DDPWNavBar

Project Overview

The DDPW (Database-Driven Persistent World) Project was conceived as a response to the difficulties that were being encountered by DnD (Dungeons and Dragons) fans who either lacked the required technical knowledge or simply did not have the massive amount of time needed to create a decent Neverwinter Nights module which would take a short two (2) to three (3) hours to play through. A means of creating adventures and even entire campaigns in a fraction of the time it normally takes to build them would be an ideal tool to complement the NWN (Neverwinter Nights) experience. Although the Aurora Toolset is an excellent tool for module makers and allows for nearly limitless possibilities, learning and using the toolset often proves to be prohibitively taxing in both time and effort for most DMs (Dungeon Masters)

During the course of the project, it eventually became apparent that the simple randomization of certain elements of quests became the common pitfall of many "dynamic" quest systems that have since been released for NWN. The problem with these systems is that they necessitate the oversimplifying of plot and story lines to accommodate for the limitations of randomization. Simply put, purely randomized quests end up churning out stale and repetitive plot lines which lose their initial attraction very rapidly.

In order to provide interesting and compelling content, the creative talent of a DM is indispensable. The key is to provide DMs with powerful tools they can utilize to bring their narrative ideas to life within the NWN game with minimal investments in time and effort. Through a great deal of thought and planning, certains tools were required to achieve the project's goals:

DMs need to be able to create conversations which do not only branch, but which can also garner information from the players (ie Gender, Class, Level) as well as execute a string of simple events (ie. Cast a Spell, Give Gold, Create a Creature) without requiring the DM to write and compile additional Neverwinter Scripts.

This first requirement is fulfilled through the DCE (Dynamic Conversation Editor). As with all the systems, this is entirely dependant on a database (specifically mySQL) which is a prerequisite to utilizing all DDPW systems. The DCE also allows for designers to edit conversations at runtime without requiring any modifications on the actual module. This allows for dynamic changes to existing conversations and even the creation of entirely new conversations without requiring a server restart or actual access to make modifications to the module proper.

The manipulation of objects such as the player himself, npcs, creatures, placeables, items, area of effects, doors, stores, and area triggers is integral to create plot-forwarding events. Objects must be able to change their function based on their specific current use. An example would be a chest that a DM could use to give players a magical dagger during one quest but which could as easily transform into a black dragon in another mission. Different blueprints with different scripts is the standard method for most module builders but a system is needed to allow a more flexible way to assign events and conditions to certain triggers on a specific object without being forced to change the physical module.

This second requirement is fulfilled with the (OTEM) Object Trigger Events Manager which allows objects to refer to database entries to determine what events actually occur when certain conditions are met. Since a database entry can be dynamically changed at runtime, object events themselves can be easily altered. Take note that area objects were not included in the list above since the OnExit and OnEnter triggers of an area can be easily simulated through area trigger events anyway. Also, it is important to note that heartbeats are not used in this system to avoid bogging down the server with unnecessary database requests.

DMs require a method of “creating” new areas temporarily as the setting for quests and events. DMs should not be required to meticulously create new areas just to house events in order to further their plot lines. Instead, DMs will set specific parameters that will produce the mood and the general feel of the area in which their events and quests will take place.

Area Generation is tricky within the context of the Aurora Toolset. It is impossible to actually generate an area on the fly and then destroy it. Games such as the Diablo series took pride in their area generators which simply randomized certain aspects of the map and placed the end destination (where the objectives were located) at the farthest end of it. The key to simulating a similar design was not to connect randomized tiles into a single cohesive map but to create smaller areas which would then be connected dynamically by selecting areas which fall under certain categories. This is done through the Outland Generator which is not only responsible for linking areas together in a cohesive manner but also sets the lighting, music and sounds, and the decorative aspects of the quest areas. The Outland Generator utilizes other subsystems such as mob generators, hostile placeables creator, and the event and task generator to automatically create the appropriate setting which DMs require.

Of course, these concepts need to be concretized into a well thought out, user-friendly front-end interface for DMs to actually use to create content. These tools are already completed and each of these applications are listed below together with a link to instructions on how to use them. However, before learning the tools, it is important to understand the concepts behind Object Trigger Sequencing Intelligence since it is the basis of the entire DDPW toolset. After a good grasp of the OTSI has been achieved, it is recommended that the rest of the individual systems be read up on in the order in which they appear below to allow for a more structured learning experience. A list of the Appendixes and their links and descriptions are also shown below to serve as a reference guide for the various tools.

For inquiries regarding the system, e-mail kosmite@yahoo.com.

The Core Package containing the a fully functional Dynamic Conversation Editor and Object Trigger Event Manager is available for download here.

System Design and Implementation

Object Trigger Sequencing Intelligence	The backbone of the entire DDPW toolset lies within the simple concept that is referred to as the Object Trigger Sequencing Intelligence. All the necessary systems that enables a database driver persistent world to run are based on this simple but powerful concept. In theory, with the ideal front end, any and all games can be controlled exclusively through database interaction to the point where any aspect can be changed at any given time without interrupting gameplay. A strong understanding of OTSI is necessary before proper use of the DDPW tools can be expected.

DDPW Interface and Tools
Consolidated DDPW Interface	As a result of the numerous tools that were added during the life of the project, it became inevitable to consolidate all these interfaces into a single application. Thus the Consolidated DDPW Interface was born. Not only does it house all the other DDPW frontend tools, it also integrates them into a manageable account scheme. A user's account will enable only certain aspects of the interfaces and assets depending on that account's security level, hence allowing more designers to add content simultaneously without administrators needing to worry about manual supervision.
Dynamic Conversation Editor (DCE)	The Dynamic Conversation Editor is the primary tool in creating almost all dialogue that will appear within the context of the world. This includes everything from the local barkeep's descriptions of the local folk to the foreboding warning of the deranged hermit. Conversations are also the catalyst for both mundane or pivotal events from the opening of a merchant's store to bestowing and a epic quest.
Outland Generator (OG)	The Outland Generator organizes a massive amount of prefabricated areas, monsters, traps, and decorations in order to create a setting for a grand adventure or to simply create filler wilderness areas to simulate the players traveling to distant lands. Within the outland, players can accomplish great feats by completing dangerous Tasks or simply meet and speak with Dynamic NPCs.
Quest Allocator (QA)	After having created the proper setting for quests and events, the Quest Allocator allows for easy management of the connecting relationships between the static aspects of the Database-Driven World and the procedurally generated outland areas.
Object Trigger Event Manager (OTEM)	Most objects within the scope of the persistent world will be subject to the Object Trigger Event Manager. It is the tool that allows for the creation of dynamic links between creatures, placeables, items, and NPCs, allowing them to alter their behavior to suit the current situation. With this, the same floor lever may be made to reveal a secret door which leads to great riches or cause the collapse of a great underground complex.
Advanced Task Manager (ATM)	The Advanced Task Manager is used only if the template tasks that are available in the Outland Generator are no longer sufficient for the needs of the designer. Coupled with the Object Trigger Event Manager, the ATM allows the designer to create a virtually unlimited range of custom events and tasks without ever touching the module proper.
Decoration Set Manipulator (DSM)	Although playing a minor role in the outland areas, the Decoration Set Manipulator allows the designer to practice advanced management on placeable decorations that will appear in outland areas. More importantly, however, the DSM is needed to add interactive elements to the normally static decorations. With it resources such as ore and herbs may be gathered by players from trees and rocks. The more sinister side of the DSM allows for the creation of hazards such as deadly exploding mushrooms and trapped statues which shoot out poison arrows at play characters.
Settlement Assignment and Connector (SAC)	The Settlement Assignment and Connector links connector outlands to the static parts of the world. Where as the Quest Allocator makes a connection between a quest and a NPC in town, the SAC allows the designer to designate a proper "entrance" to the outland to give a seamless transition between the predefined static areas and the randomized and dynamically decorated outland areas.
Crafting Formula Editor (CFE)	A non-integral aspect of the DDPW, the Crafting Formula Editor utilizes the databases flexibility and ease of data management to create a limitless repository of formulas which players may tap into to create almost any kind of item available within the game world.
Enchantment Recipe Designer (ERD)	To complement the Crafting Formula Editor, the Enchantment Recipe Designer stores a single or a combination of enchantment properties to be applied to a item of a specific type. This system was based on the material composition of said items to add further customization and give added value to expensive base items.
Token and Resource Referencer (TRR)	The first of two added tools to supplement the rest of the interfaces, the Token and Resource Referencer enables designers to quickly obtain special token numbers which will be outputted based on other dynamic pieces of data that are obtained through the game during runtime. It is also useful for rapid look-up of resource references (ResRef) so that creatures, items, and placeables can be used in the DCE and OTEM without wading through a long, disorganized list.
Trigger List Calculator (TLC)	A more specialized tool, the Trigger List Calculator will only be useful if designing static objects that have dynamic behavior. Intended for advanced users, this will automatically calculate the Trigger List number which will be read by the DDPW system in order to efficiently decide whether a object requires a database query to search for an appropriate sequence of events to execute.

Miscellaneous References and Information

Appendix List
DCE and OTEM Conditional Types List (Appendix A)	Appendix A lists, according to type, the conditionals that are available for both the Dynamic Conversation Editor and the Object Trigger Events Manager. Information on the usage as well as limitations the limitations of each conditional type along with any special information are included in each description.
DCE and OTEM Event Types List (Appendix B)	Appendix B lists, according to type, the events that are available for both the Dynamic Conversation Editor and the Object Trigger Events Manager. Information on the usage as well as the limitations of each conditional type along with any special information are included in each description.
Spawner, Sentinel, and Traps Reference (Appendix C)	The images of spawners, sentinels and traps are contained in Appendix C. These are organized according to their ResRef.
Task Templates (Appendix D)	The Outland Generator has a few built in task templates which can be used to quickly design the more common types of objectives normally found in run-of-the-mill quests. Appendix D describes each template and explains how to use each.
Special Boss Aura Types Reference (Appendix E)	Boss Monsters may or may not have special auras which not only give them a special edge with the player party but also add variety and color to quests and campaigns. Appendix E lists and describes each aura type as well as their progression details as they rise in Challenge Rating.
Trigger Types vs. Object Type Listing (Appendix F)	Each object type has a certain list of trigger types which can be manipulated through the OTEM. Appendix F lists which triggers are available for each of the object types for easy reference.
Trigger Actors and Subjects Listing (Appendix G)	Each trigger type under each object type has a default Actor and Subject which may or may not be obvious to the designer, however, certain trigger types under particular object types are customizable. Actors and Subjects can be changed for each individual sequence in order to check information about accessible objects (ie. The disturbing item when a placeable’s inventory is manipulated). The information pertaining to this can be found in Appendix G.
Crafting Placeables Listing (Appendix H)	Appendix H consists of the different crafting placeables, their functions and some examples of what SHOULD be produced from them. Please refer to the main DDPW document for a description of each function type.
Council Factions Reference and Guide (Appendix I)	Appendix I contains the twelve (12) factions that make up a stereotypical fantasy “society”. They are called council factions to imply multiple power bases that rule over the community, realm, or world that player characters will exist. Generally, each faction has its own agenda and its own resources which may play a major or minor role in the lives and adventures of players. The point of this section is to give a starting point for which world designers may craft political intrigue and power struggles, whether declared or covert, within the scope of their campaign.
Consolidated Tools Account Type Reference (Appendix J)	Appendix J lists and describes each of the ten (10) account types as well as describes the level of their access and what interfaces they can use.