Mod/Fixpack/Tweak etc. Question

[Lord Michael]

Hello all. I've just installed SoA & ToB on my new computer, imported my character from BG1, and started playing. I am running on WinXP, and had the "cannot initiate dialog, "so and so" appears busy". Well, after some research, I found the fix for that and downloaded it. I am about to play again right now and I am assuming it has fixed the problem. Guess I'll find out very soon.
My questions are as follows [img]smile.gif[/img] : In looking for this fixpack (from Bioware), I have found a multitude of mods/tweaks/fixes/patches,etc. I am interested in trying some of these, but I don't even know what WeiDu is??? Should I read every single piece of information on everything before considering it? If I install one, will I have to install six more to fix/patch that one? Is it a never ending cycle of fixes & patches once you start modding?
I am running through SoA & ToB for the second time, but this is the first of those times I am taking the same character that I finished BG1 with. It's also the first time I installed them both (duh). I am very excited with the prospect of taking "Michael" all the way through the whole series. I consider myself a fairly experienced BG'er, and could handle a bit more challenge on core rules. None of the NPC mods really jumped out at me, but what I know of Ascension seems neat.
Any advice or suggestions would be most appreciated! Experience with Mod Reliabilty/Fun Factor/Challenge Factor or just technical problems/experiences would be great.
--By the way, without having to cheat, is there a way to get the silver pantaloons without losing reputation? I have sworn to solve the pantaloons enigma this time through, just to see what it looks like. What I read has suggested there is only the -2 rep way to get them. I wouldn't mind a spoiler suggesting otherwise.

Thanks!
Michael

[Harkoliar]

Heya, I would suggest you get the following Modules.

First off, I would presume you have Baldurs Gate 1 and Baldurs Gate 2 expansion. Get both thier official patches which can be found on Bioware.

Second, get these modules, BGtweaks and BgFixpack. Both can be found on the link below
http://www.gibberlings3.net/

If you want to play baldurs gate 1 using BG2 engine, your welcome to do so using the BGT (Baldurs Gate Trilogy Module)
link: http://www.spellholdstudios.net/

Lastly, get the worldmap also found in Spellhold Studios

Other modules which enhance the game play would be acension, and unfinished business

Modules that would give a wicked challenge (not for newbies would be Tactics).

Alot of those modules can also be found here.
http://modlist.pocketplane.net/

I would recommend the following installation procedure

Full Installation of Baldurs Gate 1 & 2 + Expansion, Install both thier official patches

Then install BGFixpack

Then install Any huge modules (meaning BGT FIRST then unfinished business or Darkest Day or Shadows of Soubar

Then BGtweaks

Then all other modules you wish to put in

Lastly the WorldMap Module.

Enjoy and good luck

btw. this is my 2c [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Lord Michael]

The WinXP fix I installed works well so far. Played for a couple hours last night and had no problems. Also found one advantage of installing both SoA and ToB. Nice! Just wish I had more gold!
Harkoliar,
Thanks very much. This is exactly the input/suggestions I was hoping for. Being a "mod newbie", the install order is much appreciated!
I do not have BG1 installed currently, as I finished it the most recently (on the old computer) and didn't install it on the new one. It will likely be next year before I run BG1 again, maybe to try a different character class or try it on the BG2 engine. I would imagine that installing a BG1 patch would do no good without BG1 installed. As for your other suggestions, Unfinished Business & Ascension sound like good choices. I wonder, having completed a few quests around Waulkeen's Promenade (Had to get a certain NPC), and The Slums (talked to an australian fellow [img]smile.gif[/img] ). Is it recommended I erase those games, do the mod installs, and begin again? Being not too far along, it would be fine with me if I would get more out of those two modules. It seems like I should be able to go ahead & install Bgtweaks & Bgfixpack no matter how far along I am. Correct?
Thanks again!

[Harkoliar]

If you are installing those modules to an unmodded game, I am sure your game wont be affected.
however, I would recommend you start from scratch . The problem with modules is that when you continue after adding some modules to your Baldurs gate game, your worldmap tend to act funny (text wise). Also, you may miss out on the modules if you are too far in the game. [img]smile.gif[/img] Good luck!

Another note is that make sure you read thier readme's and check thier incompatabilities beforehand so your game wont be screwed up. I had to reinstall my baldurs gate 2 last night because BGtweaks Expanded - Dual class option was ruining my wild mage class. These things can be annoying but if you research (best place is thier forums!) and make sure beforehand you know which options are incompatible, you should be fine. Good luck!