The following is based on Van Buren and has not been confirmed by canon sources.
This is a draft of dialogue for the character Sid which was included in the Bloomfield Space Center design document for Van Buren, the canceled Fallout 3 by Black Isle Studios.
'ere's probably the most-commonly-used check script: GetTotalSkill (PCSpeaker(),SKILL)
You might want to set up an autocorrect option in word so you don'have to type out the whole thing (I have mine set up so if I type gett it spits out the above check with an ==1 at the end of it).
Try using "Avellone-style" node numbering. That's w'ere you give the node a "number" that's actually a unique word, such as TELLABOUTSELF: for a node w'ere the PC has asked an NPC to tell about himself. Just refer to that word with your Goto statements (like Goto TELLABOUTSELF: ) an' when you're all done with the dialogue you can do a global replace for that word with a real number. Doing this means that you can group nodes by topic in the dialogue file an' not have to worry about renumbering if you have to insert another node later.
If you use this method, be sure to make the word something that is unique an' won't accidentally be used in other parts of the dialogue; ASSHOLEINSULT is a good word, just ASSHOLE isn't because if a node has a character actually saying "asshole" the global search would catch that, too. You can also use a colon character at the end of the unique word like I did in the TELLABOUTSELF: example, above. Whatever you do, don'use a number all by itself as a placeholder like this … I learned the hard way that some numbers pop up everyw'ere an' doing a global replace on them totally screws up your dialogue!
For an example of this method, check out the Avellone_Dialogue_Example_Ordor.doc file in Tools/Design/Documents on sourcesafe (the same place you find this dialogue template file).
Journal entry table Column 1 is the journal entry number (starting with 1 an' increasing by 1 each time) Column 2 is the quest ID (which the Dialogue Editor generates for you when you enter the dialogue name into the stringtable. Column 3 is the actual text that'll appear in the PC's journal. It should be written in first-person ("I this, I that, they did something to me.")
1
I convinced Sid to sacrifice his own life in order to save his friend, Bear. Using some explosives that Sid had lying around, Sid strapped them to his person, ran over to the Rusty Hooks' leader, Kyle the Hook, and blew up Kyle and himself. Blood and chunks for everyone, but at least Bear is free from Kyle's control.
2
Experience Table Column 1 is the XP entry number (starting with 1 an' increasing by 1 each time) Column 2 is the XP amount for that entry. We haven't defined how we're describing this just yet an' I don'know if we're going to use the FR6 system, so for now just put "low", "medium", or "high" an' assume it'll be tailored to the PC's level somehw.. Column 3 is the actual text that'll appear in the text window during gameplay. It should be written in second-person ("You gain 500 XP for killing all the humans.")
1
You convinced Sid to use himself as a bomb to blow up Kyle the hook.
Y'all yankin' my horn! Y'all gots a face like a witchdoctor's rattle... Now, what'cha need?
Comment
Non-dumb PC
Condition
IsSmartPC()
Action
NodeText 1
Well strip me naked an' call me tribal, ya'll as dumb as ya'll ugly. Y'all been beatin' up radscorpions with y'all's face? Took a few stingers ta the noodle, too? Bah, what'cha need, gorgeous?
The name's Sid, an' I fix things aroun' 'ere. Best fix-it guy in the Rusty Hooks, but then again, I'm the onlyfix-it guy 'round 'ere. Hey, I trade stuff, too – in'erested?
We here's the Rusty Hooks, that's who – not what! We been 'ere fer a couple o' years now. This place once been known as Bloomfield. Don' know why, though – don' look like no field aroun' 'ere.
Comment
Non-dumb PC Don't know Bloomfield
Condition
IsSmartPC() && GetGlobal("15_Bloomfield_Name")==0
Action
NodeText 2
Like I says before, the Rusty Hooks' a raider gang I'm a part of. This 'ere base is ours, we foun' it. T'was called Bloomfield, for some stupid reason. But that don' matter now, 'cause this here's Rusty Hook land.
Beats the shit outta me, kid! I read bits an' pieces 'ere an' there 'bout stars an' space thing-ama-jigs. Mostly stuff I ne'er heard of. A couple o' the computers work, sorta, an' that's where I gots some o' the lingo.
Well, we're run by Kyle the Hook. He took o'er the Hooks three years 'go, 'bouts. Shot the other leader clean inna face. Back then, Kyle's only one with a gun, so the one with the gun leads.
Comment
First time explanation about Kyle
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Rusty_Hooks")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Rusty_Hooks",1)
NodeText 2
As I says before, we're run by Kyle the Hook. He took o'er the Hooks three years 'go, 'bouts. Shot the other leader clean inna face. Back then, Kyle's only one with a gun, so the one with the gun leads.
We was 'bout to jump Kyle at one time, but Bear came along an' they be friends, now – no one messes with Bear. Now all them guys follow Kyle 'cause o' findin' this place. Tell the truth, it's Bear runs stuff 'round 'ere, not Kyle.
Comment
First time explanation about Kyle
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Rusty_Hooks")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Rusty_Hooks",1)
NodeText 2
We was 'bout to jump Kyle at one time, but Bear came along an' they be friends, now – no one messes with Bear. Now all them guys follow Kyle 'cause o' findin' this place. Tell the truth, it's Bear runs stuff 'round 'ere, not Kyle.
First off, he's super mutant. Biggest and ugliest guy I's ever seen. Foun' him when we was raidin' a caravan. He was a guard, or somethin'. T'was an ugly raid and Bear got shot up real bad.
Like I says 'fore, he's super mutant. Biggest and ugliest guy I's ever seen. Foun' him when we was raidin' a caravan. He was a guard, or somethin'. T'was an ugly raid and Bear got shot up real bad.
Kyle musta shot Bear a dozen times 'fore he finally fell flat on 'is face. But bust my nuts, that super mutant survived, an' for some, uh, reason Bear took to Kyle real nice. That's it.
Comment
First time explanation about Kyle
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Bear_Info2")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Bear_Info2",1)
NodeText 2
Kyle musta shot Bear a dozen times 'fore he finally fell flat on 'is face. But bust my nuts, that super mutant survived, an' for some, uh, reason Bear took to Kyle real nice. That's it.
Comment
Second time and default
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Bear_Info2")==1
Action
Reply 1
For "some reason" Bear and Kyle hit it off? What do you mean by that?
Wha'? Nothin'! Nothin' at all. I was jus' sayin', that, uh, it seemed kinda strange-like that Bear liked Kyle af'er getting' all shot up an' stuff. Ya know?
Comment
First time explanation about Kyle
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Bear_Reason2")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Bear_Reason2",1)
NodeText 2
Again? No! Nothin' at all. I was jus' sayin', that, uh, it seemed kinda strange-like that Bear liked Kyle af'er gettin' all shot up an' stuff. Ya know?
Comment
Second time and default
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Bear_Reason2")==1
Action
Reply 1
You're not telling me everything. Tell me the whole story.
Af'er I patched Bear's holes from the fight way back, Kyle put his forty-five at my head an' told me ta put a bomb he made next to Bear's ticker. I didn' wanna be scorpion food, so I's did it! I wishin' I didn', but I did.
It's a radio trigger, 'at's how. I made one outta a hand radio I done scavenge an' linked it ta Bear's heart bomb. Kyle uses it ta make Bear 'is frien'. Bear be a good heart, too. He don' deserve this shit.
Comment
First time explanation about Kyle
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Sid_Guilt")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Sid_Guilt",1)
NodeText 2
It's a radio trigger, 'at's how. I made one outta a hand radio I done scavenge an' linked it ta Bear's heart bomb. Kyle uses it ta make Bear 'is frien'. Bear be a good heart, too. He don' deserve this shit.
Comment
Second time and default
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Sid_Guilt")==1
Action
Reply 1
Perhaps I can help find a way to disable this heart bomb and radio trigger.
Ya be willin' ta help? Then 'ere, take this. It be a short range radio jammer. Make sure it's on when ya'll near Kyle, jus' so he can't use his trigger 'gainst Bear. I'd use it myself, but me bein' old...
Ya be willin' ta help? Then make sure that jammer I gives ya'll is on when ya'll near Kyle, jus' so he can't use his trigger 'gainst Bear. I'd use it myself, but me bein' old...
Comment
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Know_Radio_Jammer",1)
Action
Reply 1
Yeah, right, that should be useful. I've other questions.
What ya'll tryin' ta say? I... I reckon I done a pretty shitty thing. This 'ere guilt, I tell ya, it's been eatin' me up inside. I don' know what's ta do!
Comment
Condition
Action
Reply 1
You'll go your whole life riddled with guilt knowing the pain you brought your good friend, Bear. You must sacrifice yourself to redeem your wicked deed and allow Bear to be free.
Ya'll right, ya know. I gots a bunch o' plastic explosives 'ere, maybe I can strap 'em on, jump on Kyle, an' blow us both ta Hell. HAHAHA...! Uh, how's come you ain' laghin'?
Comment
Condition
Action
Reply 1
Because I think that's a great plan. You'll not only free your friend, but you'll be freeing yourself from tormenting guilt. You must do this, Sid.
I'm serious, Sid. End Bear's suffering and remove two blemishes on the hind end of the wasteland. The pain will go away and you'll be looked upon as a hero.
Ya know, there be a kinda off-kilter wisdom ta what ya'll be sayin'. You're right, stranger, I gots ta redeem myself, and I'm takin that no good sack o' lizard balls with me!
Comment
Condition
Action
Reply 2
It takes a brave man to confront his wrongs and try to right them. You go get 'em, Sid!
I bein' the fix-it guy 'round 'ere. I done fix the main power gen'rator – well, sorta – an' I gots some ol' weapons workin' 'gain. Oh, an' I'm workin' on this 'ere contraption. I calls it the mega-flamer!
Like I says, I bein' the fix-it guy 'round 'ere. I done fix the main power gen'rator an' I gots some ol' weapons workin' 'gain. Oh, an' I'm workin' on this 'ere contraption. I calls it the mega-flamer!
Now hol' on there! Ol' Sid 'ere ain't gots time ta 'splain things ta someone who can't e'en grasp the fun'amentals o' wipin' his own butt. Y'all get along an' go find somethin' shiny ta stare at.
Comment
PC doesn't know what Sid does
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Dummy_Questions")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Dummy_Questions ",1)
NodeText 2
Answerin' y'all's questions is like tryin' ta teach a gecko ta courtesy. Give it up an' jus' take ta drinkin', it'll numb whate'er's left o' y'all's itsy-bitsy mind.
Eager simpleton, ain't ya. Y'all know what? I be needin' help with this 'ere base's sub-reactor an' completin' this 'ere mega-flamer. If'in y'all wanna help, them's y'all's choices.
The sub-reactor t'is what makes them lights flicker pretty. It's only runnin' 'bout forty percent, but I knows I can make it do better. So, y'all wanna help ol' Sid make it run better?
Comment
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Restore_OC_Power")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Restore_OC_Power",1)
NodeText 1
The sub-reactor t'is what makes them lights flicker pretty. It's only runnin' 'bout forty percent, but I knows I can make it do better. So, y'all wanna help ol' Sid make it run better?
Well tie me up an' whip me wid a gecko's tale. Y'all okay, fer a moron. Alls I needs y'all ta do is find me a big, heavy book that reads science... y'all kin read, right?
27) Yes to dummy sub-reactor quest Cont. (23) Edit
Node 27: Yes to dummy sub-reactor quest
Comment
Condition
Action
NodeText 1
If'in not, then get someone who kin point it out ta y'all. Now, don' y'all worry none, I can pay ya'll back and throw in some more fer y'all's troubles.
Hot damn! Y'all done impressed ol' Sid. I be a man o' my word, so 'ere, take these 'ere caps an' I'll even throw in a ten-percent discount on my trade loot.
Comment
Give PC 500 caps and lower prices in Sid's store by 10%.
It's a big fire spittin' gun. This'll turn a whole gaggle o' tribals into charred shit! I jus' gots a couple more things ta do onnit. Wanna help me finish it?
Comment
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Mega_Flamer")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Mega_Flamer",1)
NodeText 1
It's a big fire spittin' gun. This'll turn a whole gaggle o' tribals into charred shit. I jus' gots a couple more things ta do onnit. Y'all change yer mind an' wanna help ol' Sid finish it?
Hot Damn! I gots me a human siphon. Now, y'all takes this 'ere end o' this 'ere hose an' when I tells y'all ta suck, y'all suck on that there hose 'til you taste somethin' downright nasty.
Whooo-doggie! Y'all suck better'n a starvin' hag snake onna fat brahmin. Anyways, thanks an' 'ere's a little somethin' fer y'all's trouble, an' I'll knock ten percent from my stock prices.
Comment
Give PC 500 caps and lower prices in Sid's store by 10%.
Whooo-doggie! Y'all don' look that good. Don' be such a pussy an' suck it up! HA! Anyways, thanks an' 'ere's a little somethin' fer y'all's trouble, an' I'll knock ten percent from my stock prices.
Comment
Give PC 500 caps and lower prices in Sid's store by 10%. Need script that lowers PC's Endurance 1 point for 24 hours.
Dat be the whole story, <DIPSHIT>! Y'all gots gecko<SHIT> in them ears? Looky-here, I ain't gots time to babble with y'all, so git goin' an' leave me be.
It's a big fire spittin' gun. This'll turn a whole gaggle o' tribals into charred shit! I jus' gots a couple more things ta do onnit. Wanna help me finish it?
Comment
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Mega_Flamer")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Mega_Flamer",1)
NodeText 1
It's a big fire spittin' gun. This'll turn a whole gaggle o' tribals into charred shit. I jus' gots a couple more things ta do onnit. Y'all change yer mind an' wanna help ol' Sid finish it?
Hot Damn! I gots me a human siphon. Now, y'all takes this 'ere end o' this 'ere hose an' when I tells y'all ta suck, y'all suck on that there hose 'til you taste somethin' downright nasty.
Comment
Condition
Action
Reply 1
I'm not sucking fuel through a hose. Is there something else I can help with the mega-flamer?
Whooo-doggie! Y'all suck better'n a toothless whore inna raider camp. Anyways, thanks an' 'ere's a little somethin' fer y'all's trouble, an' I'll knock ten percent from my stock prices.
Comment
Give PC 500 caps and lower prices in Sid's store by 10%.
HA! Y'all lookin' green as a mutie. Don' be such a pussy an' suck it up! HA! Anyways, thanks an' 'ere's a little somethin' fer y'all's trouble, an' I'll knock ten percent from my stock prices.
Comment
Give PC 500 caps and lower prices in Sid's store by 10%. Need script that lowers PC's Endurance 1 point for 24 hours.
Y'all scared it'll rot y'alls pretty mug, eh? Fine, fine. Reckon I'll siphon it myself. Since y'all knows a tad o' mechanics, kin I's counts on y'all ta watch this meter an' shut off when it's full?
Jumpin' jeehosafat! I never thought o' turnin' that knob. Y'all knows yer shit pretty damn good. That'll boost the range o' the mega-flamer. Hot damn! Y'all's damn good.
Whatever. But I reckon I do owes y'all somethin' for helping ol' Sid outta a jam, tho. 'Ere, take some o' these caps I been savin', and I'll throw inna fifteen percent discount on my trade stuff.
Blech! Yuck! Ne'er get used ta that... Alrighty, that'll do 'er. It done should work likes a charmer. 'Ere's some caps fer y'all's troubles, an' I'll knoch ten percent off my goods.
'Tis a small reactor that powers e'erythin' in this 'ere complex. I gots it runnin', but only at 'bout forty percent - but I knows it kin do better. So, y'all wanna help ol' Sid make it run better?
Comment
Condition
GetGlobal("15_Restore_OC_Power")==0
Action
SetGlobal("15_Restore_OC_Power",1)
NodeText 1
'Tis a small reactor that powers e'erythin' in this 'ere complex. I gots it runnin', but only at 'bout forty percent - but I knows it kin do better. So, y'all wanna help ol' Sid make it run better?
Wells, y'all looks like y'alls know yer way 'round machinery, so maybe y'all kin looky at that there sub-reactor an' see iffin y'all kin squeeze some more juice outta her. What'dya say?
Hot-digity! Jus' go on yonder ta that there big building next ta this here shop o' mine. At the center o' the buildin's first floor is the sub-reactor. Jus' tell 'em ol' Sid sent y'all.
That's what I's wantin' ta hear. Now, I need me one o' them fancy science type o' books. Not the ones simpletons use ta fixin' barrel holes usin' gum an' piss, but one like ta fix big <SHIT>.
Edit