Custom back grounds

[The_Deathsangel]

I wanted to give something back to the community. It is of course up to this site if they wish to host it.

These are 16 custom backgrounds and it also includes a tweak to the 'Feral Child' background. I have tried to create a wide variety of new types of backgrounds. Some have unique features, not seen in the in-game ones.

I am putting the storylines here, which are not included in the read-me.
In the read-me there is the information about the actual coding and the for whom the backgrounds are, as well as the tweak information.

If you have made your own backgrounds you know you need to put them over one by one otherwise you can simply unpack this into your arcanum folder.

Clumsy

Spilling drinks over clothing, tripping over your own laces, hitting the wrong switch and all other manner of stupidity are your every day run of the mill actions. Your parents tended to put you in a big chair with a book praying the chair would not fall apart and that the book would survive. You suffer a serious penalty to Dexterity (-4) and you have a greater chance of critical misses. However, you body has adapted to your own clumsiness and you resist damage better than normal people. You heal the wounds you get rather rapidly, reflected in a bonus to your Constitution (+3). All the reading you have managed to accomplish between the accidents also has had the benefit a bonus to your Intelligence (+2).

Gnome Hermit

Though at first you were part of the Gnome bourgeoisie, you realised that this bred a haughty and snobbish character. Disliking the way the Gnomes were becoming you turned away from the rich live to become a hermit. Your resolve in this matter grants you a bonus in Willpower (+3). Leading a less decadent life and hours of meditating have also granted small bonuses to Constitution (+1) and Perception (+1). However, for all that your lifestyle may be more healthy, the cold and harsh conditions have started to take its toll. This has led to upcoming rheumatic joints, resulting in a penalty to you Dexterity (-3). You have also sworn off earthly goods resulting in a penalty to Haggle and a quarter of the normal starting wealth. After several years of contemplating you felt it was time to share your views with the other Gnomes and thus you boarded the IFS Zephyr bound for the great city of Tarant.

Former Bodyguard

You are the former bodyguard of a Gnomish nobleman. You worked hard for him, saving his life on several occasions and acting as brute muscle when needed. This has given you a bonus to your Melee and Dodge skills as well as slight bonuses to your Strength (+1), Constitution (+1) and Dexterity (+1). However, your employer never cared for proper medical treatment for your wounds resulting in a penalty to your Beauty (-2). Recently you have been replaced by a stronger and more docile Half-Ogre bodyguard leaving you rather vicious with the whole system. This has resulted in a penalty to your Charisma (-2).

Dwarven Handyman

You were born weaker than any Dwarf in your small clan. To bring them no shame and to prove your worth, you became the handyman of the small clan. You fixed the equipment, laid the traps against intruders, and opened the doors when the lock was stuck. The tedious work adversely effected your muscles even more. You suffer a significant penalty to Strength (-4) and a penalty to Dexterity (-2). However, your work and training in firearms, as you could not swing a weapon, resulted in a bonus to all your tech skills as well as bonus to your Intelligence (+3).

Inventor's Apprentice

You are the apprentice to an inventor. In trade for your tutelage you got all the nice jobs, like sweeping the floors, cleaning the lab and fixing all the broken stuff. This has resulted in a tremendous bonus to your Repair skill as well as a bonus to your Intelligence (+2). However, you are only known as the lowly apprentice and being cooped up in the lab all the day left you little opportunity for social interaction, resulting in a penalty to Charisma (-2). The fumes of the lab work have also taken their toll on your health. You suffer a penalty to Constitution (-2).

Fugitive Con-Artist

Lying is like a second nature to you. No, lying is your first nature! You can do nothing but lie and you scheme your way into everything. This has resulted in a tremendous bonus to your Persuasion skill, as well as bonuses in your Haggle and Gamble skills. You used your natural talent for lying to convince people to grant you access to high education, refined parties, and their wealth. You gain a bonus to Intelligence (+2) and Charisma (+2). However, one noble did not take your actions well and hired a bounty hunter. Though you escaped this bounty hunter, he managed to throw a grenade which exploded in your face. This left you half-deaf and partially blinded, resulting in a severe penalty to your Perception (-6). You quickly talked yourself onto the IFS Zephyr. Even after your 'accident', you know you will never give up your ways (-10 to Alignment (and can NEVER go higher)). You also start with 600 gold in your pockets.

Veteran Gunsman

You were a gunsman in the city guard until one day the Orcs that worked in the factory revolted. You answered the call of duty, but you got separated from your unit. Even though you did manage to gun down an Orc and wound another, they overwhelmed you. You woke up in the hospital and spend years recovering. Although you have managed to come out on top of the event you remain scarred and walk with a limp. Thus your Beauty has suffered (-2) and you are slower than the average person (-2). You did retain a good portion of your gunsman training, resulting in a tremendous bonus to your Firearms skill and a bonus to your Perception (+2).

Amnesic Celebrity

You have walked out of the wreckage that is the IFS Zephyr, but... you lost yourself. You can remember your name, luckily, but you can not remember what you did before all of this happened. Some vague memories about you being famous on another continent and wanting to make it in Tarant are all that come to your mind. It seems that many people also have vaguely heard of you, but unfortunately too vague to know exactly who you are. People in general react well to your sight and presence resulting in a +10 bonus to reaction and a bonus to Charisma (+2). However, the blow to your head has caused some damage and leaves you without a good drive and motivation, which means you suffer a penalty to Intelligence (-2) and Willpower (-2). You did find your well filled wallet among the wreckage.

Tribal Demi-God

You come from a barbaric region where Half-Ogres are very rare. You were the son of a barbarian mother whom was strong enough to survive the labor to give you birth. As you grew, the tribe thought you a demi-god and that your mother had been blessed by a visit of their God of the Hunt. Demonstrating your strength the tribe soon worshiped you and you always got your way. This display of stamina and tribal command, supported by the wisdom of the elders, has resulted in a bonus to Strength (+2), Constitution (+1) and Willpower (+2), but made your demeanour all the worse causing you to have a penalty to Charisma (-4). When your mother suddenly became very ill, she also became delirious and screamed out that you were 'her living shame of her honor', as she had been raped. Broken hearted and driven away by the angry tribe, believing you 'tricked' them, you left your homeland with little hope or money.

Social Worker

You always had a soft spot for the less fortunate and you have made it your life's purpose to help these people. As a result people gladly listen to you and follow your advice. This results in a +10 to reaction and +1 extra follower. You also gain a +10 to Alignment (this can NEVER go lower). In your career you have always tried to take non-violent methods to solve problems and as such you are a true pacifist. This naturally leads to a penalty to in the lethal Bow, Melee and Firearms skills. These penalties would have affected your Dodge and Throw skills if it were not for the community ball games you frequently organised.

Halfling Hunter

You loved to skip classes in order to roam in the big world. You felt on top of the world when skipping small rocks across the water, fishing and exploring new terrains. As you grew up you became the village hunter, making sure there was meat on the table during festivals. You gain a bonus to your Throwing skill and a slight bonus to your Prowling skill; your hunts have sharpened your skill and vision resulting in a bonus to your Dexterity (+2) and Perception (+1). However, skipping all those classes and little interaction with other have taken their toll. You suffer a penalty to Intelligence (-2) and Charisma (-1).

Elven Ranger

All Elves are one with the world and many devote lifetimes to the ways of Magic. You, however, were more interested in learning the fine art of swordplay and the expertise of the bow. As you reached adulthood you became one of the Elven Hunters. You were one of their best members untill an encounter with human poachers let to violent struggle in which you were shot in the head and were left for dead. The Elven healers managed to bring you back from your coma, but the signs of the struggle are clearly visible. Your training gives you a bonus to your Melee and Bow skills, as well as a slight bonus to your Prowling skill. Training your body to those arts you also gain a bonus to your Dexterity (+3). Your injuries cause you to suffer a penalty to Intelligence (-3) and Beauty (-2).

Assassin

You are the blade in the shadows, the worst nightmare of royalty and nobility. You are a nefarious assassin. In your childhood you were always picked on by bullies, for you were physically weak, reflected in a penalty to Strenght (-3) and Constitution (-3). However, getting yourself out of their grip did increase your dexterity and gave you a taste for revenge. You trained long hours and, after paying back their debt, you became a professional. Having recently completed a lucrative deal you are now heading for new grounds on board the IFS Zephyr. Your expertise gives you an exceptional bonus to your Backstab skill, as well as a bonus to Prowling and Spot Trap skills. Your profession has always urged you to nimbleness resulting in a amazing bonus to Dexterity (+5), but also made you rather cynical causing a penalty to Charisma (-2). Naturally you are an evil person, which is shown in a -10 to alignment (this can NEVER go higher).

Gypsy Woman

You were born to a gypsy family and made your livelihood by tarot reading, soothsaying and small magic performances. Although not every citizen believed in your visions, you know the truth and they gave you insights that resulted in a bonus to Willpower (+2) and Perception (+2). You also receive a small bonus to your magical aptitude and your Haggle and Prowling skills. However, the life of a gypsy woman means you poured over the wisdom of the cards and missed out on physical training and education resulting in a penalty to Strength (-2) and Intelligence (-2). People also tend to dislike a gypsy no matter how warm your smile is. A vision led you to the action of boarding the IFS Zephyr bound for the great city of Tarant with your gypsy fortune.

Gambling Addict

All your life there has been nothing sweeter than the sound of dice rolling and of gold falling onto your lap. You always won big and always lost big. Whenever you were on top you spent money like there was no tomorrow gaining friends all over, but you never knew when to stop and always lost a lot again. Now you have boarded the IFS Zephyr for Tarant to look for new games and bets. Your lifestyle has earned you a tremendous bonus to your gambling skill, and your critical hits and misses tend to be pretty significant. Your socialising with every person around has gained you a bonus to Charisma (+2), but you clearly lack the strength of will to stop the addiction, reflected in a penalty to Willpower (-2).

Holy Warrior

You are a self-proclaimed Holy Warrior fighting all sorts of evil from Ogres to Thieves. Your righteous quest has taken you aboard the IFS Zephyr to the evil-infested city of Tarant. Your training gives you a slight bonus to your Strength (+1) and Melee skill. However, you have sworn off the less virtuos skills. Hence, the skills Backstab, Pick Pocket and Pick Lock all suffer a penalty. Your black and white view of the world strengthens your resolve resulting in a bonus to Willpower (+2), but leaves you with a rather strict vision of the world causing a penalty to Perception (-2). This strict life also tends either people to applaud your efforts or to see you as a fanatic. People therefore form more strong opinions about your person. Still you have a noble soul and therefore a +20 to alignment (this can NEVER go lower).

http://www.4shared.com/file/58600605/884ba956/Custom_Backgrounds.html

Edit: Updated to newest spelling

[FourHorsemen]

Wow...those look great!

[rroyo]

Indeed they do.

There's some typos in the stories, but otherwise they look pretty damned good.

Deathsangel - any objections if I replace some of my existing backgrounds with yours?
_________________
If you can't go through a problem, go over it, under it, or around it.

[The_Deathsangel]

I thank you both for the compliments.

Re-reading a few I can find a few grammar mistakes (worst being 'mention' - 'manage' in Veteran Gunsman. How in the heck did I manage to write 'mention' down?), but I may still miss some. After all, English is not my mother tongue.
I would like it if people told me the mistakes so I can learn of these mistakes. Naturally, I will corret the mistakes then as well. Thanks!

On another note I added extra age to Gnome Hermit and Veteran's Gunman to give them being 'older' feel, but I did not add this to the description. I assume this is okay? It is added in the read-me.

Rroyo - Do you mean you wish to replace some of your custom backgrounds of WIP 4.4 with (some) of mine?
If so, I would be glad to help out WIP. I have three simple requests, if you do not mind.

1) Correct the grammar mistakes
2) I am sure you will, but please add me to the credit list
3) I would request you take them all. So that my 'mod' is also just simply included in yours and not in bits. This because if someone wishes to have them, they can just download your great mod and not learn how to add the missing ones from my small one.


If you need anything more, I can try. Just don't let me get to much into modding of Arcanum... I haven't done for a while something for my Baldur's Gate 2 mod.

Oh, just wondered will you include the 'Feral Child' Tweak or just the new ones? I can understand if you do include this, just curious if you will.




EDIT: Darn, I just noticed I had 'Tribal Demi-God' on -2 Intelligence and -2 Charisma, but the the description states -4 cha (as was my new idea instead of the old one - I apparently forgot the adjust the effect)
I have updated the effect to -4 Charisma.
The reasons:
* The bonusses are nice for a Half-Ogre, so hefty penalty is better.
* It leaves room for a Magical Warrior
* Elders were added to give a a reason for no Intelligence drop beyond the normal one.
* Background does not just become a "Barbarian +" one.

You can download the correct version with the same link
To tired at the moment to correct all the grammar mistakes immediatly, will do so later in this week before I go on my holliday.


EDIT 2: I just noticed in game that Gypsies have prowling as training for their skill. Should I add +1 Prowling to "Gypsy Woman" ? Or put that even instead of the +1 Haggle bonus?

[rroyo]

Yeah, I was talking about replacing a few of my existing ones with yours.
Replacing the "Double Poster" background with "Assassin" being first on the list.

[The_Deathsangel]

Okay, I took over all of the corrections made to the backgrounds.
With the addition of '...you clearly lack the strength of will...' in the gambling addict one.
Very much obliged.

Added a small prowling bonus (+1) to gypsy woman and added the background story to add this.

Tested the changes and length of new backgrounds. They work fine. New stuff uploaded to the same link.

all modders -

1) Just thinking of it. The tutorial of 'Caster of Elements' for backgrounds says it can not handle more than 5 changes to skills and stats. However, mad doctor and miracle operation for starters have more than 5 stat changes... it must be possible right?

2) Has any tried to make like a 'Cursed' or 'Child' background and than a applying for instance the effect of the shrink spell to a human? Is the effect permanent, can disperse magic undo this? Is this a fun idea?

3) In backgrnd.mes stands always one effect listed for a background... Has any ever tried to put two effects on that list? Hearing from rroyo now that there is a limit to effects, combining them might be nice to limit the needed amount of effects.

rroyo especially - I can see the validation of your point why you can not add them all.
As it was simply a request, I would say just pick your favourite ones in that case and replace them with yours. You have my blessing

At managers of this site (I am not sure whom that still is) - would you still be so kind as to host this, after all my 4shared went down once before and this stuff might be lost.

[rroyo]

Thank you.

1 - 3) Wish I could help you with the rest, but that's unknown territory for me at the moment.

The ones to send submissions to are Mathboy and Dark Elf.
_________________
If you can't go through a problem, go over it, under it, or around it.

[Wolfsbane]

2. A "cursed" background would be neat, but the "child" one wouldn't. You'd have to rework tons of dialouge. Kids don't speak like adults, you know.

[The_Deathsangel]

[Dark Elf]

For a "child" background to be believable you'd likely have to rework the entire game. While the Molochean Hand is as evil as they come, they seem to have certain standards and killing minors would likely go against their code of conduct. People wouldn't sell weapons to you, quests would be left unassigned, Madam Lil would laugh and throw you out, train conductors would shoo you away etc etc. It's quite a lot of work for something as simple as a background.
_________________
If you can't be a good example, strive to be a horrible warning.

[Wolfsbane]

I don't think the Hand would care about killing a child, but you're right about the other things. Simply too much work.

[The_Deathsangel]

A little extra time and here come the answers:

------------------------------------------------------
Q 1)
Just thinking of it. The tutorial of 'Caster of Elements' for backgrounds says it can not handle more than 5 changes to skills and stats. However, mad doctor and miracle operation for starters have more than 5 stat changes... it must be possible right?

A 1)
The limitation is not true, though their seems to be some oddities I can not yet clarify. I made a short test giving a +1 bonus to all stats, and sure enough all were increased.... unfortunately it increased strength to maximum.... which is odd. I am unsure of the reason, but since you alway got to test if your background works I reckon you can play around to effect more than five stats.

-----------------------------------------

Q 2)
Has any tried to make like a 'Cursed' or 'Child' background and than a applying for instance the effect of the shrink spell to a human? Is the effect permanent, can disperse magic undo this? Is this a fun idea?

A 2)
You can not do this. Effects of spells do not work when used in a background. Or simply just giving the application of the spell. It is not implemented and works the same way as no significant background. Did not cause a CTD. So no worries or sorrows, no 'child' or 'cursed' (well not in this way) backgrounds.

Dark Elf - I didn't even realize all that
Kid with high persuasion at Madam Lil's: 'But am I really older than I look'
Madam Lil: Oh well, it is 100 for a girl
Kid: 'Oh boy, oh boy my fi... euh... never mind.
Madam Lil: Ehm.
Kid: Is this the normal rate girls go for... like is it expensive? I just don't have a lot of experience with this.
Madam Lil: Yes, it is the normal rate and don't worry all men are nervous they come the first time around to my establishment. So have you saved up enough allowance?
Kid: Sure it is only ten we.... Doh!

-----------------------------------------------

Q 3)
In backgrnd.mes stands always one effect listed for a background... Has any ever tried to put two effects on that list? Hearing from rroyo now that there is a limit to effects, combining them might be nice to limit the needed amount of effects.

A 3)
This can not be done. Trying to apply two effects from the list, no matter what type of effect (so even ones that have no effect or cancel each other) causes an immediate CTD.

[rroyo]

Thanks for checking these out. It'll give everyone a better idea of what can and cannot be done.

And I love that bit with Madam Lil!
_________________
If you can't go through a problem, go over it, under it, or around it.

[The_Deathsangel]

[rroyo]

Have fun!
(...and if you do, don't name it after me. )
_________________
If you can't go through a problem, go over it, under it, or around it.

[The_Deathsangel]

Thanks.
And naming it after you? You mean the child background?

[rroyo]

Nevermind! Bad joke......
_________________
If you can't go through a problem, go over it, under it, or around it.

[Gato]

Lot of fun stuff in here. Trying a dwarven inventor right now who's a bit of a gambling addict. I've honestly never tried the gambling skill before, this should be interesting.

[FourHorsemen]

Next thing you know people will be requesting a "special friend" room in the back of Madam Lil in the form of a "strapping young half-ogre" named Mighty Mitch!

[DonThrogg]

Can i use this with UAP?

[magikot]

Yes Donn, you can use it with the UAP. I am currently using the Holy Warrior background created above.

[Gato]

Wondering what of A-WIP this conflicts with. I like the dwarven inventor background and would like to be able to use it. I'm still just a bit too green with all this to see the possible headaches.

I wonder if +1 to perception might be added to it to, with another 1/4 to firearms, a better reflection of firearm focus. If you need to balance this could dock constitution by 1 to reflect the less active life style.
It does seem odd you loose two points to dexterity but you're background is a lot of dexterous activities, picking locks, disarming traps, etc. Just putting thought to paper.

[DonThrogg]

I think I'll try the Gambling Addict. These backgrounds are amazing BTW.

[theorel]

First, I want to say that those are some good backgrounds.
Here's the file with grammar mistakes fixed based on my first run-through.\
A couple comments, because you had requested some input as well:
For Gnome Hermit I'm pretty sure you meant bourgeoisie not bourgandise(maybe you were making up a new term?)
I fixed a lot of you->your, your is possessive.
I added a lot of commas after beginning clauses to sentences(Ex: As you grew up, you became the village hunter)
I changed the wording a few times for readability.
until only has one l.
I dropped it into word to check for spelling errors, and ended up changing from British to American spelling for some words(like demeanour)
gameback.mes

[The_Deathsangel]

Well, I am back from my holiday and happy to see people enjoy my backgrounds.
Though I admire some of theorel's work. I will look through it more thoroughly later in this week. I see no need to change my British spelling into American. The first is right though. Guess, I need to change a few little things.

As to Gato, the explanation of the less Dex is explained by the continued strained labor. Only half of the skills is on Dex. Personally it is a bit of a balance thing for a strong person. As Arcanum also calculates the fact you can increase your skill at the lower Dex level if you already gained a bonus.
Also to Gato it conflicts at to the limit of the amount of effects as explained by rroyo in the beginning

I ain't starting FourHorsemen

Yes, DonThrogg you can. UAP does not add any extra effects as up to this point as far as I know.