NPC Dialogue – Tarnis the Sculptor

Wednesday, December 07, 2022 at 08:40 PM

A portly middle-aged stone sculptor man with a beard standing with arms crossed in his workshop.

Tarnis the Stone Sculptor. (Midjourney V4)

Now we have a stone sculptor, with dialogue generated with ChatGPT. For any pink/red word, on PC you can press Control+F to find and read that response KIND OF like how it would be in-game. Only search for the first four letters, though. But you might want to click the Hide button in the year list at the top of the left sidebar, so Control+F doesn't also search through devlog titles.

One thing I love about these, is that no human wrote them. That means everyone gets to discover them, even the person who 'created' it (me). Similarly me and my little brother have been generating book texts we can put into minecraft books, then "discover" and read aloud in-game. Since we can generate them, copy and paste, even the person who generated the story doesn't know how it goes, until it's read as a team. That's cool. So this is all a simple way of saying, I can't wait to discover these dialogues in-game along with other players, even though I'm technicallty the person who put them there!

Also note the clinical nature of some of the responses, and this would all be smoothed out with a "naturalizing(?)" pass to make the dialogue feel more natural and appropriate.

For this one I experimented with adding unique anecdotes that could lead to interesting quests. For example, ask (Control F) about "comm" (commissions). then ask about weal (wealthy individuals) and follow that chain!

Tarnis the Stone Sculptor

view: a middle-aged man with short, dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard of average height and build wearing simple, practical clothing.

introk: Hello, my dear friends! It is always a pleasure to see thee.

introu: Greetings, stranger.

name: My name is Tarnis.

job: I am a stone sculptor. I create intricate designs and figures using blocks of stone.

scul: Sculpting is my life's work and passion. I spend my days chiseling away at blocks of stone in my workshop, carefully crafting intricate designs and figures. My family has been doing this work for generations.

chis: : tool

tool: I use a variety of tools in my work, including chisels, hammers, and mallets. I also use a hand-cranked lathe to shape and polish my sculptures.

work: 'Tis a small workshop attached to my home. It is a simple space, but it is filled with light and is well-ventilated. I am fortunate to have a dedicated space where I can focus on my craft.

soci: As a skilled stone sculptor, I am able to provide for my family and enjoy a comfortable life thanks to the income from my work.

craf : proc

proc: To create a sculpture, I first sketch out a design on paper. I then transfer the design onto a block of stone and begin chiseling away at the stone to create the desired shape. I use a variety of tools to carefully carve the stone, paying close attention to detail and proportion. Once the sculpture is complete, I use a lathe to polish and smooth the surface of the stone. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the design or the whims of the client.

stor: One of my favorite memories from childhood is the time my father took me to see the beautiful sculptures in the local cathedral. I was so inspired by the skill and artistry of the sculptors that I knew then and there that I wanted to become a stone sculptor myself and continue our tradition.

vent: air

air: In my line of work, it is important to have good air circulation to prevent the build-up of dust from chiseling and polishing stone. Inhaling the dust is bad for your health.

dust: Aye, breathing in stone dust can cause respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. The fine particles in stone dust can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, and other symptoms. Inhaling large amounts of stone dust can also cause more serious health problems, such as lung cancer and other lung diseases. Anyone working with stone best take precautions to prevent inhaling dust, such as using masks and ensuring their workshop is well-ventilated like mine.

desi: I create a wide range of designs in my sculptures, from simple geometric patterns to complex figures and scenes. I am constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques to push the boundaries of what is possible with stone.

figu: In addition to creating designs, I also sculpt a variety of figures, including animals, people, and mythical creatures. I take great care to capture the essence and character of each figure in my sculptures.

lathe: A lathe is a tool that I use to shape and polish the surface of my sculptures. It consists of a rotating platform that I can attach the sculpture to, allowing me to easily and evenly sand and polish the stone.

clie: comm

comm: I receive commissions for my sculptures from a variety of clients, including wealthy individuals, churches, and civic organizations. I am always grateful for the opportunity to create beautiful works of art for others to enjoy.

myth: I enjoy sculpting mythical creatures, such as dragons, griffins, and unicorns. These fantastical beings allow me to exercise my imagination and create sculptures that are truly unique. Some members of the church think they are blasphemous, but I don't agree.

tool: I use a variety of tools in my work, including chisels, hammers, and mallets to shape and carve the stone. I also use a lathe to polish and smooth the surface of my sculptures.

pape: I use a pencil, a piece of charcoal, or a quill and ink, depending on what's available near my workbench. I also sometimes use a ruler or other straight edge to help draw straight lines and create precise geometric shapes. Each sculptor has their preferences.

stor: My father took me to see the beautiful sculptures in the local cathedral. I was so inspired by the skill and artistry of the sculptors that I knew then and there that I wanted to become a stone sculptor myself and continue our family's work.

rule: There are many ways to draw straight lines. ruler, a T-square, or a set square. Some rulers might be made of wood, while others might be made of metal or other materials. They might also have different features, such as calibrated markings or the ability to pivot or adjust to different angles.

why_job: I come from a long line of stone sculptors, and the art of sculpting has been passed down through my family for generations. I have always been drawn to the creative process of sculpting, and I am grateful to be able to continue this tradition.

hobb: read

free: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the natural beauty of the countryside. I also enjoy reading and learning about new techniques and styles of sculpting. I also enjoy attending church and engaging in religious activities.

read: In my free time, I enjoy reading books on a wide range of subjects, including history, art, and science. I find that reading helps to expand my knowledge and inspire my creativity.

phil: My life philosophy is to always strive to create something beautiful and enduring. I believe that through hard work and dedication, I can create sculptures that will inspire and delight others for generations to come.

cath: chur

chur: Now I take commissions from churches, who want sculptures for their altars or other religious spaces. I take great care to create sculptures that are in keeping with the religious themes and traditions of the church and to avoid anything blashphemous.

civi: Civic organizations, such as town councils and guilds, also commission sculptures from me. These organizations often commission sculptures to be placed in public spaces, such as town squares or parks.

weal: Wealthy individuals also commission sculptures from me for their private collections or to be placed in their homes or gardens. I am always honored to be able to create sculptures for these discerning clients.

priv: This is a bit of a long and strange story. Are you sure you want to hear it? : testyn

privn: perhaps another time then. These wealthy, private collectors can be strange indeed.

privy: One time, I was commissioned to create a sculpture for a wealthy private collector. The collector was an eccentric and reclusive man who lived in a sprawling estate on the outskirts of town. He was known for his love of all things exotic and strange, and he wanted me to create a sculpture of a mythical creature that he had seen in one of his travels to the East. I was given a detailed description of the creature, as well as some rough sketches, but I had never seen anything like it before. The creature had the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a human. I was both fascinated and intimidated by the challenge of bringing this creature to life in stone. I spent weeks carefully crafting the sculpture, using the finest marble I could find and working long hours to get every detail just right. When the sculpture was finally complete, I delivered it to the collector's estate and was invited inside to see his private collection of art and curiosities. As I entered the collector's home, I was struck by the opulence and strangeness of the place. The walls were adorned with exotic tapestries and paintings, and the rooms were filled with strange and wonderful objects from all corners of the world. I was led to a large room where the collector kept his collection of sculptures, and there I saw my own creation, proudly displayed in the center of the room. The collector was delighted with the sculpture, and he praised my skill and artistry. He then revealed to me that the creature I had sculpted was not just a figment of his imagination, but a real and ancient creature that he had encountered on one of his travels. He showed me a series of scrolls and manuscripts that he claimed contained the secrets of the creature and its power. I was both amazed and disturbed by what the collector had told me, and I left his estate feeling both inspired and unnerved. I have never forgotten that strange encounter, and the sculpture of the mythical creature remains one of my most memorable and unique creations.

story, yes? : testyn

privyy: Indeed.

privyn: Ah, perhaps you are more traveled than I, then.

scrol: pain

manu: pain

pain: The scrolls, manuscripts, and paintings that the private collector showed me were unlike anything I had ever seen before. The scrolls were long and narrow, made of delicate parchment and written in a strange and ancient script. The manuscripts were beautifully bound and illuminated, with intricate designs and colorful illustrations. The paintings were vivid and lifelike, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and exotic landscapes. I was fascinated by the beauty and strangeness of these works, and I felt honored to be able to see them in person. I'll never forget that wealthy duke.

duke: His name was Augustus Darlington. But don't tell anyone I said so, as these are private matters.

augu: darl

darl: Shh!

family: My family is made up of my wife and children, as well as my extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are all devoted Christians and are very close-knit. My wife and children are supportive of my work as a stone sculptor and often help me in the workshop.

trad: gene

gene: I come from a long line of stone sculptors, and my father taught me the trade at a young age. I am married with children, and I hope to pass on the art of sculpting to them one day.

coun: The countryside is a beautiful and peaceful place that I love to explore. I enjoy taking long walks and admiring the natural beauty of the land, from the rolling hills and fields to the sparkling streams and lakes.

style: There are many different styles of sculpting, from the ornate and highly detailed sculptures of the Gothic period to the more abstract and modern styles of the 20th century. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques to create sculptures that are unique and original.

reli: I often incorporate religious themes, symbols, and motifs into my sculptures. I take great care to create sculptures that are respectful and appropriate for a religious setting, especially if they are commissioned by the church.

blasph: I do not believe that sculpting mythical creatures is blasphemous because these creatures are not real and do not represent any religious figures or beliefs. Instead, they are simply products of my imagination and are intended to be enjoyed as works of art...but I am careful about this when working on church commissions, of course.

fave: My favorite thing about being a stone sculptor is the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and enduring out of a block of stone. I also enjoy the challenge of bringing my designs to life using only the tools and techniques available to me.

left: scrap

scrap: I do not waste any stone, and I carefully save and reuse any leftover scrap stone in future sculptures. This allows me to make the most of every block of stone and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

mistake: Once I was working on a sculpture of a knight on horseback. As I was chiseling away at the stone, I accidentally chipped off part of the knight's sword. At first, I was disappointed and frustrated, but then I realized that I could use the chipped piece of stone to add ornate details to the knight's shield. I carefully carved the shape of gemstones and filigree and attached it to the knight's shield, and in the end, I was quite pleased with the result. The mistake ended up adding a new element to the sculpture that I might not have thought of otherwise.

sour: Sometimes I purchase blocks of stone from local quarries or from traders who import stone from other regions. I also sometimes salvage stone from old buildings or structures that are being demolished or renovated. I am always on the lookout for high-quality stone that is suitable for sculpting, and depending on current trends, different types may be in demand and can fetch a higher price.

suit: best

stone: best

best: Marble, granite, and limestone are durable and strong and can take on a smooth, polished finish. Alabaster and soapstone are softer and easier to carve, but may not be as durable or long-lasting. What's best depends on the project and the desired effect. But not matter what, mistakes will happen.

dema

inco: price

pric: The price of my sculptures depends on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the design, the type of stone used, and the amount of time and effort required to complete the sculpture. I am always happy to discuss the details and pricing of a project with potential clients who wish to buy.

buy: Ah, of course. I create a variety of sculptures using high-quality stone. If you are interested in purchasing one of my

sculptures, I would be happy to discuss the details and pricing with you. shop

cost: The cost of my sculptures is determined by the factors mentioned above, as well as any additional expenses, such as the cost of the stone and any specialized tools or materials needed for the project. I strive to provide fair and reasonable prices for my sculptures and to work closely with my clients to ensure that their needs and budgets are met.

bye: Farewell, and may your day be filled with beauty and joy.

join_you: Would you like to join me in my workshop and see how I create my sculptures?

other: I cannot help thee with that.

A medieval stone sculptor's workshop with a marble bust of a short-haired man on the workbench near a window.

A medieval stone sculptor's workshop with a marble bust of a short-haired man on the workbench near a window. (Midjourney V4)

Here's the original fb UDIC post.

You've reached the end of this devlog entry.