NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer - Interview @ Sorcerer's Place

Sorcerer's Place has a nifty interview with Obsidian's Nathaniel Chapman on NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer.  Here's an excerpt on the refined influence system:

SP: The influence system is said to have been improved or even redesigned. Could you please cast some light on this? 

Nathaniel Chapman: The influence system is something that we’ve used in all of our games so far, and it’s something we’ve given a lot of thought to in Mask of the Betrayer. We’ve done a lot to improve both visibility and reactivity. In Mask, you can open up any of your companion’s character sheets and see your influence level with them. In addition, influence is broken down into broad levels based on the current value, and at higher levels companions will both gain feats that make them stronger and grant the player feats that make him or her stronger. Additionally, if you lose enough influence with companions, they may choose to leave your party, or even attack you. As a result, the companions feel much more responsive and you feel a lot more rewarded for currying favor with them.