Ok, why are there lvl 6,7,8,9 spell pages in the mage book if you only get 5 and below?

Another thing, on one of the TotSC items, it says ...much like the lvl 8 spell mind blank.

What were they(game designers) thinking?

Because it is possible to learn Level 6, 7, 8, or 9 spells. Not in BG1/ToSC, of course, but if you take your character further into the series, you will find those spells. I realize that those pages of the spellbook will always be BLANK in BG1 (unless you're playing Dark Side), but the alternative--having one's spellbook stop at page 5--implies that there are no more spells to learn, and would almost be a nod to the EXP cap, another way of saying "This is as far as you can go in this GAME."

what is 'playing dark side' ?

<font color="cyan">Playing Dark side, refers to playing DSOTSC. This is Dark Side Of The Sword Coast, which is an unofficial expansion pack for BG1. It also requires TOTSC, and it also lets you goto higher levels, has new NPC's, and lets you have up2 level 9 spells.

I have it, but have never played it.

It can be found online, I think (if memory serves, at one of the following, cant remember which)

http://www.darkside.com
http://www.dsotsc.com
</font>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>B]Originally Posted By Tom[/B]
Much like the level 8 spell Mind Blank<hr></blockquote>

Fair enough, but if my memories serve me correctly, there is no Level 8 spell called Mind Blank in Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal! Sorry, just had to say!!!!

Oh, by the way, what does the dark side envolve? Evil characters, mages only, please respond. Thanks

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Psybeznia:
Oh, by the way, what does the dark side envolve? Evil characters, mages only, please respond. Thanks<hr></blockquote>

No, it's basically an expansion just like TotSC which adds new quests and stuff, only it's unofficial.

Refer to Lavindathar's post on where to download it, if you want to get it.
If one of those sites doesn't have it, try www.teambg.com

[ 01-11-2002: Message edited by: J'aran ]</p>

I have played through BG1 and TotSC twice and have started again but with DSotSC v.1.0.3 installed. It runs without bugs and has new NPCs, new spells, new weapons and enhanced encounters (even more encounters). It is awesome. If you like BG1-TotSC, you will LOVE this game. Also, as was mentioned above the level cap is set to 40!
I highly recommend it.
Benthic

I like Dark Side not for the 5 quests and 8 NPCs it adds, but for the terrific spells it gives you: up to level 9 for mages, level 7 for clerics, and level 6 for druids. That and some very nice items for clerics, paladins, bards, and druids. Also it looks like druids (and rangers?) get special abilities to morph into a variety of higher level monsters.

[ 01-11-2002: Message edited by: Lemernis ]</p>

Lemernis,

What changes, if any, does DSotSC make to the basic BG1/TotSC game? Aside from adding new spells and items, and the new NPCs and game areas how does the mod change the encounters originally found in ToTSC? Have they been altered / made more difficult; or is more of a straight forward add-on similiar to the manner in which both Trials and HoW simply added new areas, items, etc did to IWD?

They beefed up the quests abit. Don't want to spoil it for you but the first time you run into a goblin shaman it'll get you back into playing the game.