User manual GAMES PC BALLYHOO MAPS

[. . . ] Baldur's Gate uses the AD&D 2nd Edition rules, the oldest and most popular role-playing game rules in the paper-and-pen world. This isn't just any role-playing game, this is the granddaddy of them all. Well, somebody had to write the 2nd Edition rules back in '89 and I and some other lucky souls were entrusted with that job. Back then, we were creating strictly for the paper-and-pencil, sit-around-the-table, face-to-face game. [. . . ] In Baldur's Gate the "to hit" roll is done behind the scenes for you if your character is successful, he hits if not, he swings and misses. is subtracted from the THAC0, giving a "to hit" number of 13. If the fighter rolls a 13 or higher on the twenty-sided die, he hits successfully and does damage. Critical Hits and Misses If a character rolls a `natural' 20 to hit (that is, the attack roll before modifiers are applied is a 20) then a critical hit occurs and damage for that attack will be doubled. A roll of `natural' 1 is considered a critical miss and imposes a time penalty on the character to recover. Regardless of Armor Class, a `natural' 20 always hits, a `natural' 1 always misses. Improving the Odds in Combat In combat, many factors can modify the number a character needs for a successful hit. These variables are reflected in modifiers to the to-hit number or to the attack roll. Strength Modifiers: A character's Strength can modify the die roll, altering both the chance to hit and the damage caused. This modifier is always applied to melees and attacks with hurled missile weapons (a dagger or an axe). Magical items: The magical properties of a weapon can also modify combat. Items that impart a bonus to the attack roll or Armor Class are identified by a plus sign. For example, a sword +1 improves a character's chance to hit by one and inflicts +1 damage if the attack is successful. A suit of chain mail +1 improves the Armor Class of the character by one beyond normal, "non-magical" chain mail (which means you subtract one from the character's AC, changing an AC of 5 to an AC of 4, for example). Once the casting has begun, the character must stand still. (If you choose not to have a spell caster cast a spell after you have selected the spell, but before you have selected a target, you can R-click to cancel the spell and it will not be lost from memory. ) different type of attacks. Paralyzation, Poison, and Death Magic: This is used whenever a character is affected by a paralyzing attack (regardless of source), poison (of any strength), or certain spells and magical items that otherwise kill the character outright (as listed in their descriptions). Rod, Staff, or Wand: As its name implies, this is used whenever a character is affected by the powers of a rod, staff, or wand, provided another save of higher priority isn't called for. Petrification or Polymorph: This is used any time a character is turned to stone (petrified) or polymorphed by a monster, spell, or magical item (other than a wand). Breath Weapon: A character uses this save when facing monsters with breath weapons, particularly the powerful blast of a dragon. Spell: This is used whenever a character attempts to resist the effects of a magical attack, either by a spellcaster or from a magical item, provided no other type of saving throw is specified. This save can also be used to resist an attack that defies any other classification. Modifying Saving Throws Saving throws can be modified by magical items, specific rules, and special situations. These modifiers can increase or decrease the chance of a successful saving throw. Magical items like cloaks and rings of protection give bonuses to a character's saving throw. Magical armor allows a saving throw bonus only when the save is made necessary by something physical, whether normal or magical. [. . . ] If you would like information about obtaining a pay-for-play or commercial license to the Software, please call Interplay Productions in the US at (949) 553-6655. Acceptance of License Terms: By acquiring and retaining this Software, you assent to the terms and restrictions of this limited license. If you do not accept the terms of this limited license, you must return the Software together with all packaging, manuals and other material contained therein to the store where you acquired the Software for a full refund. LIMITED WARRANTY If the compact disc or floppy disk(s) should fail after the original 90-day warranty period has expired, you may return the software program to Interplay at the address noted below with a check or money order for $5. 00 (U. S. currency), which includes postage and handling, and Interplay will mail a replacement to you. [. . . ]