I am looking at the TeamBG tool set and am wondering how difficult it is to use these tools to make small modifications to the game? I have an AA in programming, but I've not used those skills in years, except for the small scripts I make for running software testing automation programs.
Have any of you tried your hand at making custom items, kits, et cetera?
If so, how programming intense is it?
Are the tools GUI type deals, or do you edit raw code?

If it's not too intensive, I may try it.

thanks,

Check Infinity Engine Editor Pro v1.0.9 Build 40 from TeamBG homesite.

TeamBG homesite

I have been using these tools. It's a little complicated, but doable. You have to use the Infinity Explorer and find the correct image files to match up to things, et cetera. I've been running into a little trouble, but found a site dedicated to this sort of thing, so I will probably ask for help there on a board.

So far, I am trying to make a sort of kit for necromancers. In BG1, you can't use the TeamBG tools to make kits, but you can create new items and spells. I am altering existing spells to give the AD&D specialist wizard bonuses to spell casting within your specialty and creating a few new spells, or at least that's the plan.

So far, I've made one new spell that only 3/4 works (a more powerful, higher level version of Minor Drain that takes more HP and also may cause (50% chance) fatigue in the target for a few rounds). I spent a total of about 1 hour on this, so I am sure it should get better.

Does anyone has any good ideas for necromancer spells or items? I know at least one of you is into the necromancer class.

Katherine

I always wanted to try my hand at that myself, but I feared it would become an even bigger drain on my time than the gaming and message boards already are, so I have avoided it! If you haven't already seen it I think you would enjoy Arundor's Abode where a lot of custom spell and item handiwork created with that editor is available: http://www.execulink.com/~cmohan/aru.../bg_index.html (the page is unavailable at the moment, perhaps he's working on the site)

Well, from the 3rd Edition D&D Players Handbook we have the following--you can find their descriptions at

http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/srd.html

3rd Edition Necromancy spells, excluding those already found in BG (Vampiric Touch, Animate dead, etc.)

Level 1

Ray of Enfeeblement

Level 2

Scare
Spectral Hand

Level 3

Gentle Repose
Halt Undead

Level 4

Contagion
Enervation

Level 5

Magic Jar (Note: Remember Carsa, the woman found on the eastern side of the Firewine Bridge?)

Level 6

Circle of Death

Level 7

Control Undead

Level 8

Clone
Horrid Wilting

Level 9

Astral Projection
Energy Drain
Soul Bind
Wail of the Banshee

In Dark Side, which is designed to reach higher levels, you get up to level 9 mage spells, so you could use some of these 3e spells there. As I noted above, BG1 already evidently has Magic Jar occuring in its world.

How about using a spell that summons bats to harrass and distract the enemy a la BG2's Swarm (given that BG1 has such animation available in caves)?

[ 01-17-2002: Message edited by: Lemernis ]</p>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Lemernis:
I always wanted to try my hand at that myself, but I feared it would become an even bigger drain on my time than the gaming and message boards already are, so I have avoided it!
Well, from the 3rd Edition D&D Players Handbook we have the following--you can find their descriptions at

http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/srd.html<hr></blockquote>


Cool, thanks for the links! I used to have the AD&D handbooks from the early '80s, but I gave them to the Goodwill a few years ago, thinking I'd never have another use for them again. I got rid of about half of my book collection that day and still regret it as it keeps coming back to haunt me- "I have that book... Oh, wait, I gave it away..."

I'll let you know how the spells progress. I happen to have time right now, being out of work and all for the last 11 months. I work part-time for a new software company, but we are at the stage where we are "building up equity in a new venture" at the moment.

Thanks again,
Katherine