Spell Stat Config - Ideas and help

[KEDLogic]

Hello to every one of the Nexus!!

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Quick note about me:

 

I've never uploaded a mod before and have created only very basic ones for my self. I want to contribute here, but one thing gets in my way: consistency. Let me explain:

 

I create config mods(Globals and Game Setting tweaks, Spell and item stats, etc.). I don't do visual, sound, animation, or anything else. I am full of Ideas and am a king of organization, but I can't for the life of me stay focused.

I have both O.C.D.and A.D.H.D. (Mental Diagnoses: OCD - "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" ADHD - "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder") and if you know what those are then you should understand how extremely Interesting(and frustrating) that combination is. If you want to get an idea of the effect, imagine this:

 

"You are in bed trying to fall asleep when suddenly and for no apparent reason you feel that you really need(and I'm mean REALLY need) to know what 6342 x 232 + 4 equals. You have no idea why it is necessary to solve it nor what the numbers signify and you really, really don't care, but the thought just won't leave you alone. So you get up, grab some paper and a pencil(or a calculator if possible) and figure it out.

Then 3-5 hours later you find your self still up and counting to 1 million in binary."

 

.....and this really does happen to me.................a lot.

 

...LOL

 

...........ANYWAY!!!

 

The point is: because of this, configuring the stats of an entire mod with any form of order(I can do one little part just fine) is an absolute pain the arse and no one want a "random config". (WOW!! That's a oxymoron!!!)

 

I however have a solution!!! ......and I think it will be VERY helpful to anyone else who makes config mods as well.

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The Utility:

 

Spell Stat Config

 

It's a spreadsheet (a.k.a MS Excel)that provides the values for any and all spell effects(Vanilla and Modded) and the Game Settings to match. It uses what I call a Factor/Value Hierarchy system to provide the needed values for a complete Spell Effect Overhaul; universally balanced to your personal needs and wants and requires very little effort by the user.

 

 

I need some help though; my knowledge with the CS is limited and that WILL greatly reduce the effectiveness of my Idea.

 

I need help with:

 

1) Some way to automatically import numerical values from an .esp or .esm to their corresponding places in the Spread Sheet and then export them back into the .esp or .esm(or the CS for the creation of a new .esp) - This is the Biggest problem as otherwise the user would need to Copy and Paste hundreds of individual values by hand.

 

2) Ideas for Balancing Criteria including(but not limited to)

+The potency of effects (Example: 'Damage Health' is more potent than 'Fire Damage' because it is universal and less likely to be resisted)

+The best way to define and use the potency and other values for use balancing equations(A simple "Effect Potency" value to multiply the Mana cost by or something more complicated??)

 

That is a very vague explanation, I know, but I want to wait until someone shows interest in helping before I expand upon it. This is partial out of laziness I'll admit, but I also don't want to restrict the potential of this utility by over defining everything.

 

I welcome any and all ideas and even the smallest bit of help.

 

Thanks,

 

KEDLogic

 

 

 

P.S.

 

I ask that if you are serious about helping, please PM me instead of (or in addition to) posting here as that would be much easier for me. Also, my email is not posted on my profile because there was no need to before and I hate spam, but if anyone is going to actively help and needs the use of email for fast response and ease of use I will provide it.

 

-----------------------------POSSIBLE FUTURE----------------------

 

This process is not just for spells, but works with items, NPCs, and virtually any other configurable area of the game that uses LOTs of values. Also, given the appropriate info and formatting; it will also work with Fallout 3 and any other game with similar ways of configuration.

For it is only for Spell Stats as I'm currently modding this area of my game and therefore wish to work with it first.

 

However, in the future, if this works well is appreciated by the community I would like to extend it to other areas. Weapons and Armor would be awesome; as would the predefined enchantments and spell.