We also had an opportunity to take a look at the new editing tools, which include all-new texture sets for new environment types, as well as implementation of the SpeedTree middleware, which lets the game render large clumps of trees and other vegetation quickly. Though the editor is no longer tile-based (as the previous game's was), it will let users create much larger environments that can be quickly filled out by copy-pasting existing segments into other areas. The editor also allows for the game's numerous layers of lighting and reflective effects, which can produce cloudy stormfronts in the sky and ensorcelled dungeon rooms walled with shiny layers of ice. Unfortunately, the new editing tools won't be completely compatible with the toolset from the original game, but considering the much-improved graphical power of the Neverwinter Nights 2 engine, enthusiast adventure-crafters will at least be able to make even larger adventures that are much better-looking.

Our demonstrator was none other than Urquhart himself, who began his presentation by showing us the character creation system. "One of the things we really tried to do in this game is really make the player feel like part of the world," he said as he clicked through a variety of racial and body features. "So we're really focused this time around on using alignment much more than most RPGs." As a result, the player will create more than just a collection of statistics with a face. Instead, character backgrounds will be an important part of the character creation process. Choosing to be a barbarian, for example, is not the end of the process. The player can choose to be a "bully," which will shift his or her alignment more toward the evil and chaotic side, or more of a vigilante type who enforces street justice with his or her fists. Such a shift would slide a player's characteristics more toward the lawful and the good.