The Unofficial BG FAQ V2.1 --- Last updated January
19, 1999.
Version 2.1 - Finally, I've gotten around to editing the thing. Added just 1 section to take the place of the release date question - a section about the most common topics I get in emails, which are, not surprisingly - XP hacks and cheats. Due to the fact that if I don't answer these, someone else will, I put in the answers, as well as warnings and suggestions about this. Don't take these warnings or suggestions as jokes, nor as personal attacks. I've played around with the cheats and hacks, since obviously I can rate them and tell you where they are. But that's for fun, and seriously, using those cheats and making 20th level characters with all 25 stats is fun for a while, but not long. And no one wants to see them in a multiplayer game.
Second, I've gotten rid of the General Notes and Tech Support sections. General Notes were outdated, while Tech Support requires a manual, apparently to explain to everyone that drivers DO affect gameplay. I'd like to point out to everyone that in this FAQ there are answers to all the issues/questions out there, including XP caps, expansions, sequel, and the bards not being able to cast spells in armor thing.
Version 2.0 - Tech Support questions, dealing mostly with video cards, drivers, and sound cards added. A few new questions added here and there... And oh, I refuse to answer stuff that's covered in the manual - like why bards can't cast spells sometimes (it's the armor) - so if you don't have the game or haven't read the manual, don't ask me. You'll either learn in time or learn as soon as you decide to read the manual - respectively. Jan. 1, 1999 (no, I didn't do it over New Year's Eve - I just touched it up and uploaded it now).
Version 1.4 (added a General Notes section describing my visit to Bio and first contact with the game. This is going to be the last 1.x version until BG officially arrives in stores - make that my room - then I switch to 2.x format and answer questions there.) Dec. 19, 1998.
Version 1.3a (converted FAQ to HTML) Dec. 10
Version 1.3 (added a section about the beta test, fixed a few spelling mistakes,
a bit of grammar, there were a few instances where I'd have 2+ spaces between
words like this or this - so I fixed that too. :) Dec. 3
Version 1.2 (added a question or two, put some order in, and changed the
tone of some questions from whiny to normal.) Dec. 2 (yes, again :)
Version 1.1 (added quite a few new questions) Dec. 2
Version 1.0 (the original) Nov. 30
*** This FAQ is supplemental and complemental to the official FAQ available at www.interplay.com/bgate. It is here so that the main message boards at interplay can be saved from these commonly asked questions. It is being updated as new info comes along, so you don't have to worry about info being irrelevant anymore.***
BOARD ETIQUETTE:
If you are looking for something specific, just use the Search in notepad
if you have downloaded this file. If you are looking at it through a browser,
press and hold Ctrl, then type 'f'. That will bring up a search window.
Also, you can search the three BG message boards for text this way, just
remember to click the main frame for this. This search will only go through
current threads, not previous ones. Note that you should do this since it
is considered VERY bad form to post a question that has already been answered
either in the FAQs or on the board. Please keep your posts in the appropriate
board, as well. The board guidelines are posted on each board. Briefly,
though, the Dev Corner is for development and BG gameplay specific questions.
The Backroom is for chat or typical questions about the AD&D system.
The Bard's Table is for creative writing and stuff like that. "Yelling",
or the use of all capital letters (LIKE THIS!) is considered very annoying.
All posts are read by one person or another, and I can just about guarantee
that Greg Peterson (Marketing guy at Black Isle Studios) reads a large majority.
Your post will be read and responded to - that is almost a sure bet. If
it is not responded to, you may have asked a question to which no one has
an answer, asked a question that's already been answered (either in the
FAQs or lower down on the board), or the question is not relevant to the
current board. You do not have to yell to have your questions read. People
tend to ignore yelling and whiney posts (eg: "WTF are you doing IP?!
Why should I have to have a stupid censored version just because I live
over here in...") Swears, flames (insults), the use of strange characters
and symbols annoy people. When people get annoyed, they don't respond. If
you continue, you'll get a warning. If you don't stop, odds are you'll be
bashed. Don't take a warning as an insult. If someone says "Stop yelling",
that is not harsh or rude. They are not requesting or commanding you to
do anything - they're simply pointing out that what you might be doing is
wrong.
THE INDEX
III. Optional Rules Included/Excluded.
V. Release, Expansion, Sequel Questions.
VII. Meaning of some terms; Game and Gameplay Questions;
miscellaneous
THE QUESTIONS
Q: Is there a way around the XP cap?
A: Yes, there is. I would give you a link, but I really do not want to encourage this since going over the XP cap will most likely nullify your chance of importing your character into the sequel, and might cause problems with the patch(es).
Q: I'm really really stuck! Is there a way I can cheat? / I'm already done the game and want to fool around and see what I can do.
A: If you want to cheat, you can find a good program to edit character files (from Ken.) It won't change a save game in progress, but if you are playing a single player game in multi mode (ie, create game in Serial connection and just play by yourself), you can constantly export/import characters in.
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arena/2460/bgate02.html
He also has links to editors and XP cap removers. *Again* I remind you that these might produce problems with the patch, and most likely will invalidate your ability to import your character into the expansion pack/sequel.
I'll also take the time to point out that this seriously takes the fun out of playing the game, and that many people don't want cheated characters in multi player games. I've already noticed an increased number of passworded sessions of BG, or games where the host makes everyone create their own characters. Coming in with a level 3 character and the excuse that he has 19 strength, 20 constituion and 25 dexterity because he got a lot of books is NOT going to work. Anyway, for those of you who are just stuck/want to fool around in single play - enjoy!
II. Rule Changes.
(styles, Large damage, subraces, kits, Ranger/Druid, weapons, Raise Dead,
Raise Elves, ranger and thief hide in shadows and move silently, paladin
and ranger weapon specialization, non weapon proficiencies, spellbooks,
cleric scrolls)
Q: Is two-weapon style included in the game?
A: The animations for the sprites would take too long to do, and take too
much space, so unfortunately no. Believe us, we tried to get it in.
Q: Is there different damage versus Large creatures?
A: To save on computational time and keep the system requirements as low
as possible, this was omitted. It takes a lot of cycles to go through the
data base on monsters and weapons to compare. Also, there really aren't
that many Large monsters in the game anyway.
Q: Are there any subraces?
A: No, in the words of Luke@Bioware:
"Because the game is heavy on story, and writing a broad enough base
for any race would be too difficult. It's not a matter of stats and such,
it's a matter of how the [heck] do you write a plot for a character who
might be a drow and still have it viable for a character who chose to be
a halfling? Low rep or charisma penalties doesn't cut it for a hatred that
runs that deep. You don't just make the character and go, there is a story
here and certain races are not compatible with it."
Q: Are kits included?
A: Again, too much trouble to implement at the moment. The basics were first
and foremost. Possibly in the sequel.
Q: I hear there can't there be a Ranger/Druid dual/multi class?
A: Rules conflicts - alignment, specifically. They can exist for a certain
deity in the Realms but are intentionally rare, so there aren't any.
Q: Are there any more exotic weapons?
A: Many of the exotic weapons are somewhat redundant, and the ones there
are in the game are varied. They are limited in number because of the additional
animations necessary.
Q: Do you lose a constitution point after being Raised?
A: No, because people would load and reload and ... until they finally beat
a fight without dying. With the Con penalty for raising gone, it now gives
players incentive to get Raised (ie, you were lucky to come out of that
last fight with ANYONE alive.) Also, it's a game balance issue. A human
DM might be merciful if he sees an encounter is too hard - the computer
has no such judgment.
Q: Can elves be Raised from Dead (not just Resurrected)?
A: Yes - for similar reasons as above. Gameplay mostly, since dying often
would make elves far less attractive as a PC race.
Q: Can thieves climb walls?
A: BG is a 2D game, and while there are different levels for dungeons and
different stories for buildings, that's about all the depth there is.
Q: Can thieves Hide in Shadows/Move Silently?
A: Yes, this has been included and both stats have been combined under a
"Stealth" skill.
Q: Can rangers Hide/Move Silently?
A: Yes, even outside the forest. This is due to game balancing to make up
for some of their lost abilities. This is the same Stealth skill as rogues
have.
Q: Are there spellbooks in the game?
A: No, they are part of your 'character'. If you kill a mage, you can't
take his spell books.
Q: Can clerics scribe scrolls at level 7(as per AD&D rules)?
A: No.
Q: How do non-weapon proficiencies (NWPs) work?
A: You only get weapon proficiencies. You have to use them as you get them,
so you can't hold over until a later level. You do not get bonus proficiencies
for the extra languages you might get for a high intelligence score, since
there are no other languages than common in the game.
Q: How come rangers and paladins can specialize in weapons?
A: Game-balancing. They lost some abilities, this is how they're being repaid
for that loss. Abilities lost include healing disease for Paladins and no
penalty for two weapons for rangers.
III. Optional Rules Included/Excluded.
(mastery, level limits, 4 xp questions - bonus, party, 2 for xp cap)
Q: Can fighters attain Grand Mastery (as per Skills and Powers Handbook)?
A: Yes, it will be attainable, but not in BG due to the level limitations.
The highest a fighter will be able to attain is High Mastery at the moment.
If you are unfamiliar with the specializations and masteries, go to Thaladar's
Scriptorium (http://scriptorium.warzone.com). He explains it very well,
and has a lot of useful FR (Forgotten Realms) and AD&D info.
Q: Are there level limits in the game?
A: There are no level limits implemented as of yet because the XP cap keeps
any race from attaining its maximum level in a given class. While not officially
decided, it is very likely that the limits will be in place if they are
ever needed. However, if that is the case, then the optional rule about
extra levels for exceptional primary requisites will also play out.
Q: Will characters get bonus XP for exceptional primary requisites?
A: No.
Q: How will XP be divided? Party or individual deed?
A: Equally split among the party. However, there will be statistics that
track of things for each character such as :
a: most powerful foe vanquished
b: # of kills
c: % of party kills
d: % of party XP
e: Favorite spell/weapon
(thanks to Matt from the Backroom for this cool new info)
Q: What is the XP cap? Why have it?
A: 1. Bio needs to know what to expect from your characters for the expansion
pack and sequel. Thus, if they know that no one's going to be above level
7/8, they know what kind of monsters to put in for a challenge (and you
can't modify monster stats in AD&D - they have their own fixed stats,
so this isn't Diablo)
2. A LOT of hard to code and implement abilities like followers, strongholds, and stronghold retainers come into play around level 9/10.
3. Is there any game out there without a level cap? From ye olde Gold Box AD&D games, thru Menzoberranzan, Dark Sun, Daggerfall... everything has had a cap. That includes Diablo. How many people reached level 25 LEGIT? Besides, advancement stopped at 35 or something...
4. BG is not the AD&D world. It's a module. In AD&D, there are pre-made adventure modules for characters of this and this level who are expect to make it up to this level once they're done the adventure. That's BG.
Q: If I have 89,000 XP in one class, and I dual to another, will I
be able to go to 89,000 again?
A: No. The XP total is cumulative. Same goes for multi-class.
IV. Basic AD&D Questions.
(general, dual/multi, fighter/thief backstab weapons, druid shapechange,
fighter/cleric weapons allowed, bard spellcasting)
Q: Do you need to know AD&D (tm) or 2nd ed. to play the game?
A: No. The game is very true to the AD&D rules, but it has an extensive
manual. You might not know the system of how Fallout/F2 work, but you can
still play the game, right? Most of the number-crunching is behind the scenes
anyway.
Q: How does dual-classing and multi-classing work?
A: It is fairly complicated, but I can give you the basics. Only humans
can dual class (but they cannot multi-class.) Basically they choose a class,
advance to a certain level in it, then decide to switch to another class.
First, they need a 17 or higher in the prime requisite(s) (an important
stat) for the second class, as well as a 15 in their primes for the first
class. They retain hitpoints but no other abilities from their previous
class. Only when they *surpass* the level of the previous class, can they
use those abilities. Note that a fighter who becomes a mage cannot cast
spells in armor, nor a fighter who becomes a cleric can use slashing or
piercing weapons. Multi-class is only for non-human races. Basically all
experience is divided equally among the classes. As for how hitpoints are
worked out in this case, it is an averaging system (don't ask - takes too
long to explain, but it will be fair and transparent in the game.)
Q: Will my fighter/thief be able to backstab with an axe?
A: No. Only regular thief weapons can be used for backstabbing. In the case
of a thief/cleric, you can do a 'backwhack' with a club or a staff.
Q: Can fighter/clerics use edged or piercing weapons?
A: No. The cleric weapon limitations have precedence. They can use any armor,
however.
Q: Why can't my bard cast spells?
A: Odds are it is because you have your armor on. Bards, like mages, can't cast in armor.
V. Release, Expansion, Sequel
Questions.
(DVD, expansion packs, sequel, level after expansions, foreign distribution)
Q: Is there going to be a DVD version?
A: No. It's not cost effective at the moment. Maybe later there will be
a collector's edition (with any applicable expansion packs included) released,
but that's maybe, and later.
Q: Speaking of which, what about the expansion packs - are there any?
A: One for sure. It's still in development, however it will take place in
Durlag's Tower and an island off the coast. It will be called "Tales
of the Sword Coast".
Q: Will there be a sequel?
A: Yes, most likely. Again, it's still in early development and no one knows
what it's going to be like, beyond it being set in FR and in the Sword Coast
frontier area.
Q: Why the Sword Coast?
A: Because it is not really developed too much in the novels, thus the game
won't be impinging on anyone's work or plans.
Q: What level can you get after the expansions?
A: Not decided yet.
VI. Technical Questions.
(Graphics Test score, errors in NID/Graphics Test, 3D cards, 2D cards and
compatibility, K6-2 3DNow!, low resolution (640x480), screenshots, script
compiler not working)
Q: I get x/100 on the Graphics Test, is this good?
A: Yes, as long as you're above 30 you should be fine. It doesn't have to
be 100. If you expect more from your video card (like a G200), but are only
getting 60, 66, or 75, then that's probably because that is what your refresh
rate is locked at.
Q: I get errors on the NID or Graphics Test - why?
A: Either you have old drivers, or you have the Matrox Millennium. Try upgrading
your drivers to the newest version *exactly* according to your manufacturer's
instructions. If you have a no-name video card, use the reference drivers
from your chipset maker, *exactly* according to their specifications (*exactly*
is important because your drivers will not fully update unless you follow
the proper instructions.) If you have the Matrox Millennium, Bioware has
developed a software solution for the error. It will slow down performance
a bit, but not to the point of unplayability. Do not expect Matrox to release
updated drivers, though.
Q: Will BG use my Voodoo/Voodoo2/other 3D graphics accelerator?
A: Nope. The game is 2D only.
Q: Will BG work with my _____ video card? (2D)
A: So far most cards except the Matrox Millennium (original) have been working
perfectly. If you are having troubles, remember to install the latest drivers
according to the specifications of your card manufacturer. Exactly. Also,
some TNT cards are slow in BG due to bad drivers - use the .48 reference
driver from NVidia.
Q: Does BG use my K6-2 special 3D instructions? (3DNow!)
A: No. BG is a 2D game and cannot benefit from additional floating point
execution. It won't get any benefit from KNI (AKA MMX2) either.
Q: Why is BG only in 640x480 resolution? The game looks poor on big monitors!
A: The backgrounds are pre-rendered and already very large at their current resolution. To put them in higher resolutions would increase the size of the files exponentially - ie, at 1280x960 resolution (if it existed in common use), the game would be almost 20 CDs big! There is no work around for this increase in size - to simply blow up the images to fit the screen would result in ugly pixelation (try increasing the size of a picture 100x100 pixels wide to 200x200 in Paintshop Pro or Photoshop... you'll see :) Anyway, you can partly get around this ugliness of the game on big monitors by running it in windowed mode (either go to options and set it, or alt-enter when the game starts.)
Q: How do I take screenshots?
A: The Print Screen key (top right of your keyboard - near scroll lock and pause.) This is also a good way to print up character stats.
Q: The script compiler isn't working.
A: Download the DLLs necessary, and after you copy the compiler, you have to remove the read-only attribute from the files. Best way to do this:
select your compiler directory, go to DOS, and type "attrib -r *.* /s" (without the quotes) and hit enter. Thanks to DiSSiPER from irc.bgchronicles.com for this info.
VII. Meaning of some terms;
Game and Gameplay Questions; miscellaneous.
(munchkins, powergamers, 3 multi player and single player questions and
comparisons, Drizzt, Tarrasque)
Q: What's a munchkin, why is everyone calling me that?
A: If you're being called a munchkin, odds are because you've cheated in
the game somehow to make yourself superpowerful. People don't like munchkins.
Leave, go away, learn how to roleplay or at least stop being a munchkin,
then come back.
Q: What's powergaming?
A: Powergaming is not quite as bad as being a munchkin. You simply min-max
your stats (ie, calculate what would be most advantageous for you) to have
a powerful character. Not that this is necessarily bad, it's just considered
poor taste.
Q: What can the host of a multiplayer game do?
A: Just about anything. Make you start with a new character, strip you of
items and xp, kick you out, assign you a character - whatever.
Q: Can I play more than one character in multiplayer?
A: Yes.
Q: Why play single player if you can create your own party for multi
and finish the game that way?
A: The game was designed with single player in mind. The NPCs are very interesting
and will react to each other in different ways. A party of PCs will use
generic scripts and not be nearly as interesting. Besides, you can export
your single player character into a multi game. Thus, the question then
becomes : Why not single player? :) Of course, you can create just one character
in multi player, play the game that way and let NPCs join you. Then, when
a friend wants to join in, you'll just be able to let him take over a NPC
or let him bring his own character in. Thanks to Silverdawn of BGC for this
suggestion.
Q: Where is Drizzt? Is he alone? Does he have his stuff?
A: Find out, look in the game. Yes, he has his stuff.
Q: Is there a Tarrasque in this game?
A: Nope.
Suggestion: Check out the BGChronicles hardware section for more problems - that site gets updated faster than I can keep up the FAQ, it also contains less common questions.
http://www.bgchronicles.com
---Shogun
THE THANK YOUS
Thanks to Luke@bioware for helping clean some errors out of this.
Special thanks to anyone who was on #baldursgate on rpg.worldirc.net at around 8pm mountain time, Nov. 30th.
Thanks to whoever it was who suggested I make this FAQ... sorry, can't remember. Drop me a line on the Backroom and I'll include you if you want. :) Ah, just got a reminder from him - thanks Bortigar :)
Thanks to Jonny Finite (IPlay webmaster and all around cool dude - not stud yet, but dude nonetheless) for comic relief and an abundant supply of PEZ.
Thanks to Krys@BIS for providing the real comic relief by bashing me and Jonny senseless when we got out of hand. *rolls his eyes* :)
Really important thanks to all the Backroom and Developer's Corner members who asked questions, provided answers, and flamed each other enough to convince me to do this FAQ.
Thanks to Greg Peterson the Marketing Manager for providing the real answers to all the bad posts we (ok, ok - *I*) made. I'd also like to thank him for his suggestion to put some order into my FAQ and change the tone of some questions from whiny to normal.
Thanks to Silverdawn and Baldur's Gate Chronicles (the MOST up to date BG site on the net - http://www.bgchronicles.com.) I owe a lot of info to Silver, as well as thanks for posting my FAQ so quickly and in such a prominent spot.
THE LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO:
Everything that's trademarked and copyrighted belongs to its respective
owners - I won't even bother guessing what belongs to whom and whom belongs
to what company, because if I'm wrong I smell a lawsuit. I didn't put any
TMs or (C)s unless I was sure it belonged to somebody. If any of the respective
owners have *any* problems with this, just tell me before your lawyer, tell
me what to do, and I'll fix it.