Magical Knapsack Calculator - Optimize Gold Value of What You Carry Out

Version 001:

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Contents:

A .Mod file containing scripts for '2' types of knapsack problem inventory calculators (Optimum and Greedy). 

 

Description:

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These calculators tell you what items you should keep in your inventory for the optimum profit and no movement penalty for going overweight before leaving a dungeon. The first is the 'Optimum' (dynamic) version, but this can only do at most 33 items as psuedo-polynomial so about minimum(O(nW), O(2^n)), minus any items that don't have a value. The second one is the 'Greedy' one. This one is not always optimum, but it is fast and can be used with near unlimited items in your inventory with a O(n*log(n)), so could even be used even on multiplayer environments.

 

Note: Doesn't evaluate the value what is already equipped, except to get their weights as no default script exists to calculate weights beyond an estimation that is rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

Installation (the automatic download should make this unnecessary, but just in case):

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(Either)

- Place the 'modules/lh_knapsack_module.mod' into your 'C:/Users/<Your-Name>/My Documents/Neverwinter Nights/modules' folder. You can later play to test it out by starting up the game and choosing it under 'Other Modules'.

 

(OR)

- If you just want the scripts/items for your module, you can just 'export' ERF file from the module making sure to grab all the scripts and items (may be a merchant related one you don't need). Then import that ERF file into your own modules or campaigns. Finally, put one or both of the items into your module and test it out yourself.

 

Rationale:

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D&D type games have always lacked a good way for the player to tell if they have the optimum value/weight item combinations on leaving a dungeon. The knapsack problem algorithms from Computer Science are ideal to solve this issue. With that said, this should ease any confusion certain savvy players will have on leaving a dungeon without feeling overburdened or that they didn't pick up what had the best value. Also, feel free to make your own versions with the idea or what is provided.

 

Bugs/Questions/Comments:

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Please let me know of any problems, questions, or if you just want to comment by sending me a private message or in this corresponding comment area. It may take awhile to fix or it could just be infeasible, if that is the case I'll try to notify you.

 

Other Notes of Interest:

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As related, contains details on how the 'Appraise' Skill is evaluated in NWN1 and what you can do to influence its use, such as using 'Charm' magic.

 

I originally released this on Steam a month ago.

 

While Neverwinter Nights 1 was beyond my time for more than gameplay, I'm a former Neverwinter Nights 2 modist and my greatest work on that game was the 'Nihil Trilogy'. With any luck NWN2 will be shared on Steam and should that happen I'll try share that module trilogy on the newer platform. Regardless, this was a good opportunity to see if I could contribute something I learned from Computer Science degree background that is apt for this subject matter.

 

Thanks.