Hello, all. I am new here and I am sure to have a lot of questions, so I want to thank you in advance for your patience. My first question deals with the expansion pack. Although I have had Icewind Dale for quite a while, I am just now getting around to playing it. I have also obtained the expansion, Heart of Winter. Should I install it also, before I even begin the game?

Hi there [img]graemlins/happywave.gif[/img]

I would go ahead and install HoW since it has some nifty new features like higher (800x600) resolution.

Just avoid the guy who gives the the quest that triggers HoW untill you have finished IWD... I think it says somewhere in the Manual what guy I'm talking about ;)

Yes, when you get to Kuldahar, a Barbarian Shaman named Hjoder I believe, will be waiting for you in the pottery house. If you accept his quest you will begin HoW with your party, so dont even go to the Pottery House. When you finally beat IWD, return to Kuldahar and the pottery house and talk to Hjolder.

Good Luck, have fun and welcome!

Install HoW before you begin. Also, download the Trials of the Luremaster expansion to HoW (for free). Install them all before you begin. That way, you'll be sure to have all of the latest patches.