Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here, though I am not new to forums. My name is Krimson Draegon.
My cousin acquired a copy of Baldur's Gate 1 and attempted to play it. However, despite how much older he is than me, he is too much of a baby to see the beauty behind this type of game. He got bored with it because the graphics weren't "next-gen" enough and because there wasn't enough action. He gave it to me because I am a big fan of RPG's and I have a lot of experience in many different styles and types of RPG's.
I don't know a whole lot about D&D style RPG's. I have some experience with PnP games, but definately not D&D. Since acquiring the game I have done some browsing in stores and on the web, so I am not completely ignorant.
So enough beating around the bush. Here are my questions:
Is there anything I need to be made aware of before I begin gaming? Any tips or tricks the manuals and regular RPG experience won't already tell me (i.e. save often (the first commandment of RPG's), talk to everyone, how dice rolls work, etc.).
Second: I'm pretty settled on being Chaotic Neutral (I answer things as they come up, so if I see a chance to help some one I will, but if I see a chance for me to steal some gold I will, if I think I can win 100 gold by betting 50 gold I will, etc.) is this the right choice? I know Chaotic Neutral is considered the most difficult alignment.
Third: For a first time player which class would you suggest? I'm tend to favor magic more, but it seems like it would be very difficult to play a mage in this game. I'm kind of stuck on either Mage or Druid. Mage appeals to me more, but druid seems like a better choice for a first timer since I can wear armor and eventually shape change. (I know I have to be true neutral for a druid)
I think we'll leave it at that for now. I wish to extend my sincerest thanks to anyone who reads this thread and those who take the time to type out a response.
Sincerely,
Krimson Draegon <><
Salve'
-
Crenshinibon
- Posts: 2665
- Joined: Wed Mar 22, 2006 5:35 pm
- Contact:
1.) Know that you only go up to level seven. This means that for magic type characters you probably won't reach the final spell level. Also, if you have evil or good characters in your party, and you do the opposite of what they would do, they'll get upset and leave. Some characters come in pairs. If one leaves, the other follows. Also, some characters join you for quests, and if you stall for too long the will leave. Finally, the last thing, some character quests conflict with other party members, so someone might have to die/leave. Note that experience is devided equally among characters. Try to limit yourself to a maximum of four. In the end you might want to meet all the possibly party members for fun. One more thing, spell resistance not only nulls some negative effects but positive ones as well.
2.) All the alignment does here is give you your starting reputation and possibly determing how other party members react to you. Some classes however have alignment restrictions, which only determines the class that you can choose.
3.) For a newbie I'd recomend a fighter. Mages are really fun, but in order to become stronger, you'll need to find some scrolls, which can be difficult or exepensive. They are very weak physically, but if you can get a few conjuration spells, then you're in good shape. For druids, as much as I like shapeshifting, they get their forms at the last level, the end of the game and in my oppinion, losing the ability to cast spells is a major disadvantage.Avoid multiclassing/dual classing until at least your second game.
Anyway, have fun playing. This game is and will always be my favorite. Hope you get the most out of this masterpiece.
2.) All the alignment does here is give you your starting reputation and possibly determing how other party members react to you. Some classes however have alignment restrictions, which only determines the class that you can choose.
3.) For a newbie I'd recomend a fighter. Mages are really fun, but in order to become stronger, you'll need to find some scrolls, which can be difficult or exepensive. They are very weak physically, but if you can get a few conjuration spells, then you're in good shape. For druids, as much as I like shapeshifting, they get their forms at the last level, the end of the game and in my oppinion, losing the ability to cast spells is a major disadvantage.Avoid multiclassing/dual classing until at least your second game.
Anyway, have fun playing. This game is and will always be my favorite. Hope you get the most out of this masterpiece.
“The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.”
First of all MR. DRAEGON let me just say that you make me sick.LOL
OK super envious that you are on your virgin tour of BGI. I am sure you will love it.
I would also recomend a fighter(Paladin,Ranger) type character for your first run through. There are some good ones you can pick up along the way but each has there own particular shortcommings. Also bows are extremely powerful in BGI. An Elf warrior with 19 dexterity and proficiencies in Bow and Long sword is an excellent choice.
After a couple of run throughs when you see how the game works and what available NPC's are out there then use whatever class you would like as you will be able to plan your group ahead of time.
Druids are rather underpowered in BGI and are a dissapointment although they really are very effective in BGII and TUTU.
OK super envious that you are on your virgin tour of BGI. I am sure you will love it.
I would also recomend a fighter(Paladin,Ranger) type character for your first run through. There are some good ones you can pick up along the way but each has there own particular shortcommings. Also bows are extremely powerful in BGI. An Elf warrior with 19 dexterity and proficiencies in Bow and Long sword is an excellent choice.
After a couple of run throughs when you see how the game works and what available NPC's are out there then use whatever class you would like as you will be able to plan your group ahead of time.
Druids are rather underpowered in BGI and are a dissapointment although they really are very effective in BGII and TUTU.
Once again time to give someone the boot to make room for Coran. LOL 
1.) a)Some things which are omitted or wrong in the manual:
- Elves or half-elves don't get any magic resistance bonusses or immunities, dwarves, halflings and gnomes get very useful saving throw bonusses.
- Wisdom doesn't effect magic resistance at all and is only useful for clerical bonus spells or lore.
b) Install the official patches before playing.
c) The HPs you get at level up are random, so you might want to reload until you get the maximum. Multiclass characters get usually pretty bad rolls, a total of 9 HP at 8 level ups isn't very uncommon for characters without con bonus if you don't reload.
Scribing scrolls can fail, and some important scrolls are unique. You can also use reload then.
But the best solution is to get the Ease-of-use mod and install the components for maximum HP/level up and always successful scroll scribing.
2.) the alignment only affects the starting reputation slightly, nothing else.
3.) the easiest class for a beginners are fighters or clerics.
The maximum XP a character can have is 89,000 in the normal game, if you also have the expansion (TotSC) installed 161,000. If you look at the XP tables in the manual you can see which levels your characters can reach.
Dualclassing is the method to get powerful characters.
A human fighter5>mage for example can reach the same mage level as a pure mage, but can have additional 40 HP, weapon specialisation and can use all weapons and armors fighters can use.
If you want to play a pure mage for role playing reasons, then use a specialist. At low levels the additional spells do really matter. Only being able to cast one spell per day isn't that fun.
I would choose an illusionist, the necromancy spells aren't really important. You also get better rolls at creation, since dexterity is rerolled until it is at least 16.
A typical beginner's error is to ignore con and dex at mage creation and get high wisdom or creating characters with 14 in all stats. High con and dex is necessary for mages since they are very vulnerable. In most stats there is no difference between 7 and 14.
I would create an illusionist with following stats:
Str: 10+ (So you can carry your equipment, the more you have the better)
Dex: 18 (You need the +4 AC)
Con: 16 (You need the +2 HP/level)
Int: 18
Wis: 3 (you can take 10 for lore or roleplaying purposes, but it's useless)
Cha: 3 or 14-18 (18 cha helps a lot with NPC reactions and shop prices, else you can have other party members with 16-17 cha take the lead.)
Start with missile profiency for slings or darts.
You can take a gnome for 19 int and saving throw bonusses if you don't mind playing a small race.
If you are a powergamer you can start as human fighter and dualclass to (specialist) wizard after 3-5 levels.
Then go for the for the following stats:
Str: 18 (you need at least 15)
Dex: 18
Con: 16-18
Int: 18
Wis: 3
Cha: 3 or 14-18
+++ in bows and ++ in large swords
If you want to play a single or multiclass druid:
Str: 18
Dex: 18
Con: 16 (more helps if you multiclass)
Int: 3
Wis: 17-18
Cha: 15 or 18
- Elves or half-elves don't get any magic resistance bonusses or immunities, dwarves, halflings and gnomes get very useful saving throw bonusses.
- Wisdom doesn't effect magic resistance at all and is only useful for clerical bonus spells or lore.
b) Install the official patches before playing.
c) The HPs you get at level up are random, so you might want to reload until you get the maximum. Multiclass characters get usually pretty bad rolls, a total of 9 HP at 8 level ups isn't very uncommon for characters without con bonus if you don't reload.
Scribing scrolls can fail, and some important scrolls are unique. You can also use reload then.
But the best solution is to get the Ease-of-use mod and install the components for maximum HP/level up and always successful scroll scribing.
2.) the alignment only affects the starting reputation slightly, nothing else.
3.) the easiest class for a beginners are fighters or clerics.
The maximum XP a character can have is 89,000 in the normal game, if you also have the expansion (TotSC) installed 161,000. If you look at the XP tables in the manual you can see which levels your characters can reach.
Dualclassing is the method to get powerful characters.
A human fighter5>mage for example can reach the same mage level as a pure mage, but can have additional 40 HP, weapon specialisation and can use all weapons and armors fighters can use.
If you want to play a pure mage for role playing reasons, then use a specialist. At low levels the additional spells do really matter. Only being able to cast one spell per day isn't that fun.
I would choose an illusionist, the necromancy spells aren't really important. You also get better rolls at creation, since dexterity is rerolled until it is at least 16.
A typical beginner's error is to ignore con and dex at mage creation and get high wisdom or creating characters with 14 in all stats. High con and dex is necessary for mages since they are very vulnerable. In most stats there is no difference between 7 and 14.
I would create an illusionist with following stats:
Str: 10+ (So you can carry your equipment, the more you have the better)
Dex: 18 (You need the +4 AC)
Con: 16 (You need the +2 HP/level)
Int: 18
Wis: 3 (you can take 10 for lore or roleplaying purposes, but it's useless)
Cha: 3 or 14-18 (18 cha helps a lot with NPC reactions and shop prices, else you can have other party members with 16-17 cha take the lead.)
Start with missile profiency for slings or darts.
You can take a gnome for 19 int and saving throw bonusses if you don't mind playing a small race.
If you are a powergamer you can start as human fighter and dualclass to (specialist) wizard after 3-5 levels.
Then go for the for the following stats:
Str: 18 (you need at least 15)
Dex: 18
Con: 16-18
Int: 18
Wis: 3
Cha: 3 or 14-18
+++ in bows and ++ in large swords
If you want to play a single or multiclass druid:
Str: 18
Dex: 18
Con: 16 (more helps if you multiclass)
Int: 3
Wis: 17-18
Cha: 15 or 18
A quick way to maximize hit points and learn spells every time without the mod.
Before learning a spell or leveling up set the difficulty level of the game to its lowest level. It with give you max hit points and you learn the spells with 0% failure. Then just switch difficulty level back to whatever you are playing at. Saves many multiple reloads to get a good role. Its in the game play menu.
Before learning a spell or leveling up set the difficulty level of the game to its lowest level. It with give you max hit points and you learn the spells with 0% failure. Then just switch difficulty level back to whatever you are playing at. Saves many multiple reloads to get a good role. Its in the game play menu.
Once again time to give someone the boot to make room for Coran. LOL [QUOTE=Crenshinibon]Anyway, have fun playing. This game is and will always be my favorite. Hope you get the most out of this masterpiece.[/QUOTE]
Well said, C'.
Masterpiece is the one word I'd use for the Baldur's Gate Saga. I feel sorry for your cousin, Mr. D.
[QUOTE=Jordoo]First of all MR. DRAEGON let me just say that you make me sick.LOL
OK super envious that you are on your virgin tour of BGI. I am sure you will love it.[/QUOTE]
Well said, J'.
(Never thought I'd say this) I wish I could be a virgin again too!
Down to business. Random thoughts:
Installation order:
-Baldur's Gate
-Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast (expansion pack)
-the official expansion patch, dowloaded from Bioware.com (for the expansion only!)
Besides new areas, items, spells, etc, the expansion pack has various enhancements to the game engine and interface, making the whole game better from the get-go. And it also raises the game's experience point cap. Based on your post, I'd be shocked if you didn't love BG, so pick up and install the expansion before you start.
In fact, everything I say here assumes you'll love BG1 and its expansion, and thus play the entire Baldur's Gate Saga to it's conclusion. Here what else I suspect you'll end up needing:
-Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
-Baldur's Gate 2: Thone of Bhall (expansion pack, usually bundled together with BG2:SoA)
-the official expansion patch, downloaded from Bioware.com (for the expansion only!).
When you reach the end of BG1, the game will automatically do a Final Save. This Final Save can be exported to BG2, allowing for continuity between BG1 & the sequel BG2.
Chaotic Neutral is a great choice, based on what you described in your post, Mr. D. That alignment is for those that want to do what they want when they want on a whim. Because of this, playing a Paladin or Ranger might conflict with acting 'on a whim'. Also, Druids cannot shapeshift till level 7 (or somewhere around there).
You mentioned favoring magic... well, except for the earliest levels of BG1, these games are for YOU!
Consider a Chaotic Neutral Half-Elven multi-classed Fighter/Mage:
-Important stats are STR, DEX, CON, and INT.
-Less hit points than a single-classed Fighter, but more than a single-classed Mage.
-Will only be 1 or 2 levels behind the single-classed equivalent.
-Can use most weapons, shields, and helmets... oh, and powerful wands!
-Cannot cast spells while wearing armor (except robes).
-Half-Elves can romance any of the romance-potential NPC's in BG2.
At the earliest levels of BG1, play him as a straight Fighter, using the best armor you can find. Before you rest, take off the armor and cast Identifies on newly discovered items. And when you're strong enough to survive without the armor, and have sufficiently expanded your spellbook, then lose the armor, and incorporate magic into your combat tactics (disabling enemies, summoning minions, lowering your own Armor Class, etc). Most spells have a good use, or at least a good situational use, or better yet work well when used in combination with another. You may regret not running some type of spell-caster. As a Fighter/Mage, you can execute whatever tactics tickle your fancy at the spur of the moment: cast a buffing spell or two and wade into battle tank-like, or charm your enemies into fighting each other, or command summoned minions to fight in your stead, or light up your enemies with range spells like it's the Fourth of July.
Or whatever. I played as a single-classed Cleric through the whole Saga, so there is no wrong choice. I would use a full party of 6, too. The NPC's, especially in BG2, are one of the Saga's strong points, and their varying classes and personalities really seem unique. And several that you meet in BG1 are in BG2 (at least, in differentiating capacities *wink*).
And stay away from forums, except of course this thread. Around this game's every corner lies the potential for being spoiled. You've been warned.
Let us know, what class you decide to rock-n-roll!
And don't forget to say, who you party with along the way!
Well said, C'.
Masterpiece is the one word I'd use for the Baldur's Gate Saga. I feel sorry for your cousin, Mr. D.
[QUOTE=Jordoo]First of all MR. DRAEGON let me just say that you make me sick.LOL
OK super envious that you are on your virgin tour of BGI. I am sure you will love it.[/QUOTE]
Well said, J'.
(Never thought I'd say this) I wish I could be a virgin again too!
Down to business. Random thoughts:
Installation order:
-Baldur's Gate
-Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast (expansion pack)
-the official expansion patch, dowloaded from Bioware.com (for the expansion only!)
Besides new areas, items, spells, etc, the expansion pack has various enhancements to the game engine and interface, making the whole game better from the get-go. And it also raises the game's experience point cap. Based on your post, I'd be shocked if you didn't love BG, so pick up and install the expansion before you start.
In fact, everything I say here assumes you'll love BG1 and its expansion, and thus play the entire Baldur's Gate Saga to it's conclusion. Here what else I suspect you'll end up needing:
-Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
-Baldur's Gate 2: Thone of Bhall (expansion pack, usually bundled together with BG2:SoA)
-the official expansion patch, downloaded from Bioware.com (for the expansion only!).
When you reach the end of BG1, the game will automatically do a Final Save. This Final Save can be exported to BG2, allowing for continuity between BG1 & the sequel BG2.
Chaotic Neutral is a great choice, based on what you described in your post, Mr. D. That alignment is for those that want to do what they want when they want on a whim. Because of this, playing a Paladin or Ranger might conflict with acting 'on a whim'. Also, Druids cannot shapeshift till level 7 (or somewhere around there).
You mentioned favoring magic... well, except for the earliest levels of BG1, these games are for YOU!
Consider a Chaotic Neutral Half-Elven multi-classed Fighter/Mage:
-Important stats are STR, DEX, CON, and INT.
-Less hit points than a single-classed Fighter, but more than a single-classed Mage.
-Will only be 1 or 2 levels behind the single-classed equivalent.
-Can use most weapons, shields, and helmets... oh, and powerful wands!
-Cannot cast spells while wearing armor (except robes).
-Half-Elves can romance any of the romance-potential NPC's in BG2.
At the earliest levels of BG1, play him as a straight Fighter, using the best armor you can find. Before you rest, take off the armor and cast Identifies on newly discovered items. And when you're strong enough to survive without the armor, and have sufficiently expanded your spellbook, then lose the armor, and incorporate magic into your combat tactics (disabling enemies, summoning minions, lowering your own Armor Class, etc). Most spells have a good use, or at least a good situational use, or better yet work well when used in combination with another. You may regret not running some type of spell-caster. As a Fighter/Mage, you can execute whatever tactics tickle your fancy at the spur of the moment: cast a buffing spell or two and wade into battle tank-like, or charm your enemies into fighting each other, or command summoned minions to fight in your stead, or light up your enemies with range spells like it's the Fourth of July.
Or whatever. I played as a single-classed Cleric through the whole Saga, so there is no wrong choice. I would use a full party of 6, too. The NPC's, especially in BG2, are one of the Saga's strong points, and their varying classes and personalities really seem unique. And several that you meet in BG1 are in BG2 (at least, in differentiating capacities *wink*).
And stay away from forums, except of course this thread. Around this game's every corner lies the potential for being spoiled. You've been warned.
Let us know, what class you decide to rock-n-roll!
And don't forget to say, who you party with along the way!
Why is it that whenever I finally get around to playing a new game for the first time,
I feel like playing Baldur's Gate for the second time...
I feel like playing Baldur's Gate for the second time...
Totally wrong. This only applies to BG2, where you get this advantages at normal or easy level. In BG hitpoints are random and scribing can still fail even at the easiest level.A quick way to maximize hit points and learn spells every time without the mod.
Before learning a spell or leveling up set the difficulty level of the game to its lowest level. It with give you max hit points and you learn the spells with 0% failure. Then just switch difficulty level back to whatever you are playing at. Saves many multiple reloads to get a good role. Its in the game play menu.
I don't recommend changing the difficulty level to easier in BG, you get less XP which makes the game even harder in the long run.
The best fighter/mage multiclass is gnome/illusionist, because of the extra spell per level and the gnomish saving throw bonusses he is far superior to the half-elf version.
But I guess a pure or dualclass specialist mage is more fun.
[QUOTE=kmonster]Totally wrong. This only applies to BG2, where you get this advantages at normal or easy level. In BG hitpoints are random and scribing can still fail even at the easiest level.
I don't recommend changing the difficulty level to easier in BG, you get less XP which makes the game even harder in the long run.
Thanks for the correction have been playing TUTU for a while now and got confussed. You are of course correct.
I also don't recommend playing on low levels I just was using it for level ups and spell learning witch won't help our freind MR. Draegon.
I don't recommend changing the difficulty level to easier in BG, you get less XP which makes the game even harder in the long run.
Thanks for the correction have been playing TUTU for a while now and got confussed. You are of course correct.
I also don't recommend playing on low levels I just was using it for level ups and spell learning witch won't help our freind MR. Draegon.
Once again time to give someone the boot to make room for Coran. LOL