character descriptions

[Leshpar]

Something I've noticed since I've come back to Arelith is that there is an unusually high number of people using the character description box incorrectly. I've seen memes, random strings of characters that make no sense, ooc information about what other characters someone plays, and more. Now still the majority of people are using it as intended of course, but is there something we can do about these people that, when I inspect them, it really kind of breaks my immersion. I don't want anyone to get in trouble, but I've noticed this with at least 5 people in the past week.

[The Rambling Midget]

They're probably new players who aren't familiar with Arelithian customs yet. You can give them some advice through tells, if they're receptive, but beyond that it's just something they'll have to learn about.

If they have really inappropriate descriptions, you can point them out to DMs.

[ForgottenBhaal]

"Your only hope for fame and fortune, and to escape the life of a commoner, was to become an adventurer. Guided by your goals and dreams, you have set off in search of excitement."

[MissEvelyn]

"Your only hope for fame and fortune, and to escape the life of a commoner, was to become an adventurer. Guided by your goals and dreams, you have set off in search of excitement."

If I had a penny for every time I've read that...

[SteelsSweets]

I noticed it a lot on Skal. Detailed backgrounds as well.

It's been a while since I was in the char creation area, is there a fixture in there that talks about descriptions, how to use them and how to change them IG?

[Brandon Steel]

There’s actually a guide that puts up the basics in game now, I can’t remember the exact command however.

[Leshpar]

The commands that you need to change your description anywhere are as follows:
-description completely erases your current description and starts over with what's typed after a space (after the command)
-description +np Adds a new paragraph after what you have already typed in there.
-description +nl New line. Stays right up against the previous text instead of spacing it one line like the paragraph.


In order to see your own description place the examine command from the radial menu onto an action bar spot and then use it on yourself.

[The Rambling Midget]

"-description +temp" brings up an interactive dialog for creating a detailed description. I've always found that the easiest to use, even if it means re-entering the entire thing.

[Halfsized Heroes]

While it might be useful, or even preferable, for some people - I kind of find the "bullet point" style format of the automated description system to rob your description of some of its narrative and creative richness. But, whatever floats your goats.

[The Rambling Midget]

While it might be useful, or even preferable, for some people - I kind of find the "bullet point" style format of the automated description system to rob your description of some of its narrative and creative richness. But, whatever floats your goats.

So, don't use it?

The dialog just gives you the ability to review and remove lines from your description without having to start over entirely.

[ForgottenBhaal]

"Wanderlust has recently lured you to enter human lands against your family's advice, and your own better judgment. You plan to show these short-lived humans and filthy dwarves what a real elf is made of."


The reason I am posting this, is because I find this a bigger problem than with how people use it for memes, or random incoherent strings of words.

[The Rambling Midget]

New players don't know any better. It takes time. You can offer to help them create a description.

[good man of god]

New players don't know any better. It takes time. You can offer to help them create a description.

This. Let's help, not criticise.

[Sea Shanties]

I always blank it out and leave it blank until I get a feel for the character (or if I'm even going to keep them.)

I'm sure that annoys people, but I'd rather hold off until I know what I want to say than put a placeholder I'm not happy with in there.

That said maybe the default NWN description could be removed by an Arelith script on character creation? Not sure what would be in its place, maybe blank, maybe a custom message that they haven't written a description yet, maybe just mechanical character details.

[MissEvelyn]

That said maybe the default NWN description could be removed by an Arelith script on character creation? Not sure what would be in its place, maybe blank, maybe a custom message that they haven't written a description yet, maybe just mechanical character details.

+1
I 100% agree with this suggestion. Even a blank description is better than the horrible NWN default one.

[ForgottenBhaal]

Please and thank you.

[Leshpar]

I almost always keep my character descriptions saved in a text document on my compy. That way if I wish to change something I can copy/paste everything back over including the commands.

[CragOrion]

Ur doin it wrong

[Diilicious]

I forget who had it, but my favourite description i read said "Man"

[ExperimentAlpha]

"Wherever you travel, those around you either shun you or drive you away because of your orc blood. Hoping to gain some respect, you have set off in search of high adventure."

[ForgottenBhaal]

You may be short, but you're quick and full of spirit. You've recently wandered into human settlements, eager to see what you can learn from the tall-folk."

[Cybernet21]

The only default one i don't like is the elven one,the others are fine imho

[AskRyze]

If there are that many people who think that their ONLY hope for fame and fortune is adventuring....Shouldn't they unionize? There are enough of them...

[Royal Blood]

RP to find out.

*Squint*

[vaclavc]

The only default one i don't like is the elven one,the others are fine imho

Default elven description on drow characters trumps them all, imho.
-V-