🌱 GETTING STARTED: A Guide for New Players

[Administrator]

[originally written by missclick]

NEW PLAYER GUIDE
A STEP-BY-STEP VADE MECUM FOR BG:TSCC BEGINNERS

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WELCOME to Baldur's Gate: The Sword Coast Chronicles. This guide is intended for new or returning players unfamiliar with the game and/or setting, covering the basics. It is not, however, entirely comprehensive so as to avoid overwhelming the reader. Links to additional reading on these subjects will be provided where possible.

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I. BEFORE YOU PLAY

To play on the BGTSCC server, you require a copy of Neverwinter Nights 2, the Mask of the Betrayer DLC, and an internet connection.

 

1. Acquire the game. It can be purchased from GOG.com. This may be subject to change with the release of the Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, and will be updated accordingly.
2. Proceed through the installation wizard.
3. We highly recommend the installation and use of the Skywings Client Extension. It greatly adds to compatibility and stability of the game across many systems. It can be downloaded here and is placed within the base install directory of the NWN2 game folder.
4. Once the game has been installed (including all expansions), launch the game via the Client Extension (NWLauncher.exe).
5. Players sharing a router within the same household or workplace, are required to follow these additional steps.
6. Proceed to Log in.

 

II. LOGGING IN

1. Open the game and continue through the cutscenes.
2. Navigate to the 'Multiplayer' button on the Main Menu.
3. You will be asked for a Bioware Community Log-In. You are not required to create an account, as this feature was discontinued several years ago. Enter a Bioware Community name of your choosing - this will be your reoccurring username on the server, and your handle for logging in. Please keep it appropriate.
4. Enter a password. Passwords are no longer in use, but at least one letter, number, or symbol is required in the input field.
5. Continue by clicking the Sign-In button. You will get an error about authorization failure. This is normal.

 

III. CONNECTING TO THE SERVER

There are two ways to join the server. You'll use the 'Direct Connect' method this time.

1. Select Direct Connect from the menu.
2. In the field for Server IP address, type the following: game.bgtscc.net
3. Do not enter a password. Click okay.
4. Wait. The game will begin automatically downloading the server's custom module, including all assets required to play. This will take some time, and the loading bar will not always accurately display the correct speed and/or wait time. The process automatically checks to see if you have the latest files every time you log into the Baldur's Gate server and updates you if needed. The expected file size is 60gb, which will default to your "My Documents" folder.
5. While you wait, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with the server rules and character guidelines.
6. Once the download completes, proceed to Character Creation.

If you run into any errors during the download, ensure you have enough space on your harddrive. If you encounter any issues in this process, check the forum or join the discord for troubleshooting.

In future sessions, it is recommended to join the server via the server list (via the "Join Internet Game" option above Direct Connect on the menu. Game type: Role Play, then select "Baldur's Gate South" and "Baldur's Gate North" and add to "favorites"). From then on, you'll be able to navigate to the favorites tab and connect here.

However, if the listing isn't loading or you're running into issues, the following direct connect addresses can be used: 51.222.244.167:5121 (for server one) and 51.222.244.167:5122 (for server two). However, this method is not recommended after crash or DC as it can lead to data loss (items, location, etc).

IV. CHARACTER CREATION

This is where you'll create your roleplay oriented character to play on BGTSCC. BG has a lot of custom content and many possibilities, and while this is great for variety it can be overwhelming. Whether you're building for mechanical benefit, character narrative, or a combination of both proceed at your own pace.

1. Select your race. BGTSCC offers the choice of of Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Halfling, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Human, Planetouched and Orc - each with various subtypes thereof (drow, genasi, etc).
2. Customize your character's physical appearance.
3. Select your base starting class.
4. Choose your initial alignment.
5. Select your deity, keeping in mind these are restricted to your alignment. Please see notes on the consequence of 'Faithless' characters and cults of fiendish worship.
6. Input your starting attributes.
7. Select your character's origin - this represents your character's cultural background and grants thematic traits that may include languages based on their location.
8. Distribute your skill points. These are considered to be your characters knowledge or skills. To manually distribute them, select 'Customize'.
9. Enter your character's name, and choose a voice. Don't worry too much about inputting your biography or character description just yet - there are tools better suited to this once you've properly entered the game.
10. Finish.

If you're uncertain as to how you'd like to build your character, there are various tools available to assist you, including the BGTSCC wiki and Dae's Character Planner (WIP). Specific questions may be posed in the #new-player-questions or #builds-and-mechanics channels in our community discord.

V. THE NEXUS

The Nexus is the OOC landing zone of the server. Everything within this space is considered out-of-character.

Beyond this point, all interactions (outside of tells) are considered to be in-character unless otherwise stated, and OOC is expected to be kept to a minimum. Within the Nexus you'll find several NPCs, each with their own capabilities - stay tuned for a pending explanation on what these entities can offer.

1. Select any additional languages. If you're not sure, you can close the window and will be prompted to choose again on level up.
2. Select your character background. You may choose this at a later date, if you desire. If you have not chosen a background, have closed the window prematurely, or are a returning player with a character that exist prior its implementation, you can bring up the selection menu by dragging the feat to your hotbar and clicking it. This action is not available if you have already chosen a background, and is replaced by the corresponding feat.
3. (Optional) Follow the steps below (↓) to further customize your character, if you choose to do so at this time.
4. (Optional) Consider walking through our 'tutorial dungeon' for additional information beneficial to the new player experience.
5. Proceed to enter the world of Faerun by interacting with the glowing portal, or one of two NPCs standing beside it (Gond/Helm on Server One, Lolth/Eldath on Server Two).
6. Select your starting location. You will be OOCly teleported onto the Sword Coast to begin your adventures on BGTSCC.

V(a). CUSTOMIZING YOUR CHARACTER

1. Purchase a set of basic gear and an 'Appearance Kit'. These are sold by the NPC on the lefthand side of your entry to the Nexus, the Goddess Waukeen (dressed in yellow). You may also purchase them from merchant NPCs elsewhere in the setting if you desire to.
2. Put on all gear.
3. Enter through the door labelled 'The Wardrobe' to customize your armor. Use of the kit is blocked in some places, including the Nexus.
4. Right click the Appearance Kit in your inventory (I) and place the AoE circle on the ground somewhere by you. This will spawn a mannequin you may customize to alter the look of your gear. You may exit when complete.
5. (Optional) If your character is a tiefling and desires a tail, you may enter the command !:tail in their bio. The tail will be the same color as your skin, and the command is a toggle - whoever, you may not toggle it on or off at will. You are not required to have a tail if you play a tiefling, it is at your discretion.
6. (Optional) If you wish to upload a custom character portrait, follow these steps.
7. (Optional) A basic character description can be written by clicking on the image of a rolled scroll and an inkwell on the floating hotbar somewhere toward the top of the screen. This will be read by players when they right-click and examine you, or you of others, and represents what others will see beyond the character model. If you wish to make use of the additional Conditional Examine system at a later date, offering a more in-depth read of your characters for friends and strangers alike, there is a guide here.
8. Proceed to enter Sword Coast as outlined above.

VI. WHAT COMES NEXT?

Below are some suggestions on ways to further immerse yourself in the setting. You may choose to do one of these, all, or none.

• Consider submitting a character biography. These can be posted in the Character Biographies subforum for others to read. You may include as much or as little information as you desire. Taking this one step further, you may send a biography to the DM team (a requirement for unusual characters or concepts) for approval. DMs will refer to approved biographies when running events and interacting with your character, oftentimes personalizing and legitimizing backstory and rp. A complete guide to the character creation process can be found here.
• Join a guild. There are a number of player-run guilds on the server, each with their own interests and objectives. A list of active, player-run guilds can be found in the Guild Directory & Contact List, by browsing the Guilds and Factions subforum, or discovered organically through interactions with other characters.
• Post a rumor. Been at the center of something unusual? Affected the surrounding area, or left behind some curious details that pertain to recent rp? Consider consulting the Rumors of the Sword Coast Masterlist and posting in one of the correlating threads. Rumors are public knowledge other characters might glean upon visiting that location, or meeting certain conditions. Did your character arrive in a noticeable way, or were quick to make their mark on the region?
• Explore the realm. Though there are guides and helpers to assist, the most immersive and rewarding experiences will come from interactions with others. Walk the world, meet and talk with other people, treat the world as your character would and try to see it through their eyes. If you get stuck, there's always a map of the city to guide your way as a last resort.

 

This guide is a work-in-process, and may be adjusted and amended as required.

[Administrator]

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GAME BASICS (WIP)

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MOVEMENT & CONTROLS

Actions and movement in Neverwinter Nights 2 are not always readily apparent and oftentimes unconventional. While preferences vary, and players are encouraged to experiment with both mouse and keyboard to identify what best suits their personal playstyle, the following can be considered an outline of the essentials for intended navigation:

 

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    GENERAL CONTROLS

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WASD Keys	Move forward, backward and strafe when held. Use of WASD is discouraged due to rubber-banding. When stationary, the A and D keys will turn or rotate the character in place.
Mouse	Left-click to move (default: run), right click opens pop-up menu (on self and on others). Mouse movement is preferable.
Shift + Mousewheel	Cycles back-and-forth through user hotbars.
Shift + Click	Move at a pace (opposite to your current speed) whilst moving toward the clicked location.
Z key	Highlights certain objects in the vicinity.
Enter key	Opens the input window for typing in chat.
ESC key	Opens the options menu.

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    MISCELLANEOUS MODES (Bottom Right):

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Detect		Toggle walking mode. Also gives a bonus to search and spot checks.
Track		Walking, but for elves and rangers. Shows enemies on the map with the 'Track' feat.
Vision+		If you have access to Dark Vision or Low Light Vision, either as a racial trait or spell, this may be toggled on and off.

Tip: If experiencing movement stutter, ensure the Client Extension is installed and use the /mpredict command in chat.

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    CAMERA MODES (Hot Bar):

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Exploration mode		Keeps the selected character centered; zoom and rotate the camera freely. Most players prefer this camera mode.
Strategy Mode		Freely move and zoom the camera using WASD. Camera movement is limited by distance from the selected character.
Character Mode		This is an over-the-shoulder driving camera that snaps back when the character moves.

If your computer has a numpad, use of the asterisks(*) key may also cycle camera mode.

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ROLEPLAY

BG:TSCC is a roleplay server, first and foremost. Whilst there are many guides available on the web web that can, and will, explain roleplay at great length, in essence the acting out characters actions through written text. Its a form of collaborative storytelling where players take on the persona of their characters and interact with others, building the story together through back-and-forth responses.

In online roleplaying games characters controlled by players are known as player characters (PCs), whereas characters controlled by the game are known as non-player characters (NPCs). Everyone's definition of roleplay will differ slightly depending on personal experience and opinion, but it boils down to 'what would my character do' and describing those actions (what others would see, hear or sense) from their point of view.

On BGTSCC, we roleplay in the third person (He looked, she laughed, they smiled) not the first person (I looked, I laughed, I smiled). We accept all levels of skill and literacy, though expect players to make use of basic grammar. We have people from all walks of life, and from all over the world, so as long as you're trying your best. Everyone starts somewhere. You are expected to be in-character (playing 'the role' of your created character) whenever you're in game. Not sure where to start? Try talking to other characters and ask about them as you might in real life! Learn by doing, and you'll pick things up along the way.

Roleplay basics can be condensed to the following:

• Only control your character (not other peoples or npcs). This is called god-modding.
• Respect the setting, lore, & DM decisions - no super saiyans or self-proclaimed kings!
• Keep IC and OOC separate - do not take RL issues in-game, or in-game altercations OOC.
• What you know, hear, or read OOCly is not the same as what your character knows. When OOC knowledge influences IC actions, this is called metagaming.
• Play your sheet (this includes race, alignment, ability points, classes, feats, and skills).
• If you need to denote something written as OOC, use some form of bracket or slash to convey the message, eg: ((, {{, [[, or ///. This should be done sparingly.

Note: Players are not permitted to use AI to generate any written roleplay works, as listed in the rules (2.9 - AI Generated Content).

USING CHAT: HOW-TO

As a roleplay server, understanding and using the chat system effectively is at the core of the player experience and a fundamental necessity.

Upon log-in, players will encounter two semi-transparent black text boxes positioned on the left side of the screen. One of these, likely to be the upper, is the combat log (where actions, abilities and attacks are listed) and the lower the chat log (where you will see server messages and player chat). These are customizable in size and location (click and drag) and in content (right click to check things on or off).

To enable the chat window for typing, press the ENTER key. To exit, press ESC. Type your message, then press enter to send it. Dots will appear over the head of yours and other characters while they are typing, allowing an indication that a response is coming. These dots do not show when writing a whisper, a tell, or in party chat.

While a player is typing, animated dots appear above their character’s head. These indicators do not show when composing whispers, tells, or party chat messages.

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    T E X T   C H A N N E L S

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On the top-left corner of the chat log, there are five channel buttons that influence how your messages are delivered. From top to bottom, these are:

• [L] - Local Chat; the default channel for in-character roleplay. Appears as white text overhead and in the chat log. All around you (in a certain radius) can read or "hear" it.
• [W] - Whisper. It has a limited radius whereby only those close to you will hear what is said. It will not be displayed above your characters head, but is shown in the chat-log as gray text.
• [P] - Party Chat. You speak to all those who are in your group. The text will appear in white above your head (but is visible only to group members) and in the chat-log. Your group members will even be able to read that when you are on another map. However, this feature should be used sparingly as it will also show in DM chats and can be disruptive while they are running events. To prevent this, please only use it when asked by a DM or for short, occasional use.
• [D] - DM Channel. Sends a private message viewable only by online Dungeon Masters. A record of the message sent will be visible in the chat that states it was sent to the channel
• [S] - Shout. Broadcasts a server-wide. This feature is restricted to staff and Dungeon Masters and appears in yellow text when used.

 

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    T E X T   E M P H A S I S

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The following formatting can be used to enhance your text, both in the chat window and character examines.

• Italics. <I></i> Italicizes your text.
• Bold. <b></b> Bolds your text.
• Color. <C=color></C> Colors your text. A list of NWN2 colors can be found here.

These should be used sparingly, however. While color can visually enrich situational dialogue (such as entertaining performances or hosting player events), its use should be minimal to maintain readability and immersion. DMs may ask players to reduce excessive styling if it becomes disruptive.

 

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    T E L L S:   S E N D I N G,   R E C E I V I N G   A N D   R E P L Y I N G

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During your time on the server, you may encounter green text in your chat window, along with a player name. That means you've received a 'private message' from another player. No one else can see this message except you. Tells are generally considered an OOC means of communication, unless stated otherwise. To respond to the tell you've received you have a few options:

 
Right click the character name, click /tell "charactername" from the top of the pop-up menu.
/r to reply the last person who messaged you
/re - messages the last person you messaged

Cross-server tells work a little differently.
>ctr to reply the last person who messaged you
>ctre - messages the last person you messaged
 

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    A D D I T I O N A L   C H A T   C O M M A N D S

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>afk = Display or remove the yellow afk indicator above your head.
>save = Save your character as you would in PC tools.
>timeuntilreset = Will report in the Combat Log the amount of time left before the next Server reset.

HOTBAR RUNDOWN

1. Toggle Hostile — Set another player hostile (it is toggled off by default). See PvP rules.
    
2. Actions — Manual rolls often asked for by DMs (Initiative, Attack, Offhand Attack, Damage, Armor Class, Hit Point). These have no mechanical benefit beyond calculating output based on your character at that point in time, and rolling against it.
    
3. Ability Rolls — Rolls a D20 using your Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma scores. These are called 'ability checks' and are mostly requested by DMs, though players will occasionally use them to decide some outcomes of personal roleplay.
    
4. Skill Rolls - Opens the skill check directory. Clicking on any one of these will roll a d20 based on your character's proficiency with that skill. These skills can come from specific classes, the distribution of skill points per level up, and/or items your character may be wearing. Skills determine how well your character performs the related action, or what they might know about certain topics. In this instance, a DM may ask for a roll of a specific skill during RP to discern an outcome.
    
5. Dice Rolls - Virtual dice. Choose how many dice you are rolling (1-9), and how many sides that dice has (1d2 - 1d100). Useful for coin flips (1d2), and sometimes used by players to simulate drinking games and other activities.
    
6. Follow - Toggle on/off. You will follow the selected player. Does not persist through transitions.
    
7. Language select - Drop down menu with a selectable list of languages your character knows. This will open a pop-up. Typing in this second window will translate the text into your chosen window.
    
8. Player Scry - Opens a window showing the names, locations, and level of characters on the server at present. This is an opt-in listing meaning that you (and others) can choose to hide these details at any time - particularly if you wish to hide your activity. This is an OOC tool, however, and should not be used to claim IC knowledge of a character's actions or location.
    
9. Description Editor - Allows you to write, save, and load a description of your character that others can read my examining you.
    
10. Chat Options:
    • Toggle Flavor Text (head with speech bubble) - colors all emotes written between asterisk(*) in a discernable blue color.
    • Whisper Lock- a toggled option that makes you speak in a whisper, regardless of what channel you use to type.
    • Toggle Auto Animations - some words, when written as emotes, will trigger an automatic action. For example, typing *she waves* would result in your character waving.
    • Save Preferences (checkmark) - After selecting an option, you will need to click this so that your choice is locked in. It will not persist otherwise.
     
11. PvP Options - Defines what happens to a character defeated in PvP (either sending a PC back to their home location, or subduing them in place). This should always be set to 'subdued' so that post-combat RP can continue.

UNDERSTANDING MENUS

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  R I G H T - C L I C K  (ANOTHER PC)

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/t "character name"		Sends a private message (tell) directly to the player controlling the specified character.
Party Commands		Invite the character to your party. Remove a party member if leader.
Examine		Read the selected character's basic description if they've written one.
Conditional Examine		A more in-depth description of the player character, of which parts may be made visible or obscured depending on set variables.
Appraise Creature		Non-functional system; do not use.
Heal		Heals the character with a Heal Kit, if you have one.
Barter		Approach the target character and open the trade window.
Sleight of Hand		Attempt to pickpocket a player or NPC. Success is based on a skill check against a set difficulty class (DC) and the Spot skill of surrounding persons. This is classified as an indication of hostile intent if caught.
Attack		No. Bad. See PvP Rules.

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  R I G H T - C L I C K  (YOUR PC)

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Examine		View your own basic character description. This can be edited through use of the scroll & quill on your toolbar (7).
Conditional Examine		Opens the editor for Conditional Examines, allowing you to offer a more indepth description of your player character. A full guide can be found here.
Heal		Heals the character with a Heal Kit, if you have one.
- - - Disguise Toggle	- - -	Enables your character to adopt a disguise, concealing their identity based on your Disguise skill by temporarily obscuring both name and race on a mechanical level. Must abide by rules on Naming & Disguise. This function is intended solely for in-character disguise purposes and not intended as a substitute for official name change requests.
Dismiss Spell		Opens a list of currently active buffs or spells on your character. Double-clicking an entry will dispel the selected effect.
Player Tools		An additional window with its own specific options as covered below.

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  P L A Y E R   T O O L S

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--Save Character: Saves your character state and location. Useful after trades, before reset, or when unable to rest. --Check Time: Displays the current in-game time in the combat log. --Remove Effects: Removes some effects. Inferior to right click -> Dismiss Spell. --Build Campfire: Set down a prop campfire. Can be used for RP or throwing away unwanted items. --Pitch Tent: Place a prop tent. Use responsibly. --Toggle AFK: Flag yourself as away. Will display yellow text overhead. --Set Stool: Place a stool a short distance ahead of you. --Die Rolls: Select and roll dice. Inferior to hotbar selection. --Emotes: A limited selection of animations. Excludes text emotes. --Actions --Cease: Stops any looping animation. --One-Shot: Uses the selected animation one time. --Looping: The animation continues to play until moved or stopped. --Emote: Execute the animation after selection.

THE NEXUS

The Nexus is the OOC landing zone of the server; everything within this space is considered out-of-character, therefore you are not required to use any bracketing to indicate out-of-character speech. It is the only location where this is permissible.

Here you will find a number of NPCs, styled as some of the deities of Faerun, who serve as helpful guides to various actions that may be required during your play. Some of these tools, however, require a little additional knowledge and so this section will attempt to offer explanation on their use and effect.

 

—	BASIC SUPPLIES - Waukeen Waukeen sells basic gear, both armor and weapons, in addition to customization tools (Appearance Kit, Jewelry Box). While none of these items convey any enhancement bonuses, they can and will start you on your journey and fill items slots to allow customization. If you happen to bypass this NPC, similar items can be found from merchants in world.
- - -	SPELL SWAPPER - Mystra This goddess will help spontaneous spell casting classes (sorcerer, spirit shaman, favored soul, bard and warlock) to swap one of their spells to another spell of the same level. However, this is limited to 1 swap per three RL 3 weeks. As a wizard, speaking with Mystra after an RCR will return your spellbook to its prior state.
- - -	RCR - Lathander An RCR (or Retired Character Rebuild) allows you to transfer part of the experience of your character to a new character. The old character is permanently deleted, including whatever is left in their inventory (so be sure to store your items first). If you are under level ten, you may use the service without an xp penalty. Above level 10, you will be returned only a portion of your deposited xp with a 20 level maximum.
	DELETE CHARACTER - Jergal The scribe Jergal will erase your character from existence, including any gold they are holding or any items in their inventory; wiping them from the vault. A deleted character cannot be recovered, so engage with this NPC at your own risk!
- - -	HISTORY FEATS - Deneir History Feats are your character's background (not local origin) and may confer a bonus depending on the selection. This is chosen on loading into the Nexus for the first time, but this NPC will allow you to allocate one if absent. It will not let you swap or exchange what you have, however.
- - -	HISTORY FEATS - Oghma History Feats are your character's background (not local origin) and may confer a bonus depending on the selection. This is chosen on loading into the Nexus for the first time, but this NPC will allow you to allocate one if absent. It will not let you swap or exchange what you have, however.
- - -	EXPERIENCE REMOVER - Shar Allows the removal of xp from the target character. This can be used to de-level your PC. This experience is not returned, however. Once it is removed it is gone so ensure you calculate the correct amount you wish to remove. It is suggested to remove xp in increments for this reason.
- - -	DEITY SELECTION - Ao Ao allows you to select or change your deity. Please keep in mind that changing your deity as an established character, particularly divine spellcasters, require DM approval first as forsaking one's faith is a rare occurrence. Additionally, some deity changes may invalidate your build if incompatible.
	MALUSES - Talona This feature allow you to voluntarily add a flaw to your character. This flaw will permanently reduce your skills, stats, or movement speed in some fashion and may be used to simulate injury or defect. You may also enable the permadeath feature here.
- - -	DESCRIPTION EDITOR - Sune Opens the interface for basic character descriptions. This will be read by players when they right-click and examine you, or you of others, and represents what others will see beyond the character model. It is the same that can be accessed via the toolbar (9), which can be accessed at any time whilst in game.
- - -	ENTER WORLD (S1) - Gond Talking to this NPC will transport you into the game world. A new player will have the option of 'arriving' by caravan, ship, or can choose to be a Baldur's Gate native. Characters of Neutral or Evil alignment may also elect to spawn in Soubar. Once you reach level 5, you will be able to return to your last saved location.
- - -	ENTER WORLD (S1) - Helm Talking to this NPC will transport you into the game world. A new player will have the option of 'arriving' by caravan, ship, or can choose to be a Baldur's Gate native. Characters of Neutral or Evil alignment may also elect to spawn in Soubar. Once you reach level 5, you will be able to return to your last saved location.
- - -	ENTER WORLD (S2) - Lolth Talking to this NPC will transport you into the game world. A new player will have the option of 'arriving' by caravan, ship, or can choose to be a Baldur's Gate native. Characters of Neutral or Evil alignment may also elect to spawn in Soubar. Once you reach level 5, you will be able to return to your last saved location.
- - -	ENTER WORLD (S2) - Eldath Talking to this NPC will transport you into the game world. A new player will have the option of 'arriving' by caravan, ship, or can choose to be a Baldur's Gate native. Characters of Neutral or Evil alignment may also elect to spawn in Soubar. Once you reach level 5, you will be able to return to your last saved location.
	MASKED TRAVELER - NPC Though not an NPC found in the Nexus, speaking with this mysterious figure in-game will return you to the OOC room if needed. Currently, they can be found in the Graveyard of Baldur's Gate on the Southern server, and outside Soubar on the North. Returning to the Nexus will bar you from returning to the game world until reset.

[Administrator]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Coming soon.

[Administrator]

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CHANGELOG

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10/07/2025 - Initial overhaul and complete rewrite of original post, contributed by missclick (WIP).