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TOSC Over Baldur's Gate

This forum is to be used for all discussions pertaining to BioWare's Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast expansion pack.
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C-K'R[PhoEniX]
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TOSC Over Baldur's Gate

Post by C-K'R[PhoEniX] »

I recently purchased both Baldur's Gate and it's expansion Tales of the Sword Coast. I am guessing the expansion is something like a patch to the original (besides the new quests,items,monsters etc). I have installed both Baldur's gate and the expansion, but my question is, because I have never played the original, was it good to install the expansion, because I have never played BG? Will it add some new monsters, quests etc. that are too powerful for my new characters, or will it not interfere at all, so I can just transfer the saves to the expansion?
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Coot
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Post by Coot »

The expansion adds, among other things, new areas and quests, which are meant for higher level parties. However, you're never at any time forced to go to these places. You can just go whenever you feel you're strong enough.

One word of advice: once you've completed the main quest the game is over. More than a few people thought they'd check out the new areasadded by TotSC after finishing the main quest and then found out they couldn't.

Happy gaming.
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CFM
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Post by CFM »

Your first time through BG... I envy you.

Installation Order:
Baldur's Gate
TotSC expansion (this will patch the main game)
TotSC patch (downloaded from BioWare: Welcome to BioWare, this will patch the expansion)

Besides patching the main game, TotSC also adds features & improvements to the overall interface. Also, it raises the Experience Point cap from 89k to 161k, allowing characters to gain an additional level or two. And of course, TotSC allows access to new areas with new quests, monsters, and items & spells that can be used throughout the rest of the game. There is no reason not to install TotSC, and don't forget the TotSC patch.

With most games, you finish the main game first, then export & start the expansion. Not with BG. With TotSC installed, the world map will contain a new area to the far north called Ulgoth's Beard. This area can be traveled to anytime from the adjacent "main game" area. Caution: Ulgoth's Beard (and especially the companion area, Durlag's Tower, to the far south) is designed for higher lever parties. My advice would be to goto Ulgoth's Beard just before initiating Chapter 6.

What kind of dude you gonna run? Otherwise stay away from these boards... spoilers abound!
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...
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C-K'R[PhoEniX]
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Post by C-K'R[PhoEniX] »

Wow, that was quick, thorough and helpful. Thanks a million.
And yeah...I think I'll go for something like ranger or druid or mage, because I've played BG2 a lot, and am looking for challenge in BG1.
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CFM
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Post by CFM »

C-K'R[PhoEniX] wrote:And yeah...I think I'll go for something like ranger or druid or mage, because I've played BG2 a lot, and am looking for challenge in BG1.
For a challenge, refrain from using missile weapons.
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...
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kmonster
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Post by kmonster »

For a challenge try a "no spoilers, no reload" game.
Since the game is unfair you probably won't succeed, but it's surely interesting how far you can get before the first reload (I made it to chapter4 on my first serious attempt) and you can change the game into an "as few reloads as possible" challenge afterwards.
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CFM
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Post by CFM »

kmonster wrote:For a challenge try a "no spoilers, no reload" game.
Since the game is unfair you probably won't succeed, but it's surely interesting how far you can get before the first reload (I made it to chapter4 on my first serious attempt) and you can change the game into an "as few reloads as possible" challenge afterwards.
That's even better, it ups the intensity for sure.
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...
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wise grimwald
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Post by wise grimwald »

When you have completed it with a party, I would also recommend trying it solo. It changes the game dramatically
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