Rogue Rebalancing Mod v3.9 released!

[aVENGER_[RR]]

Introduction

The Rogue Rebalancing mod is a gameplay modification for Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal. This mod strives to bring the Rogue classes (Bards and Thieves) and their respective kits closer to their Pen and Paper 2E AD&D incarnations. The mod is divided into multiple components all of which can be installed separately and are completely independent of each other. In so far, Rogue Rebalancing can restore proper dual-wielding skills to Bards and Thieves, revise some of the Bard and Thief kits and their respective high level abilities, add more items useful for Rogues to the game, slightly revise the merchant treatment of stolen goods, enhance the Shadow Thief opponents which the player faces while siding with Bodhi in chapter 2 and introduce a new challenging encounter with a party of Cyric's followers in chapter six. Some of the introduced changes will be applied immediately but, for best results, you should start a new game after installing this mod. More detailed descriptions of all mod components can be found in the documentation section of the Rogue Rebalancing website.


Relevant links

• Mod homepage
• Download locations
• Documentation
• Discussion forum
• Compatibility guide

What's new in v3.9


Core component changes:

• Installing the Revised Thievery component will now prevent animals and sleeping, silenced, feebleminded or otherwise incapacitated characters from summoning the guards in case a party member loots a container in their vicinity. This feature is compatible with BG2 as well as BGT and BG1Tutu
• Added an optional subcomponent to Revised Thievery which can replace the Potion of Perception and the Potion of Master Thievery with their respective PnP counterparts
• Added a PnP Composite Shortbow (and a few enchanted varieties) to Marina's special stock in BG2 and to various stores in BG1Tutu/BGT
• Added Sparkburst to Marina's special stock in BG2 and to Black Lilly's store in BG1Tutu/BGT
• Added the Sap (a PnP non-lethal weapon) to Marina's regular store in BG2 and to various stores in BG1Tutu/BGT
• Added the Fragment of Enlightenment and the Deep Red Ioun Stone to Marina's special stock in BG2 and to the High Hedge store in BG1Tutu/BGT
• Added The Weary Cudgel and Darkveil to Marina's special stock in BG2 and to Ulgoth's Beard store in BG1Tutu/BGT
• The Harp of Descant can now be purchased at the Ulgoth's Beard store in BG1Tutu/BGT
• The Magic Flute Bard HLA can now dispel or mimic the effects of any spell from the Enchantment school as well as summon a Spirit Warrior
• The Blade's Weapons Display innate ability has been slightly revised
• Kiel's Buckler, Rogue's Ward and Plaguebearer have all been slightly revised
• Greagan's Harp, Kiel's Buckler and the Dagger of Venom will now have consistent abilities and prices across BG2, BG1Tutu and BGT
• The Last Defense buckler has been replaced with the Stalwart Defender
• Several item and special ability icons have been revised
• Several items were erroneously unusable by certain dual-class combinations (i.e. Abjurer -> Thief)
• Fixed a bug which could previously cause the Mass Charm Bard HLA to expire prematurely
• In case his summoner dies, the Spirit Warrior will now follow and protect the protagonist
• Under some circumstances, a journal entry from Arledrian's quest could erroneously persist after his quest was finished
• Fixed a small bug which could potentially prevent the fight scene between Arledrian and the Vampires from occurring
• This component now uses the G3 version of Detectable Spells and all of its AI scripts have been accordingly enhanced

Changes to the Chosen of Cyric component:

• Fixed an original game bug in AR0800.BCS which could prevent the Chosen of Cyric encounter from starting under certain conditions (mirrors G3 BG2 Fixpack code)
• Fixed a bug which could prevent the Chosen of Cyric characters from becoming hostile (red circle) under very rare circumstances
• Several items were erroneously unusable by certain dual-class combinations (i.e. Bounty Hunter -> Fighter)
• The Blindstrike Bow is now treated as a Composite Shortbow +3. In term, Bodak's strength score was raised to 16 so that he can wield it
• Silent Death, Stormcharged Axe, Hold Fast, Spell Diver, Salamander's Tongue, Abishai Hide and Rogue's Cowl have all been slightly revised
• Selina will now use her Barrier Amulet more frequently and Bodak will now use his Rogue's Cowl when appropriate. Therefore, the daily amount of charges on these items may already be depleted when you first acquire them. The charges will be restored to their maximum capacity after the party rests
• Venduris and Zaeron now also wield non-enchanted short swords in addition to their magical weapons. In case they notice a party member who is protected from magical weapons they will temporarily switch to a non-enchanted shortsword and attack with that instead
• Kerith should now be much more efficient at curing the other Chosen of Cyric members of panic, paralysis, feeblemindness and blindness
• Added a PnP variety of the Ring of Wizardry (Geminus) and the Blessed Leafcrown to Zaeron
• Added a new dialogue interjection for Viconia
• This component now uses the G3 version of Detectable Spells and all of its AI scripts have been accordingly enhanced

Changes to the Shadow Thief Improvements component:

• Fixed an original game bug in AR0800.BCS which could prevent Bodhi from appearing in Chapter 2 and thus stop the player from siding with her (mirrors G3 BG2 Fixpack code)
• Booter can now be pickpocketed for a Rod of Golem Control which adds another non-violent way for dealing with the Clay Golems that guard various corridors of the guild basement
• The spell selection lists of all spellcasting opponents have been revised and diversified in order to make them a bit more different from each other
• Opponent placement has been slightly revised in order to provide more diversity
• Added the Dagger of Acumen to Aran Linvail
• This component now uses the G3 version of Detectable Spells and all of its AI scripts have been accordingly enhanced

[aVENGER_[RR]]

The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.6. In summary, this revision adds difficulty level scaling to the Chosen of Cyric encounter and the Shadow Thief improvements, improves compatibility with other BG2 mods (especially BGT and BGTuTu), corrects several errors which were present in v3.5 and adds a number of small improvements, optimizations and tweaks to the AI scripts of all characters and creatures which are a part of the Rogue Rebalancing mod. The first post in this thread has been updated and contains a full list of changes. As always, it is recommended to completely uninstall any old versions of this mod before installing the latest revision

[Sytze]

Nice to see this Mod updated, it has always been one of my regulars. The CoC encounter adds a flavour to the game that I haven't seen in any other mod yet, and the tactics used are, at times, pretty nasty (I hated the leader with his backstab and ability to Detect Illusions).

Are there still bugs or clitches that are worked on at the moment, or is the new version pretty safe to use?

On a totally unrelated note; where is your portrait from, Avenger? I use a larger version of it myself, but I haven't discovered who the author is and if it's perhaps part of an even bigger piece.

[Crenshinibon]

If I'm not mistaken the character in the portrait is Garret, the main character of the Thief series. That one most likely comes from the latest game.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

Originally Posted by Sytze

Nice to see this Mod updated, it has always been one of my regulars.

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Are there still bugs or clitches that are worked on at the moment, or is the new version pretty safe to use?

I'd say v3.6 is quite safe. It has been rigorously tested over a lengthy period of time. However, a few very minor bugs seem to have slipped past the tests. No worries though, these will be corrected as soon as I receive the French and Spanish translations and publish v3.61.

Originally Posted by Crenshinibon

If I'm not mistaken the character in the portrait is Garret, the main character of the Thief series. That one most likely comes from the latest game.

Yes, that is indeed Garrett. The portrait comes from one of the Thief 3 concept art pictures.

[fable]

Just offering an opinion, but I think this mod is a must for anybody planning to play a thief. The development team deserve a round of applause, not merely for creating it, but conscientiously tweaking, squashing bugs, and adding features.

It's simply mandatory, IMO. At this point in a Mel Brooks film, he would stop speaking to a co-star, break the fourth wall, and, scowling at the audience, shout out, "Everybody got that?" I can only do as he does.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

Rogue Rebalancing has been updated to v3.61. In summary, this small revision adds the French translation to the mod and fixes a few minor issues. Here's the full list of changes:

What's new in v3.61

Core component changes:

• Added the French translation (courtesy of Graoumf)
• Fixed a small issue with Marina's AI script
• Fixed some minor dialogue errors
• Fixed missing RR folder icon

Changes to the Chosen of Cyric component:

• Added the French translation (courtesy of Graoumf)
• Charmed and Panicked opponents will no longer attempt to attack the party
• The inventory icon for Venduris' Shadow Wrap cloak is no longer missing

Changes to the Shadow Thief improvements component:

• Added the French translation (courtesy of Graoumf)
• Spells cast from scrolls by the Shadow Thief opponents are now disruptable and will be properly affected by Silence and Miscast Magic, as per PnP rules. (Note: spells cast from scrolls by the player remain non-disruptable and are unaffected by Silence and Miscast Magic, as in the unmodded game)
• Charmed and Panicked opponents will no longer attempt to attack the party
• The check for SimDing0's Quest Pack will now properly work on a Big Picture installation

[aVENGER_[RR]]

The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.7. In summary, this revision adds a new component which slightly revises the merchant treatment of stolen goods, further improves compatibility with (Easy)TuTu and BGT, allows single-classed thieves to side with Bodhi and brings several mod components even closer to PnP AD&D. The first post in this thread has been updated with the full list of changes.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.71. In summary, this small revision adds the Spanish translation (courtesy of Immortality and Clan DLAN), restores a missing journal entry to Arledrian's quest and resolves a small compatibility issue with the Song and Silence mod.

[Sytze]

Thanks for keeping us informed about these updates, Avenger. It's appreciated.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.8. In summary, this revision adds the proper (PnP) Bard spell progression table as an optional component, makes some minor adjustments to the Swashbuckler thief kit, adds an option to make the bonuses from potions which increase thieving skills non-stackable, resolves the compatibility issues which previously caused the "Shadow Thief Improvements" and the "Chosen of Cyric" components to conflict with a few other mods and further improves the AI of the CoC and STI opponents. Note: it is now mandatory to start a new game after installing the Rogue Rebalancing mod, otherwise you will miss the bulk of the new content which it introduces. The first post in this thread has been updated with the full list of changes.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.81. In summary, this update resolves a few compatibility issues with other mods and fixes several minor bugs. Here's the full list of changes:


Core component changes:

• The "Revised Thievery" component can now be installed on (Easy) TuTu and Classic Adventures (Note: on those installations only the "non-stacking potions" part of the component works)
• The Jester's innate trait "Fool's Luck" will now correctly apply the +5% bonus to the Pick Pockets skill
• Fixed a duplicate response in one of Arledrian's dialogue branches and made some minor tweaks to his AI script
• Fixed a duplicate response in one of Gaelan's dialogue branches
• Greagan's Harp was erroneously usable by Monks

Changes to the Chosen of Cyric component:

• Fixed a bug which could sometimes prevent Venduris, Grok and Bodak from becoming invisible during one of the encounter resolution cutscenes
• Fixed a bug which sometimes prevented Grok from switching between his weapons
• Resolved a minor incompatibility issue with the Improved Anvil mod

Changes to the Shadow Thief Improvements component:

• Resolved some minor script conflicts which could previously occur when other AI-enhancing mods were installed. For example, several Shadow Thief opponents were unintentionally getting additional potions from both "Shadow Thief Improvements" and "Sword Coast Stratagems II". This has been fixed, and they will now only receive one set of potions
• Fixed a bug which could cause the Spell Sequencer cast by a Zhentarim Mercenary to crash the game under rare circumstances
• Fixed a bug in Aran Linvail's AI script which could occasionally cause him to stand idle for a short while
• Made some minor script tweaks

Note: if you currently have Rogue Rebalancing v3.8 installed then you won't have to start a new game after updating to v3.81. Otherwise, starting a new game is required in order for all components to work properly.

[aVENGER_[RR]]

Happy holidays everyone! The Rogue Rebalancing mod has been updated to v3.82. In summary, this small maintenance update resolves a few compatibility issues with other mods, fixes several minor bugs and further enhances the AI scripts of all characters which are altered or introduced by this mod. Here's the full list of changes:


Core component changes:

• Fixed a bug which could trigger some of the NPC interjections at the wrong places in Arledrian's and Marina's dialogues in case other mods had previously altered them
• Giving a potion to Arledrian while he is wounded will no longer deplete an entire stack of potions of the same type
• Slightly revised the saving throw penalties of the Bounty Hunters' Special Snares
• Main readme updated to SHS format

Changes to the Chosen of Cyric component:

• During the cutscene at the City Gates the party's spell protections were dispelled a few seconds before Venduris had actually started his incantation. This has been fixed and the dispelling will now occur precisely at the intended time
• Fixed a bug in Zaeron's script which could occasionally prevent him from attacking valid targets. Furthermore, Zaeron will no longer request Bodak's aid if Bodak has already been killed
• If any of the Chosen of Cyric characters become charmed or feebleminded Bodak will attempt to remove the effect by targeting them with Arrows of Dispelling
• In case Venduris, Zaeron or Bodak become blinded they will no longer attempt to hide in shadows while they are still within the visual range of the party
• The stun chance of the Stormcharged Axe has been reduced to 10% and its electrical damage bonus was reduced to 1d3 points per hit
• Selina and Zaeron's Spell Sequencers have been slightly revised in order to put more emphasis on protection and defense
• Made some minor AI tweaks

Changes to the Shadow Thief Improvements component:

• The Shadow Thieves guarding the captured informant on the top floor of the guildhall have been slightly repositioned. It is now possible to sneak past them and reach Palern unnoticed should you prefer a stealth approach. Once you get to Palern, you can help him escape without alarming the guards by either giving him a Potion of Invisibility or by casting an Invisibility spell on him
• Blinded Shadow Thieves will no longer attempt to hide in shadows while they are still within the visual range of the party
• It is no longer possible to receive the bonus XP for stealing Gaelan's key if he has already been killed
• Removed a few superfluous ambient sound references from the guildhall basement area script
• The Spell Sequencers of several Shadow Thief spellcasters have been slightly revised in order to put more emphasis on protection and defense
• Added an incompatibility warning message which prevents the installation of this component in case the "Check the Bodies" mod is detected
• Made some minor AI tweaks

Note: if you currently have Rogue Rebalancing v3.8 or v3.81 installed then you won't have to start a new game after updating to v3.82. Otherwise, starting a new game is required in order for all components to work properly.

[Elessar]

Hello,
I just loaded a bunch of mods and started a new game. I am playing a Kensai and planning to dual to a thief around level 12 or 15 (16?). I just got out of Irenicus's dungeon (after successfully defeating Improved Ilyich and his mates )and realized that i hadnt installed the Rogue Rebalancing mod
I am currently a level 8 kensai and am selling my wares to Ribald...

Would it be okay to install the Rogue Rebalancing mod now???

if it is okay, did I miss anything? I have the mod that shortens the dream and other scenes (Irenicus and Imoen had quiet a wierd conversation, before loping off). I dont remember all the mods that I have installed (at work right now ), but the ones I remember are
Unfinished business
tactics
item upgrade
ease of use (very few of them)
ascension
redemption
saloufein
kelsey
oversight

and no more than a couple more. I definitely dont have Big Picture, Quest pack, Banter pack, romance pack, check the bodies (i am mentioning these few as I read in your posts that these had caused problems in the past)

Do I have to restart the game if i install Rogue Rebalancing for it to take effect????

Thanks

[aVENGER_[RR]]

Originally Posted by Elessar

Hello,
I just loaded a bunch of mods and started a new game. I am playing a Kensai and planning to dual to a thief around level 12 or 15 (16?). I just got out of Irenicus's dungeon (after successfully defeating Improved Ilyich and his mates )and realized that i hadnt installed the Rogue Rebalancing mod
I am currently a level 8 kensai and am selling my wares to Ribald...

Would it be okay to install the Rogue Rebalancing mod now???

Hmm, frankly, I'm not sure. In theory, if you haven't visited the Docks and the Graveyard districts yet, you should be fine. However, it would definitively be safer to start over after installing RR.

if it is okay, did I miss anything? I have the mod that shortens the dream and other scenes (Irenicus and Imoen had quiet a wierd conversation, before loping off).

The shorter dream sequences won't cause any problems with RR.

I dont remember all the mods that I have installed

When you get the chance, post the contents of your WeiDU.log and I'll point out any potential incompatibilities. You can find that file in your main BG2 folder.

but the ones I remember are
Unfinished business
tactics
item upgrade
ease of use (very few of them)
ascension
redemption
saloufein
kelsey
oversight

AFAIK, these should all be compatible with RR except Redemption which is currently untested (though not necessarily incompatible).

I definitely dont have Big Picture, Quest pack, Banter pack, romance pack

These mods won't cause any problems with RR. The incompatibilities with Quest Pack and Big Picture have been resolved and I doubt you'll find even a single WeiDU mod which is incompatible with the Banter Pack.

check the bodies

That mod is merely incompatible with the Shadow Thief Improvements component of Rogue Rebalancing. Therefore, if RR is installed after CtB, the STI component will automatically be skipped during the installation process.