[Lord Michael]

I hear ya. Playing "true life" can make it very exciting and scary at times. I think the biggest benefit is that I've really taken my time (to be careful not to die), and that in & of itself has helped me find many items & quests that I missed the 1st time around. (I had a ring of Fire Resistance very early on thanks to taking my time and scouting slowly...and I missed that wand of lightning near the Nashkel Mines the 1st time around). At the same time, I've had to ressurect Minsc twice now, Branwen once, and almost died a couple times. I still love the excitement of hardcore, it has made this adventure the best by far. I'm REAL scared of Durlag's Tower, and am taking my time setting up equipment on each character, and even moved all my treasure & magic stash from Baldur's Gate to Nashkel for easier access if I have to flee. All of my characters are maxed or nearly maxed in exp, so exp. is not the big deal...SURVIVING IS!