When donned, this hat allows the wearer to disguise his or her physical appearance (while retaining any other normal qualities) as another humanoid creature.
The illusion can be ended at any time by the wearer (by using the hat again, by removing it, or by attacking).
Back in late 2005, I didn't see one of these anywhere on the Vault (and I had a use for one in my PW module), so I have created my version of the Hat of Disguise (HOD).
When worn, the wearer can use it to select one of many alternate forms to appear as (so long as your PC is one of the 7 standard racial appearances...the hat has to know what to turn you back into, and subraces with custom skins aren't a constant included in the published game).
The change is purely cosmetic and does not affect abilities, powers, item use, etc. The change lasts until cancelled by using the wearer, until the Hat of Disguise is unequipped, or the wearer attacks another creature (breaking the illusion).
I've found a game use for this by having certain creatures with a generally neutral faction (a kingdom of orcs) instantly turn hostile towards PCs that don't at least appear to be orcs or half-orcs. This is done in a customized onPerception script in my module.
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Version 2 - August 8, 2008
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With the release of the 1.69 patch for NWN came the built-in ability to grab information from the chat bar via the OnPlayerChat event and scripts. I've updated the Hat of Disguise to take advantage of this to reduce the number of scripts needed while expanding on the both the number of forms available and the ease of use of the item (since it no longer needs to be "activated", using up a round, then more time finding the right appearance in a conversation).
This updated version looks for a certain chat-typed command starting with "hod ", then uses that to control the helm. The one your players should know is "hod help", which will tell them how to use the item and find out the appearances possible.
You can easily modify which appearances are available by changing the "hod_onchat" script. I picked forms that are basically humanoid and generic to keep variety with simplicity. Any shape is possible, even the mightiest of dragons if you as a builder/scripter desire, but since I aim for a closer-to-D&D feel, I stuck with humanoids of roughly PC size.
To use this version, simply download the HatofDisguise_v2 (.rar, .zip, or .7z) file and decompress into you ERF directory, the follow the directions in the readme file.
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Version 1 - October 20, 2005
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The available forms: orc, kobold, goblin, drow, lizardman, hobgoblin, dwarf, elf, human, gnome, halfling, half-orc, human child, old human, zombie, skeleton, mummy. Some of the forms vary depending on the gender of the wearer.
This was made with version 1.66 of NWN with both SoU and HotU, it may not be compatible with older versions of the game.
This .erf contains the HOD item (found under Armor > Helmets), the HOD conversation file, all the HOD scripts, and altered default5 and defaultb (onPhysicalAttacked/onSpellCastAt scripts). You need only download one of the files listed here (I've included the variety so you can download the file type you want).
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As with any of my creations, comments (and yes, votes too) are welcome.
Addition Nov. 1, 2009: A simple piece of code that can be inserted into your own OnPerception script(s) is now available. You'll need to personalize it, but it gives the basics for a simple system of "appearance recognition" by NPCs.
Nice adaptation, and works great with the Orcs in Aenea
Posted by mastersuntzu@cox.net at on08/23/08
Very Cool
Posted by RustyDios at on08/23/08
I think this is great.. it's easy to use, quick and does precisely what it says.. it's better for appearance changes then say polymorph as its permanent and you dont "lose" who you are and what you can do.. .. again the Amethyst Dragon creates a true gem..
Posted by Graymaster at on08/09/08
Truth is, I'd quite forgotten HoD until your version 2; not entirely certain that I actually voted. if I neglected to do so, mea culpa, and consider this an apology. Great fun.
Posted by The at 2008-08-0822:31:31
Updated to Version 2 for NWN 1.69. Faster, cleaner scripting, fewer scripts, more appearances! _________________________ World of Aenea (Hall of Fame PW and the origin of all my works) Vault Entries: The Complete List (50+ entries, including 17 Hall of Fame awards) Self-Promotional Honesty: If you have opinions on stuff I've made, or if you use any of it (as a player or builder), I like comments/votes/feedback...so do other content makers and builders. Keep us motivated. :) ---------------------------- Neverwinter Nights Community Site: The Unofficial Homepage for NWN ----------------------------
Posted by E_H_Bonner at on07/01/08
I third Svair and daveyeisley's comments. This hat is a true gem. _________________________ Ring of Ethereal Storage | Common Ring of Storage | Hole and Rope Set Version 1.5 | NwN Module Production - Issue Focal Sheet | Ellspeth's Legendary Elixirs ||| The Personal Work of E_H_Bonner | E_H_Bonner's Favorite Overrides Portfolio | E_H_Bonner's List of Personal Favorite Modules _________________________ "Black Wax, says change your mind and say they do and he will give you a hearing, while MEAT HOUSE SLIM, laying in the bin killing all good men." - L. A. Vaugh
Posted by Svair at on06/04/08
I was probably the player mentioned by daveyeisley. Yes, I guess you could say that I freaked. :-) It's an amazing item, and a lot of fun.
Posted by daveyeisley at on06/03/08
It was a blast when i discovered this item in Aenea... i popped it on, went outside and stood next to my unsuspecting party member (new player). Then I suddenly turned into a hobgoblin! He freaked, LOL! When I showed how it worked, he loved it ... which was good, cuz I do too :
Posted by Zovesta at 2008-01-1803:52:50
Deekin: Deekin feel pretty... Wendeset: Alright, Deekin, no more hakpaks for you! I REALLY want to try this, so off I go to press the file button and download the oh-so wondrous spell/hak thingy! _________________________ I try to make modules, never finish 'em. Working on one now.