Problem: Many module authors include a few completely unique loot items (weapons, armor, helms, rings, etc.) which have custom models and/or inventory icons. By "custom" here I am specifically referring to appearances which are not available in the default game resources -- unique 3D models or icon images which are instead included by the module author as custom content assets in the HAK file specifically made for that module.
Unfortunately, if a victorious character carries that cool custom item into a subsequent module, they will often have problems due to missing appearances. For items with visible 3D models (helms, armor, weapons), the game will either not show a model at all, or will show a model for a bag. For items that only have inventory icons (rings, amulets, etc.), blank squares will appear in place of the missing custom icon.
All this can be really confusing, and it certainly makes the item a lot less fun to use in subsequent adventures. Personally, I export and reuse characters all the time, and I can't tell you how many times I've ended up with a bag on my head, an invisible weapon, or an inventory full of black boxes.
Solution: Consider replacing a less used default item of that type rather than adding a brand new one. That way, even in other modules that do not contain your custom assets, the game will use a reasonably suitable model and/or icon. For example, adding a custom helm model so that it replaces helm_015 might not be a bad idea. The helm will at least always look like a helm. For the very, very few people that might already possess an item with that specific appearance, the only difference is that they get a slightly different appearance for that specific item, and only while playing your module. The name and description (and for most armor and weapons, the colors) will still be different, and that should help to prevent any confusion. Assuming you choose wisely, your players will never end up mistaking a new item for one they already had.
This technique works even better for things that only appear as inventory icons. Wouldn't you rather have two rings with the appearance of iit_ring_036 rather than having one of end up as a black box? For things like Miscellaneous Thins, most of the available icons are rarely used and easily replaced in your own module without any concerns.
This approach is best suited for items that only use default Bioware item abilities. In these cases, the item should be 100% functional in any other NWN module. For items that have scripted special abilities, of course those abilities simply won't work in other modules. But at least the item will have some sort of appropriate appearance, and the players will have a much easier time managing their inventory between when they finish your module and when they visit the next merchant to sell their loot.
Modifié par Invisig0th, 12 septembre 2010 - 08:19 .
