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Sirs,

Two things:
1) I hate the Infinity engine
2) I hate the DnD rule set (this is mainly because I don't understand it very well)

Consequently, I have never made it far into the Bioware RPGs (even dropped PS:T after a while, despite thoroughly enjoying the story). A fine gentleman in another thread pointed out that BG:EE is now available on the iPad so I bought it immediately. I have a few questions:

1) Character creation. I don't want to be starting a new game or anything like that, I simply want to do one thorough playthrough for the sake of the story. Should I pick a pre-made character, or should I create a new one? I want to have a character who can make the most out of the story. My preference is:
Caster > ranged > melee

2) Any tips on the DnD rules? I recently read some manual and finally it clocked that "2d8" means: roll two eight-sided dice. I've got the game here on GOG - is the manual here enough for everything that I need? Any tips?

3) The game seems really dauntingly complicated, especially the magic (do remember that I know virtually nothing about DnD). Please give me general tips regarding gameplay. I don't really mind spoilers (as long as they aren't too big). I really just want a smooth story-maximising run during the course of which I won't have to worry about the viability of my party and anything like that. I recall that a long time ago I stopped playing IWD because my party sucked. Weapons to go for? Party members to pick up? Decisions to avoid? Etc.

Thanks a bunch!
This question / problem has been solved by Gaunathorimage
You're playing Baldur's Gate for story? Bwahahahahahaha, boy you're in for a massive disappointment. BG2 ... Maybe. But the first game? Nah. Just get back to Planescape :-p

At any rate, as far as character creation goes... Just read the tooltips. I found the game very easy as a dwarven fighter, basically pick some sort of warrior classes, throw a lot of points into constitution and strength (+dexterity if you're lucky and roll enough points) and you're golden.

Also, you will suffer at the beginning. There's really no way around it. Save often and pray to random generation god.
Post edited December 28, 2012 by Fenixp
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FraterPerdurabo: Sirs,

Two things:
1) I hate the Infinity engine
2) I hate the DnD rule set (this is mainly because I don't understand it very well)

Consequently, I have never made it far into the Bioware RPGs (even dropped PS:T after a while, despite thoroughly enjoying the story). A fine gentleman in another thread pointed out that BG:EE is now available on the iPad so I bought it immediately. I have a few questions:

1) Character creation. I don't want to be starting a new game or anything like that, I simply want to do one thorough playthrough for the sake of the story. Should I pick a pre-made character, or should I create a new one? I want to have a character who can make the most out of the story. My preference is:
Caster > ranged > melee

2) Any tips on the DnD rules? I recently read some manual and finally it clocked that "2d8" means: roll two eight-sided dice. I've got the game here on GOG - is the manual here enough for everything that I need? Any tips?

3) The game seems really dauntingly complicated, especially the magic (do remember that I know virtually nothing about DnD). Please give me general tips regarding gameplay. I don't really mind spoilers (as long as they aren't too big). I really just want a smooth story-maximising run during the course of which I won't have to worry about the viability of my party and anything like that. I recall that a long time ago I stopped playing IWD because my party sucked. Weapons to go for? Party members to pick up? Decisions to avoid? Etc.

Thanks a bunch!
If you don't want daunting gameplay, avoid the casters.
You have to choose spells & then rest before you can cast anything.
Each time you gain new spells, you have to do it again!
It really breaks immersion.
I'd go with a fighter / thief combo.
I agree casters are annoying in these games. At the time they were worth messing with but at this point, and just playing for the story, I would avoid them. Get a Paladin for heals.
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FraterPerdurabo: 2) Any tips on the DnD rules? I recently read some manual and finally it clocked that "2d8" means: roll two eight-sided dice. I've got the game here on GOG - is the manual here enough for everything that I need? Any tips?
Well, when it comes to DnD games, you can never go wrong with Dan Simpson's guides.

Here is one for DnD in general...
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/961397-baldurs-gate-the-original-saga/faqs/8566

...and here is one for Baldur's Gate specifically.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/961397-baldurs-gate-the-original-saga/faqs/2456

I don't know how close the Enhanced Edition is to the original, but even if it is very different, the guide should still help you to create a good character and go through most of the game, with a minimum amount of spoilers.
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FraterPerdurabo: 2) Any tips on the DnD rules? I recently read some manual and finally it clocked that "2d8" means: roll two eight-sided dice. I've got the game here on GOG - is the manual here enough for everything that I need? Any tips?
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Gaunathor: Well, when it comes to DnD games, you can never go wrong with Dan Simpson's guides.

Here is one for DnD in general...
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/961397-baldurs-gate-the-original-saga/faqs/8566

...and here is one for Baldur's Gate specifically.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/961397-baldurs-gate-the-original-saga/faqs/2456

I don't know how close the Enhanced Edition is to the original, but even if it is very different, the guide should still help you to create a good character and go through most of the game, with a minimum amount of spoilers.
This!
My post won't be much of a help, but I learned to play DnD games... by playing them. Damn, I almost learned entire DnD ruleset by playing infinity engine games.

You should turn on in option to show dice rolls in event log, it clarifies how the system works.

Btw. magic system in DnD is the best thing ever created. It has more spells then usual 3-4 RPGs combined and most of them are useful if you know when and on whom to cast them.

But if you want to play BG1 for the story... Well, the main plot will disappoint you for sure :P But Baldur's Gate city is a pretty interestic place, imho. BG2+Bhaal have a lot better story and characters. (I still love Aerie with my whole heart)
Post edited December 28, 2012 by keeveek
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FraterPerdurabo: ... dropped PS:T after a while...
I officially propose kicking FraterPerdurabo out of the GOG tree-house. Anyone else?
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FraterPerdurabo: ... dropped PS:T after a while...
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Licurg: I officially propose kicking FraterPerdurabo out of the GOG tree-house. Anyone else?
Don't you think, that this goes a little too far? Sure, he stated that he dropped PS:T, despite enjoying the story, but... oh.

I second the motion!
You hate the Infinity engine? You hate the DnD rule set? And you bought BG:EE for your iPad immediately? Man, iPad games must suck really hard.
Post edited December 28, 2012 by Andanzas
Thanks for the tips everyone! Been easing myself into it with varying degrees of success.

1) Rolling stats? Sheesh, in this day and age? Anyway, I rerolled almost perfect stats (1 from perf) and got something like 18/99 for STR (yes, decided to go for fighter). Is that good?

2) Went 2 points into long blade and 2 into two-handed. Walking around with a two-hander. I do a lot of really good damage, but I cannot seem to hit anything? Why? Like 1/10 swings hit and it's the same for Imoen (dagger).

I'm actually enjoying it more than I was expecting - which I believe is at least partially attributable to the fact that I am far more tolerant of the Infinity engine on the iPad.

3) Is there an auto-attack command? Sometimes it can be really hard just to get my dudes to attack enemies that are right next to them.

4) What's the standard way of healing? Buying and chugging pots? Resting A LOT?

I'm still constantly getting my ass handed to me.

I think that's all for now!
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FraterPerdurabo: 1) Rolling stats? Sheesh, in this day and age? Anyway, I rerolled almost perfect stats (1 from perf) and got something like 18/99 for STR (yes, decided to go for fighter). Is that good?
That's ridiculously good. The number after the slash gives a bonus to hitting and damage (in a boring and complicated manner), with 00 (as in rolling a 100 with a d100) being best. 99 is not far off.

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FraterPerdurabo: 2) Went 2 points into long blade and 2 into two-handed. Walking around with a two-hander. I do a lot of really good damage, but I cannot seem to hit anything? Why? Like 1/10 swings hit and it's the same for Imoen (dagger).
The first few levels of D&D suck. You'll hit more often once you get a level or two, better weapons and some buffs. Until then you just have to kind of tough it out. A level or two later you'll have such a boost to your hit points that you can even take a hit.

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FraterPerdurabo: 3) Is there an auto-attack command? Sometimes it can be really hard just to get my dudes to attack enemies that are right next to them.
I don't know about the Enhanced Edition, but the original AI is bollocks. Seems like not much has been done to, uh, enchance it.

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FraterPerdurabo: 4) What's the standard way of healing? Buying and chugging pots? Resting A LOT?
In the beginning, it's mostly resting and using taverns. Having a Cleric or a Druid helps (prepare healing spells, use healing spells, rest when you run out). You'll probably make such massive amounts of money later on that you can buy potions in bulk and chug them while crippled, bleeding old women cry at you in the gutter.