Keeping around a rabbit foot gives you some of the best bonuses of any item in the game, yet for some reason Alora is the only person who has thought to use one. Did you know that if Alora had multiple rabbit feet equipped, the effects would stack? So why doesn't everyone go on rabbit killing sprees for all the feet? I'm surprised rabbits haven't gone extinct in the Forgotten Realms.
Rabbits do not give up their feet easily. See the excellent documentary "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" for an example of this.
Well certainly THAT rabbit doesn't give up its feet easily, but none of the rabbits you encounter in Baldur's Gate are nearly as dangerous as the one from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. For example, the rabbits in Siege of Dragonspear have 1 HP, 3 Strength, 3 Dexterity and 3 Constitution. They are unarmed; they have no vorpal teeth or anything. Using NearInfinity, I found that there are a total of 24 of these rabbits in SoD just in the areas of the world that you go to. That's 48 rabbit feet, for a total of +96 AC, +96 saving throws, +96 luck and +480% thief skills.
I did discover that there are other rabbits in these games (namely the rabbits in BG2 areas and the ones summoned by Limited Wish) that have 20 Strength. However, these rabbits still only have 3 HP and are unarmed, so they're still easy to kill.
Do you really think a mundane, weak rabbit's foot has a +2 luck bonus though?
"I expect great things from you, Mr. Potter. GREAT things. After all, He Who Must not be Named did great things, terrible....but great"- Ollivander.
I think this quote pretty much sums up Tethtoril's mood
How about this one:
If Imoen is left in Spellhold, she magically finds her way back to Athkatla by Chapter 6. However all other NPCs regardless of capability will be trapped in Spellhold for all eternity.
Any Ideas for a 100th discussion thread? I already have 95 of them so I'm simply planning ahead.
Tiax Logic: Sees himself as a Chosen of Cyric....has no problem with you killing other followers of Cyric for no good reason. Now I know Tiax is Chaotic Evil and all, but if there is one thing Tiax has going for him, it's loyalty to his god. Not that Cyric would probably care that Tiax is aiding someone in killing his followers (although CHARNAME being a Bhaalspawn might effect it), but that's one less follower that the only being that Tiax sees as above him has, wouldn't that be an issue for him?
Any Ideas for a 100th discussion thread? I already have 95 of them so I'm simply planning ahead.
Tiax Logic: Sees himself as a Chosen of Cyric....has no problem with you killing other followers of Cyric for no good reason. Now I know Tiax is Chaotic Evil and all, but if there is one thing Tiax has going for him, it's loyalty to his god. Not that Cyric would probably care that Tiax is aiding someone in killing his followers (although CHARNAME being a Bhaalspawn might effect it), but that's one less follower that the only being that Tiax sees as above him has, wouldn't that be an issue for him?
Heh, well, I reckon Tiax figgers that if it ain't Tiax, it's not worth anything Even other followers will have to 'polish his boots' in his mind, as HE will rule all, I am thinking.
Plus he is off his rocker, so to speak.
Hmm, yeah, would seem like Cyric would not want to aid Bhaalspawn, but maybe keeping a close eye on them and perhaps leading them astray might be called for.
Even if you're a Chaotic Evil blackguard, Tethtoril is still very proud of you. He isn't just proud of you; he's very proud of you.
I thought this was a good pic to include in the PPE portraits mod. "Uh, yeah, sure Mr. T, sure. It's been... a pleasure. Oh, and sign me up for soup kitchen duty next week for the local folks as well, you know how I always like to serve folks. Oh yeah, and sign me up for collection plate duty next week at the Temple of Oghma here, you know folks always seem to dig deeper into their purses for me for some strange reason". Heh.
Aldeth Sashenstar logic: Gives you a Bastard Sword +1, +3 against Shapeshifters AFTER you have fought all the doppelgangers in his trading house.
Goldander Blackenrock logic: As a reward for defeating a balor that takes +3 weapons to hit, gives you a +3 mace which would have been real handy in the fight against the balor.
Really makes you want to test those weapons on themselves.
Aldeth Sashenstar logic: Gives you a Bastard Sword +1, +3 against Shapeshifters AFTER you have fought all the doppelgangers in his trading house.
The journal actually lampshades this.
Investigating the Merchants' League Estate After dealing with the doppelgangers, I reported to Aldeth Sashenstar, who gave me a sword baneful to shapeshifters. Perhaps he should have given it to me BEFORE I faced the doppelgangers!
SoD has an odd bit with the hooded man, but this thread is mostly for fun so^^
During the dwarves of dumathoin quest. You can come across a scrying pool, which lets you witness scenes of Imoen, Caelar and an interaction between Hephernan and Irenicus where they reveal that both of them are insidious bastards.
Now at this point, not only YOU as the player, but Gorions Ward actually witnesses all of this.Now considering that the game pretends you have no knowledge of this later on in the story..I think this might be one of the biggest moments of character induced stupidity in the entire saga^^
@batoor I don't think the game does though, the game gives several hints that the Hooded Man is evil just from his dialogue. It can stand to reason that CHARNAME simply doesn't see Irenicus an immediate threat until the end of SOD
@batoor I don't think the game does though, the game gives several hints that the Hooded Man is evil just from his dialogue. It can stand to reason that CHARNAME simply doesn't see Irenicus an immediate threat until the end of SOD
Spoiler tags might be redundant in this thread, but since it's about key elements of SoD..Why not^^
Perhaps not just Irenicus himself. But are you telling me that gaining knowledge that Hephernan and the hooded man not only are affiliated, but their topic of conversation is you and how you belong to Hephernans mysterious master, wouldn't raise a few alarm bells in how your character reacted in future encounters?
@Artona Oh I never said he wasn't a threat, just not an immediate one. The Crusade is of more immediate concern. But I wise man would definitely keep an eye out.
I think I figured out these spoiler tags now, though I don't know how often I'll use them. Irenicus is most definitely NOT affiliated with Hephernan, but that cutscene does give you the idea that both of them are definitely threats
BG2 Chapter 7 Logic: Actually makes giving everything to the dragon in exchange for the goblet an option and then allows the player to suffer the consequences. Actually kinda hillarious when you think about it.
It took Elminster 1100+ years of epic adventuring, thwarting evil schemes - even that of gods, at times- to reach level 29. It took Edwin a year with Charname to reach level 31. "Elminster this, Elminster that. Give ME two thousand years and a pointy hat and I'll kick his arse!". Well it took only a year and no pointy hat. What would he be in 2000 years? Karsus 7.0?
It took Elminster 1100+ years of epic adventuring, thwarting evil schemes - even that of gods, at times- to reach level 29. It took Edwin a year with Charname to reach level 31.
Well, Elminster did spend much of that time with his pipe.
@Arunsun Elminster was listed originally as Level 29 because it was considered one of the highest levels conceivable at the time, Elminster's actually level is most likely significantly higher. Edwin could reach Level 31 and STILL get his rump handed to him by Elminster and if you read his epilogue, that's exactly what happened.
Szass Tam's level is also around listed as around 29 but seeing his tactics and repertoire he similarly has a much higher level than he thought. In the books he was also defeated by Elminster, but he wasn't an easy fight.
@Arunsun Elminster was listed originally as Level 29 because it was considered one of the highest levels conceivable at the time, Elminster's actually level is most likely significantly higher. Edwin could reach Level 31 and STILL get his rump handed to him by Elminster and if you read his epilogue, that's exactly what happened.
Szass Tam's level is also around listed as around 29 but seeing his tactics and repertoire he similarly has a much higher level than he thought. In the books he was also defeated by Elminster, but he wasn't an easy fight.
Actually levels depend on the edition of the rules you use. But no matter the edition Elminster is never higher level than 29, which is also his level in 2E (the set of rules BG uses) , while Larloch, for example, is level 26 in 2E, and 32 in 3E Karsus and Iolaum were level 41 but I guess they don't really count. And Irenicus was level 30. Levels higher than 29 existed in 2E, but Elminster hadn't reached that. The reason why he was so powerful in combat and able to overcome even stronger mages is because he is very smart, knows how to use every resource he has, and also because he is a Chosen of Mystra
@Arunsun Oh no I'm well aware of that, however I'm not convinced that the textbook levels for certain characters are entirely accurate based on their exploits. Elminster and Szass Tam's level should be MUCH higher than simply 29.
Drizzt? Level 16? That's absurdly inaccurate despite being the set 2nd edition level for him.
@Arunsun Elminster was listed originally as Level 29 because it was considered one of the highest levels conceivable at the time, Elminster's actually level is most likely significantly higher. Edwin could reach Level 31 and STILL get his rump handed to him by Elminster and if you read his epilogue, that's exactly what happened.
Szass Tam's level is also around listed as around 29 but seeing his tactics and repertoire he similarly has a much higher level than he thought. In the books he was also defeated by Elminster, but he wasn't an easy fight.
That, or the level curve in BG2, and PnP is wrong. And I would argue for the latter. For playability reasons, levels increase very fast in both PnP and Baldur's Gate, but that's not in line with the rest of the setup. Many of the people you meet have had their occupation for years, decades and sometimes more. Thalantyr, for example, is a powerful mage. He's quite arrogant but from the bit of context you get he's actually not just the common spellcaster. Experienced fighters and mercenaries like those from the Flaming Fist are only about level 5 to maybe 9. And these are supposed to have gone through martial training, which takes quite some time. Pretty much everyone you meet, except for a select few (Sarevok, for example is supposed to be about your age and he is a super strong fighter by FR standards), have trained for years to reach their level of skill, be it in martial arts, arcane magic or divine magic. And exp is definitely wrong at high levels, if only because it's linear. Let's make a comparison. I am not a very sportive person. If I wanted to decrease my time by 0,2s in a 100m run, it would take me about 2 weeks maybe, but my time would still be terrible. Now if a local 100m sprint champion wanted to do that, he would need months, maybe years to decrease his time by 0,2s. And for Usain Bolt to decrease his time by 0,2s, well this would be nigh impossible. Now think of me as a level 1 mage, the regional champion as a level 15 mage, and Usain Bolt as Elminster. High levels should be just about the same. And while I can understand why Charname, a Bhaalspawn, could have a special treatment, with extra fast progression, I clearly dont get why random NPCs that are just normal people from their species etc... would progress as fast as Charname. So yeah, Baldur's Gate logic it is
Oh I never said he wasn't a threat, just not an immediate one. The Crusade is of more immediate concern. But I wise man would definitely keep an eye out.
For me fact that he lies to Imoen to get to talk to Charname is a red flag. I don't think it's something a friend would do, or even a neutral party.
EDIT: I'm pretty sure someone mentioned it, but still: soldiers in Saradush are like, what, 15 level? They definitely get HLAs, but I'm not sure if its' not SCS, so let's not go there. Let's say it's 15 level. Let's assume soldiers in Saradush also have 15 level. So there you have it: average goons of Balthazar and Gromnir are much, much, much powerful than Charname, when he already had saved entire Sword Coast from war, explored depths of Durlag's Tower, killed powerful Tanar'ri, slayed certain Big Bad B., defeated Crusade. Where are those guys coming from and what their salary is? I mean, it's like having army of Aragorns.
About levels: keep I mind that, in PnP, few got to level 10 and those that did often settled down in one place. Fighters could found or restore a castle or keep. Clerics could found or take over a temple/church/whatever. Mages could create a safe spot (often a tower) for their researches. Thieves had a guild. At that point we would often retire characters or the RP aspects would change things.
So someone at level 13 or above was pretty rare. IIRC, In the old Greyhawk campaign, there were only three or four clerics in the campaign who could cast resurrection. The idea that someone would be level 20 and adventuring was inconceivable; the survival rate alone would make it unusual.
SOD Logic: Let's force Tales of the Sword Coast to not be canon by specifically mentioning the Soultaker Dagger having had Skie's soul trapped inside despite it being destroyed during the events of BG1.
Comments
Mayhaps rabbits are not special and Alora simply has a foot from one of those dragons with feet like rabbits.
"Tis true I swear"-Xzar
I think this quote pretty much sums up Tethtoril's mood
How about this one:
If Imoen is left in Spellhold, she magically finds her way back to Athkatla by Chapter 6.
However all other NPCs regardless of capability will be trapped in Spellhold for all eternity.
Tiax Logic:
Sees himself as a Chosen of Cyric....has no problem with you killing other followers of Cyric for no good reason. Now I know Tiax is Chaotic Evil and all, but if there is one thing Tiax has going for him, it's loyalty to his god. Not that Cyric would probably care that Tiax is aiding someone in killing his followers (although CHARNAME being a Bhaalspawn might effect it), but that's one less follower that the only being that Tiax sees as above him has, wouldn't that be an issue for him?
Plus he is off his rocker, so to speak.
Hmm, yeah, would seem like Cyric would not want to aid Bhaalspawn, but maybe keeping a close eye on them and perhaps leading them astray might be called for.
"Uh, yeah, sure Mr. T, sure. It's been... a pleasure. Oh, and sign me up for soup kitchen duty next week for the local folks as well, you know how I always like to serve folks. Oh yeah, and sign me up for collection plate duty next week at the Temple of Oghma here, you know folks always seem to dig deeper into their purses for me for some strange reason". Heh.
Goldander Blackenrock logic: As a reward for defeating a balor that takes +3 weapons to hit, gives you a +3 mace which would have been real handy in the fight against the balor.
Really makes you want to test those weapons on themselves.
CONGRATULATIONS @Montresor_SP YOU'VE MADE THE 250TH COMMENT ON THIS THREAD!
Enjoy this coupon for 1/2 off at your next meal the Three Old Kegs, with purchase of ale.
Only valid at Baldur's Gate locations, not valid in Amn. Expires Highsun/30/2017
Investigating the Merchants' League Estate
After dealing with the doppelgangers, I reported to Aldeth Sashenstar, who gave me a sword baneful to shapeshifters. Perhaps he should have given it to me BEFORE I faced the doppelgangers!
Now at this point, not only YOU as the player, but Gorions Ward actually witnesses all of this.Now considering that the game pretends you have no knowledge of this later on in the story..I think this might be one of the biggest moments of character induced stupidity in the entire saga^^
I don't think the game does though, the game gives several hints that the Hooded Man is evil just from his dialogue. It can stand to reason that CHARNAME simply doesn't see Irenicus an immediate threat until the end of SOD
Oh I never said he wasn't a threat, just not an immediate one. The Crusade is of more immediate concern. But I wise man would definitely keep an eye out.
@batoor
BG2 Chapter 7 Logic:
Actually makes giving everything to the dragon in exchange for the goblet an option and then allows the player to suffer the consequences. Actually kinda hillarious when you think about it.
Party obliterates literal armies. Normal people don't quake in their collective boots or run in fear when CHARNAME shows up.
"Elminster this, Elminster that. Give ME two thousand years and a pointy hat and I'll kick his arse!". Well it took only a year and no pointy hat. What would he be in 2000 years? Karsus 7.0?
Elminster was listed originally as Level 29 because it was considered one of the highest levels conceivable at the time, Elminster's actually level is most likely significantly higher. Edwin could reach Level 31 and STILL get his rump handed to him by Elminster and if you read his epilogue, that's exactly what happened.
Szass Tam's level is also around listed as around 29 but seeing his tactics and repertoire he similarly has a much higher level than he thought. In the books he was also defeated by Elminster, but he wasn't an easy fight.
Karsus and Iolaum were level 41 but I guess they don't really count. And Irenicus was level 30.
Levels higher than 29 existed in 2E, but Elminster hadn't reached that. The reason why he was so powerful in combat and able to overcome even stronger mages is because he is very smart, knows how to use every resource he has, and also because he is a Chosen of Mystra
Oh no I'm well aware of that, however I'm not convinced that the textbook levels for certain characters are entirely accurate based on their exploits. Elminster and Szass Tam's level should be MUCH higher than simply 29.
Drizzt? Level 16? That's absurdly inaccurate despite being the set 2nd edition level for him.
(Man, I loved The Tick and Batmanuel.)
Many of the people you meet have had their occupation for years, decades and sometimes more. Thalantyr, for example, is a powerful mage. He's quite arrogant but from the bit of context you get he's actually not just the common spellcaster. Experienced fighters and mercenaries like those from the Flaming Fist are only about level 5 to maybe 9. And these are supposed to have gone through martial training, which takes quite some time.
Pretty much everyone you meet, except for a select few (Sarevok, for example is supposed to be about your age and he is a super strong fighter by FR standards), have trained for years to reach their level of skill, be it in martial arts, arcane magic or divine magic.
And exp is definitely wrong at high levels, if only because it's linear. Let's make a comparison. I am not a very sportive person. If I wanted to decrease my time by 0,2s in a 100m run, it would take me about 2 weeks maybe, but my time would still be terrible.
Now if a local 100m sprint champion wanted to do that, he would need months, maybe years to decrease his time by 0,2s. And for Usain Bolt to decrease his time by 0,2s, well this would be nigh impossible. Now think of me as a level 1 mage, the regional champion as a level 15 mage, and Usain Bolt as Elminster.
High levels should be just about the same. And while I can understand why Charname, a Bhaalspawn, could have a special treatment, with extra fast progression, I clearly dont get why random NPCs that are just normal people from their species etc... would progress as fast as Charname. So yeah, Baldur's Gate logic it is
For me fact that he lies to Imoen to get to talk to Charname is a red flag. I don't think it's something a friend would do, or even a neutral party.
EDIT: I'm pretty sure someone mentioned it, but still: soldiers in Saradush are like, what, 15 level? They definitely get HLAs, but I'm not sure if its' not SCS, so let's not go there. Let's say it's 15 level. Let's assume soldiers in Saradush also have 15 level.
So there you have it: average goons of Balthazar and Gromnir are much, much, much powerful than Charname, when he already had saved entire Sword Coast from war, explored depths of Durlag's Tower, killed powerful Tanar'ri, slayed certain Big Bad B., defeated Crusade.
Where are those guys coming from and what their salary is? I mean, it's like having army of Aragorns.
So someone at level 13 or above was pretty rare. IIRC, In the old Greyhawk campaign, there were only three or four clerics in the campaign who could cast resurrection. The idea that someone would be level 20 and adventuring was inconceivable; the survival rate alone would make it unusual.
Let's force Tales of the Sword Coast to not be canon by specifically mentioning the Soultaker Dagger having had Skie's soul trapped inside despite it being destroyed during the events of BG1.