ahungry

Updated!

1. I was thinking in terms of "distributor" - when the Beamdog forum was down, a lot of mods hosted solely there were unavailable for a few month span, so for those, I kept it as "Beamdog" (whereas it is exceedingly rare, to the point I can't recall, that Github is down - thus the individual listed vs "Github"). For other ones that are under a group umbrella, and hosted on the group page, or by the group (g3, shs, etc.) I tried to leave that. 2. Tag is intended to be a clickable filter (shown on the right column of the site) so users can click to narrow (mostly a synonym for "type" of mod, but also used for tracking collections or games with the `c:` type tag, like `c:iwd2`). 3. If you wanted to add some, feel free to put them in via a PR, they should re-use existing when able, but otherwise whatever is applicable. 4. No 5. No - the big problem with this type of parsing, which I did locally for a different thread I made (a GNU/Linux compatability checker script shown here: https://www.gibberlings3.net/forums/topic/36136-gnulinux-osx-or-any-bash-users-order-checking-script/) is that reading these files requires having them locally, and also keeping all of the local copies up to date, as most in the community oppose tools automatically pulling/cloning the distribution contents, or scraping the site. For instance, to see a mod's compatability .ini file for most would entail pulling a compressed archive, unpacking it, then reading the file - as it isn't consistent that all of them are publicly browseable from a github URL or something. If you were able to provide a single source of all the ini files that you kept up to date, I'd be happy to write the portion to parse the dependency/compatability blocks though. 6. No - it'd require too much maintenance overhead, as this is a manual effort - same problem with #5 - while I could technically scrape/mirror all the repos, it's often against the author's wishes - we need a community wide equivalent of a GNU/Linux PPA for this to be feasible (or every package to be present in source form on a system like github/gitlab etc.).

Totally off topic - @ImoensPinkHair - best forum name+avatar combo ever

Nice! Thanks @CamDawg I skim read this twice and slow read it once - I might be missing it, but while I see relative negative usage (THIS - 1), I can't find a sample of matching on a negative. One such use case is where one mod (IR) applies backstab penalties on weapons, and I want to find/match against all weapons with a negative BS penalty - I was unable to use something like: "match_parameter1=-1" due to the syntax/grammar error this triggers. I had a TODO note to try out something I saw in another mod, "match_parameter1=(0 - 1)", but I never got to testing it (another area, I just saw 'match_parameter1="-1"`, but I can't remember if I tried that - maybe that was not in a match sense, but for assignment that I saw the string quote). I think with the new _EX versions, I could write something like this: LPF ALTER_EFFECT INT_VAR silent=1 match_opcode=0x107 // backstab (263) match_parameter1=(0 - 1) match_parameter2=0 parameter1=1 END LPF ALTER_EFFECT INT_VAR silent=1 match_opcode=0x107 // backstab (263) match_parameter1=(0 - 2) match_parameter2=0 parameter1=1 END into a single statement that would match on perhaps any negative BS value (this mod introduced ones at 0, negative 1, negative 2, and negative 3, and I would like to undo those changes and set them all to 1 perhaps). So I assume this can be done with the weidu as a string that'll be evaluated, even without a THIS, but just the literal negative integer?

@jmerryyes, checking for 2 types of item animations in my contrived example may not have taken long, but I think it'd be foolish to release and claim support (or leave users with a buggy install) without having tested it on one's own. If I plan to support and test for BG:EE+SOD, and EET, adding another option would increase all testing time by that amount. By that mindset, would it be a fair expectation that I want you to play test any mods/content you release, for all given combos of fan made mods I install? I would say, absolutely not. I know we are more cordial than the general FOSS community here, but this reminds me of Rich Hickey's "Open Source is not about You" speech. Open Source is Not About You The only people entitled to say how open source 'ought' to work are people who run projects, and the scope of their entitlement extends only to their own projects. Just because someone open sources something does not imply they owe the world a change in their status, focus and effort, e.g. from inventor to community manager. As a user of something open source you are not thereby entitled to anything at all. You are not entitled to contribute. You are not entitled to features. You are not entitled to the attention of others. You are not entitled to having value attached to your complaints. You are not entitled to this explanation. If you have expectations (of others) that aren't being met, those expectations are your own responsibility. You are responsible for your own needs. If you want things, make them. https://gist.github.com/richhickey/1563cddea1002958f96e7ba9519972d9 It's the same reason on a heavily used project I maintain (org-jira) I had to change to "No feature requests unless you support them with a PR you write yourself" - so many people are happy to request addition changes/features/support, without contributing anything beyond the idea. So, maybe for this effort, I will laser focus on my intended target, and if someone else wants to go back through the completed mod and extend support for other targets, they can do so by including a PR + adequate testing to ensure it meets theirs (and other's) needs.

https://steamcommunity.com/stats/228280/achievements This may be the best I can find atm for some rudimentary stats - those who have done durlag's tower (8%) and those who have beat korlasz (6%) are quite close - and I think many in the mod community would fall into the more passionate/get the expansion territory than not, but a real survey via the forums would be ideal.

I've been testing on a clean BG:EE+SOD install as well - that comment was more regarding EET testing (I dislike trying to wait until the end, it's easier to iron out small segments across multiple environments - just like if I was making a cross platform desktop app, I would test against targets in tandem as I go along, not try to port it at the end, where it may never happen - this ensures any practices/conventions I adopt are optimal up front vs refactoring a lot at the end). I would be interested in seeing the analytics of who installs what - ignoring non-EE altogether, if 50% of mod users are running BG:EET for instance, 24% just BG2:EE, 24% just BG:EE+ SOD, imo it isn't worth the extra conditional checks/play testing to support BG:EE without SOD for what might be 1 or 2 people who for perhaps political reasons, choose not to use SOD. If "GS" (glowing staff) for instance is only on SOD, as well as circlet animations (not sure if that's on BG:EE alone) - do I want to double my work on those particular items for some arbitrary reason? I'm already tempted to just suggest it be an "EET mod" and not worry about non-EET users, but given that's a more challenging setup/install than a simple BG:EE+SOD, I'm inclined to try to continue to focus on the BG:EE+SOD support up front.

Just made a blog post/week review: https://ahungry.com/blog/2022-12-10-Creative-AI-and-Baldurs-Gate-Modding.html

Thanks @jastey! This will be an essential read when I try to do anything with SoD!

As they would say in the dial up days, "bump"!

I tried generating some AI tilesets - either I have no idea the keywords to use, or it's incapable of grokking the concept of tiling and what that would require. On the mod itself, I think the AI was a great boon to get the creative juices flowing - at this point, I've got the 5 characters developed (sprites, custom items, soundsets, theme songs), as well as rudimentary dialogue from the Branwen NPC project/guide. Now onto the real work (integrating these characters into the world). I will say, having the portraits + voices really makes them feel alive and incentivizes me on this effort.

Unfortunately, the python code gen is not adequate to produce weidu mods (I tried, it got stuck in a python import loop for the suggestion code to write the most simple weidu tp2 file generator ) - which means if I work hard to see this come to fruition, it's going to require hand tuning a few things. However, I think using the guiding principle of, "What does the AI say the character would do in XYZ scenario" will prove a lot more interesting than just taking artistic liberty with it (at least, until the point I get too fond of the characters perhaps). Updating the images with some Midjourney ones now - I'm liking it better than dall-e, although the images are a bit too hyper realistic (thanks to my prompts) - but I can apply filters to cartoonize/artify them from a realistic POV, vs vice-versa.

The Voice ** Summary The Voice would be a Cleric of Lawful Neutral alignment. They are skilled in the ways of divine magic and have a deep connection to the gods. The Voice is ancient and difficult to determine an exact age for. The Voice is mysterious, but their presence is palpable. They are of medium stature, wearing a flowing cloak and hood that obscures their features. However, their piercing blue eyes can be seen underneath the hood. They have light-colored skin and long, white hair that reaches to their shoulders. On their back they carry a large staff adorned with intricate runes and symbols. The Voice's gender is unknown and they do not seem to identify with any specific gender. They are very mysterious in that regard and it is unclear if they have any particular gender preference or identity. The Voice speaks in a deep, calming yet authoritative tone. They use a mix of vocalization and mannerisms to get their point across, emphasizing certain words and phrases. They speak with a melodic cadence, like they're singing rather than speaking. Their voice is soothing and captivating, as if they were born to weave stories with just their voice. The Voice would have an above-average Wisdom and Charisma, along with a high Constitution and Intelligence. They would also have a proficiency in Religion and Medicine. ** Biography The mysterious cleric is known only as The Voice. Little is known about them, except that they have a great and powerful connection to the gods. They are enigmatic and wise, offering guidance and advice to those who seek it. It is said that The Voice can be found in the darkest corners of Baldur's Gate, where they protect the city from its enemies. ** Relationships The Voice holds each of their teammates in high regard, believing that all of them have their own unique strengths and talents. They view Athar as a valiant leader, Anari as a skilled warrior, Olrun as a valiant fighter, and Zariel as a shrewd and agile rogue. The Voice is proud to be part of such a powerful and capable group of heroes. ** Items - Ring of The Voice – A powerful ring forged by The Voice which grants its wearer increased mental power. +3 Intelligence, +2 Willpower. - The Staff of The Voice grants its wielder additional power when casting spells. It also allows the user to channel divine energy more effectively, granting +2 to spell DCs and +1 damage per hit when spellcasting. - Robes of the Canon - A set of magical robes that grant its wearer increased power when casting spells. +2 AC bonus, +2 to spell DCs and +1 damage per hit while spellcasting.

Zariel Summary Zariel would be a Rogue of Neutral Evil alignment. She is skilled in the ways of stealth and subterfuge, and is driven by her own personal gain. In her early twenties. Zariel is a tiefling rogue with striking, bright yellow eyes. She has silver hair that is cut into a bob. Zariel has a petite frame that is accentuated by her sinuous body and curves. She has a tattoo of a coiled serpent adorning her left shoulder. Her skin is a deep reddish brown, with hints of grey in certain areas. She wears a dark green tunic, tight black leggings, and leather arm guards. She also wears two daggers on her belt, one with a golden hilt and the other with an obsidian blade. Zariel would have an above-average Dexterity and Intelligence, along with a high Charisma and Wisdom. She would also have a proficiency in Deception, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand. ** Biography The tiefling rogue is named Zariel. She is a cunning and skilled thief, who grew up on the streets of Baldur's Gate. She is incredibly agile and stealthy, able to slip through almost any situation undetected. Zariel is driven by a need to prove her worth, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. ** Relationships Zariel sees Athar as a great leader and a brave warrior, respecting his noble sense of justice. She admires Anari's skill in combat and acknowledges Olrun's formidable strength. She also views The Voice with a great deal of awe, appreciating their wisdom and power. Zariel is proud to be part of such a talented group of heroes. ** Items - Dagger of Zariel – An enchanted dagger that grants its wielder greater agility and accuracy – Shadow Cloak – A magical cloak that allows its wearer to become invisible and pass through shadows undetected