Post by kalbaern on Oct 17, 2013 14:21:06 GMT -5
I get alot of requests or questions when it comes to building, both as it relates to our world here and from others in the NWN Community at large. Rather than continue to answer everyone individually, I've decided its time to just get it all down in a single place and link folks needing info to the topics best fitting their requests. This Topic and others coming in this Series can not be posted in. If questions arise, post in this sub forum though.
Getting Started:
Before you even crack open the toolset, you should keep in mind that not all potential players of your Module or PW will have the latest, greatest and fastest computers. Having access to an older Windows XP System for testing will help alot so you know how far you can push the boundries, especially when it comes to Client-Side Lag caused by HighRes Graphics/Textures sometimes found in this game, mostly through things included in the 1.69 Patch or various Custom Content Packs.
So if you don't have an older platform to use as a test bed, I strongly suggest you find someone who can help you test and evaluate what you create so that you don't unintentionally limit your potential audience early on.
As an example, several years ago now, myself and several other Admins/Builders made reports to the CEP Team that certain creature appearances could crash or lock up the toolset or crash Players when spawned IG. The issue was that several creature models were never "compiled" and even though NWN will attempt to compile these models on the fly, some computers simply can't handle the load and freeze or crash or just stutter horribly for a noticeable pause. Others however can process these same models with few or no hitches and its unnoticed. When lists were given to the CEP Team, their leader, "Barry_1066" denounced all the issues as something other than what was reported. Why? Because he never had issues on his own computer. It didn't matter that dozens of folks all shared the same complaints and a few of us even offered the fixes, because it wasn't a problem for him personally, he dismissed it as a true issue needing resolved. Don't be narrow minded like he's always been (those creatures are still broken, even after several years in a few cases). If you can't duplicate a problem yourself, ask others to test it as well.
Below is a list of further topics with Links. I suggest they be read and followed in the order posted below:
How To Guide: Factions Link
How To Guide: Base Builder Module Link
How To Guide: Master Build Module & Hosted Module Link
How To Guide: Module Design Link
How To Guide: Treasure and Stores Module Link
How To Guide: Naming Conventions Link Pending
How To Guide: Adding Haks Link Pending
How To Guide: Building Areas Link Pending
How To Guide: Creating NPCs Link Pending
How To Guide: Connecting Transitions Link Pending
How To Guide: Creating Quests Link Pending
Getting Started:
Before you even crack open the toolset, you should keep in mind that not all potential players of your Module or PW will have the latest, greatest and fastest computers. Having access to an older Windows XP System for testing will help alot so you know how far you can push the boundries, especially when it comes to Client-Side Lag caused by HighRes Graphics/Textures sometimes found in this game, mostly through things included in the 1.69 Patch or various Custom Content Packs.
So if you don't have an older platform to use as a test bed, I strongly suggest you find someone who can help you test and evaluate what you create so that you don't unintentionally limit your potential audience early on.
As an example, several years ago now, myself and several other Admins/Builders made reports to the CEP Team that certain creature appearances could crash or lock up the toolset or crash Players when spawned IG. The issue was that several creature models were never "compiled" and even though NWN will attempt to compile these models on the fly, some computers simply can't handle the load and freeze or crash or just stutter horribly for a noticeable pause. Others however can process these same models with few or no hitches and its unnoticed. When lists were given to the CEP Team, their leader, "Barry_1066" denounced all the issues as something other than what was reported. Why? Because he never had issues on his own computer. It didn't matter that dozens of folks all shared the same complaints and a few of us even offered the fixes, because it wasn't a problem for him personally, he dismissed it as a true issue needing resolved. Don't be narrow minded like he's always been (those creatures are still broken, even after several years in a few cases). If you can't duplicate a problem yourself, ask others to test it as well.
Below is a list of further topics with Links. I suggest they be read and followed in the order posted below:
How To Guide: Factions Link
How To Guide: Base Builder Module Link
How To Guide: Master Build Module & Hosted Module Link
How To Guide: Module Design Link
How To Guide: Treasure and Stores Module Link
How To Guide: Naming Conventions Link Pending
How To Guide: Adding Haks Link Pending
How To Guide: Building Areas Link Pending
How To Guide: Creating NPCs Link Pending
How To Guide: Connecting Transitions Link Pending
How To Guide: Creating Quests Link Pending