community. It is entirely his credit that so many texts across our various projects were whipped into shape - cleared of out-of-character and out-of-canon writing, and given true variety. And it was Austin who, back in the day, had the vision to update, translate into Russian, expand, and improve BG1 NPCs for SoA & ToB. It has been an absolute privilege to share this creative journey and be his co-author.
Let me join and say Austin you have always been helpful with a great attitude, not just from our couple interactions but reading conversations at all the bg modding forums. It must be very dispiriting to have unhelpful criticism that drives you to stop doing what you enjoy. I hope you are well because I know hand/wrist injuries can be a serious impediment.
Comments
Work on the mod continues ☕︎‧₊˚⏱٠࣪⋆💻₊˚ᵎ
Generally speaking, there isn't much work left to integrate these changes into the mod, so I think it will be ready fairly soon. Right now, however, we are discussing the possibility of adding a micro-event to the romance - something like a nice little bonus.
I've always found it strange that theves never rarely pickpocket the PC in Athkatla; they usually just try to mug you outright. For instance, in Arcanum, the moment the PC arrived at Vermillion Station in Tarant, they got robbed immediately. So, IMHO, a micro-event like this would be a nice touch for the sake of variety. I'd really like to add it.
Event Idea: After accepting Shar-Teel into the party at the City Gates district, she gets "pickpocketed" by a female Shadow Thief, who "steals" the Tome of Dexterity. The thief then drinks an invisibility potion and heads toward the area exit, taking about 5, 7, or 10 seconds to escape for good.
As an option for the PC, if the thief turns hostile upon being attacked, 5 to 7 pre-set traps could finish her off on the spot. If she remains neutral, her path can simply be body-blocked by the party to prevent her escape and force her out of invisibility.
*If the thief is killed, the Tome of Dexterity can naturally be looted from her body.
And then, once the thief is wounded, the following dialogue will trigger:
ENG
Shar-Teel: Damn! That wench stole my gear!
[if] the thief is heavily wounded (-2/3 health)
Thief: Mercy, I beg of you! I am just a novice with the Shadow Thieves, they forced me! I am so sorry... I made a mistake. My organization... they will look for me if I do not return... and they will find you. Just let me go and I swear I will never trouble you again! -- r/to Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
PC (Option 1): Is that so? Well, such a powerful organization will surely find a bit of gold for your funeral. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 2): Poor thing, did they forget to warn you that the Shadow Thieves don't provide health insurance for novices? Well... you can file a complaint against them in one of the Planes of the Abyss. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 3): I think your tombstone will read something like: "Here lies an unfortunate fool. She lacked the wisdom not to steal the Tome of Dexterity, the intelligence to read it, and the dexterity itself to manage an escape." -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 4): Surrender. I do not wish for your death, but you shall answer for your crimes.
Thief: Yes, yes! No more stealing, I swear! Take it... take this cursed book! Just don't kill me! I'm going straight to the gate guards, look, I'm already going... Thank you, my[lord/lady]! -- [Good option for Paladin / LG-PC] -- combat ends, thief leaves [ostensibly to surrender to the gate guards] -- Tome of Dexterity goes to PC -- No RP gain, +1 Reputation
PC (Option 5): Hand over the book and all the gold you have in exchange for your life. And get lost before I change my mind.
Thief: Yes, yes, take it all! Here is the manuscript, here is my purse... Thank you! You won't regret your mercy! -- combat ends, thief leaves [ostensibly to surrender to the gate guards] -- Tome of Dexterity and 100 gold go to PC -- No RP gain
PC (Option 6): Had you stolen from me, I might have let you walk away alive. But you stole from her... And I am not about to stand between Shar-Teel and her prey. So, you'll just have to die. -- EoD + 2 RP -- combat resumes -- [This option is available for male PC only] (!)
PC (Option 7): Your story is very touching, but I don't care. You stole the item, and you will die for it. -- EoD + 1 RP -- combat resumes
PC (Option 8): Do not interrupt my meditation and my thoughts on more important matters. Begone from my sight.
Thief: *The thief bows to you obediently and, without straightening up, scuttles backward into the shadows.* -- EoD, combat ends
Shar-Teel: Damn it, I can't believe you just let that wench walk away! Pffft! -- (Possible (?) -1 RP) -- Tome of Dexterity remains with the thief
PC (Option 9): Shadow Thieves, you say? I'll spare you - this time. Cross my path again, and even the Shadow Master won't save you. Hand over the book and get lost. -- combat ends - Tome of Agility transferred to MC - no relationship points -- the thief leaves silently (everything has been said)
Yoshimo: Wise choice, CHARNAME. You've got enough enemies as it is. -- EoD
Options: 1,2,3,6,7 (after the fight)
Shar-Teel: She'd been lurking around here for a while, clearly looking for a target. Thanks for putting her down. I had to kill for that manuscript!
If the PC lets the thief escape (timer expired):
Shar-Teel: To Hells with her. Let's move, we've got work to do.
Simplified Chinese
沙尔-蒂尔 (Shar-Teel): 「该死！那个贱货偷了我的装备！」
[当盗贼重伤时（生命值低于 1/3）]
盗贼 (Thief): 「求求你，发发慈悲！我只是影贼里的一个新手，是他们逼我这么做的！我真的很抱歉……我犯了个错。我的组织……如果我没有回去，他们会到处找我……而且他们也会找到你们的。放过我吧，我发誓以后绝对不会再打扰你们了！」
主角 (PC):
选项 1: 「是吗？哼，像这么强大的组织，肯定不介意为你那点微薄的丧葬费出几枚金币吧。」 -- 对话结束，继续战斗 / +1 恋爱点 (RP)
选项 2: 「可怜的小家伙，他们难道忘了警告你，影贼是不给新手交医疗保险的吗？好吧……你可以去深渊位面找他们投诉。」 -- 对话结束，继续战斗 / +1 恋爱点 (RP)
选项 3: 「我觉得你的墓碑上大概会写着：『这里躺着一个倒霉的蠢货。她缺乏不去偷取敏捷之书的智慧，缺乏及时阅读它的智力，也缺乏成功逃跑所需的敏捷。』」 -- 对话结束，继续战斗 / +1 恋爱点 (RP)
选项 4: 「放下武器投降。我不想取你性命，但你必须为自己的罪行接受审判。」
盗贼: 「好好好！我发誓再也不偷东西了！拿去吧……拿走这本该死的书！只要别杀我，我这就直接去城门卫兵那里自首，看，我这已经去了！谢谢您，大人！」 -- 战斗结束，盗贼离开 [去城门自首] -- 主角获得敏捷之书 -- 0 恋爱点 / +1 声望 (Reputation)
选项 5: 「把书和你身上所有的金币都交出来，换你一条生路。在我改变主意之前，立刻给我滚！」
盗贼: 「好好，全部拿走！这是魔法书，这是我的钱包……谢谢！您绝对不会为您的仁慈而后悔的！」 -- 战斗结束，盗贼离开 -- 主角获得敏捷之书和100金币 -- 0 恋爱点
选项 6: 「如果你偷的是我的东西，也许我还会放你一条生路。但你偏偏偷了她的……而我可不想夹在沙尔-蒂尔和她的猎物之间。所以，你只能去死了。」 -- 对话结束，继续战斗 / +2 恋爱点 (RP)
选项 7: 「你的故事挺感人的，但我不在乎。你偷了东西，就得为此付出代价。受死吧。」 -- 对话结束，继续战斗 / +1 恋爱点 (RP)
选项 8: 「别打扰我冥想，我还要思考更重要的事情。滚出我的视线。」
盗贼: *盗贼恭顺地向您鞠躬，头也不敢抬，就这么倒退着一溜烟溜进了阴影里。* -- 对话结束，战斗结束 -- 主角获得敏捷之书 -- 0 恋爱点
PC (Option 9): 影贼是吧？这次我就放你一条生路。要是下次再落到我手里，连影魔王也救不了你。把书交出来，然后滚蛋。 -- 战斗结束 -- 敏捷之卷移交给MC -- 无好感度变化 --
吉希莫 (Yoshimo): 明智的选择，CHARNAME。你现在的仇人已经够多的了。-- EoD
[战斗结束后，若选择选项 1, 2, 3, 6, 7]
沙尔-蒂尔 (Shar-Teel): 「她在这附近鬼鬼祟祟转悠好久了，显然是在寻找下手目标。谢了，干得利落。为了得到这本魔法书，我当年可是杀了不少人！」
[如果玩家让盗贼逃走了（计时器超时）]
沙尔-蒂尔 (Shar-Teel): 「去他妈的九层地狱吧。我们走，还有一堆正事要做呢。」
However, I will update the mod in the coming weeks with improved English text for the Shar-Teel romance, an improved alternate portrait, and other minor changes.
In the description, you talk about 11 sketches.
I've just done the auction where I was sold the sapphire that gives you chaos shield. I'm left wondering if there is anything else, considering that the npc tells me that there are no auctions currently going on. Is the questline finished? I acquired 6 items.
Essentially, this is Shar-Teel's restored, proper voiceover (drop it into the override folder), portraits (+ an alternative to the alternative one) (goes into the override folder and into Documents-BG2-portraits), and three updated English .tra files for her romance (drop these into the English language folder BEFORE installing the mod). There are about 250–300 changes; the text has been completely polished and proofread. I’ve tested it in-game just to be sure.
Furthermore, after discussions in the thread for my other mod (HTAM), I realized that any work I do will eventually be criticized, even if I'm making it at the request of other players. Good reviews for mods are few, but criticism and constant suggestions for changes are abundant. I've struggled to find time for mods in recent years, and now I have no motivation to continue, especially given the need to devote time to my child, and now my injury. I might return to modding later, but I can't guarantee anything, as my family, health, and main job now come first.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me over the years. Be happy.
Good luck! I hope it's just a temporary crisis, and you will come back.
So sorry to hear. Wish you health and all the best, Don't strain yourself. Good luck, traveler.
Does this mean that you have a successor in mind to maintain your mods, and if so, who? What about the community in general?
Thankee!
Very sorry to hear about your injury, @Austin87 -- best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
It's disheartening that more people don't say "thank you" for your hard work and excellent mods. For what it's worth, I'm very grateful for them and appreciate your contributions to the community!
Надеюсь, когда-нибудь вы еще вернетесь к модам. Поправляйтесь, Остин.
Regarding the criticism. I can say with confidence that Austin’s take on fantasy is one of the most balanced and competent I have ever known in the Russian D&D and cRPG community. It is entirely his credit that so many texts across our various projects were whipped into shape - cleared of out-of-character and out-of-canon writing, and given true variety. And it was Austin who, back in the day, had the vision to update, translate into Russian, expand, and improve BG1 NPCs for SoA & ToB. It has been an absolute privilege to share this creative journey and be his co-author.