I'm about to finish bg1 and already I'm starting to plan my (second) bg2 run. I'd really like to roleplay, so, I'm going to do the main quest as soon as possible, rescuing Imoen should be the main concern, and after that, killing Irenicus I guess (don't remember exactly what happens after rescuing Imoen and don't remind me, please But I'm worried that I will have to "get out of character" somewhere inbetween, disregarding any sense of urgency, just to do all the fun sidequests.
Will I be absle to do them after the main quest is finished? Or is there a mod that makes it possible?
I would like to enjoy beeing a hero who's not in a hurry. Just exploring the country side and slaying dragons whenever I happen to come across one.
Thanks in advance.
You can delay doing all of the side quests until just before confronting Irenicus. I often head off to rescue Imoen first, then I deal with a quest associated with her, and after that I'll start completing all of the quests.
But, once you defeat Irenicus for the final time, that's it, game over.
Even if you have the Throne of Bhaal Expansion, it will not allow you to go back to the same areas.
I do not know of any patches or mods that allow you to defeat Irenicus without ending the game, I could be wrong though.
Spoiler
testingtest12
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup. Spoiler
testingtest12
.......All those moments ... will be lost ... in time ... like tears in rain.
The 'main quest' as you described it concerns killing a certain wizard. Once that certain wizard is dead, the game ends (and ToB begins): therefore it is not possible to do sidequests after his death. Indeed, it is not even possible to travel around the BG2 map.
Racing to rescue Imoen as quickly as possible seems to be the best way to roleplay in character. However, once she is safe you can turn your attention to other quests that you discover on your travels. In the same roleplaying sense, many of these quests will have touched your heart; people in jeopardy, evil to confront, etc.
You have unlimited time to wander and quest between the rescue of Imoen, and the completion of the main quest
If you intend to use Imoen in your party, then there is another reason to hurry to rescue her. She will gain from the experience you get from doing side quests, so it's best to delay them until you get her. This makes her a more powerful mage. I always use Imoen as my primary mage, and I want her able to cast high level spells.
I hang around just long enough for Anomen to be knighted, and Nalia's quests to play out, before going after Imoen.
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin
But I'm worried that I will have to "get out of character" somewhere inbetween, disregarding any sense of urgency, just to do all the fun sidequests. 
