The Shroud on 3/12/2008 at 20:54
Honestly I think Constantine's sword is just sort of a display piece to show off in his mansion. Who knows where he got it from. Then again, since the Trickster apparently planned to hire some thief or other to steal the Eye for him, maybe he really did fashion the sword for the express purpose of lending it to his would-be pawn for the quest.
By the way, Beleg, Garrett might find a standard sword fairly inconvenient when moving about or trying to conceal himself. Obviously he didn't choose the sword, Constantine did, but by the same token he might feel less inclined to take it with him if it's too cumbersome for his activities (skulking, climbing, swimming, etc). That's why I think a short(er) sword would be more to his benefit. But I haven't made a final decision yet. Right now the screenplay still features Constantine's sword as we know it.
jtr7 on 3/12/2008 at 21:26
In the game it has magical properties, so display is an under-use of it. Use of the sword should only come from the need for those magical properties, which are completely about stealth. His visibility does not increase when he draws it, and AI that would normally react to seeing him with the drawn weapon, don't. In-game canon. So if the non-sword expert Garrett uses it, it should really be useful, and it should make sense that he's wielding it when he does. Otherwise fence it for the money for the gear.:p
Inline Image:
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1280/swordconstantinesra3.pngatolonen on 3/12/2008 at 21:43
How about having Constantine's sword appear invisible to others than the wielder (when someone's wielding it)? Or if you want to avoid cliches have it being constructed of shadow or something like that (would need some inventive filming + effects to pull this off, though). Such properties could explain why wielding it doesn't increase Garrett's visibility and why enemies don't react to him like he was wielding it when he is.
The Shroud on 3/12/2008 at 21:45
I know the sword doesn't increase Garrett's visibility in the game. The only way I can conceive of this translating into the movie is if the sword turns invisible or semi-visible/incorporeal/shadowy when wielded (not that we saw this occur in-game). Maybe the sword acts like a chameleon and constantly shifts its colors to match its surroundings, or even bends light around it completely (again, not that we saw this in-game). But that only solves the problem of staying inconspicuous when the sword is drawn. It still doesn't make it easier to physically nestle into hiding places or move around and perform athletic activities.
I'd like to hear some more people's opinions on the prospect of shortening Constantine's sword.
jtr7 on 3/12/2008 at 22:57
Sorry, I was responding to the first sentence about the sword being just a display piece. I took it wrong. :o
I know it's not preferable, and that this is not being written with the whole trilogy in mind, but the trilogy tells us there exists illusory magic. That, and the sword is made of "black" metal. Make it dull black metal. Garrett could simply use the shadows to hide it as he hides himself, which he cannot do with a shiny light-coloured sword. Encumbrance aside.
Yeah, I'm hoping to hear from more people, too--on the topic as a whole. So far, it's like you have a volunteer consultant team, or something.:laff:
What I, and a few others, believe, is that Constantine had Lionel Karthman and his team build the place as a front for the human disguise, and ultimately as a testing ground. 'Cause he can. He doesn't need the house when he's got the Maw of Chaos. I say this, not to sway your project, but to show you where some of my opinion comes from. Some of us have an uncommon view, but based as firmly in the given canon as we can keep it, while creating fancruft to fill in some gaps. You can reject any of it, all of it, but I'm just letting you know my personal stance. :)
The Shroud on 3/12/2008 at 23:42
Actually I'm of the same opinion.
jtr7 on 3/12/2008 at 23:44
Well cool!:D
The Shroud on 4/12/2008 at 00:03
Update, as of the 29th voter:
Lockpicks: 29 (100%)
Rope arrow: 29 (100%)
Blackjack: 28 (97%)
Water arrows: 27 (93%)
Flash bombs: 26 (90%)
Broadhead arrows: 25 (86%)
Compass: 25 (86%)
Fire arrows: 24 (83%)
Constantine's sword: 24 (83%)
Holy water: 17 (59%)
Noisemaker arrows: 15 (52%)
Gas arrows: 14 (48%)
Moss arrows: 11 (38%)
Gas mines: 8 (28%)
Breath potions: 8 (28%)
Healing potions: 8 (28%)
Explosive mines: 7 (24%)
Speed potions: 6 (21%)
Interesting that the top four items in the poll are the same ones that will make an appearance in Lord Bafford's Manor. I guess Thief fans will be happy to see those in the beginning of the movie.
jtr7 on 4/12/2008 at 00:18
I wonder why breath potions are important? They don't have a part in the plot of the game, other than that they are available, and no TDP mission requires them. The water-filled entrance to the Lost City has air pockets, and the Air Talisman could provide air ( :p ). Maybe they want it for the water chute ride in the Maw?
The Shroud on 4/12/2008 at 00:27
The mind boggles, doesn't it? Actually I would say the vast majority of the items available to the player in TDP aren't crucial to the plot, and only about half of them are really necessary for Garrett's adventures. But it's good to see the majority's views on things.
