Putting Words in <CHARNAME>'s Mouth, right or wrong? Options

[Rabain]

What do people think of modders putting words in <charname>'s mouth?

For example, a modder wants you to do X so Y can happen, its part of his mod quest. However the player might not want to do X but the modder has designed his quest so that X has to happen so that shiny NPC can get uber item Z.

In order to facilitate this, modder puts words in <charname>'s mouth in order to make the player choose the right option eg:

Chain
NPC: I think we should go to castle X.
PC: I agree, let's go.
NPC: You will so not regret this <charname>!
Do LeaveAreaLua:(Everyone).

What do people think of this type of action? I understand that the norm is to give the player a choice, afterall it is the player who is roleplaying <charname> and should be able to choose rather than be dragged down a certain quest path.

Do you think this type of action should be avoided at all costs and the player should always have a choice even if it is to say "Ask me again later"?

I am not for or against this myself, depending on the way it has been integrated into the game. Though I would be wary of being dragged hither and yon by everyone whom I choose to join my party.

[Thauron]

Chain
NPC: I think we should go to castle X.
PC: I agree, let's go.
NPC: You will so not regret this <charname>!
Do LeaveAreaLua:(Everyone).

What do people think of this type of action?

I think as a general rule, one should try to avoid putting words in Charname's mouth. Sometimes, you can do it, but not as in your example. This might be extremely annoying. When there is a question, there should always be the possibility to say yes or no. Adding something like 'oops, too late' is possibly even more frustrating. (What if a NPC in the company just died, and his/her stuff is still dropped on the ground f.e.? Bye, bye, equipment?)

If it's important for the NPC, he can keep bugging the PC about it (and eventually leave if the answer stays no) - like f.e. Jaheira and Khalid in BG1 (going to Nashkel).

I think it is acceptable when, as a modder you can't think of a good reason why the PC should have more than one possibility, but you want to interrupt an otherwise endless monologue or CHAIN. I have done it one single time when the PC is asked to recount something he just witnessed (and not wanting to tell what has happened would be rather absurd, since this dialogue only triggers when the PC has followed the good path all along (the decision has already been made, so to speak) + there will be an opportunity to say 'bugger off' to the character a bit later anyway.) I think Bioware uses this sort of forced dialogue in several occasions too.

@ Sorrow: I like it when a NPC forces a decision on you (but not like the above given example) - it makes them feel more real or alive. I makes no sense f.e. that Ajantis, Keldorn or Jaheira (you know the types) would ask for the PCs approval before doing something which they consider to be the only possible (right/good) action. But I guess you don't like to play with these softhearted good-obsessed characters anyway .

This post has been edited by Thauron: Jan 25 2006, 03:40 PM