cmorgan

In honor of the G3 Anniversary, I asked fellow Gibberlings to let me ramble on here ad nauseum. Don't worry, I will come up with suitable bribes later. But for now, here goes - we'll announce him when we have the other Anniversary projects ready for Prime Time™. Special thanks to berelinde, jastey, Amaurea, and theaceface for poking about and offering suggestions and making sure I didn't go wandering too far off the deep end. Especially the whole characterization-through-dialog thing. A quick note about the development threads posted here. Lots of good NPC mod ideas stall at the initial stages of writing. Lots of good tutorials exist that can describe how to use WeiDU to creat great NPC mods. The best way of learning to mod, though, is always looking at other people's code, and blatantly stealing it. We call it 'quoting' in jazz, or 'music theory' in classical - but at its heart, code is just a way of delivering a set of new ideas to the end user. Heck, any good writer will tell you that the language is a toy to play with, and even plots and dialogs have probably been worked through in some way - "ain't nothin' new under the sun". The creativity lies in creating an interesting, immersive character and getting him or her to live in people's heads for a passing moment. But sometimes, looking at that code makes folk's heads hurt. So there is a gap between the tutorials and the existing mods - the place where Lortie's "apprenticeship of observation" throws itself into the mix. I had Domi, luckily, and lots of patient folks all over the forums to guide projects I help on. In that spirit, I am experimenting with Aran. He gets to be the test subject while I think out loud through developing him. Dunno why I thought this was a good idea, but heck - sometimes writing down why I make the decisions I do can help me remember what I've missed, and sometimes it might help someone else. Of course, I would like to point out that you can do just as well on your own - read other folk's mods. Read the tutorials. Play the game, and write down how your story fits in. Pretty much, I am blogging here. And to be blunt, I am writing for me, not for you - not that I don't like you or anything, 'cause I probably don't know you, but because only a crazy person would actually read someone's thoughts while they attempt to write a mod. If you have no idea at all what "create a .d file and start with your regular IF THEN code", then stop right now, and go visit some of the basic tutorials that tell you how things work. Sometimes I will break it down to absolute basics, but for the most part, you are going to want to read over stuff on the G3 tutorials, the Pocket Plane Group Tutorial page and the newly updated and expanded SpellholdStudios Tutorial links. These are all places I strongly recommend visiting. All three of these communities have folks who are good at helping new modders out with code. There are other places with good stuff, too; Black Wyrm Lair and TeamBG.eu, currently down due to moving a server, have offerings, and Chosen of Mystra has materials both old and new, some rescued from the old CoM boards (some big names out of the past, and some new names too). But now that that is out of the way, I am going to proceed as if the basics are not completely new to the reader. If you get confused, don't worry - it's likely me. But cross references eventually appear, so that you can see what's already out there. By the way, I strongly and highly recommend a brand new tutorial, K'aeloree's "How to code friendships and romances!". Several of the most respected i.e. modders have used this kind of organization and structure for years, but this is a clean, comprehensive, step by step through the basics of organizing, planning, and working out code - stuff that most modders for years have been coming to in various ways through trial and error. For examples of mods already in circulation that give good examples of organization and commenting, I personally find the following mods easiest to explore and see planning in action, whether they set out from a purely story-driven standpoint or from a more organized plot-point schematic, both regular stuff in amateur-writer-land - Kivan [and sections of BG1NPC] (Domi/Ashara at G3), Gavin (berelinde at everywhere), Xan (kulyok at ppg), and Ajantis [both in BG1NPC and in the expanded Ajantis Expansion (jastey at everywhere). Gavin in particular is commented clearly, as per this example below of berelinde's index at the top of b!gavinj.d: /* ~B!GAVINJ~ */ /* CONTENTS */ /* Reputation talks */ ///* Reputation break point */ ///* Unhappy */ ///* Happy */ ///* Delighted */ /* Interjections */ ///* Song of the Morning - Dawn Priest Blane */ ///* Song of the Morning - Dawn Priest Bram */ ///* Song of the Morning - Drunk north of temple */ ///* Beregost - Mirianne */ ///* Beregost - Galteran in Gavin's old house */ ///* Beregost - Neighbor Davis */ ///* Beregost - Borland */ ///* Beregost - Golin Vend, the tour guide */ ///* Beregost - Bartender at the Red Sheaf */ ///* Beregost - Karlat */ ///* Friendly Arm Inn - Tarnesh */ ///* Coastway - Jase, boy by Kagain's caravan */ ///* Coastway - Bandit leader setup for Silvershield fibula */ ///* Fisherman's Lake - Teyngan */ ///* Fisherman's Lake - Drizzt */ ///* Fire Leaf Forest - Albert */ ///* Gibberling Mountains - Gellana and Samuel */ ///* Nashkel - Oublek */ ///* Nashkel - Oublek, regarding Brage */ ///* Nashkel - Berrun Ghastkill */ ///* Nashkel - Joseph's wife */ ///* Nashkel - Noober */ ///* Nashkel - Neira */ ///* Nashkel - Nimbul */ ///* Nashkel - Samantha and Jamie */ ///* Dryad Falls - Caldo, Krumm and the Cloudpeak Dryad */ ///* Eldoth */ ///* Viconia */ ///* West Baldur's Gate - Varci */ ///* West Baldur's Gate - Tremain */ ///* West Baldur's Gate - Abela the Nymph ///* North Baldur's Gate - Ramazith's proposal */ ///* Flaming Fist - Neb */ ///* Flaming Fist - Duke Eltan ill */ ///* Nashkel Mines - Prism */ ///* Cloakwood 2 - Tiber */ ///* Cloakwood 2 - Centeol */ ///* Candlekeep - Theodon */ ///* Nashkel Carnival - The Great Gazib */ ///* Nashkes Mines 1 - Dink and Kylee's Dagger */ ///* Nashkel Mines 4 - Mulahey */ ///* Baldur's Gate Docks - Basilisks loose */ ///* Red Canyons - Bassilus Quest Interjections */ ///* Cloakwood Mines */ ///* Cloakwook Mines 4 - Davaeorn */ ///* Tamoko */ ///* Lighthouse - Arkushule */ ///* Mutamin's Garden - Tamah */ ///* Cloakwood 2 - Finding Chelak */ ///* Cloakwood 2 - Centeol's Lair */ ///* South Beregost Road - Roe's letter */ ///* Beregost - Visiting Gavin's old house */ ///* Beregost - Greta's house */ ///* Spider body in party inventory */ ///* spider body in Gavin's inventory */ ///* Fire Leaf Forest - Rufie */ ///* Coastway - Silvershield Fibula */ ///* Joseph's Ring */ ///* Girdle of Gender Bender */ ///* On the roof of the Iron Throne */ ///* Bhaal heritage revealed */ ///* Many bounty notices */ /* Xan's break with a half-elf */ /* Saw a spider */ /* CHARM TALKING - doesn't work, as far as I know, but just in case */ /* DRUNKEN BANTERS */ ///* Just friends */ ///* Early Relationship */ ///* Early Romance Aftermath */ ///* Later relationship */ ///* Later relationship aftermath */ ///* Committed drunk */ ///* Committed drunk aftermath */ ///* Drunk sex */ ///* Drunk sex aftermath */ ///* Picking up Dynaheir */ ///* Picking up Viconia */ /* FRIENDTALKS */ /* Friendship warnings and breaks */ ///* Offense warning 1 */ ///* Offense warning 2 */ ///* Offense break */ /* Friendtalks */ ///* Friendtalk 1 - Gavin, cleric of Lathander */ ///* Friendtalk 2 - why is pc on the road */ ///* Friendtalk 3 - Gavin on religion */ ///* Friendtalk 4 - Lathander and racial harmony */ ///* Friendtalk 5 - Gavin's brown thumb */ ///* Friendtalk 6 - What will pc do when quest is over */ ///* Baldur's Gate */ ///* Entrance to the temple of Bhaal, final peptalk */ /* CHAPTER TALKS */ ///* Chapter 2 - What to do about the iron shortage */ ///* Chapter 3 - Mines are clear, now what? */ ///* Chapter 4 - powerless in the face of human suffering */ ///* Chapter 5 - reaction to Davaeorn's death */ ///* Chapter 6 - About Lanie */ ///* Chapter 7 - catacombs */ ///* Chapter 8 - going to get Lanie */ The organization can follow along after the product if you want, but frankly, I work better knowing how the puzzle is over-all structured beforehand. Most modders have evidence of both in their distributed files - sections where there is evidence of an original sequence, and then it has grown and been fleshed out as a new idea surfaces. So the skeleton is just that - stuff to be fleshed out and expanded, not set as a confining exo-skeleton locked into place from the beginning. And I like it when I can follow a modder's contents and see what they are trying to do, even when only three or four other people in the world will probably look at it. Read Nythrun's comments in her various snippets of code sometime. Definitely way cool and funny. One final note - if you see stuff here that's useful, great - but I still advise going and taking a look at how other folks are doing similar stuff. The more you read through other folk's work, the more you learn about how you can get your story to work the way you want it to. Plus, I learned it that way. Even when I choose to ignore common sense and do something completely off the beaten track. So, happy modding. And if I'm lucky, he'll turn out ok.

"Go on, wi' ye, then. I can write fine, but my speakin' is not so good, unless I really try. Here - let me give her a shot. Hrmmpf. 'Fair Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you good morning. Please pay no attention to the minor inconveniences of last evening's disturbance. Our uninvited guests of yester-eve have passed on to other occupations, many of them involving plant fertilization. Our chef has prepared a special meal for your enjoyment; due to the small matter of our cookwagon being set ablaze last night while defending the camp, we have prevailed upon him to create a special morning repast of Frison Rodentia and Flatbread Carbona. This way, if you please, for your morning repast.' " *cough* "See, I can put it on, but it takes a mite o' effort, at that." Aran Whitehand is a human fighter and scribe for BG2, dual classable into either cleric or mage. Basically, a human utility player taken along for the friendship/cuddling. "Specials" include creation of minor scrolls through dialog and timer when in a party with another canon mage. Primarily a male friend who can grow into an extended courtship/romance, romanceable by female PCs, Aran has his own sense of humor and specializes in bringing others into the conversation. Functionally, Aran is a Companion mod. He has a minor optional quest with a new area, but comes with no special weapons or upgradeable items - his specialty is in interacting with the members of the party and adapting to situations. For him, the job is paramount, and his job is supporting the player. He is no stranger to having to carry out orders which bend morality, though he hates doing so. It should be noted that this mod is designed by adults for adults, and should not be installed unless you are comfortable with Faerunian swearing, occasional adult themes, and NC - 17 to R rated content in the Romance portion. Statistics immaterial these days, as folks can patch them how they want, but to start him off with some basics, a reorder based on Gavin. Berelinde did a bunch of soul searching and came up with a good 'common adventurer' set of stats, and why mess with success... power players can adjust him to build a Kensai/Mage dual class quickly enough "Warrior" configuration [player options on install, fighter] Strength 17 Dexterity 16 Constitution 15 Intelligence 12 Wisdom 13 Charisma 12 "Poet" configuration [player options on install, for Cleric dual class] Strength 16 Dexterity 13 Constitution 15 Intelligence 12 Wisdom 17 Charisma 12 "Thinker" configuration [player options on install, for Mage dual class] Strength 16 Dexterity 13 Constitution 15 Intelligence 17 Wisdom 12 Charisma 12 "Survivor" configuration [player options on install, for Thief dual class] Strength 16 Dexterity 17 Constitution 15 Intelligence 13 Wisdom 12 Charisma 12 Alignment Neutral Good. He thinks. "Bugger off, you sorry old jackass - I never said naught 'bout my alignment. Tymora's Bright Coin, you take liberties, you do. Tymora suits me fine. She even don't mind my speakin' so free, swearin' on th' gods, most times. At least, not yet." Friendship Aran will befriend any protagonist of any race or alignment,though how he reacts to situations will definitely let the player know how he feels. A rough - around - the - edges man, accustomed to mercenary service and caravan work both in front of and protecting the books, Aran hires on as a scribe or accountant as well as protection. He has learned to work with practically anyone not Drow, and chase any female within arms reach. His language is rough, his approach unrefined. And if you don't like it, he will gladly tell you exactly what your opinion is worth. Folks he would like and respect: Keldorn - Minsc - "Mad Minsc. That's not quite right, though. Make it Magnificent. I'd take him 'side me on a shield wall any day o' the week, 'giant space hampster' an' all." Ajantis - "Ajantis, laddie. There's fightin' fair, an' then there's winnin'. See, if you shine your armor like that, they knows you are an officer, an' the archers take you out first. Aint' no honor in dying before you can swing yer sword." Yoshimo - "Aye, then, deal th' cards again,. I'm down four tradebars an' three iron cresents, an' I want a chance to even the score, eh? While you are at it, tell me anouther tale o' Kara-Turan womenfolk, an' I'll buy th' next round." Angelo (Aran wasn't in BG, so he knows Angelo only by Flaming Fist contacts - "Hey, old man, lend some expertise here, eh? I'm havin' troubles wi' this parryin' position. Show me again, eh? A mug o' ale if you teach me..." Azure - "Now, she's a right fine lady, she is. Sharo's got one eye on me most o' th' time, though, so I'm not rightly sweettalkin' her any time soon." Alora - "Tymora's Smile, that halflin' lass is th' sprightliest an' happiest bein' I know! If <CHARNAME> ever drops me for good, me an' her, we should think o' teamin' up an' goin' on some adventures. She's right fun, she is!" Ninafer - "Pity she looks right through me, as if I'm not there. Bad taste in men, she has. But she's a right stalwort companion." Keto - "That lass is a right fine storyteller. She can drink me under th' table, sing like an angel, an' she's as smart as a whip. What's not to love? If <CHARNAME>'s not available or interested, now there be a lady what I would love to spark wi'. A real equal. I wonder what kind o' thinkg she might like as a courtin' gift?" Folks he would like and understand a little: Aerie - "Hey there. Come over here, girl. I have some drills you can do what's to strengthen your lips. Called 'kissin', I believe, among th' fair folk." Imoen - "You doin' all right, Imoen? You got someone troublin' you, let me know. Never met an argument I couldn't solve, thogh I do admit some were by fist an' sword instead o' words. Aww, who am I kiddin'. Who needs swattin'?" Nalia - "I don't quite understand you, Nalia. But you are a fine lookin' young women. You like dancin'?" Jaheira - "Awww, quit motherin' me, Jaheira. Here, I got these for you. They'll do fine in that stew you like to cook. Here, let me cut 'em up for you." Gavin - "Hey, watch it.... damn. Lathander's Golden Poop, Gavin, you gotta stop that backswing. Here, let's go work on it. I'll teach you to not knock me silly when I'm on the battle line with ye, and you argue wi' me about my immortal soul. Fair trade?" Sarah - "I don't blame ye for likin' the womenfolk, lassie; I sure as hells do! Say, next inn, let's go bar hoppin', an' I'll watch your back, you watch mine. If they swing your way, I steer 'em to ye, and vice versa. Sarah? Sarah? Mask's Left Hand, where'd that lassie disappear to..." Ainshai - "Sune's Slender Wrists, that one will drive a man to drink, she will. I suppose I should be keepin' my eyes on' th' business an' not on her, but the lass is right pretty. An' she can whup my arse on hand-to-hand. What's not to like?" Haldamir - "Helkaer Haldamir. Means 'icy one' in lammen Tel Quessir, that does. Good fighter, keeps to himself. I suppose you get that way if most o' th' folks you are fightin' alongside are younger than pre-apprentice age, an' will die out afore you blink your eyes a couple o' times. Never did understand why elves bothered wi' us mayflies." Alassa - Now why do some o' th' finest females come in evil, self-servin' packages? At least she's got spine an' gumption. But somehow, I don't rightly think she'd back me unless there was somethin' in it for her." Branwen - "That Tempus-lovin' girl is a sight for sore eyes, she is. I'd make a pass right quick, if every time I wandered by she didn't start all that serious discussion about dyin' an' goin' to fight alongside her god. I'm a mite more comfortable on this here plane o' existence, thank you very much. That whole dyin' thing, well, I tend to try to avoid it." Dynaheir - "Now there be a true lady. If we had more nobility like that, well, there'd be a sight more happy people in th' world. A little formal an' stuck on th' law, but what do you expect for a leader-type." Fade - "She be th' kind what sees what she wants, an' gets it. As long as I can keep th' goals coincidin' wi' hers, I get a great advantage. If our goals ever differ, I'd best watch my back. Wouldn't want to see nothin' sharp stickin' out o' it." Andrei - "A smart lad, just a raw recruit. A bit sheltered. But he listens to my stroies, an' takes pointers, an' all. I like him fine." Ghareth - "He tells some nice stories, he does. Good lad. Not much more to say, eh?" Hubelpot - "Corelon's Blade, he knows his food, he does. It's a right fine pleasure to watch him cook! Th' fightin, well... he's gettin' th' hang o' it. We are on a barter system, see. His recepies, my swordskills." Kelsey - "He knows merchant, he knows some fightin' ways - an' I do think he's a right fine party member. Th' boy's got some serious magic, he does. I just wish he weren't lookin' to spark wi' all th' available females. Puts us at odds, sometimes, on account o' that bein' *my* job!" Auren - "You look her direction, an' your eyes get stopped in their tracks, they do. In a good way, o' course. But she seems to like Nalia right propr, an' wears th' flower in th' other ear, so there's no use barkin' up that tree." Folks he would like alot and have absolutely no respect for at all: Bruce - "Barroom Bruce, named such on account o' I keep havin' to drag his sorry arse past, around, or out o' every single one we venture on. Good drinklin' companion until he gets drunk, an' not so much a fighter as an arrow-holder. I keep tellin' him that gettin' nekkid an' runnin' screamin' at kobolds weildin' short bows is not a valid battle tactic. O' course, he just tells me to sod off an' get us somethin' to drink." Kari - "Nice enough furrball, an' she's developin' some skills. Still scared o' her own shadow, though. She blushes about as much as I do, an' somehow I think th' gods have a nasty sense o' humor. Now where is she goin' to find someone to love her, eh? That just stinks. I spent way too long fendin' off kobold raids, an seein' them as scavenging animals. Not sure I can ever take her serious, as a party member an' all." Folks he would be neutral/unsure towards: Touchstone - "Not sure what to think, there. Nice enough on th' shield wall, an' strong. But I think either he's done taken one to many hits to th' head, or else he needs a decent tutor in common. Talks funny, he does. Hey, what are you laughin' at?" Callisto - "Nice enough to look at, good at her job. Wouldn't want to go carousin' wi' her, though. You don't rightly want to be around when she gets enraged, eh? There's no tellin' where her weapons get pointed." Nikitalleria - "Lathander's Light, what that girl can do wi' her fingers... But I am not sure she sees me th' same way. Somehow, I don't rightly think she likes me." Biddlekorak - "Not so bad for a shortaxe what's heard th' call. I get right tired o' all th' evangelical stories, but ghe don;t rightly get to talkative, so he's fine by me." Coran - "The boy's got charm, an' he's sharp, he is. But not much else goin' on, I think. I wouldn't trust him to hold my purse, or anythin' else, for that matter. Don't see what the ladies see in him." Iylos - "I suppose that insolent bastard knows his job. But th' backtalk, well, he could be a mite more respectful. <CHARNAME>'s been a force for a long time, an' here comes th' big bad investigator. If he plays fair an' backs <CHARNAME>, I might readjust my opinion. But if not, we will have to see if he really can stop a blade wi' his hand an live to tell the tale." Folks he would not like, but would respect and back up: Korgan - "Alright, ye black hearted Son o' Cyric, pass over those dice. You are cheatin' again." Valygar - "You are fine with a blade, friend, but magic is a powerful weapon. Why do you hate it when it'll save your arse nine times out o' ten?" Cernd - "Look, Cernd. Stop with all the talk, an' let's get down to brass tacks. What do we have to kill, an' how do we do it?" Saerileth - "Are you kiddin' me? A fifteen year old? I wouldn't kick her out o'... well, she's fine, I guess. But she don't know squat about livin', let alone fightin' proper. Tyr's Blasted Buttocks, don't send a child to do adult's work" Xan - "Doom an' gloom, all talk and no action. Shut up, ye pansy arsed jackass. Grab that Moonblade an' use it right proper, now - we got business to attend to. Don' understand quite a bit 'bout you, but you can kick arse when you've half a mind, for sure." Tashia - "Look, you are an eyeful, an armfull, an' just about the best sorceress I ever met. But when are you gonna get settled down an' take things serious? We aren't on a picnic, an' you already cost us pretty dear draggin' all that baggage onto th' party. Get with the program, lassie." Sarevok - "You made your play, an' lost. You backin' <CHARNAME> now? Fair enough. Just make sure you're on th' right side o' th' shield wall. I don't take kindly to triple crosses." Sebastian - "He be a slippery devil, that one. I 'm not rightly sure I have gotten a straight answer out o' him. Nine times out o' ten, I think he knows more than he lets on, eh?" Keen Kachiko. Keen mind, keen sword, keen tongue. Best to keep out o' all three's way." Folks he would dislike and not trust: Jan - "You talk too much, boyo. An' you keep blatherin' 'bout all those inventions. Ain't never seen a turnip soup worth eatin', neither. Keep out from underfoot, shorty." Amber - "You can take th' girl out o' the hells, but you can't take the hells out o' the girl. Only thing I can say for her is she aint' a drowess." Chloe - "I'm not sayin' nothin'. Anyone wi' divine blood's a damned sight scarier than findin' yourself penilless in Calimport. Well, exceptin' <CHARNAME>, o' course." Cassius - "Mask's Left Hand, the skald never shuts up, eh? Hey, don't be lookin' at me like that, Haer'Dalis! I shut up. Occasionally. When th' wind is right." Gozaloth - "That floatin' eyeball never did say what all that goo was. And I'm not rightly sure I want to know, anyways. Ten iron crescents says th' bastard gets skewered before th' second fight is over. An' whio do you think is gonna have to haul his goey stinkin' oozy bady back to a temple for to be healed? Well, it's not rightly likely to be <CHARNAME>, to be sure." Horace - "I still get th' shakes just lookin' at him reachin' for a weapon, straight through his own bony ribcage. I think I'm not likely to sleep at night wi' a skeleton for a companion. After all, what do you buy a skeleton to drink? Can't rightly buy him a round. That's just not right." Sheena - "Yeah, right. I know, you think I'm a racist son o' a bitch, but there be two bein's where you'd be right 100% o' th' time. I don't trust no dragon larger than a pseudodragon. An' wi' that... lady...well, th' language is all pretty an' correct, but I keep expectin' to wake up as th' main course for her when she goes all firedrake random-like." Folks he would hate: Tsjuatha - "Stay away from me, necromancer. Y'ain't natural. I respect the Tel'Quessirim, but anyone be dabblin' in the dark arts is not to be trusted." Viconia - "Move one step closer, Drowess, an' you are a dead woman. Sorry, a dead spider. Didn't mean no offence to women by associatin' you with 'em." Edwin - "Come on, Edwin, it ain't that bad. At least in that dress, your legs look good. In fact, that's about the only thing redeemin' about not kickin' you out in front o' the dragon, an' having you scout forrard." Anomen - "The worst of the officer class. Give me a crossbow, an' turn the other direction - I think there's gonna be an accidental 'friendly fire' incident." Faldorn - "Hey, wolf-girl. Get your smelly arse out where I can see you. An' keep your hands away from that spellpouch. Wouldn't want to have to disturb *your* balance, by loppin' off one o' your legs or arms, or such." Miriam - "Bane-blighted bloodsucker. I need to get me a new holy symbol an' some more garlic. An' a stake." SilverStar - "Keep that psychotic creature away from me, eh? Dangerous." Irenicus - "Bloody mad, an' evil. But I guess <CHARNAME> can handle him. As for me, well... when a dog goes mad, they try to cure him, an' if that don't rightly work, they put him down. This whole 'resurrect you opponent an' try an' redeem him' thing, that sounds way too complicated to me. Kill th' Bane-buggerin' bastard, disintegrate his head, toss his bones to th' wolves, then blow up th' wolves. An' blot his name out o' th' history books, just to make sure." Kindrek - "Bloody evil Cyric Buggerin' Bastard. Gotta keep both eyes open while I sleep, wi' him around, I do." Romance Aran will romance any female protagonist of any race save Drow, or any alignment. Again, how he reacts will definitely let the player understand his position. Good men fall for bad women as quickly as for good ones, and sometimes opposites really do attract. But romance on the trail is awkward, with a group of adventurers around, and the road to romance is both rocky and complicated. Exactly how does a strong man feel when his significant other turns out to be infinitely stronger than he, on so many levels? Can the two of you negotiate the attraction into something of an equal relationship, or is this destined to fail? When Aran Whitehand meets the party, he is looking for work having dropped from the rolls of a mercenary regiment.

Backstory: Old Letters Home (pre- Military) 1 Myrtil, Calimport My Dearest Elena; Four years, and I have finally made it to the largest city in Faerun. I am writing to you from a small, dark, smelly room in the back of The Ten Veils, whose bookkeeper suddenly turned up dead (probably, my dear sister, because I just found the *third* set of books he was keeping on the side). It is good work for now, though the food is bad and it (and the room) smells worse. Do you remember the time we threw Jason into the sewer pit at the back of the Blade and Stars for kissing you? Well, think of how he smelled afterwards, only twenty times worse! The light is poor, so I will not play our regular game of switching languages every sentence. Besides, it slows me down. No dwarves around here to speak with, and those runes are tough to remember. You always were faster than me at it. Let me catch you up on what has happened since I last wrote. The travel company did not work out. Go figure. Evara was nice, for a half-elf, but she took a liking to one of the clients, and headed off towards Rasheman for (as she put it) an Adventure with Perks! I saw the perks. I guess he was ok, for a bard, but I get worried she just got starstruck. Poking around old ruins with a bard and a mage without some serious shield-wall person in tow is just stupid. She seemed happy, though, and since she was the leader, that was that. Parthak says hi, plus some stuff I should probably beat him up for. He saw your portrait, and predictably, shot his mouth off. Momma was definitely *not* sleeping around with those elves. Parthak is headed North again. I decided to go south, as I have spent four years going north then south, only to find more stuff heading south than north, so we parted. He said he would visit you on his way through WaterDeep. If he does drop by, I would make him sleep in the stables, and keep a dagger around, if I were you, to let him know you are in charge. You may think he's cute, but he sometimes needs a reminder about no. Our last night, he decided that no was yes, and ended up putting both of us in jail for the night. I never was much of a brawler. So, Calimport. I signed on with a single-stop hauling furs, headed here. They had been attacked by pirates, but since piracy (like most other things are around here, it looks like) is a business run by the people who run things, they took their toll and started to leave. Seems one of the passengers was a high and mighty paladin, and got the stupid idea that one sword can defeat over a hundred. He tried to take on the pirates, and got some crew killed in the backwash. I'm glad you are studying magic, Elena; somebody smart needs to keep an eye on things. The damn fools blasted off a fireball, on board a *ship*, can you believe it. Lucky the whole Verra-be-damned cargo didn't light up like tinder! So anyways, the captain was looking for a short-bencher, who could keep his remaining passengers under a close eye next time the galley was stopped. Short trip, good row, only one day under sail, no stops. We pull around the western tip and head for the city, and the captain's so happy he calls me up to watch (or so I thought. The three big war galleys from the Pasha or Caliph, or whatever they call the boss around here might have made him nervous when they pulled along a parallel course. He kept grinning and whispering for me to keep an eye on the passengers). We pull in, he pays me off and tries to short me, but one of the passengers saw and headed off trouble by tossing me a purse. Not wanting to cause any hassle, I just left. It really didn't matter, anyways... Calimport is huge. I spent the first hour just getting off of the *docks*. I gawked too much, I guess, because by the time I had gotten to the warehouses to see if there was work, someone had slit that purse the passenger gave me and emptied it. Saved me a night of drinking, anyways. For a big city, this place didn't have much work. I found out they have a Guild, so most copywork is done through haggling with a guild representative at a bazaar (their work for a disorganized mess of a marketplace, where it looks like no honest trader would consider setting foot). I got lucky, though. I saw a sign in a window looking for a stablehand, and when I went in, there was an argument in progress. The innkeeper, or whatever they call him here (I call him boss to his face and stuff I shouldn't tell you about behind his back) was just finishing off his argument with his bookkeeper by shoving some sort of curved dagger-like thing through his back. He screamed something about Entreri being angry, or something, and the place stopped like one of Graf's clocks. I froze, too, because everyone else did, but I guess I kind of stood out, or something - maybe I didn't look scared enough or something. Anyways, he looked right at me, his eyes lit up, and he asked me if I wanted a job. I said yes. He rolled the body off of the table, and told me to go down the street to some office and tell them I was from the Ten Veils, and that the paperwork was on its way, and then if I survived to go to the guild and get a new bookkeeper. Well, I saw an opportunity, and told him I was ok with numbers. Long and short of it, he hired me for room and board and a little coin. Said it was cheaper this way, and told me to look for the other set of books and get a fair accounting. I don't know about the whole survival thing, but apparently these guys just don't understand numbers. Luckily, the boss says he has someone else to blame besides me, and a body to prove his good intentions, so I should be good for a few weeks. The whole thing makes me cautious, though, so I have taken out two broadsides, which I put for your enjoyment at the bottom of the letter. They won't get the dragon joke, but you will! Well, I have written four letters instead of one, but it has been awhile and there is regular mail here, so I thought I would catch up. I guess I had better go post these broadsides myself, and find a ship headed for WaterDeep to send this to you. Please say hello to Momma for me when she visits next month, and Father if you see him. Don't tell them about the jail, and really, really don't tell them about Parthak maybe visiting - you know how Father gets about my friends. I miss you, but Verra knows I am proud of you. Will write more as I see things that might interest you. Say hi to that fat lizard of yours, too, and tell her to grow bigger wings! Your Faithful Brother, Aran P.S. Did Elendil mention anything about me? I heard she was marrying that Silvershield whelp, damn him. 6 Myrtil, Calimport My Dearest Elena, Do not worry, everything is fine here. I have good news and some interesting stuff to tell you. I may have found a place to have as a home base for awhile, as the opportunities here are greater than I originally thought. I last wrote four or five days ago, and had found that job. Well, it may not work out, but that is fine. Alkashar (the boss) is ok, for a Calimport guy... he figured out I was uncomfortable about the triple books. He took them from me yesterday, asked a me a bunch of questions, and gave me a bonus to keep my mouth shut. Apparently he is pretty well connected, because he had checked me out, so he knew I would keep to myself, so I don't have to worry about him deciding I might be a liability or anything. I did pretty well with the accounts receivable, and he must have made a good bit of profit out of the whole thing, so I guess he was inclined to be kind. He also got me some information about how to get hired with the trade caravans, and even let me start eating in the main room "as a guest" he said, though of course I have to keep on doing inventory lists and odd work. That means I can get some decent clothes, and stop walking around in half-plate. Even in Myrtil this place is bloody hot, and going into bath houses - well, you don't bathe, you get bathed. And apparently most of the activity there is getting yourself into a condition where you have to bathe. If you ever come here, well, just don't. You wouldn't like it. But before I go on, I have great news! I managed to make my way to the trade missions in the Taorahl Drudach to post my advertisements, and found the Baldur's Gate Trade Mission. And one of the negotiators was Helena Goldmark! She didn't recognise me at first, and I almost didn't recognise her. She has gone fat. I mean huge, Elena. I swear a tent would require less cloth. To be fair, I think she did it intentionally; it seems like Calimport people respect it as a sign of wealth and beauty in both men and women. Takes all kinds, I guess. She remembered Father, and asked after the family. She was suprised to hear that we sold to Shining Sun Coster four years ago. When I let her know I was on my own, she was good and didn't ask why. She made some stupid remarks to the other people in the mission about how youngsters grow up fast, and how she wished she was twenty years younger, and told some embarassing stories about you and me running around in diapers, but I figured it was her right. Besides, I wanted to find out if she could help me get some steady work. The bad news is that the Trade Mission can't use me. Literally. The local custom is locked up by the local guilds,and they already make them hire too many guards. Helena told me to watch out for those upper level walkways, too, and to stick to the street level. There is some rule about nobility only, or something,and she was able to walk there only because she was dessed really well, had an entourage, and was really fat. She had me wash my feet, and loaned me some local clothes (you would have liked them, though they were way too fine for me - all silk and beads and sashes. No place to hang a good scabbard). She had me put on slippers, then took me up to the upper levels of the really slim small tower. ("Minaret". No, "Minarrette". OK, have to go find out how to spell that one). She called in some guards, who looked really underarmored until you saw they all were wearing some kind of identical issued magical harness, and those long curved swords of theirs, and told the Mission Chief she was going for a walk. We walked out on the byway, looking down at the streets, and it was beautiful. The breeze blew away the smell, there was some guard carrying incense to make things even better, and it was like one of those pictures in the art gallery on Traders Way back home, only real. We had to stop one time and bow to some vizir or wassir or something, and that was strange. When these people bow, they bow all the way to the floor after getting on their knees. I am glad the nobles all use the upper byways - I don't think I want to slam my face in the sewage covered street every time some local big shot wants to take a walk. Anyways, though they can't use me, Helena said she would work on finding out how to get in with a guild, either scribe or warrior. She didn't think it was going to be easy, and might not even be possible; unemployment is very high here, and unless you can stomach the slave trade most regular work is alreadywaitlisted. (You know how I feel about that sort of stuff. I wrote about that horrible trip before.) She did say the best place to start was with what I know,in the trade or Caravan quarters, with the long distance trade. The locals liketo stick with short bench or one-off trips, so that they are only gone foraround a month, so longer routes hire on foreigners. Helena thought I was smart to try to start an independent coster here, because if you can't find it in Calimport, it can't be purchased. Plus just about everyone here is involved in some kind of trade, so finding partners might not be so hard. Maybe this time it will work out. Well, I am headed into the Trade Quarter to find out how to get dressed up like a local, just in case I have opportunities open up that keep me in the City, and buy some cooking spices. Fahiri, the cook, has some strange ideas about what "bread" is, and some even stranger ideas about what defines "meat" (don't ask), but the spices he uses taste really good. I could learn a little from him, but I think he is suspicious of me. I think his daughter likes me (don't worry, she is definitely not my type, has a face like a mule has been kicking her repeatedly, and is only fourteen) and he has plans for her that don't involve marrying an infidel foreigner who thinks that salt and pepper are the only spices needed. If you do write, you can send it to Helena at the Trade Mission, and she will keep it for me, or send it on, I am sure. Don't send anything to the Ten Veils. I get the feeling I could work here for years, and never really be a part of the team, and from the way the whole thing started I have a feeling the odd bookkeeping is just scratching the surface. I like it better when you have simple challenges to trade, like a gibberling horde or a couple of idiots who think they are bandits. I don't like having to wonder if I am going to have to bribe some local guard to let me slip out of the city. It may be some time before I write again, but if I get set up with a caravan or something I will send a final letter before I leave. Then, as usual, I may write, but you won't get the letter until we get to a place where I can send it along. Give my love to Momma, and Father, and to your lizard. Study hard, and don't try that water cantrip again 'til you get it right. The last time you tried that on a letter to me, instead of making it waterproof, when it opened it it spat in my face! Your Faithful Brother, Aran

Old Letters: backstory from BG 7 Alturiak, Imnescar, Amn My dearest Elena, I read your message with great happiness. Congratulations on your being advanced to choice! By the time you read this there will only be a few more months and you will be in your final year of apprenticeship. And Mystra is a good Goddess to serve, I hear. I always thought you would lean towards The Wise One, Oghma, and go with the Estelmer family nobility as benefactors, but you know your own heart. If your calling is to Mystra, then I guess you couldn't do any better than to Eltorchul family. There are some stories about a few of them, but they generally get written about as good people, for nobles and wands. Good but not lockstep; some of them are pretty wild, if trail stories and news broadsides talk about the same family. The Thunderstaffs follow Mystra, but from my end - plenty of warmages from that family, that is for sure! I was pretty sure you wouldn't end up following them, anyways. I am really glad your benefactor was happy, too. I thought it was like a trade apprenticeship, and you would be with The Lady Mage all the way. I guess I didn't understand about the schools, and how you work your way up. I love the emerald, and I will figure out what you mean about saying the inscriptions in private once we are on the trail. I hope this isn't one of your practical jokes, though. That is too fine a gem just to put a joke on. I liked that letter with the butterfly. The guys laughed at me, but I know that means you are practicing hard. And the colors were beautiful. It lasted a full thirty seconds before dissolving into smoke, and it was a deep, shiny green with gold and silver and sky blue. Plus, it only erased a little bit of the parchament, so I got to read most of the message. That is so much better than the one where you tried the pseudodragon, and it burned up the whole letter. I got your messages from the Guild, just barely. A coach from the coast came in last night late, and since we were all at the hall the next morning, I got it. Evara said it was a good idea to stay put a few tennday, and make sure everything caught up to us that could. "Put a clean start for everyone", she said. As for my news about that, things are pretty bright right now. We signed up as an independent coster with the delegate here in Imnescar, paying dues in advance to the local chapter of the Trading Guild in Amn. Evara is doing great as leader, which means we not only are punching to Zazesspur, we have a real bard with us! He is pretty tall and good looking, and sings like an angel, but also a pretty decent sort, for a bard. He sat down with us swords after dinner, and traded stories for stories. Most of them I couldn't tell you, as this set of swords is all male, and we kind of get carried away with the tall tales, but if I remember a good one that is fit for your company, I will write it down for you. I think Evara might be sparking with me, but I can't really tell. Parthak says I have rocks for brains, but then again, this is Parthak we are talking about. Anyways, she came in to break us up and send us to get ready for early travel tomorrow, and decided to taste the ale with us instead. She sat real close to me, and smiled alot, and leaned forward a bit. I know you told me that means she might be sparking, but I am not sure, because the client was sitting on my other side, and it seemed like sometimes I was just passing trencher between her and the bard. Plus, the wind was awful any time any fool opened the doorway, so I expect she was cold. Now, don't you worry. She is as beautiful as a spring morning, and hald-Elf to boot, and I will admit that if she ever wanted to go spooning, I would not turn her down, but so far she acts all business with the coster. "My Boys", she calls us, even though Gladi is not; of course, Gladi never talks anyways, except when she wants to split someone apart with a lightning bolt. And Kharad is no boy, but then who knows how old dwarves really are. And he only tells stories about hammers, and gods, and how our souls should be forged like mithral to fight the darkness. He is fun to tease, though; he sputters the most fun curses I have ever heard, and usually doesn't try to hit me when I make a mistake with dwarvish. I think I accidentally insulted him last tenday, because he didn't speak to me for a day or two, but then he came up to me and boxed my kneecap hard and told me how to pronounce some words so as to not actually call him a lady of the evening when I meant man of strength. The talking part is so much harder to get right than the writing. So I am sending this on to you on the overland post, as the winter is something fierce here, and the word is that there is little or naught moving by sea right now. The plan is to go over Small Teeth and stop in Mosstone, then again over Startspire into Zazesspur. The main client is some staves of Lothlander on a relief caravan, not running far from the main trade way as the snow is too deep for wagon travel. It is part of the midwinter resupply for most of the big temples for Helm, Ohgma, and Lothlander, Tymorrans being smart enough to stock enough that if the Goddess looks the other way no harm will come. The main distributions are being handled by Flaming Fist and Helmites, accompanying some of the major Coster wagon trains, but the Morning Lord (or his servants, anyways) pay too little for the big boys. Either that, or someone told the Guild who to favor. We got hired to resupply the Lothander missions along the route, but I looked at the figures, and we are pulling more profit than the big boys anyways. We have less risk, and much lower overhead. Plus, no Helmite is going to pass us by if we run into bandits. Some of those mercenaries enjoy splitting heads too much to not get involved. So, we get a bard, the added passengers that are pure profit (few, but enough to mean 6 whole wagons total), a full fist with four swords, a whole set of Flaming Fists to run to if anything big hits us, and all we have to do is keep off some stray wolves and a bandit or two, entertain followers ofthe Sun God, and follow the Trade Way. What could go wrong? All my love and best to you and your pet lizard. I take it pseudodragons don't mind who you worship, or do they? Gladi has a raven, but he is old and spends most of the time huddled under Gladi's cloak and glaring at us. I will write when I can, and as usual you will get them when you get them. Your Faithful Brother, Aran 18 Alturiak, Tradeway, Southbound My Dearest Elena, Thank you so much for the beautiful emerald! I figured it out! The picture of Mother is beautiful, and Father looks his usual sweep-everything-into-his-power self. And you; well, you look great. I'm not sure the outfit is so good for the cold, and I might have some things to say about where you wear it, but you look happy, beautiful, and very definitely not a kid any more. I could not figure how to make it work at first, but reading the script out loud worked great. This is much better than the butterfly. I will keep it close to me. I always did consider emerald color good luck, so I will keep this as both a memory and as a luck token. You are really getting the magic thing down! As for the coster, well, you know how I said nothing could go wrong? Remind me next time you see me that writing things like that is an invitation to the Gods to liven things up a bit. We did have some interesting stuff happen, so I am writing this over several days a line at a time or so, when I can, as a sort of reward for keeping up the accounts and materials list for a couple of caravans. We set out the day I wrote you last, and it was pretty fair travel, for midwinter. The Staves along are nice, and understanding about swearing as long as we are not too obvious. The older male one is a little standoffish, but that is probably because he is really worried about something. He hasn't said much. His two apprentices, or whatever you call clerics-in-training, are really nice and want to know about everything. The female one, Drianne, she is very alert and helpful, and obviously a good healer, but I'll come to that. The male one, Vran, he is great with the food, so we have something to talk about. He isn't actually that young, either. He might be my age, but he converted from the fighting ways to preaching ways only a short time ago. I daresay that is a tough thing to do, but he is strong in his faith; but I will come to that presently as well. So far Kharad's been too busy to discuss theology, so no problems there either. Evara was great getting everything going, and she and the bard came to an agreement about his travel. He actually hired on as client, instead of just travelling with us. I have never heard of such a thing, but then again, they do seem to be getting a bit cosy with eachother. I'm now pretty sure that when she looks like she's sparking with me, it is because she cant help but sparkle, not spark - she just does that winning ways with everyone, kind of like the way Father can make a whole room think he is taking to each person individually. Between the two of them, they have kept the big boys close by, meeting up at the end of the day in a big group of caravans. This is definitely a new idea, but makes things kind of like a cold, icy version of a carnival each night. Work gets done, too; that bard starts playing, and you can't help feeling like you are all part of a big family. Even the Flaming fist guys aren't so bad, though Parthak and I had a difference of opinion what one of them should call our hald-Elf leader. We kinda had to ask Drianne to heal him a little afterwards, but no real harm was done, and he turned out to be a good sport about the whole thing. So anyways, two days ago the big boys in front pulled up sudden, and went combat ready. Good thing, too, that we were close behind them; I just wish the caravan in back of us was not an hour or so behind us. The day was overcast, bitter cold, but just normal - no huge wind or anything, but they must have had magic aid them because suddenly the front caravan (Sunrise Coster and Travel, with some serious Helmites and a brace of fists to augment the Flaming Fist - real classy operation) was swallowed in a sudden huge gust of wind and snow coming from nowhere. We scrambled to point positions and pulled in outriders, and good thing, too, because the squall blew over and we saw that the big boys were in a serious fight. Elena grabbed our Wand and staff, and headed forward with our lead cleric to lend a hand - it looked like they were in a true fight, not just a few bandits. Lightning, fireballs, lots of magic flying around, and the Flaming Fist didn't look like it was the usual ShieldWall, Forward, Mow 'em Down, Square, Reform. Well, we found out why a second or two later. The forward party hadn't gone more that a few hundred yards down the trail when suddenly we were hit with a suprise attack. There were a few bandits, but the real hard part was they must have made a pact with a local troll tribe. I was a bit scared, having heard the stories, but never seen one up close and personal. Watching a perfectly executed head slice just close up around your blade is enough to scare anyone, I suspect. Arrows sang, I knocked a few down (the bandits died quick and easy) - but the Verra-be-damned trolls just wouldn't die. It was a fair bit desperate there, and I took a good solid scratch or two, and we began to fall back towards the caravan. Vran saved us. Vran and the bard, eventually, but first Vran. He wouldn't pick up a blade and fight, saying he was Called now, and had to use his staff, but he knew his business. He stepped right up shoulder to shoulder with us, saying a prayer that made us feel strong, and then he stepped right in calling for fire and oil. He lead well, for a minute or so, and got us back in order, and gave us the tools to destroy the troll bodies (you have to drop fire on them to keep them from regenerating), but he paid the price. He was too new an initiate, and started falling back on fighting ways, instead of using his staff right. A troll got through and dropped him dead in one blow. That just made us mad. Then came the part I am not sure about. Suddenly, we heard this warsong, lifting up from ahead of us. It was like nothing I have ever heard, Elena - it grabbed hold of your soul, made your eyes start to tears - it was like the swords of a thousand men suddenly appeared beside you, and you felt connected to every fighter that ever lifted a blade in the service of another. It wasn't pretty, like a song is usually, or sad. It was huge. It slowed everything down, and filled our veins with fire, and made us angry and sad and powerful, and stern, like we were Helm himself, terrible and just, striking clean through the heart of evil. Parthak and I looked across at eachother, nodded, and then we went to war. I don't mean battle. I mean War. I really don't remember what the fighting was like, but I know we moved our powers as fighters to a whole new understanding and strength that day. I found myself with my blade locked through a troll shaman, Parthak's sword the other locking blade, with the troll's head sizzling from Gladi's lighningbolt. We kind of dropped our swords, and looked around, and it was a sight. Drianne was bandaging up some Flaming Fist, since their cleric (and ours) had not survived, and the Flaming Fist captain was looking at us kind of funny. He did something I have never seen one do. He took his helmet off, and bowed to us. Then he grinned a ferocious grin like we were equals all, and strode off to see to his men. I think that scared Parthak more than the trolls. Half an hour later the trailing caravan caught up, and we all shared supplies and repaired things. It turns out the bard was a fair might more powerful than he let on. Thanks to him singing that song (even now, I want to hear it again, Elena - it was one of those things you never want to hear, but need to and must hear, beautiful and terrible and strong), we made it through what should have destroyed both caravans. Luckily it is winter, because with our highest ranking Staves gone, there is no way to raise our dead, but Drianne has taken the lead for both damaged caravans, and now we are the hospital wagon. We have Vran in a place of honor, and are watching his body as one of our own; when we get to a temple with a high enough cleric, he will rejoin us. Drianne says the cold means we have a few weeks before the dead that were not destroyed become unraisable, so we have incentive to push on. Well, this one is going to be awhile before it gets to you, but I will keep writing as interesting things happen. My best to everyone, including miss whirly-eyes, and I miss you all. Your Faithful Brother, Aran.

ADVERTISEMENT: ADVERTISEMENT: History: Managing a small family Trading Coster is an awkward business on the Sword Coast. Whitehand Trading was no exception. Born (literally, in a wagon trailing into Waterdeep) into the family business, Aran grew up alternating between the open road of Trade Way and the harbor of Baldur's Gate. While his father managed clients and gladhanded trade deals, and his mother organized accounts receivable and drafted contracts, Aran learned the family business from his first word, "bandits". When his younger sister was born, the family rejoiced at the prospect of a new generation of Whitehands building the family business into a worthy competitor for the major trading companies. The varied life suited Aran well, shadowing both his mother and father. The short but fierce oar pulling to load and unload ships, standing watch and training with the hired swords, hard riding, running off bandits and gibberlings, and nightly contract copying and accounting by candlelight fed both body and mind well. If things were not always profitable, Aran was not likely to complain. As he grew, Aran built a strong supportive presence in the family business. Unfortunately, life's dreams and expectations do not always match the measure of a man. Aran was dedicated, strong, and followed his family well. But while his father could charm mithril from a dwarven smith for an elven artist's use, Aran stayed in the backround, acting notary. While his mother could master the intricacies of contract law and work with ombudsmen and creative contracts, Aran copied documents and watched from the sidelines. The hired swords were not the best of teachers, and from them he learned odd lessons, like how to stay silent when you should speak, when to brag when you should be silent, and most of all that laws could be twisted and not always to benefit the greater good. When his younger sister was born, she was the light of his life, but as she grew it became painfully obvious that in comparison Aran was just not smart enough to truly master the diplomacy, leadership, and smooth talking necessary to make a family Coster competitive. Hard work could just not compensate for a lack of innate ability. Aran would have been content with the secondary support role, riding out with caravans and handling the bookkeeping, and letting his sister become the beauty and brains for the business. He idolized his younger sister. Fate plays her tricks on everyone, though. Elena was more gifted than any in the family, and showed precocious magical talent. On a standard trade run, her beauty and intellect caught the eye of a courtier mage to the Lady of Waterdeep. With Elena offered a chance to apprentice with the young woman mage at court, the family faced some harsh economic choices. Establishing Elena in court would take more, and steadier, resources than the family could provide. Reading the future, the family decided to sell the business to a larger Baldurs Gate Trading Coster and abandon their independence. The 14 year old Elena would apprentice, and the family would retain employment with the larger firm in the central offices. 20 year old Aran would finish the last year of his "apprenticeship" in a real apprenticeship with a major trading family. "Either he will learn to work the system", the senior Whitehand said, "or it will work him." Aran lasted two weeks at the larger firm before an unfortunate remark sent a Coster hireling through a window and Aran out on his own. His restraint at not following through on the beating saved the man's life and Aran from prison, but it was obvious that the Company Life was not a good fit. Disliking the harsh dicipline (and wary of being turned into a procurement officer or staff scribe), he avoided the standard Mercenary outfits, and struck out south to build his own trading company. Rowing crew with trade galleys, hiring on with small trade caravans, and selling his services as a copyist, he gradually drifted south seeking an opportunity to begin again. Several years as a hired sword and pen have provided some harsh lessons for Aran, but he arrived finally in Calimport with some experience under his belt. Business plans have been built and abandoned, temporary travel companions come and gone, and Aran now faced a rather uncertain future. He has learned to keep silent, to hit the door with shield and shoulder hard, and to not always look carefully at what he is copying. He has also learned that there are things that he is not willing to do in the name of profit, and that generally people who write things down do not actually mean everything they write. Most of all, he has learned that going it alone is lonely, food is best shared with others, and getting too drunk is not worth the trouble. He is definitely ready for a change and a chance to forge a new direction. Psychology/Interest In the past, mostly humans as adversaries and as companions. Mostly riding travel with some sea rowing in Trade galleys. Slight awe of Elves and Dwarves, sight distrust of Dwarves and Gnomes, solid distrust of halflings. Never seen any other demi-humans. No magical ability at all; not afraid, just convinced he is not smart enough. Prefers to fight cooperativelty with companions and to write alone. Would rather fight than talk, would rather write than speak publically, and would prefer to cooperative ventures to having (or being) a leader. His one (hidden) interest is puzzling out older documents. Not the contents, which he is pretty sure he wouldn't understand anyways, but the form and structure, rebuilding documents and figuring out what should go with what. His one constancy is his letters home to Elena, which he scribes in small script to save paper and keeps (two copies; you never can be too careful, you know) in a parchament case in his belongings, searching for times to send them via post or messenger when opportunity arises. DM Notes: Scrivener rather than Sage, Copyist rather than Writer. Unlikely to tolerate heavily evil actions, but definition of "evil" is slippery, as is definition of law. Letters home are the most telling of inner workings - will be provided as he wries them (Aran is smart enough to keep to himself, but may not be smart enough to avoid snooping eyes, so material will be provided for DM subterfuge in case it is warranted). Outdoor combat oriented; longsword, shield, composite longbow. Favors shield tactics and defensive fighting but is learning other ways. Rather cautious.

v16 of BG1NPC and v5 of the Music Pack are now out. Linux, OS X, Windows for operating system packages; Tutu v4, EasyTutu_SoA, EasyTutu_ToB, EasyTutu_ToB_BETA, and BGT for platforms. The Wizard will probably be updating the mirors soon, but for now they are available on G3 and the G3 mirror

Integrated... testing now. I expect this wraps it up!

Hey, Immortality, it is an easy fix: @3639 = ~[GARRICK 13] 'Tis a beautiful day in the neighborhood.~ [%tutu_var%GARRK13] @3640 = ~[GARRICK 14]~ [%tutu_var%GARRK14] @3641 = ~[GARRICK 15]~ [%tutu_var%GARRK15] @3642 = ~[GARRICK 16]~ [%tutu_var%GARRK16] @3643 = ~[GARRICK 17] Yes sir?~ [%tutu_var%GARRK17] @3644 = ~[GARRICK 18] Estoy a vuestro servicio.~ [%tutu_var%GARRK18] and the following match the English stuff perfectly. If you toss up the translations here for those last two written lines, I can package up a full release of v16 and the related Music Pack tomorrow night or Friday morning @3639 = ~[GARRICK 13] 'Tis a beautiful day in the neighborhood.~ [%tutu_var%GARRK13] @3643 = ~[GARRICK 17] Yes sir?~ [%tutu_var%GARRK17]

Cool, I am on it - it may be we missed that set of .tra lines in the Spanish materials somehow - I will compare, and verify. Immortality, check my SHS post reply for a better install order, too

Cool stuff, man - the Scotch is definitely on me when I finally get to swing down your way. Or, more family friendly orange juice and milk!

OK, Immortality, here it is... Windows Pre-release v16: ClanDLAN integrated files bg1npc-DLAN.exe Mac OSX Pre-release v16: ClanDLAN integrated files OSX-bg1npc-DLAN.rar This is v16 with all your files put in place and folks added to the credits. Please check that it installs and uninstalls fully on Spanish Tutu and BGT, and recheck my ReadMe work. It will get further cleanup from CamDawg before full release, but please make sure I didn't leave any of your team off If it throws errors, please go ahead and post them right here, so I can fix them up.

Updated for Spanish translators and proofreaders

Oh, no, I have it - I set up TextEdit and ran a full directory search for "%". That returned every line in the .tra files that has percent signs, so that I could triple-check for just such stuff (am currently checking for " as a singleton, then editing and uploading a test version for everyone to play with/try to break ) EDIT: ok, repaired the x#pcinit_tmp.tra sound references to use %tutu_var% so that the PID stringfixer will work on both Spanish Tutu and BGT installs - rechecking logs and posts for additions of translators to documentation - Immortality, please look here in a half-hour or so for a downloadable test version. It is v16 with Spanish translations intact, but I can only test it on an EasyTutu install (English) - please have someone check it on both a Spanish Tutu and a Spanish BGT install to make sure it works fine.

/* Language Settings */ AUTO_TRA ~BG1NPC/TRA/%s~ LANGUAGE ~English~ ~english~ ~BG1NPC/TRA/english/setup.tra~ LANGUAGE ~Espanol (traducido por Clan DLAN)~ ~spanish~ ~BG1NPC/TRA/spanish/setup.tra~ Hey there - some quick stuff, looking over the files - can you folks give me he usage for "%" in Spanish, please? The following lines will mess up evaluation as they are: 50% posibilidad de +1 punto de daño por fuego Especial: +20 % resistencia al fuego I think after that, we have our Spanish translation in place (When evaluating stuff using EVALUATE_BUFFER, the singleton " or % creates big problems. We can fix it using %percent_sign% but on the English side we simply moved it over to 'percent' )

Sweeeeeet.... I have pulled the prerelease version, and will work on getting this set up this weekend so that it will be in version 16 Pretty darned awesome. And a tremendous amount of work - thank you!

Way cool, Immortality - you folks are installing it and doublechecking the strings in NI or DLTCEP, right? I could try if it were in French, but it probably is better for a native speaker to just make sure everything works right.

When translation tests out, we need to add; Translators: Immortality, Excalibur, Saemon, InFlames, JK_Eye, Karnak, Eresh Kigal, Hector Blanco, jade, garciafigueres, rMz, L@Zar0, Miguelan, Elwe Alcarin, Xanatoss, girfut, Chocobo_Tyrael, Bittman, Calamity, Rhaenys, Elthalas, ¿Quien si no?, Bhasbuto, Ghildrean, Gorobei, Samurai_zero, Perse, Kronos. Proofreaders: Greis, Memnoch, Lisandro, DGR, Immortality, Mordenkainen, Minerva, Saemon, Samurai_zero. a link to www.clandlan.net for translation and support

No problem. We are shipping v16, but don't worry - absolutely *no* .tra changes that would have any effect on translations. A comma or two, nothing major. And for a new translation that has taken this much time nd energy, I will gladly release again as quickly as it is tested!

Updated to match v16 readme.

Immortality, any word? I am pretty much just waiting for those .tras, and we are ready to release. Folks want things wrapped by Sunday evening, so if you can send me those files I can make sure we don't have a v16 one week and a v17 the next...

Immortality, you are awesome... I have v16 prepped and waiting, so if those last two files roll in soon, then we have our first big translation package...

Congratulations!

Darned bloodsuckers.

Definitely an old Auto-tra reference - delete both of those .tra ~SetGlobal("X#TiaxQuestCyric","GLOBAL",2)~ references completely, please. On an english dialog.tlk they will never show up, but on a vive les differences language, as you said... Immortality, I am in and out here and there; PM me and we can take a look at how to make sure you have moved everything you need up to v14, then we can dive into the v15 changes with you.

Hi there, Immortality - I'm out for a week, but when I get back, let's set up a PM convference, and we can sort it all out. We can do a file compare, and work through the mess.