The last time we spoke with Obsidian, Ferret Baudoin commented that diplomatic characters would have more moments to strut their stuff, while Darren Monahan explained NWN2 has some complex dialogue. Can you expand this further? How much impact will players have on the gameplay through dialogue rather than combat and how will stats or elements influence the options?

Chris Avellone: We make extensive use of Diplomacy, Bluff, Intimidate, and deception and lying in general, as well as some more unusual skills for influencing others in dialogue, including Perform and Taunt. Without giving too much away about moments in the plotline, there's plenty of ways to crush your opponents and defeat them with just the right word or turn of phrase. There are even instances where the companions can back you up with certain skills (Neeshka can occasionally help you pull out of a Taunt or Lie-based Failure, for example). Aside from skills, we also use a number of attributes common from the Black Isle games, including Intelligence and Wisdom and various class and race-based responses.

Speculation is rampant about the strongholds that will be included in the game. What can you tell us about them? Are they class-specific? Can a PC own more than one? How do they work?

Chris Avellone: The player has a single stronghold, and it is not class-specific, although some of the things you can do in the stronghold may have different effects depending on your class and alignment. Without giving too much away, the Stronghold game mechanic begins with you given a shell, then you have to spend and gather the resources to build and upgrade it however you see fit. Some of these may involve searching the world for recruits, others involve completing certain quests, others involve spending a few dozen bags of gold or so.​