Would you like your chat box to be Bethesda style(yellow on semitransparent black), or Interplay style(textures such as rust, dirt, scratches) ?
I would like Interplay style, if it didn't look weird in Fallout 3/NV. We'd need textures for interplay style, possibly some from Fallout1/2/BOS.
We need 2d textures for the input box and chatbox, and a font unless you want to use one of the default windows one. Later, we'll possibly need textures for other dialogs(message boxes, input boxes, etc).
Don't expect too rapid development from me..I don't have a computer that I can test D3D9 code on, but when the textures are done it'll be pretty smooth going from there.
Here's a FAQ that's in progress about the design of the chatbox.
How big do you want the chatbox? (your answer here)
Where do you want the chatbox? It will be movable by holding down left mouse button & moving your mouse to wherever you want it.
How will you scroll in the chatbox? You'll have two arrows vertically stacked on each other. The one on top will be pointed up, and the one on bottom will be pointing down.
How will you enter commands or messages to the chatbox? You'll press a key(maybe t ?) and then enter your message. The input will not affect the game while the chatbox is open.
Feel free to post any suggestions or textures.