I know it's not linear, but because I've played the game before, I know how far it is to the end of that goal, and it feels very linear. The first few times I played BG, I loved Cloakwood. It felt like such an accomplishment to get through it all. Slowly, it has become my least favorite part of the game though (which isn't saying much, because BG is pretty much my all-time favorite game).

Truly, a magnificent game.. brings me tears of joy - no kidding. Of course you should try all the infinity engine games sometime, if you didn't played them already..! Just prepare to lose a lot of sleep... :-)

I remember when I first played the game because when people were speaking to me I was just arguing with my inner self about what was better: long sword with 1d8 or bastard sword, with 2d4

Only in theory. In practice is doesn't work like that:

Long Sword - Speed factor 5
Bastard Sword - Speed factor 8

Assuming an attacker's reaction adjustment is +2, the long sword will get an attack on the 7th segment (5+2) of each combat round, while the Bastard Sword will lag behind, only striking on each 10th (8+2) segment. That places the actual average damage below the theoretical average in the long run. As anybody who has used the Tuigan Bow in BG2 will attest, speed is king when weapons are close matched.

Speed is not the same. Maybe I was little when I started playing this game and new nothing about D&D nor RPG's, but I was not as stupid as not to notice such a triviality ;)

What's up with speed? I've never figured that out.

How many of these segments are in each round? Will you only attack a certain # of times per round, or will the speed factor allow you to attack more or less?

I've never figured that one out.

Speed affects initiative (when the character attacks relative to everyone else); attacks per round are governed solely by a character's level and proficiency with a given weapon.

That's what I took it as. So how would a really low speed factor make a huge difference in the long run of a weapons' effectiveness? Just the kill-before-they-hit ability?

What class are you playing? I have rolled a Ranger/ Cleric multiclass with idea of taking him through BG2. Just started though. The game has such depth, it's amazing.

If equally matched fighters have 5 attacks per round, and weapons are fairly close in damage output, it makes a huge difference. On each attack, the lowest speed adjustment must wait for all higher speeds to make their attack. The longer the battle, the higher the risk for the slower speed. He/she who strikes last risks all.

I think I underestimate speed more than I should. I'm the one who always thinks that the improved initiative feat in NWN is a waste of space. But you're right. When it comes to equally matched fighters, first strike is the one left standing.

That's why I always used to put speed factor as a priority, for the most part. That stopped once I got into IWD, and the 2-handed weapons kicked ass, dealing serious damage.

On that note: my favorite PC in BG2 is a Kensai/Mage/Thief (thanks to ShadowKeeper), dual-wielding the Celestial Fury and either Belm or the Scimitar that also gives an extra attack. Even w/o using GWW, I get 5 whacks in before most any monster can even think about attacking. If the CF gets a stun on him, it's game over.

Some other cool combos (again, experimenting with SK) are a Swashbuckler/Fighter multiclass, awesome at melee, and my current "ploymorph", which is Minsc having undergone some Irenicus style metamorphosis to become a Kensai/Thief multiclass. Once he can wear armor and bracers, he's going to be a TON of fun!

Sorry for going off-topic. 8^)

Well said!

I am playing as a Ranger. I just thought it would be a fun class. Although when rolling him I messed up his stats because that was when I was still learning the rules, so now I look at his stats and just facepalm. Oh well, he made it to the final chapter okay.