Getting in Character

Attributes

Even before you start rolling your attributes, you should decide what type of class you want for your main character. Compared to most computer role-playing games, attributes scores are fairly permanent in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons rules faithfully adapted by Baldur's Gate. Although it is possible to increase your character attributes within the game by reading some rare tomes and manuals, you should be satisfied that your attributes are adequate from the outset of the game. Fortunately, the rolling system for generating attributes is extremely generous compared to pen-and-paper AD&D, so you should be able to create a formidable starting character.

It's important to note that the AD&D attribute system is also not as balanced as the systems featured in such games as Fallout. Charisma, for example, is an unnecessary attribute for most characters, and you should lower your score for that trait as far as permissible for your class so that you can redistribute the attribute points where they will be more useful for your character. Obviously, the more you reroll your dice scores, the more likely you'll get a powerful character. Aim to have 85-90 attribute points for your character. Since everyone doesn't have the patience to spend a half hour or more rolling up a character, so here are a few basic considerations you should keep in mind when selecting a score for each attribute.

Strength
The raw, physical power of a character is a key attribute for all characters, but especially for fighters, rangers, and paladins. Characters with a high strength rating (15 and up) are given both an attack and a damage bonus in hand-to-hand (melee) combat, and have a greater likelihood of bursting open locked doors and chests. The amount of weight your character can lug around is also determined by strength. Fighters, rangers, and paladins should have a strength rating of 18 or more, and a rating above 15 is recommended for all characters. If you're playing a non-fighter type and don't have attribute points to spare, make sure you have a strength rating of at least 12, or you'll have difficulty lugging around all of the treasure you'll find.

Intelligence
The ability of the character to reason and learn is a key attribute for characters capable of casting mage spells, but it is the least important attribute for all other characters. If you're playing a mage or a bard, ensure that this attribute has a score of 18, but if you're playing another type of character, swallow your pride and lower this attribute as far as possible so that you can redistribute the resulting attribute points to more valuable traits. If you're playing a ranger, you might want to keep your intelligence score high, since you'll ultimately gain mage spells in the planned expansion packs and sequel to the game. For this game, however, that high intelligence score will be wasted.

Next: Attributes, continued
 

GameSpot is a CNET Networks Media Property. Copyright ©1995-2001 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.