|
|
|
|
|
RacesChoose your race carefully. Only certain races can be in a class. An a example is a Gnome can not be a ranger but a human, elf and half-elf can. Being resistant to magical attacks or having infravision depends on what race you are. So lets take a look at each race that you can play. DwarvesDwarves are short, stocky fellows, easily identified by their size and shape. They average 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall and have ruddy cheeks, dark eyes, and dark hair. Dwarves generally live for about 350 years. They are a cunning race of sturdy workers and craftsmen, especially resistant to magic and poison. During combat, dwarves receive bonuses when attacking man-sized giant-class creatures and are adept at dodging the attacks of larger giant-class creatures. Infravision allows dwarves to see heat emanations from objects up to 60' in the dark. ElvesElves tend to be somewhat shorter and slimmer than normal humans. Their features are finely chiseled and delicate, and they speak in melodic tones. Although they appear fragile and weak, as a race they are quick and strong. Elves often live as long as 1200 years. They are nearly immune to Sleep and Charm spells and are adept at finding hidden objects. During combat, elves receive bonuses when attacking with swords and bows. Elves also have Infravision which allows them to see up to 60' in darkness. In AD&D, they cannot be raised from the dead, however, in BG they can be. GnomesGnomes are shorter and slimmer than their dwarven cousins, but have significantly larger noses. Most gnomes have dark tan or brown skin and white hair. A typical gnome lives for 350 years. They are especially resistant to magic, and have a natural affinity to the magic school of Illusion. During combat, gnomes receive bonuses when attacking man-sized giant-class creatures and are adept at dodging the attacks of larger giant-class creatures. HalflingsHalflings are short, generally plump people, very much like small humans. Their faces are round and broad and often quite florid. Their hair is typically curly and the tops of their feet are covered with coarse hair. Their prefer not to wear shoes whenever possible. Their typical life expectancy is approximately 150 years. Depending on lineage, certain halflings have infravision, and all are especially resistant to magic and poison. Half-ElvesHalf-elves are usually much like their elven parent in appearance. They are handsome folk, with the good features of both races. They mingle freely with either race, being only slightly taller than the average elf (5' 6" on average) and weighing about 150 pounds. They typically live about 160 years. While they do not have all the abilities of the elf, they are still somewhat resistant to sleep and charm spells and are adept at finding hidden objects. Half-elves also have Infravision up to 60' from their elven parent. Of all the demi-human races, half-elves have the greatest range of choices in character class. HumansHumans are the most common player race in the Forgotten Realms. They suffer no level racial limitations or ability modifiers. They can be any class including all eight specialist mages or dual-classed. Half-Orcs *New race for BG2 onlyAnother example of a hybrid, half-orcs are products of human and orc parents. Of a height similar to half-elves, half-orcs usually resemble their human parent enough to pass for a human in public. Their skin ranges from peach to olive to deep tan, and their hair can be blond, red, brown, black, gray, and shades in between. Half-orcs have infravision.
Classes Permitted for Each Race The table below lists the classes available to each race. Only demihumans can be multiclassed while only humans can be dual classed. There will be no level limits because of race in Baldur's Gate II. The symbols in the table refer to the following:
|