ahungry

On 10/11/2023 at 11:48 AM, subtledoctor said:

Can you have the link for Faiths & Powers point to my branch of the mod? download link here. This version the the most current one. 

Updated!

Quote

1. 'Dist' seems to be either the github repo owner or the mod's homepage site. You seem to have preferred the site over the author (i.e. Beamdog rather than mod author). Is that correct?
2. 'Tag' looks like it might be taken from github topics? Is that right?
3. If there is evidence to support other tags can they be added or do you want to stick to listed topics?
4. Are you automatically pulling any of this info from github?
5. Are you interested in pulling compatibility info from .ini?
6. Are you interested in displaying current version and/or date of last release?

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.

6 minutes ago, Endarire said:

I'm glad we're getting something more comprehensible than this.

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

Olrun

** Summary
Olrun would be a Barbarian of Chaotic Neutral alignment. He is skilled
in the ways of melee combat and has a deep connection with the gods.

In his late twenties.

Olrun is a stout dwarven barbarian with a thick beard, brown eyes, and
a bald head. He has a rugged and weathered look, and his strong arms
are covered with intricate tattoos.

Olrun is a stout dwarven barbarian with a wild, unkempt look. He has a
bald head, a thick brown beard, and deep brown eyes that twinkle with
humor. His strong arms are covered with intricate tattoos depicting
the tales of his adventures. He often wears heavy leather armor, a
belt festooned with axes, and carries a special hammer he crafted
himself. Despite his gruff exterior, Olrun is deeply loyal to his
friends and always ready for a good fight.

Olrun would have an above-average Strength and Constitution, along
with a high Charisma and Intelligence. He would also have a
proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation.


** Biography
The dwarf berserker is named Olrun. He is a fierce
warrior, deeply devoted to the gods of his people, and driven by a
need to prove his strength in battle. Olrun has a penchant for
charging straight into danger, often without much thought or regard
for his own safety. However, his courage and bravery make him an
invaluable ally in difficult situations.

** Relationships
Olrun has a deep admiration for Athar's noble ideals and bravery. He
appreciates Anari's strength and skill in battle, and admires Zariel's
cunning and agility. Olrun also holds The Voice in high esteem,
believing they have a powerful connection with the gods. Olrun is
proud to fight alongside such a talented group of heroes.

** Items

- Hammer of Olrun – A powerful hammer crafted by Olrun for extra
  crushing power in combat. +3 attack bonus, +3 damage per hit, 2d6
  bludgeoning damage.

– Hauberk of Strength – A heavy chainmail hauberk that increases its
  wearer's strength in battle. +4 AC bonus, +1 damage per hit.

Anari

** Summary
Anari would be a Ranger of Chaotic Good alignment. She is skilled in
the ways of ranged combat and has knowledge of the natural world.

In her late twenties.

Anari is an agile wild elf with waist-length black hair and emerald
green eyes. She has an athletic build and a mischievous glint in her
eye.

She is an agile wild elf with a slender figure and darkly tanned
skin. Her waist-length, jet-black hair is streaked with bright green
highlights, and her captivating emerald green eyes sparkle with
mischief. She often wears a green leather tunic, cinched at the waist
with a belt, and studded leather boots. A quiver of arrows hangs at
her side, and a longbow slung over her shoulder. Anari is fiercely
loyal to her friends, but her headstrong nature often leads her into
dangerous situations.

Anari would have an above-average Strength and Constitution, along
with a high Dexterity and Intelligence. She would also have a
proficiency in Nature, Perception, and Survival.

** Biography
A wild elf from the woods of Baldur's Gate. She is a master archer and
swordsman, as well as a powerful spellcaster. Anari is brave and
fiercely loyal to her friends and allies, and will do whatever it
takes to protect them from harm. She too has joined your quest to
discover the Heart of Baldur's Gate, and together you will face the
many obstacles and challenges that await.

** Relationships
Athar and Anari are both passionate about protecting Baldur's Gate,
but they often have differing opinions on how to do so. Despite this,
they are friends who share a mutual understanding and respect for each
other. They help each other out in difficult times and are loyal
allies to one another in their shared quest.

Athar and Anari both have families, but neither of them have any
romantic relationships. However, they both care deeply for their
families and are willing to do anything to protect them from harm.

Anari deeply respects Athar for his strong sense of justice and
unwavering loyalty. She is impressed by Olrun's strength and courage,
and appreciates Zariel's agile and stealthy skills. She is also in awe
of The Voice's powerful magics and wisdom. Anari is proud to fight
alongside such an impressive group of heroes.

** Items

- Bow of the Wild – A magical bow that grants its wielder an extra
  boost of speed and power in battle. +2 attack bonus, +2 damage per
  hit, 2d6 piercing damage.

– Armor of the Wild – A mystical armor crafted from the hides of wild
  animals, granting its wearer increased agility in battle. +3 AC bonus,
  +2 AC vs ranged attacks.

Athar

** Summary
A Paladin of Lawful Good alignment. He would be skilled in the ways of
melee combat and have knowledge of ancient magical arts.

In his mid-thirties.

Athar is a muscular human with short, dark brown hair and hazel
eyes. He has a strong jawline and a noble air about him.

He is a muscular human with an authoritative presence. He stands tall
and proud, his back straight with confidence. His hazel eyes are like
a beacon of justice, a reminder of the chivalrous ideals he holds
dear. His dark brown hair is cropped short and neat, emphasizing his
strong jawline. Athar wears a suit of light plate armor, adorned with
symbols of his faith, and a cloak of azure blue. On his belt hangs a
shining silver longsword, its hilt bearing a crest of a lion rampant.

Athar would have an above-average Strength and Constitution, along
with a high Charisma and Wisdom. He would also have a proficiency in
Religion and Insight.

** Biography
Athar, a curious and helpful warrior of Baldur's Gate who was born
into a noble family. He is knowledgeable and wise, with a great
affinity for the ancient ways of magic and combat. He joined your
quest to obtain the Heart of Baldur's Gate, driven by a sense of
adventure and a desire to protect his home from those who seek to use
its power for ill. Together, you will overcome the dangers of your
journey and ensure the safety of Baldur's Gate.

** Relationships
Athar and Anari are both passionate about protecting Baldur's Gate,
but they often have differing opinions on how to do so. Despite this,
they are friends who share a mutual understanding and respect for each
other. They help each other out in difficult times and are loyal
allies to one another in their shared quest.

Athar and Anari both have families, but neither of them have any
romantic relationships. However, they both care deeply for their
families and are willing to do anything to protect them from harm.

Athar admires Anari for her courage and determination, praising her
for her skill in combat. He respects Olrun's bravery and dedication to
the gods, and admires Zariel's cunning and agility. He views The Voice
with a great deal of reverence, believing they are our best chance at
achieving success in our quest. Athar is grateful to have such
powerful allies by his side.


** Items

- Sword of Justice – A shining blade forged by Athar which increases
  his strength in battle. +2 attack bonus, +1 damage per hit, 2d6
  slashing damage.

– Shield of Honor – A magical shield that grants additional protection
  when defending against attacks. +4 AC bonus, +5 vs physical attacks.

The giant interaction dump is too much, I put it in a sprunge if anyone cares to view and be amazed at the tech.

The actual output will be parsed/organized by me in the following posts, to be in the form of what might be a coherent mod design.

First I'll break down the heroes/joinable NPCs (all descriptions, stats, ideas, items, banters directly produced by the AI, without interpretation by me).

The images are also produced by AI, by curating the text descriptions into art descriptions for DALL-E (I'll try MidJourney and some others later).

So, I was playing with OpenAI again - this time exploring the text prompts, and I decided to see what it might come up with for a mod design.

This is the back and forth, and it honestly sounds pretty amazing (although I'm curious if it overlaps with any existing mods, or D&D campaigns):

Are you on EET?  The entrance was never usable for me on EET due to area renaming (I believe).

Sorry, it's a FF6 reference - in the 90s all sorts of obscure rumors existed about doing things that one wouldn't normally do, to revive him https://steamcommunity.com/app/1173820/discussions/0/3035976310917263559/ - since we were discussing a mystery/unused area in bg, I thought I was being funny

I heard if you appear there at the right time, you can bring back General Leo

Thanks! 

Psycopath has the crown (he is south of the ogrillions that want you to pass their bridge for 200 gold) - the item looks like a black circlet.

@HotaruPL what city has the docks you mention?  BG1, in actual Baldur's Gate?