User manual GAMES PC BALDUR S GATE II

[. . . ] DEDICATION TO DANIEL WALKER Dan Walker was the second employee of BioWare, having started work at the company in late 1995. He passed away June 6, 1999 of natural causes related to a physical disability he had since birth. We have dedicated Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn to Dan. It's quite hard to find the words to describe how we all felt about him, but it has fallen upon me to try, so I'll do my best. [. . . ] For priest spells, the school notation is used only for reference purposes, to indicate which school the spell is considered to belong to. The spells of a given school have similar colors and casting effects ­ so you can gauge what an enemy is casting by the color and appearance of the effects as he casts it. Range: This lists the distance from the caster at which the spell effect occurs or begins, in feet. A "0" indicates the spell can be used on the caster only, with the effect embodied within or emanating from him. "Touch" means the caster can use the spell on others if he can physically touch them (that is, score a successful to hit roll). Duration: This lists how long the magical energy of the spell lasts. Spells of instantaneous duration come and go the moment they are cast, although the results of these spells may be permanent and unchangeable by normal means. Spells of permanent duration last until the effects are negated by some means, usually by a dispel magic. Casting Time: This represents a fraction of the spell caster's six second personal initiative round which is used performing the chants and motions necessary to cast the spell. This time is exactly equivalent to the speed factor of a weapon. The spell casting time is varied by an initiative roll that is performed each time a spell is cast. 106 Baldur's Gate II Area of Effect: This lists what is affected by the spell, be it an area, or a group of creatures. Some spells (such as bless) affect the friends or enemies of the caster. In all cases, this refers to the perception of the caster at the time the spell is cast. Saving Throw: This lists whether the spell allows the target a saving throw and the effect of a successful save: "Neg. " results in the spell having no effect; "1/2" means the character suffers half the normal amount of damage; "None" means no saving throw is allowed. Spell Description: The text provides a complete description of how the spell functions. Shadows of Amn 107 Wizard Spells - Level 1 Armor (Conjuration) Range: 0 Casting Time: 1 round Duration: 10 turns Saving Throw: None Area of Effect: The caster By means of this spell, the wizard creates a magical field of force that serves as if it was scale mail armor (AC 6). Its effects are cumulative with Dexterity and, in the case of fighter/mages, with the shield bonus. The Armor spell does not hinder movement, adds no weight or encumbrance, nor does it prevent spell casting. It lasts until successfully dispelled or until the duration runs out. Blindness (Illusion/Phantasm) Range: Sight of caster Casting Time: 2 Duration: 10 turns Saving Throw: Neg. Area of Effect: 1 creature This spell blinds its target. A saving throw is allowed, and if successful there are no harmful effects. If a victim is blinded, he receives ­4 to hit on his attack rolls, and has a 4 point Armor Class penalty. Burning Hands (Alteration) Range: 0 Casting Time: 1 Duration: Instant Saving Throw: 1/2 Area of Effect: The caster When the wizard casts this spell, a jet of searing flame shoots from his fingertips. [. . . ] As a company dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality interactive entertainment software, we are always striving to stay as close as possible to the leading edge of technology. This Web site is the latest example of our ongoing effort to provide a wealth of information and opportunities to you. As a company of fanatic gamers, we love the idea of gamers all over the world tapping into cyberspace to see, touch and feel our latest games. No hype, no marketing campaign; just great games. To make it work, our goal is to keep this site fresh and new, to make it a place where you can tell US what you like about our games. . . [. . . ]