Dialog Creation Template (for Excel)

This is a dialog template for MS Excel that allows to easily create dialogs from scratch and export them into ToEE .dlg format. It is actually a rewritten and extended version of the dialog template that was used by Troika when creating the Temple of Elemental Evil. The release of this dialog template was possible thanks to Steve Moret and Timothy Cain, ex-Troika members. It's worth mentioning that the original proprietary macro code used in original dialog templates was removed and all functional elements of the template were rewritten entirely from scratch.

Download Here: http://files.co8.org/tools/dialog-xls-template.zip

This XLS file contains macros, therefore you must make sure that macros are enabled before you start working with the template, otherwise it will not work!

The dialog template consists of the following elements, each being assigned to a separate worksheet:

Dialogue Template - the template itself, a basic hello/goodbye dialog that can be used as a base to create new dialogs. It's advisable that you copy this worksheet into a new one before you start modifying, in order to preserve the original basic template when you'll want to start a new dialog.

Notes and Documentation - includes the documentation and a tutorial on how to use the template to create an actual dialog. Also, explains various shortcuts specific to this dialog template. Shortcuts, btw, can be redefined by going to Tools -> Macro -> Macros... and assigning key combinations to macros in "Options".

Tutorial - a copy of the dialogue template which you can use as you complete the tutorial.

Tutorial (Finished) - shows the final result of the tutorial so that you can compare.

Demo - Jaroo's Dialogue - Troika's original Jaroo dialogue made using this dialog template. For demonstration purpose. Could be an older version than the one actually used in the game.

Demo - Burne's Dialogue - Troika's original Burne dialogue made using this dialog template. For demonstration purpose. Could be an older version than the one actually used in the game.

Automatic export of created dialogs is possible using the Ctrl+E key combination. The created .dlg files can be used in the game without the need of any further modification.

Please make sure that you read the manual and try your hand at the tutorial before you start creating your own dialogs. Whenever possible, use the internal means of this dialog template to do things (e.g. assign response IDs, etc.), otherwise you risk losing part of the template functionality, such as automatic reassignment of IDs in case you add/remove a new line to the dialog. Also, take a look at the demo dialogs in order to get a good grip on how things are done.

This tool is in no way supported by either Troika or Atari members.

- Agetian

 

Did someone say "Lord_Spike?" I think you've found your modding 'in.'

Thanks a bunch, A-G! :thumbsup:

 

Here's some more info I got from Steve today - just a brief explanation of what those dialog commands (like "G:", "E:", and others) are all about. So, to quote Steve Moret:

On PC Lines:
========

a: - is an appreciation / thanks line (not sure if its used inToEE)
b: - is a barter line (i think this will trigger trade)
c: - story state check line, I think this is generic response on story state
e: - exit line (ends a dialog)
f: - forget it line, (another generic response, not sure if used in ToEE)
k: - ask more questions (generic dialog line, not sure if used in ToEE)
n: - a no line (generic dialog response of no)
q: - quest line (generic quest helping info)
r: - rumor
s: - I'm sorry line (again generic dialog)
y: - yes line, like a no line but more positive

On NPC lines:
=========

g: - greeting line
m: - ask for money line
r: - rumor line (node actually)

This stuff may come in handy when editing dialogs.
- Agetian

 

Can i mention all those ARE used in ToEE except:

c: is NOT used

q: i am not sure of

 

@ Everyone: thanks for your kind comments, I'm glad I could help.

- Agetian

 

Thread unstuck due to the fact that the Dialog Template is a part of ToEEWB package for a long time by now.

- Agetian