7 replies to this topic

[jez2k]

I want the biggest adventure that all the mods combined can provide. The only mod I'm uncertain about is the Secret of Bone Hill, but *only* because I already have a NWN adaption and don't necessarily want to play the same game twice, although the BG mod sounds like it doesn't quite follow the PnP original exactly, so it may just be different enough (any thoughts?)

I have trawled through the forum looking for an all-in-one "how to", rather than have to read each mod's installation procedure and try to piece them all together. I am uncertain as to whether or not I want any of the NPC mods or extra items or refinements or whatever, as there are so many of them and I think it would give me one major headache if I tried to install those in the correct order along with mods. Also, I intend to keep the gameplay as close to hard-core D&D rules as possible, so any of the smaller mods would probably take away from that (maybe I'm wrong?)

I have not installed any BG related material since I re-installed XP, so it will be a completely clean installation.

The mods I want to install are as follows:

Ascension
Baldur's Gate Trilogy
The Darkest Day
Shadows over Soubar
Never Ending Journey
Tortured Souls
The Big Picture
Dark Side of the Sword Coast for BGT & BP
Check the Bodies
Return to Windspear
Northern Tales of the Sword Coast? (Doesn't appear to have any quests)
And possibly Secret of Bone Hill

I would like to know which files I need and the exact installation order, step-by-step instructions, including official expansion CD's, mods, patches (official and mod).

Will the installation order change when newer versions of each mod get released?
I know that's what patches are for, but every PC needs a format eventually.

Which mods are absolutely final and don't require any further patches? Should I wait until all mods are final before attempting any of this?

If I decide I want the smaller mods, can they be added at any time after everything's installed?

I know I'm asking for a big tutorial here, so if it gets written might I suggest it gets put in here as a sticky for everyone else in my position and as a reference in the future, and updated every month or so.

PS. I'm aware of hlidskialf's post, but existing mods have been updated and new ones have emerged so I fear I would get stuck if I tried using that.

Edited by jez2k, 01 May 2005 - 06:17 AM.

[the bigg]

Return to Windspear

For the next year at least, you might as well skip this one, given it's not finished yet and work is being done at a... relaxed pace, shall we say

[Chevalier]

Ascension is already part of BP. Secret of BoneHill is really good do play it.

[Sir BillyBob]

Northern Tales of the Sword Coast? (Doesn't appear to have any quests)

Huh? You might want to read the walkthrough before making that claim.

NeJ has to be version 1.0 with small 1.4 patch.
To do this install, you can't use the Weidu versions of the big mods since BP isn't in that format yet. Other than what is mentioned above, this not only do-able but now one of my standard builds. You can also add the BG1NPC mod and Grey Clan for more BG1 adventures.

My install order:

BGT-BP-NeJ (automated install)
3.13 patch
NeJ 1.4 patch
S&H 5 patch (I've seen problems listed with 6 but haven't tried it yet)
CtB Prep.BAT
CtB
BG1NPC (has to install before DSotSC do to script conflicts)
DSotSC
NTotSC
BoneHill
Grey Clan and other mods (Ease-Of-Use, Upgrade, etc.)

I have used this several times. I never complete a BG1 game so I can't say how the rest of this holds out by SOA but so far it works. I have had Weidu claim the dialog.tlk file was too big once. A rebuild of everything fixed this, never did figure out why it had that problem.

Yes, there will be bugs. I am going through a game right now to fix BH, DS, and NT. So far, only one was a CTD.

[Azazello]

Sir BillyBob, were you able to get the music pack for BG1NPC installed? If so, we would love to know how you did it.

It looks like it's not yet ready for BP-BGT prime-time - it's still linked to TuTu.

[Sir BillyBob]

The music pack should work in BGT. The WAV files are called from their dialogs and it doesn't use the SONGLIST.2DA file. (at least it didn't 6 months ago, do you have a newer version?).

[Azazello]

I tried installing v3 but that definitely fails - been reported on the G3 board. Did you use v2? I have that version but haven't tried it yet.

[Elrona]

I tried installing v3 but that definitely fails - been reported on the G3 board. Did you use v2? I have that version but haven't tried it yet.

Ah, familiar face! The G3 admin reported that it should be easy to get it to work: "all we need are the filenames for the BG1 NPC banter files which are in the BGT version" so maybe there is still hope to install the music pack v3. I am not at home now so I don't have access to my BGT but I will try to get necessary filenames as soon as possible.