------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Baldur's Gate - Dark Alliance II Item Crafting Guide Ver. 71 E-mail: capnmadcapATyahooDOTcom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Version History: Version .55: 1/22/04 - Conceived and Created! Version .60 1/25/04 - Typos Fixed, Item Descriptions for Multiple Gems added, information about effects of gems of boots, gloves, and other items added, tips added, and added preliminary section about Extreme Mode. Also Began modifications based on Extreme Mode Play - more will follow. Version .61 1/25/04 - Added Minor information, added note about Special Gem Combinations. Version .70 1/27/04 - Added Rune/Gem Construction Formulas for Extreme mode, fixed typos, Added information and stats concerning Elemental Burst weapons and construction, added note about how 'wounding' damage works in weapons, added additional reader submission to Tips Section. Version .71 1/27/04 - Fixed some typos, corrected stuff about Extreme Mode, added information about Vampiric Weapon Creation, added to Credits section ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is my first effort at creating any kind of organized 'guide' for a game, aside from efforts made on the c64 close to 20 years ago - so bear with me! This guide is currently only dedicated to the various attributes of gems utilized when improving weapons & armor in the fantastic relase by Interplay, 'Baldur's Gate - Dark Alliance II'. Format, level of information, and various tips and suggestions will all be implemented and changed. While it will include strategy, it is not intended to be a WALKTHROUGH. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This guide is currently divided into the following Sections: -------- Overview Section I. Gems Section Ia. Special Combinations Section II. Runes Section III. Stacking Section IV. Item Descriptions based on single Gem placement Section IVa. Item Descriptions based on multiple Gem Placement Section V. Extreme Mode Section VI. Tips and Reader Submissions Section VII. To Do List Credits ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Overview: Baldur's Gate, Dark Alliance II. Implemented the Item crafting aspect to gameplay that was popularized in games like Diablo II - but introduced in the AD&D system many years ago. This not only allows for a more evocative gameplay experience, but allows you to tailor your character to your brand of particular gameplay. Magic oriented characters will utilize gems that increase magical energies, whereas melee characters will utilize gems that bolster strength and combat feats. It's a great way to enhance the replayability of a hack & slash type game - each time through can be a unique experience. Want to be a Barbarian that utilizes his feats more than just slamming buttons? With the item crafting system, you can increase your energy level and do so! 1. The Trader Item Creation begins with the trader, and he's the only character in the game that can upgrade your items. Luckily, he's also easily accessible in town, and a recall potion will place you right outside of the tavern, which happens to also be an incredibly short distance from the trader. He's located in an alcove directly across from the tavern. It all starts there! 2. Item Craft To begin, you must start with a Rune and a weapon of 'Fine' or better quality. Shoddy & Normal weapons -CANNOT- be upgraded. The stats related to the quality of items will be categorized below: Quality Armor Weapon Ring/Amulet ------- ----- ------ ----------- Shoddy -15% AC 1/2 Damage Decreased Value Normal Base Base Base Value Fine +15% AC x 1.5 Damage Increased Value Remarkable +30% AC x 2 Damage Increased Value Superior +45% AC x 2.5 Damage Increased Value Grand +60% AC x 3 Damage Increased Value Imperial +75% AC x 3.5 Damage Increased Value Flawless +90% AC x 4 Damage Increased Value * Unfortunately, there seems to be no greater quality weapon than 'Flawless' in Extreme Mode. a) The stats above are multiplied by the item's -base- attributes. This means that a piece of Flawless Chain Mail having a defense of 28! (Base Defense = 15, so the formula would be 15 + 15 * 90%) 15 + 13 = 28. It appears that fractions are rounded -DOWN-. b) While -any- item of Fine or better quality can be enhanced, it therefore makes sense to enhance the highest quality item you can find with the exception of Rings & Amulets - since they have no base stats. The Quality of the item being upgraded -will- be factored in to the price of its creation. c) Other than having the ability to enhance the item, the quality of item does -not- affect the creation other than adding to the base attributes of an item. A fine longsword can be upgraded with 16 runes to a maximum of +5, just like a Flawless one. However, the flawless longsword will do 75% more damage, due to its base attribute. 3. Cost of Crafting Items There is also a -cost- associated with crafting weapons. However, The necromancer and thief can use abilities to reduce those costs. Higher Charisma, -will- affect the associated costs, much like it does with purchasing weapons, armor, and items. This has been Verified by the Developers. * I will list those price reductions with further gametesting. 4. Breaking Items You can -pay- the trader to break items that have been enhanced with runes & gems at a cost that is proportional to the amount of runes/gems placed in the item. The breaking of the item will destroy all runes that have been placed, but leave the item and the gems it contained intact. Runes are relatively inexpensive, but the cost of breaking down and reforging can be prohibitive. So while runes are abundant, and you maintain the Item and Gems, it's best to save your money for critical upgrades only. Section I. Gems --------------- It's as simple as visiting the Trader in Baldur's Gate. Select the conversation topic that indicates that you wish to utilize his Workshop. Gems add various attributes to an item, be it a Weapon, Piece of Armor, or Ring/Amulet. 1. Only items that have the following adjectives may be considered for upgrade: Fine, Remarkable, Superior, Grand, Imperial, & Flawless. Each item has -three- available slots for upgrade. The first slot is utilized for runes. This opens up the remaining -two- slots for inserting the various gems you encounter a) Note - You MUST purchase at least ONE Rune in order to improve each individual weapon/armor. b) You will find various gems as you adventure through the game. More gems will become available in the shop as you progress through the game. c) The Trader seems to have an unlimited supply of each Gem, aside from some rare Gems that can only be found while adventuring. d) Simply adding a -rune- when you're crafting weapons/armor will increase the item's base attribute by +1... ie: Weapons increase hit AND damage by +1, and armor improves defense by +1. e) Stacking - Runes & Gems -CAN- Stack - meaning that you can put MORE than one rune/gem in each slot - see Section III for more information. f) There is a limit of 16 gems in each slot - see section II for more information. Except for Extreme mode, in which the limit is 176! g) Each gem can only occupy -one- slot. This means that you -cannot- add 16 Sapphires to two different slots to obtain a +10 Cleave bonus. h) You -cannot- exceed a +10 bonus to your feats utilizing gems. Except in Extreme mode, in which the limit is +15 i) Gems do -not- appear to grant you abilities that your character cannot have. For example, a Sapphire placed in a weapon will -not- grant your character the Cleave feat. (At least, it doesn't show up on the character sheet - testing will be done to conclusively prove this) Even if you HAVE the ability, you must at least place -one- skill point into it to gain the additional skills from the gem. j) An item -cannot- be upgraded twice. Once it has been crafted, you must break the item prior to upgrading it again. This process is detailed in Section I-3 above. k) There are only -three- available slots for crafting items - the first must be occupied by a rune. So, you're only allowed -two- distinct types of gems in the other two slots, although up to 16 of each gem in each slot. (176 in Extreme Mode) l) Combining certain gems (utilizing both slots in an item), will produce unique effects, or negate each other. I'm experimenting with these as we speak. Gem Type Effect in Weapon - Includes Melee, Ranged, and Gloves -------- ----------------------------------------------------- Amethyst +1-8 Extra Critical Hit Damage Aquamarine +1-4 Cold Damage Coral +20% to Min. Damage Diamond 15% Destroy Undead on Crit. Hit Emerald +5% of Damage w/ Weapon inflicted is added to Energy Jacinth +1-6 Fire Damage Jade +1-4 Acid Damage Jet +1 Def. for each piece of armor worn Moonstone +1 Combat Reflexes (adds to hit chance) Pearl +1 Improved Critical Ruby Target bleeds 1 point of damage for 1 second (16 Rubies in Weapon/Glove will cause target to 'bleed' for 5 points of damage PER second, for 5 seconds.) Sapphire +1 Cleave (Max 10 Ranks) Topaz +1-8 Shock Damage ________________________________________________________________________ Gem Type Effect in Armor - Body Armor, Helms, & Shields (NOT BOOTS) -------- ---------------------------------------------------------- Amethyst +5% Damage Resistance Aquamarine +5% Cold Resistance Coral +1 Shield Expert (Unsure how this actually works) Diamond 3% Fire/Cold/Shock/Acid/Poison Damage Resistance Emerald +5% Magical Energy & -15% Weight Reduction Jacinth +5 Fire Resistance Jade 5% Acid & Poison Resistance Jet +5 HP Moonstone Reduces Duration of Slow/Stun by 20% Pearl +1% Increased Treasure Drops (Gold, I assume) Ruby +5 Reflect 5% of Melee Damage when struck Topaz +5% Shock Resistance Sapphire +1 Power Attack (Max 10 Ranks) ________________________________________________________________________ Gem Type Effect in Ring, Amulet, or Boots -------- -------------------------------- Amethyst +1 Charisma Aquamarine +1 Intelligence Coral +10% Ignore Knockback Diamond +1 Bless (Max 10 Ranks) Emerald +1 Iron Will (Max 10 Ranks) Jacinth +1 Strength Jet +1 Sanctuary Jade +1 Constitution Moonstone +1 Sprint Pearl +1 Wisdom (Max 10 Ranks) Ruby +1 Great Fortitude (Max 10 Ranks) Topaz +1 Dexterity Sapphire +1 Sunder (Max 10 Ranks) * Combining Amethysts with either Aquamarine, Jacinth, Jade or Topaz will produce the 'elemental burst' effect. Other combinations exist, some which appear to negate the effects of certain gems and produce -new- effects. These will be posted as I play through the game in both normal and extreme mode - e-mail me of your particular discoveries, and i'll be happy to include them and credit you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Section Ia. Special Combinations -------------------------------- 1. When certain gems are placed in combination with each other, they'll produce -special- effects, such as granting of a particular passive or active feat. Note, that in this case, the NEW effect will NEGATE the singular power of the gem. In the case of the Ruby/Coral combination, you'll lose the effect of each gem when you're granted a new skill. I'm working on these as you read the FAQ, most likely! Combination ----------- Combine Ruby + Coral in armor/helm/shield for: +1 Barbarian Rage -------------------------- Combine Amethyst+Aquamarine in Weapon/Glove for: Icy Burst +1+8 EXTRA Crit Cold Damage 1+4 Cold -------------------------- Combine Amethyst+Jacinth in Weapon/Glove for: Flaming Burst +1-10 EXTRA Crit Fire Damage +1-6 Fire --------------------------- Combine Amethyst+Jade in Weapon/Glove for: Corrosive Burst +1-8 EXTRA Crit Acid Damage +1-4 Acid Damage --------------------------- Combine Amethyst+Topaz in Weapon/Glove for: Shocking Burst +1-12 EXTRA Crit Shock Damage +1-8 Shock Damage --------------------------- Combine Ruby+Emerald in Weapon/Glove for: Vampiric 5% of inflicted Damage added to Energy & HP (Thanks to Ddeity) --------------------------- a) Barbarian rage does -not- mention the +10 Cap that abilities such as 'Bless' do. Although, it's likely that this is an oversight. b) 'Elemental' Burst: A standard Amethyst placed -alone- or with gems excluding the Aquamarine, Jacinth, Jade, or Topaz, will do +1-8 -extra- damage on top of the modifier for a criticial hit. However, when placed in conjunction with the aforementioned gems, your weapon/glove will do damage of the related elemental type, sometimes exceeding the normal amethyst damage by 2-4 points (Jacinth & Topaz). While this might not seem like much, bear it in mind when stacking the gems in a +5 combination - in the case of the Amethyst+Topaz Combo, it will increase your maximum damage range by +20 points - nothing to laugh at in the thick of battle! ______________________________________________________________________________ Section II. ----------- Runes ----- I. Runes: Runes grant the ability to place gems, as well as enhancing the base bonus & value of an item. You can place up to -16- (or 176 in Extreme mode) runes in the first slot of any item. This allows for a +5 Bonus. This limit cannot be exceeded, and stands for any item of fine or better quality. Can Be exeeded in Extreme Mode. So, your favorite sword is never going to be anything more than a +5 Sword. Runes placed in items capable of being upgraded will actually -enhance- the function of the item, even if you don't add any gems. In extreme mode, the Bonus for Boots/Rings/Amulets is capped at +15. a) Each placement of a rune in the first item slot allows for -one- Gem to be placed in each of the other two slots. This means that placeing -4- runes will allow you to place a total of -8- gems (Four in each slot). While it -IS- possible to place up to 16 gems in each slot, you will -not- receive the benefit of the gems unless you have an -equal- amount of runes in the first. In addition, the cost of crafting items is based on the amount of gems and runes, so don't use more than you need! (Again - in Extreme mode, this limit is 176) b) As mentioned previously, there is a cap of -16- runes in any item, which grants a +5 bonus. (The Cap is Runes in Extreme Mode) However, there is a -formula- for the attribute increase allocated to the item - see the proceding section on -stacking- for that formula. ______________________________________________________________________________ Section III. ------------ Stacking -------- I. Stacking - This can prove to be a -highly- advantageous method of boosting damage/protection attributes, as well as attributes. A crafty player will enhance his stats/abilities/skills to an extreme by stacking the runes/gems that he finds in his journey. 1. Effects of Runes & Gems place in Items necessary for stat increase: 1 Rune/Gem = +1 Increase and base effect of gem 2 Runes/Gems = +2 Increase and x2 effect of gem 4 Runes/Gems = +3 Increase and x3 effect of gem 8 Runes/Gems = +4 Increase and x4 effect of gem 16 Runes/Gems = +5 Increase and x5 effect of gem a) Balance This is -crucial- when crafting items, and cannot be stressed enough. If you want the full effects of the runes/gems placed, you must at the very least -match- the amount of gems in either of the other two slots with the amount of -runes- in the first slot. If you don't, the item will -only- grant the abilities based on the amount of -gems- placed, and not the runes, and vice versa. Here are some examples: First Slot Second Slot Third Slot Effect ---------- ----------- ---------- ------ 16 Runes n/a n/a +5 Item 16 Runes 1 Moonstone n/a +1 Item, +1 Combat 16 Runes 16 Moonstones 1 Sapphire +1 Item, +1 Combat, +1 Cleave 16 Runes 16 Moonstones 16 Rubies +5 Item, +5 Combat, +5 Cleave As you can see, it's -critical- to balance your items. Don't waste your gold unless the amount of gems in each slot matches the amount of runes that you've placed in the first. Section IV ---------- Item Names as result of crafting -------------------------------- 1. When a Runes and Gems are placed in an item, the very name of the item will change. Runes will just state that it's a +1 - +15 bonus, but gems will alter the adjective that describes the weapon. A gem placed in -two- slots will further alter the name. Below, I will provide the various names utilized when placing single gems, and will add the changes that take place when a gem is placed in two slots. Gem Type Armor Weapon Ring/Amulet -------- ----- ------ ----------- Amethyst Of Thunder Thundering Of Thunder Aquamarine Of Frost Frost Of Frost Coral Of Battle Of Battle Of Battle Diamond Sacred Of Disruption Sacred Emerald Fey Fey Fey Jacinth Of Fire Flaming Of Fire Jade Of Corruption Of Corruption Of Corruption Jet Of Warding Defending Of Warding Moonstone Of Speed Of Speed Of Speed Pearl Keen Keen Keen Ruby Of Blood Wounding Of Blood Topaz Shock Shock Shock Sapphire Of Striking Mighty Cleaving Of Striking ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Section IV a. ------------- 1. When upgrading an Item with -two- Gems, an item will gain a new adjective based on the dual effects. The following is a listing of those descriptions. It's a little difficult to make out, but don't worry - everything is listed. If you don't see the combination you're looking for by matching the left column with the right, match the right with the left. I opted to create the columns in this manner to make an effort to place more than -one- combination and its name on each page of the guide. Width as opposed to length, in this case. Gem Type Item Adjective -------- -------------- Combined with: Amethyst Aquamarine Coral Diamond -------- ---------- ----- ------- Amethyst N/A Icy Burst of Conquest Of the Herald Aquamarine Icy Burst N/A Ice Wyrm's of Purity Coral of Conquest Ice Wyrm's N/A Templar's Diamond of the Herald of Purity Templar's N/A ______________________________________________________________________________ Emerald Jacinth Jade Jet ------- ------- ---- --- Amethyst Of the Warp Flaming Burst Corrosive Burst Of War Aquamarine Ice Witch's Of Coldfire Of Sorrow Glacial Coral War Witche's Salamander's Murderous Of Beseiging Diamond Wyrm Of Holy Flame Necromancer's Guardian's ______________________________________________________________________________ Moonstone Pearl Ruby Sapphire --------- ----- ---- -------- Amethyst Of the Sky Resonating Warlord's Of Power Aquamarine Silvery Of Crystal Of the Wolf Of the North Coral Dervish's Noble Of Rage Myrmidon's Diamond Of Retribution Angelic Inquisitor's Of Punishment ______________________________________________________________________________ Topaz ----- Amethyst Shocking Burst Aquamarine Ice Storm Coral Charged Diamond Of Justice ______________________________________________________________________________ Emerald Jacinth Jade Jet ------- ------- ---- --- Emerald N/A Of Hellfire Of the Hag Watcher's Jacinth Of Hellfire N/A Of Woe Of Magma Jade Of the Hag Of Woe N/A Executioner's Jet Watcher's Of Magma Executioner's N/A ______________________________________________________________________________ Moonstone Pearl Ruby Sapphire --------- ----- ---- -------- Emerald Of the Moon Sidhe Vampiric Bale Jacinth Mercurial Blazing Infernal Of Wrath Jade Hissing Assassin's Vile Plague Jet Unrelenting Gilded Crimson Of Might ______________________________________________________________________________ Topaz ----- Emerald Of the Wisp Jacinth Firestorm Jade Scarred Jet Vibrant ______________________________________________________________________________ Moonstone Pearl Ruby Sapphire --------- ----- ---- -------- Moonstone N/A Flashing Stirge's Reaver's Pearl Flashing N/A Hunter's Mercenary's Ruby Stirge's Hunter's N/A Savage Sapphire Reaver's Mercenary's Savage N/A ______________________________________________________________________________ Topaz ----- Moonstone Crackling Pearl Ozonic Ruby Of Terror Sapphire Bolting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ a) Exceptions - As indicated below, there are -some- exceptions to the above Item Descriptions - notably when the proceding Gem Combinations are placed in Armor, Amulets, and Rings. * Thanks to Freeknight for the notification! When using multiple gems in armor or trinkets, these are the only name changes: Aquamarine Jacinth Jade Topaz ---------- ------- ---- ----- Amethyst Of Winter Of Conflageration Of Corrosion Of Lightning This is because these four combinations when used on weapons result in the elemental burst feature. (Sent by FreeKnight - along with an .xcl graph superior to the one I had made for my records - Thanks!) ______________________________________________________________________________ Section V. Extreme Mode ----------------------- 1. I've worked my way through Extreme mode, and i'm going to continue testing. The only crucial differences in terms of item craft I believe to be true are the following: a) The critical difference between Extreme mode versus normal gameplay in Easy, Normal or Hard, is the ability to add up to -176- runes AND gems to Boots, Rings and Amulets - Allowing for a +15 Bonus to Armor in each, and a *15 Multiplier to Character stats. Unfortunately, feats lack the ability to be improved byeond 10 ranks - as they do in any other mode. This permits you to achieve a potential +60 -simultaneous- bonus to -two- different stats, Since you have -four- items that are equippably simultaneously, you can easily achieve the cumulative bonus with your boots, 2 rings, and an amulet. You could also make an effort to spread the points around, but in Extreme mode, it's probably wisest to saturate -two- stats as much as possible, depending on your character class. Choose Wisely, as every little bit helps in Extreme Mode, especially if you're playing a Melee character. b) The upward limit of Runes that can be placed in an item in extreme mode is 176! Meaning, that in order to sufficiently 'balance' an item with two gems, you're required to add of 176 of -each- gem. The formula as always, continues to be binary. Unfortunately, it only holds true for Boots, Rings, and Amulets. Effect Gems Required ------ ------------- +1 1 +2 2 +3 4 +4 8 +5 16 +6 32 +7 48 +8 64 +9 80 +10 96 +11 112 +12 128 +13 144 +14 160 +15 176 ______________________________________________________________________________ Section VI. Tips & Reader Submissions ------------------ 1. As I do further testing, i'll offer surefire suggestions for great crafting combinations, and offer other tips for dealing with and economizing the system. Feel free to e-mail me and contribute suggestions as well! a) The trader will offer items that contain gems -prior- to the point that they can be purchased or found. It's a great idea to buy the items, break them down to retrieve the gems, and place them in the items that -you- find desireable. Why waste a great Gem in a piece of fine chainmail, especially if you can't buy/find the gem at that point in the game. b) While considering the above, the cost of buying items from the Trader that already possess gems is -more- expensive than buying the Item, Runes, Gems, and crafting them seperately. So, try to make your own items rather than purchase the 'prefab' versions. c) Also note that in choosing what item to upgrade, for Rings and Amulets you want to choose the lowest grade (fine) since the only difference is increased value and cost of the ring/amulet. So basically it's more expensive to use a higher grade which will yield the same results as a lower grade. (sent in by "Blayze Lewis") d) The original 'bug' in Baldur's Gate - Dark Alliance I. that allowed you to sell items for -more- than you paid for them has been removed - and confirmed by developers on the Interplay site. e) 'FreeKnight' Emailed the proceding great analysis about Coral Gems! "While the effect of Coral (+20% to Minimum Damage) is nice on weapons, one would be better served to simply add two different elemental attacks. Example ------- Grand Staff 16 runestones -> 18-33 damage 16 coral -> 33-33 damage (+100% to Minimum Damage) 16 Topaz -> +5-40 shock damage or 16 Jacinth -> +5-30 fire damage or 16 Jade -> +5-20 acid damage or 16 Aquamarine -> +5-20 cold damage So, we could either go with 33-33 damage and (we will use topaz) 5-40 shock, giving you a range of 38-73 damage a hit. If we takes two elemental attacks, we see 18-33 + 5-40 + 5-30. The resulting range is 28-103. The difference between 28 and 33 is not that great, but the difference between 73 and 103 is. If the two least damaging effects (acid & cold) are used, we end up with 18-33 + 5-20 + 5-20. The resulting range is 28-73. Though the minimum damage is 5 lower, the visual effect is definitely worth it (in my opinion). What this boils down to: Coral gems are useless to a necromancer (especially because knock-back is not that much of a problem that one would need to increase resistance to it, and who would use a shield over two weapons, or at least one two-handed weapon)" ______________________________________________________________________________ Section VII. To Do list ---------- 1. Establish whether Pearl in Armor increases -gold- drops or Item Drops, or both. This might need to be verified by a Developer on the Interplay boards. 2. List -base- prices (prior to charisma or feat/ability modifications) of constructed items with indivudal gems. It appears that there's no 'extra' charge for adding a second gem to an item, so calculating base cost minus the expense of the item will do. 3. Discover more 'unqiue' combinations other than the Barbarian Rage and Elemental Burst. I've listed all gemcombinations possible, but I'm curious to see whether or not specific -items- also play a role in crafting of a 'new' item. ie: a certain quality/type of sword with x/y gem combination produces a -new- effect, akin to the Barbarian Rage. 4. Add more Tips and Strategy! Credits ------- Thanks to Gamefaqs, which i've been following for years now - it's definitely the most respectable place for game information on the web right now. And thanks to CjayC for making it all possible! Also, thanks to: HyugaNeji, Blayze Lewis, Bry, Freeknight, and Ddeity for sending in helpful stuff! Note - if you sent something in to me that I utilized, but forgot to provide credit for, please let me know so I can amend that situation promptly! Thanks also to Interplay, the partially dissolved Black Isle, and their affiliates who went into providing a phenomenal game. Final Comments -------------- This Faq is a work in progress - I don't consider it finished at this point. All of the important information is here, but i'd like to take it further in depth - since it is technically a guide focused on a particular 'nuance' of the game. I encourage anyone who enjoys the Guide to submit information, report errors/typos, etc, or simply ask a question about the game or guide. I'll do my best to help. I will likely add new sections and possibly tinker with format. Feel free to e-mail suggestions, contributions, etc, to the following email address: capnmadcapATyahooDOTcom Baldur's Gate, Dark Alliance II is the property of Interplay/Black Isle software companies - all references in this guide to characters and in game information are made with that in mind, and not intended to violate copyrights, trademarks, or rights of use held by the aforementioned companies and their affiliates. Copyright 2004, Benjamin Gilette I am not affiliated with Bioware, Interplay, or any licensees or licensersThis document is considered intellectual property nontheless, and I, Benjamin Gilette alone hold the right to control and modify it at my discretion. This document may -ONLY- appear on http://www.gamefaqs.com Should you see it anywhere else, let me know.