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[sapphim]

The current version of the script we're working from is here: http://dalish-ious.t...t/134235669472/

[sapphim]

(Note I've already begun proofreading and rerouting lines of dialogue to play properly in game.)

 

My thoughts:

 

Rather than a movie (where Duncan would normally provide vo) it might be less labor-intensive though still interesting to provide the background opening in a slideshow format (as in the epilogue) with text over art that can be clicked through. (I need to know the dimensions of the epilogue art assets or where they can be located in the game files.)

 

While I like the idea of starting the game off with an short fight before going into a cutscene I think it might be smoother to consolidate everything into an initial cutscene (one concern is that the player if given initial control might steal Milli's maul before they have a chance to use it lmao) so the introduction goes intro > cutscene > dialogue > fight rather than intro > cutscene > fight > cutscene > dialogue > fight. But I have no strong feelings either way.

 

We need ambient dialogue for the NPCs in the village

 

We need more dialogue surrounding the sidequest with Meda

 

As we've since discovered, the Chasind in Lothering call non-Chasind "grass landers"

 

Normally around this point in an Origin, Duncan will have been introduced, giving the player the opportunity to talk to him and pick up on Grey Warden lore, and establishing how the Wardens are well-regarded among each different culture. It's reasonable to believe that if Duncan has gone out of his way to be on good terms with the Dalish traveling through the area, he'd also have done the same with the Chasind (who live in permanent settlements, after all - and he does explicitly mention "barbarian" warden recruits in dialogue elsewhere). Even if we can't work in a full conversation with Duncan or good excuse to introduce him ahead of time, it would be reasonable to assume that the discussion of the taint (and an elaboration on how Meda knows what might combat it) could segue into a side conversation on Warden lore and how serious the darkspawn situation in the Wilds has become. (Judging by ambient Chasind dialogue in Lothering, VERY serious.

 

I'd like to see if it's possible to cobble together a conversation with dialogue using only recycled VO. (Luckily he's made a lot of appearances.) I'm nearly done collecting his dialogue into a text file for easier searching. If we're voicing the origin (which I sincerely hope we are) the alternative is to record all his lines from scratch using the best impersonator we can find, as mixing and matching would sound bad.

 

Regarding the segue into Ostagar: It would definitely feel out of place to not have the introduction with Cailan on the road into Ostagar, but if Duncan has already made camp at Ostagar then that "royal welcome" would feel out of place. If Duncan is simply returning to camp empty-handed after a long trip the question arises of why Duncan didn't return to Ostagar before slumming it in the Korcari, and how Duncan and the PC magically teleported to the opposite side of the camp at Ostagar (we know, after all, where the gated entrance to the Korcari is).

 

I guess my question is, is keeping that iconic cinematic transition into the prelude worth a little bit of "wait what" or is it worthwhile to mix it up a bit and maybe cut together a slightly more lowkey introduction to Duncan and Cailan.

 

Also, does Duncan have other Grey Wardens traveling with him? He's usually alone but he has a handful of friends in the Dwarf Noble Origin who... magically disappear before Ostagar... okay so let's say he's traveling alone.

[Dalishious]

I think your outline of how things should go for the opening would make for a smoother gameplay. When I wrote the original 'script' I had zero idea it would ever actually become anything, so I am really super open to adjustments to better fit the mod. (Plus it didn't even occur to me the player might steal the companions' weapons!)

 

If you want I can write-up some possible ambient dialogue. But I think the extra Meda talk should be a higher priority, UNLESS Duncan can work out. Which frankly, I think would be the superior option of the two. It would also give more reason for him to appear later in the game. AND allow for the "royal welcome" at Ostagar. And the dialogue where he mentions Ostagar we could edit out the "back" part when he says he's on his way there.

 

Re: Voices... I've actually had a few people PM me on Tumblr inquiring about this already. I responded by saying the project is in very early stages but that I'm glad they are interested. So I don't think we should have too much of a problem looking for volunteers when the time comes. (I hope!)

[sapphim]

Pffffft completely forgot about Duncan for a while. Here's all the dialogue I could find for him. https://www.dropbox....candlg.txt?dl=0

 

Lines can be shortened but I'm not sure how well splicing separate lines would work.

[Dalishious]

It'd be nice to avoid him sounding like one of those memes people do on Youtube, cutting together speeches of Obama to the tune of a song.

I am seeing some reoccurring themes re: darkspawn and grey warden explanation, though. I don't see why we can't give it a shot throwing some of it together. But if all else fails we'll have to go with Plan B.

[sapphim]

Ah, now I remember why I questioned if Duncan was traveling alone. He always notes that he has witnesses present when he recruits or conscripts a Warden. Definitely not required by lore, though. Too bad so sad all your friends are dead yaaaaaaay *\o/*

 

There are plenty of lines to loot explaining the Grey Wardens or praising the PC or forcibly conscripting them or leaving for Ostagar or etc. so that shouldn't be an issue in the slightest. Some lines I noticed may be turned to more specific purposes though...

 

(the forum kind of mangled the formatting and order on this, sorry)

 

Spoiler

• She was indeed. And it appears she has passed her skills on to you. (a thought: perhaps bits and pieces of a small exchange about Meda can be hacked together so long as Duncan is only ever reacting to what the PC says, if we want to imply they know each other)

• I did not do this for your benefit. (lmao rude Duncan)

• So you were the one fighting darkspawn. I thought I heard combat. (or is this too captain obvious in context)

• It's a good thing I don't return that feeling, wouldn't you say? (being rude to Duncan is my hobby we need to be able to be rude to Duncan he's a jerk)

• She may have weakened it, but she cannot cure it. ("no I'm not dying if I can find my tribe the Augur knows about these flowers that can help" or w/e)

• She owes me nothing. (brb writing an elaborate off-canon backstory btwn Duncan and Meda in my head)
• I meant no offense. (my thoughts on first seeing this line "oh thank god we CAN have that exchange about Milli's pronouns")
• I am very sorry for your loss.
• For the moment they are fine. There are far more important matters arising that endanger more than just your people.
• Your recovery is only temporary. I can sense the sickness in you, and it is spreading. Look inside yourself and you will see.
• It was my duty to return an injured Dalish to your clan; your people have always been allies with the Grey Wardens.

• You're quite welcome. Perhaps you'll do the same for me sometime.

• I would have, had I not been battling them myself. Not all the kills here were yours, as you can see.

• There is nothing we can do.

• Darkspawn are evil creatures, and it's best to leave it at that. I'm... sorry. ("so hey duncan what do they do with the women")

• I suggest, however, leaving sooner rather than later. You are sick, whether you feel it or not, and it does you no good to linger.

• My order is in need of help. You are in need of a cure. When I leave, I hope you will join me. You would make an excellent Grey Warden.

• The darkspawn taint courses through your veins. That you recovered at all is remarkable.
• etc. etc. other darkspawn taint talk from the dalish origin and etc.

• A home that darkspawn may tear apart. This way, you can find a cure <emp>and</emp> protect your clan. Have courage.

• I will drag you kicking and screaming to Ostagar if I must. Would you rather die here, and sicken your own people? (ok I know I already said there's lots of conscription talk to loot but we DEFINITELY need this one it's great)

• Let me be clear: You will likely never return here. We go to fight the darkspawn, a battle that will take us far from your clan. But we need you and others like you.
• (bless the dalish origin it is a true hero)
• Of course. I understand this topic might be sensitive.
• I sometimes wonder if the Chantry's many laws regarding magic are necessary. (some sort of vaguely reassuring response to "hey I hear y'all are **** to your magic wielders" can be pieced together from this and other lines in the mage origin probably)
• So some believe, but I disagree.

• The darkspawn threaten everyone. They do not distinguish between the races, and neither should we. (nnnnnnot that the Chasind count as a "race" by dragon age standards but there's very little wiggle room to acknowledge the differing culture otherwise so here it goes)

• I meant no offense. (he says this multiple times so at least ONE of these must be usable)

• Forgive me if I was prying into personal issues.

• You would know that better than I.

• It is a rare person who risks all for a friend in need.

• You may think so, but others feel otherwise.

• What are she and her mother doing in the Wilds? Are they Chasind?

• Were they wilder folk? (^^ these two lines are probably unsuitable for splicing but they're the only time Duncan mentions the chasind... possibly some variation of "...wilder folk?" could be acceptable)

• Death is never easy to accept, especially when it arrives in such a brutal fashion.

• Honor your comrades if you wish, but know that we must press forward. Always, we must press forward.

• Men and women from every race, warriors and mages, barbarians and kings... the Grey Wardens sacrificed everything to stem the tide of darkness... and prevailed. (again, limited options)
• Don't be foolish. (most of Duncan's soundset files are completely unusable but I recall this one sounded alright)

[Dalishious]

(I actually very purposely wrote the thing with similarities to the Dalish, because I kind of see the Chasind and Avvar as the human equivalent to them.) So yes bless the Dalish origin!

 

The kicking and screaming line should indeed be in, haha.

 

And yeah, considering Duncan pretty much shows up and is like, "lol you're with me now say goodbye to your dead friends" there should be reason to anger him, for sure.

 

I'd say all of those work well. As long as the basic points get across I think the script could be bent any way.