FFVI: Divergent Paths

Yep, I’m on it.  Thanks, C-dude.  Most times I use the triple question-mark handle if something is said offscreen or if the person’s name hasn’t been introduced yet.  If a line of text is intended to be used by any member of the current party then I surround it with quotation-marks. Although, there are even moments in the game when neither would be appropriate. As in, your first encounter with Shadow at South Figaro.  Using your example, of sketcher/painter, might pan out.  I can always erase that line of dialog, because he doesn’t actually SAY anything: “... ... ...”.  Sometimes I even drop handles all together: old man/young man. Setting agism aside, you can see how old the person is. You don’t need to be told that.

I’m also familiar with the “HALT” situation and tend to stay away from editing those lines...I do have a work around for it, though. The placement of in town NPC dialog is so random! I’ve been rearranging it to suit the environment. So I’ve definitely encountered the “HALT” problem.