Baulder's Gate Stat and Ability Question

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Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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Altorin said:
Brotherofwill said:
P.Tsunami said:
Just a little question, I have no idea about the system and it'll probably seem pretty stupid of me. What do you mean by Roll? If you create a character do you have a random chance? I don't understand that, or is it every level you have a different chance of improving?
Baldur's gate (and all of hte infinity engine games except Fallout) are based on Dungeons and Dragons.

It involves a lot of random numbers generated by rolling digital dice (most of the dice are in the background, and only the results are seen), added to modifiers.

When you kill monsters (using these random numbers added to modifiers), you get experience. When you get enough experience, you gain a level.. and you get certain modifier increases, such as chance to hit, or chance to avoid some calamity (such as poison or death magic). You also get weapon proficiencies, which increase your modifiers with specific weapons and weapon styles.

Most of the dice produce randomly determined numbers between 1 and 20, 1 being an automatic failure, 20 being an automatic success, and the difficulty of the roll is determined by the action. Attack rolls, such as those used by a fighter swinging a sword or a mage casting a ray spell, attempt to circumvent an attacker's Armor Class.. In the older games, this was determined by a very difficult to explain concept called Thac0 which I won't explain here.. Basically, Higher Numbers are good.

In older games, thief abilities, such as hiding, and picking locks and disarming traps are determined by a percentile chance.. a random number is generated between 1 and 100, with the players aptitude in those skills determining success.

Other rolls, such as damage rolls, are produced by a variety of random number arrays, from 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, 1-10 and 1-12 arrays. These are usually modified by a players attributes, but not always.
hey, maybe you can answe but since I now have 18/98 and want to be heavy dmg dealer, should I put all 4 ability stats into Two-Handed Swords?
 

unoleian

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It's always good to put as much into a single weapon proficiency as you can, especially if you're already committed to the two-handed sword.

There's no real need to apply proficiency points to any other weapon skill unless you want to experiment a little.

To be a master with a particular weapon class is always statistically better than to just be sort-of-good with several things.
 

CountCagliostro

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Aug 17, 2009
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I'm playing through BG for the Nth time myself. My advice:

Be a two-handed sword fighter. Although the rules themselves don't particularly favour two-handed weapons, the makers made it so that almost all the most powerful weapons are two-handed swords.

As a word of general advice, don't just use the weapon with the highest bonus. Spider's Bane, which you get fairly early on, is +2 (which is very powerful at that point) but also gives freedom of movement, which makes a HUGE difference - hold spells and webs are extremely common in BG. Later you will get access to a +3 two-handed sword (if I recall correctly), but you're better off with spider's bane. This sort of pattern continues in BG2.

As regards where to put your ability stats, don't be in a hurry to put more than 2 in Two-Handed Swords right away. The added bonuses for higher specialisation are actually quite small. Consider investing in two-handed style, and also a ranged weapon - you never know when your going to need one, and if you use two-handed weapons you can switch between without any fuss (which is not the case if you dual-wield or use a shield). In short, pack a bow, and buy a couple of points in it. Then use it to get a shot or two off while the enemy is closing before switching to melee. Buy more points in 2H Sword as you gain levels.

Sorry that turned into a long post, guess you caught me at a good time.
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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unoleian said:
It's always good to put as much into a single weapon proficiency as you can, especially if you're already committed to the two-handed sword.

There's no real need to apply proficiency points to any other weapon skill unless you want to experiment a little.

To be a master with a particular weapon class is always statistically better than to just be sort-of-good with several things.
alright so I guess ill go all into two-handed sword. time to finally play!
 

obex

Gone Gonzo ..... no ..... wait..
Jun 18, 2009
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P.Tsunami said:
Korten12 said:
yeah thats what I like to do. :)

I got 18/39 but whats the /39?
Okay, here's a short explanation of one of the most unnecessary and annoying "features" of the AD&D system, which Baldur's Gate relies on. What the /39 refers to is what we call Exceptional Strength. Basically, if you have an 18 Strength, and you're a Fighter, that means the computer rolls a d100 (random number between 1-100) and improves upon that strength. Now, here's what it means, in crunchy numbers. Do keep in mind that I don't have my AD&D books available right now, so this is from memory and might not be 100% exact.

18/01-18/50: +1 to hit, +2 to damage
18/51-18/75: +1 to hit, +3 to damage
18/76-18/90: +2 to hit, +4 to damage
18/91-18/99: +2 to hit, +5 to damage
18/00*: +3 to hit, +6 to damage

As you can see, the differences are pretty big. If you could decide the stat (you can't), you'd obviously want it to 18/00. But the odds of rolling that are very low, so I suggest you settle for anything over 18/76. Or possibly over 18/91, but even that is slim.

*18/00, in this context, means 18/100.

Korten12 said:
alright well I keep rolling to see if I can get higher then /39.

well I rolled and got a /75, should I keep trying or just go now?
I say keep trying, get it over 76 at least. Good luck.

[small]Ah... AD&D.. Those were the times.[/small]
This kind of thread is the perfect example of why 3.5 and 4th edition were improvements on D&D the rules are now more clear cut so that novices or casual players can play the game without getting bogged down odd and annoying rules.... except the grapple rule XD
 

Altorin

Jack of No Trades
May 16, 2008
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Korten12 said:
hey, maybe you can answe but since I now have 18/98 and want to be heavy dmg dealer, should I put all 4 ability stats into Two-Handed Swords?
If you're using BGT or Tutu, then you want to have maxed Two-Handed Swords by the end of it, and as a fighter that shouldn't be too difficult. Make sure you level Two-Handed Style as well. If you're playing just BG1, then you might want to diversify, it's got a pretty low level cap.
 

Amnestic

High Priest of Haruhi
Aug 22, 2008
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Altorin said:
Korten12 said:
hey, maybe you can answe but since I now have 18/98 and want to be heavy dmg dealer, should I put all 4 ability stats into Two-Handed Swords?
If you're using BGT or Tutu, then you want to have maxed Two-Handed Swords by the end of it, and as a fighter that shouldn't be too difficult. Make sure you level Two-Handed Style as well. If you're playing just BG1, then you might want to diversify, it's got a pretty low level cap.
Debatable about 2 Handed Swords. The Ravager (Halberd) is arguably a better endgame weapon for a Fighter than most anything else they can pick up.

Dunno how many weapon skils you could max as a Fighter, but Halbered should be paid attention to, as Ravager kicks ass. You want to get the Wave Halberd as well, since that can oneshot the Elemental Princes as I recall.

(BG2/Throne of Bhaal only. Really not important for BG1. At all :p)
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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okay now I am getting a problem where when I try to equip a weapon the game freezes then crashes.
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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Altorin said:
Korten12 said:
hey, maybe you can answe but since I now have 18/98 and want to be heavy dmg dealer, should I put all 4 ability stats into Two-Handed Swords?
If you're using BGT or Tutu, then you want to have maxed Two-Handed Swords by the end of it, and as a fighter that shouldn't be too difficult. Make sure you level Two-Handed Style as well. If you're playing just BG1, then you might want to diversify, it's got a pretty low level cap.
well I made a character and rose its Two-Handed Sword by 4. also now when I try to equip any wapon the game freezes and crashes and I am using EasyTutu.
 

Altorin

Jack of No Trades
May 16, 2008
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Korten12 said:
Altorin said:
Korten12 said:
hey, maybe you can answe but since I now have 18/98 and want to be heavy dmg dealer, should I put all 4 ability stats into Two-Handed Swords?
If you're using BGT or Tutu, then you want to have maxed Two-Handed Swords by the end of it, and as a fighter that shouldn't be too difficult. Make sure you level Two-Handed Style as well. If you're playing just BG1, then you might want to diversify, it's got a pretty low level cap.
well I made a character and rose its Two-Handed Sword by 4. also now when I try to equip any wapon the game freezes and crashes and I am using EasyTutu.
that, i have no answer for
 

Amnestic

High Priest of Haruhi
Aug 22, 2008
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Korten12 said:
well I made a character and rose its Two-Handed Sword by 4. also now when I try to equip any wapon the game freezes and crashes and I am using EasyTutu.
This guy [http://forums.bioware.com/viewtopic.html?topic=622647&forum=10] seemed to have the same problem, fixed it by installing this [http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/1pp] mod. Dunno if that'll help though.
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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Amnestic said:
Korten12 said:
well I made a character and rose its Two-Handed Sword by 4. also now when I try to equip any wapon the game freezes and crashes and I am using EasyTutu.
This guy [http://forums.bioware.com/viewtopic.html?topic=622647&forum=10] seemed to have the same problem, fixed it by installing this [http://www.spellholdstudios.net/ie/1pp] mod. Dunno if that'll help though.
well I turned down the resolution (becuase I dont understand were to download the specific mod, the donload link didnt download it) and so I turned the game to 1024 x 769 from 1280 x 960 and it worked and suprisingly 1024 x 769 makes the game look nicer..?
 

The Madman

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Dec 7, 2007
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Korten12 said:
well I turned down the resolution (becuase I dont understand were to download the specific mod, the donload link didnt download it) and so I turned the game to 1024 x 769 from 1280 x 960 and it worked and suprisingly 1024 x 769 makes the game look nicer..?
Heh, keep in mind this game *is* over ten years old. When Baldur's Gate 1 was released, 800 x 600 was considered cutting edge!
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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The Madman said:
Korten12 said:
well I turned down the resolution (becuase I dont understand were to download the specific mod, the donload link didnt download it) and so I turned the game to 1024 x 769 from 1280 x 960 and it worked and suprisingly 1024 x 769 makes the game look nicer..?
Heh, keep in mind this game *is* over ten years old. When Baldur's Gate 1 was released, 800 x 600 was considered cutting edge!
well of course... also how do I repair my weapon, I had bought the 2h sword and I went into a house and a man wished to kill me so I killed him and my weapon broke... :(
 

The Madman

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Dec 7, 2007
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Korten12 said:
well of course... also how do I repair my weapon, I had bought the 2h sword and I went into a house and a man wished to kill me so I killed him and my weapon broke... :(
Can't unfortunately, it's part of the plot actually as you'll find out soon enough. My usual strategy is to fill up all my weapon slots with extra weapons till I finally get my hands on some magical weapons which thankfully don't break!

Luckily normal weapons are dirt cheap, so it's easy to stock up on em and +1 weapons are common enough that you'll soon have a couple. Just follow the main plot and carry around spares till you find yourself something fancy.
 

Amnestic

High Priest of Haruhi
Aug 22, 2008
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Korten12 said:
The Madman said:
Korten12 said:
well I turned down the resolution (becuase I dont understand were to download the specific mod, the donload link didnt download it) and so I turned the game to 1024 x 769 from 1280 x 960 and it worked and suprisingly 1024 x 769 makes the game look nicer..?
Heh, keep in mind this game *is* over ten years old. When Baldur's Gate 1 was released, 800 x 600 was considered cutting edge!
well of course... also how do I repair my weapon, I had bought the 2h sword and I went into a house and a man wished to kill me so I killed him and my weapon broke... :(
You can't. You need to find a new weapon, just toss away the broken stuff.

It's because of which means that until you get past a certain point, all non-magical metallic weapons (so swords, but not clubs) have a chance of breaking.

Can't remember if armour and shields can break too.
 

The Madman

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Dec 7, 2007
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Amnestic said:
Can't remember if armour and shields can break too.
Nope, only non-magical weapons thankfully. Good thing too considering how expensive a set of full plate is in BG! If that shit broke I'd throw a fit!
 

Arduras

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Jul 14, 2009
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Just remember when you are re-rolling stats, it doesn't -just- affect max Strength score, it also lowers (or heightens) the number of points you have to spend on other skills.

I found the easiest number of points you can get is about 62 (consistantly) and still have enough points to give you a decent skillset (best in BG II as some instances intell and charisma are helpful).

Hell, one time I was lucky enough to get 18/9# Strength and still end up with 18 dex, con and enough points to have at least 14 in wis and int.

but as mentioned above, there are items that increase stats (cha has a fantastic item in BG2 that negates the need for -any- points at all).
 

Kwaren

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Jul 10, 2009
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2handed sword is for two handed swords. 2h style is for using two weapons at once
 

Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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um... Imoen just died... do they come back?

edit: I just reloaded my file.