This mod introduces a new NPC, Saradas the archmage, who interacts in various ways with the Bhaalspawn's group. In Shadows of Amn, he is a non-playable NPC that offers many services to the Bhaalspawn's group. You can find him in the temple of Lathander, in the Temple District of Athkatla. In addition to having several exclusive dialogues that take place as the plot takes shape, his store is worth the visit.
In addition, Saradas is an artifacts collector. If you find any ancient artifact, you can bring it to him, and he will enchant it for you, granting magic properties to the item.
In Throne of Bhaal Saradas is finally a recruitable NPC! You can summon him through the Fate Spirit in your pocket plane. He is a human Priest of Lathander dual-classed to Mage.
Saradas Magic for BGII is designed to work on the following Infinity Engine games:
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition (BG2:EE).
The original Baldur's Gate II (BG2, or just SoA) with the Throne of Bhaal (ToB) expansion. Make sure you have Throne of Bhaal patched to version 26498. Check the ReadMe files related to your patch in your game folder and the BioWare website if necessary.
This mod is a WeiDU mod, and therefore should be compatible with all WeiDU mods.
Though we are striving to make Saradas Magic for BG2 compatible with as many other mods as possible, there is always a chance that incompatibilities will arise. If you encounter any bugs, please report them on the forum!
Installation Order
☛ ⚠️ Since it is required for Saradas Magic for BG2 to function properly, classic game players are strongly recommended to download and install the BG2 Fixpack before proceeding with the installation of this mod.
Here is the recommended installation order:
Please install Saradas Magic for BG2 after TobEx, BG2 Fixpack, and EET.
Please install Saradas Magic for BG2 before EET_End, and any final "biffing" routines.
Saradas Magic for BG2 > Compatibility •BACK TO TOP
Installation
Notes
If you've previously installed the mod, remove it before extracting the new version. To do this, run setup-saradas_magic_2.exe , un-install all previously installed components and delete the 📁 saradas_magic_2 folder.
When installing or un-installing, do not close the DOS window by clicking on the X button! Instead, press the Enter key whenever instructed to do so.
Disable any antivirus or other memory-resident software before installing this or any other mod. Some (particularly avast and Norton!) have a tendency to report false positives with mod activity, resulting in failed installs.
You can extract files from the archive using 7zip, WinRAR, ZipGenius, or another file compression utility that handles .zip files.
Enhanced Editions Note
The Enhanced Editions are actively supported games. Please note that every patch update will wipe your current mod setup! If in the middle of a modded game you might want to delay the patch update (if possible) as even after reinstalling the mods, you might not be able to continue with your old savegames. Alternatively, copy the whole game's folder into a new one that can be modded and will stay untouched by game patches. It is important that you install the mod to the language version you are playing the game in. Otherwise, the dialogues of the mod will not show but give error messages.
Windows
Saradas Magic for BG2 for Windows is distributed as an extractable compressed archive and includes a WeiDU installer.
Extract the contents of the mod to the folder of the game you wish to modify (the folder which contains the "CHITIN.KEY" file). On successful extraction, there should be a 📁 saradas_magic_2 folder and a setup-saradas_magic_2.exe file in your game folder. To install, simply double-click setup-saradas_magic_2.exe and follow the instructions on screen.
Run setup-saradas_magic_2.exe in your game folder to reinstall, un-install or otherwise change components.
Mac OS
Saradas Magic for BG2 for Mac OS is distributed in the same compressed archive and includes a WeiDU installer.
First, extract the files of the archive into your game directory. On successful extraction, there should be a 📁 saradas_magic_2 folder, setup-saradas_magic_2 and setup-saradas_magic_2.command files in your game folder. To install, double-click setup-saradas_magic_2.command and follow the instructions on screen.
You can run setup-saradas_magic_2.command in your game folder to reinstall, un-install or otherwise the components settings.
Linux
Saradas Magic for BG2 for Linux is distributed in the same compressed archive and does not include a WeiDU installer.
Extract the contents of the mod to the folder of the game you wish to modify.
Download the latest Linux version of WeiDU and copy weidu, weinstall and tolower to /usr/bin. Then open a terminal and cd to your game installation directory.
Optional: run 'tolower' and answer 'Y' to both queries. You can avoid running the second option (linux.ini) if you've already ran it once in the same directory. To save time, the archive is already tolowered, so there's no need to run the first option (lowercasing file names) either, if you've extracted only this mod since the last time you lowercased file names. If unsure, running tolower and choosing both options is the safe bet.
Run weinstall setup-saradas_magic_2 in your game folder to install the mod. Then run wine bgmain.exe (or wine baldur.exe for EE games), and start playing.
Note for Complete Un-installation
In addition to the methods above for removing individual components, you can completely un-install the mod using setup-saradas_magic_2 --uninstall at the command line to remove all components without wading through prompts.
Saradas can be found in the temple of Lathander of Athkatla. In Throne of Bhaal Saradas is finally a recruitable NPC! You can summon him through the Fate Spirit in your pocket plane. He is a human Priest of Lathander dual-classed to Mage.
Statistics and Biography
Portrait
Strength
Dexterity
Constitution
Intelligence
Wisdom
Charisma
10
13
14
18
20
15
Biography:
You don't know much about this old wizard, and any attempt to shed some light on the details of his past results in cryptic words. By the way you know that he is over 80 and comes from Sembia. He has been serving as a Priest of Lathander for a good part of his life, until he started studying the arcane magic.
Background
Saradas is an old mage who has spent his entire life traveling throughout Faerûn. His homeland is Sembia, where he has a old house in the city of Yhaunn. He was a priest of Lathander with an innate interest for all the forms of magic. So he started getting more and more interested in studying the arcane arts and ancient artifacts and dedicated his life to this purpose. Before he met the Gorion's ward, he thought that his days as an adventurer were finished, but his interest towards the child of Bhaal grew stronger, and he decided to follow his/her path.
Saradas is a very wise man indeed and he always tries to share his knowledge with the young ones, in his own cryptic way. He doesn't speak much about his past and his trust is hardly earned, but he can be a very good friend to those who prove worthy of his time. You suspect that he's hiding much more information about his past, but you can try and ask him.
SoA content
In addition to having several exclusive dialogues that take place as the plot takes shape, Saradas offers:
Identification at reduced price.
Cure the party when one or more members of the group are seriously injured.
An advanced artificial intelligence scripted by Saradas that offers an epic fight, should you decide to fight him.
A store with exclusive articles.
In the store, you can find seven brand new arcane spells I created:
Spell
School
Level
Range
Duration
Casting Time
AoE
ST
Flawless Teleport
Illusion
3
30 ft.
Instant
3
The caster
None
This prodigious spell allows the caster to teleport without error within 30 meters in <PRO_HISHER> range of vision, also, as soon as <PRO_HESHE> arrives to the chosen destination, <PRO_HESHE> will turn invisible as for the spell of invisibility, getting a considerable tactical advantage over <PRO_HISHER> foes. The wizard will remain in this state for 2 rounds, unless <PRO_HESHE> starts an offensive action during this period.
► Video:
Gravitational Field
Alteration
5
Visual range
15 seconds
5
15-ft. radius
Neg.
This spell increases the force of gravity in a small area decided by the enchanter. All creatures in the area of effect must succeed a Saving Throw vs. Spell with a +2 bonus, or be overwhelmed by a sudden increase in gravity, thus dropping their weapons on the ground, because of their unsustainable weight. In addition, they are slowed down and their dexterity score is halved. The effects can be dispelled.
► Video:
Lashing Wind
Evocation
6
Visual range
Instant
6
15-ft. radius
1/2
With a single gesture of his hand the magician conjures a powerful gust of wind capable of knocking out an entire group of enemies. All creatures affected in the area of effect are thrown 20 meters away from the mage. Those failing their Saving Throws vs Breath (with a -2 penalty) take 1d6 points of bludgeoning damage for every 5 level of experience of the caster (up to a maximum of 8d6 at level 36), lose their grip on their weapons and fall to the ground for 2 rounds because of the strong impact with the ground or other obstacles met on their way. Those who roll successful Saving Throws vs. Breath with a -2 penalty manage to dodge, fall flat, or roll aside, each receiving half damage, don't faint and don't lose their weapons.
► Video:
Drain spell
Enchantment/Charm
7
7 ft.
Instant
7
1 creature
Neg.
This spell is quite famous among sorcerers. It was used many time in the past in the settling of scores between magicians, with the intent to ridicule the opponent. It's definitely one of the most devastating spells to use against a magician. Saradas was one of the most powerful and renowned masters in Faerûn and he used to entertain himself to use this spell, which he invented, on unsuspecting students, to make the exams much more difficult. When this spell is cast, the wizard attacks <PRO_HISHER> opponent's mind. If the target fails a Saving Throw vs. Spell with a -5 penalty, 2 spells are drained from his/her memory, and the caster brings back to memory 1 spell that have been previously cast. This effect always drains the highest level possible spell first (9), but the caster can not restore a spell higher than 8th level.
NOTE: This spell affects only sorcerers and wizards (including dual-, and multi-classed). If the target is not a magician, nothing will happen and the spell will be wasted.
► Video:
Horrid transformation
Necromancy
7
5 m
Permanent
7
1 creature
Neg.
The target afflicted by this terrible curse must roll a successful Saving Throw vs. Polymorph (with a -2 penalty) or suffer a horrid and nauseating transformation. His limbs begin to rot quickly, losing most of their strength. He will become so repellent to cause nausea and disgust in anyone standing less than a few feet away from him. He also suffers a serious motor impairment that will halve his movement speed.
Even the lucidity disappears, making the target completely unable to think and undertake any action, even the most basic one. The Intelligence, Strength and Charisma suffer the heaviest penalty. The only action available to the target is the use of potions and equipped items.
The effects are permanent unless a Remove Curse spell is casted on the victim of this curse.
NOTE: It only affects humanoid creatures, therefore animals, undead or giant humanoids are not affected by this spell.
► Video:
Spectacular Combustion
Invocation
7
30 ft.
4 rounds
7
1 creature
1/2
The wizard creates a small luminescent sphere into its hands, ready to be thrown at the target. When it touches the target, it triggers an immense column of fire that surrounds it, causing terrible burns. In addition, the target's weapon becomes incandescent and if the opponent does not roll a successful Saving Throw vs. Spells, it must let it fall to the ground to avoid being burned. The initial fire damage is 5d10 points, plus an extra 3d10 if the target fails a saving throw. The target also continues to burn for the next three rounds, suffering 10 points of fire damage every round.
► Video:
Tenser's supremacy
Alteration
9
0
1 minute
9
The caster
None
This spell is the terror of every fool in the Realms. Many warriors bullies the magicians for their lack of athleticism, but the magician under the effect of this spell will no doubt wipe the smiles from their faces. His body is transformed, becoming impressively strong. The magician leaves <PRO_HISHER> old nature, believing that <PRO_HESHE> has always been a warrior and becoming very skilled in combat. As if that was not enough, the sorcerer summons a magical sword +5, with base damage 1d8+5, that <PRO_HESHE> can brandish perfectly. The magician can maintain this status only for a minute, during which <PRO_HESHE> cannot cast spells. At the end of the effects, <PRO_HESHE>'ll be fatigued for trauma suffered and will experience severe difficulty in spell casting. The effects can be dispelled.
Bonus:
Armor Class: +5
THAC0 set to -3
Strength raised to 25
HP and movement rate doubled
► Video:
The prices are not very cheap, but you can still try to steal from the store. 🙂
☛ In addition, Saradas is an artifact collector. If you find any ancient artifact, you can bring it to him, and he will enchant it for you, granting magic properties to the item. I have introduced this new feature in Saradas Magic 2 because sometimes, after a quest has been completed, it's not rare to find some useless items inside your inventory. The funny thing is they are mostly ancient relics made of gold but end up being sold for a fistful of coins or abandoned in some dusty chest, and forgotten soon after. My idea was to give them a purpose. The six artifacts are:
The Shaman's Staff
The Book of Kaza
The Mask of King Strohm III
The Shadow Dragon Wardstone
The Symbol of Amaunator
The Mantle of Waukeen
☛ Saradas Magic for BG2 aims to improve the tactical approach to the game as a magician, in the battles of the Forgotten Realms, creating dozens of new devastating combinations. This is possible with the new exclusive class skills. You certainly felt that one increased slot capacity for spell level was not a very high reward for being a specialist mage. So, I introduced those epic level spells that can be acquired after you finish the Underdark portion of the game. Saradas will teach you the skill related to your mage class. All this is possible thanks to the epic level spells, available for each school of specialization, and taught by Saradas:
Impenetrable Defense (Abjuration)
Ego's Frailty (Alteration)
Foreseeing the future (Divination)
Dragonborn (Dragon Disciple)
Absolute abnegation (Enchantment)
Summon Devil of Baator (Evocation)
Knowledge of the Scholar (Generalist)
Legion of shadows (Illusion)
Spiritual Explosion (Invocation)
Deathly Hallows (Necromancy)
Shroud of wild magic (Wild magic)
All are available for pure, multi-classed, and dual-classed mages.
With Saradas Magic for BG2 the possibilities are infinite. You can:
Teleport behind an opponent and turn it into a pathetic zombie.
Summon a demon prince to tear your enemies apart.
Turn yourself into a fearsome Lich and drain the life out of your rivals up to send them into the Abyss.
Crush the will of your enemies and then finish them off with a burst of spiritual energy.
Get the appearance of a dragon and lay waste wherever you go!
Turn the most dangerous of wizards to a meek kitten by stealing his spells or wrapping him in a burst of wild magic.
...
ToB content
Banters and dialogues with many of the original BioWare NPCs.
He expresses his thoughts regarding events and dialogues (interjections).
He has a custom ring.
You can experience 6 different epilogues.
1 custom skill.
Dialogues with the protagonist.
Two small but enjoyable easter egg cutscenes. One takes place inside the Sendai's enclave if you have Saradas in your party. The other one eventually triggers if you have both Saradas and Edwin in your party. This time Edwin has really gone too far. 🙂
► Sendai's enclave video:
► Banters and Edwin-Elminster duel video:
NPC Relationships
In a conversation with Imoen, she will eventually find out that Saradas is more than he shows...
► spoiler:
In his youth, he used to cooperate with a renowned organization that Jaheira knows very well and that seeks to maintain balance in Faerûn.
Between all the companion of the Bhaalspawn, Saradas will start a good friendship with one in particular, a venerable paladin of Torm.
► Below is a short conversation between the two of them:
Keldorn: "What will you do when our journey is over, Saradas?"
Saradas: "I think I will finally come back to my house, in Sembia. My hometown is Yhaunn, a quiet coastal city. There I will finally rest after my long travels."
Keldorn: "Sounds like a good place to rest after retiring from adventure."
Saradas: "It really is, and you will always be welcome there, if you plan to visit me in Sembia, Lord Keldorn."
Keldorn: "I surely will. Oh and by the way there's no need of such titles between friends, Saradas. Just call me Keldorn.
Saradas: Fair enough, Keldorn. You will find the best Cormyrian wines waiting for you, there.
But now we must focus on our journey, it's not over yet and our minds should not indulge too much on such pleasant thoughts."
Keldorn: "You are wise as always. Let's continue our path."
Moreover, Saradas will speak often with the Bhaalspawn to interrogate him/her on his/her future decisions. The wizard doesn't plan to interfere in his/her destiny, but will try to make him/her ponder on the power he/she controls, to guide him/her to a wise decision.
Obviously, Saradas will not take part in evil deeds because of his good nature, and will leave the party if that is the case.
As of v2.0.0, the installer offers two sub-components, letting the players decide which one they want to install.
[0-1] Saradas Magic for BG2
[0] Saradas has a monk sprite (original)
[1] Saradas has a mage sprite (optional)
➽ This is the main component that adds Saradas to the game.
At the request of players who complained that the monk avatar does not have a paperdoll in the inventory screen, the optional option to display Saradas as a mage has been offered at installation.
The Saradas Magic for BG2 is not developed, supported, or endorsed by BioWare™ or Interplay/BlackIsle, Overhaul, Beamdog or the Wizards of the Coast. It was developed by Saradas, based on material from the game Baldur's Gate II and its expansion.
This mod was created to be freely enjoyed by all Baldur's Gate II players, and its content is free of rights. However, it should not be sold, published, compiled or redistributed in any form without the consent of its author.
The modding community for the Infinity Engine has been going strong for more than 10 years now, and is the culmination of thousands of unpaid modding hours by fellow fans of the game. Modders produce their best work and players get the best, well-supported mods when we all work together.
There are two big ways to upset this harmony. One is to claim someone else's work as your own. The second is to host and redistribute a mod without permission from the author.
Be kind to your fellow players and modders. Don't do either.
Added saradas_magic_2.ini metadata file (including Dynamic Install Syntax and global LABELS) to support AL|EN's "Project Infinity".
Replaced AUTHOR keyword with SUPPORT.
Added VERSION and README keywords.
Added REQUIRE_PREDICATE condition to avoid installing components in inaccurate games.
Externalized tp2 code into main_component.tpa library for more comfortable readability and maintenance.
Commented code as much as possible
Added a brand new optional sub-component to set an alternate appearance for Saradas (as a mage, not a monk).
Added native EET compatibility (thanks Austin).
Added WeiDU's built-in HANDLE_CHARSETS function to convert string entries for EE games.
Added chapters continuity for EET games.
Added EET_NPC_TRANSITION function.
Provided accurate sized NPC portraits for EE games.
Added backward native original BG2:ToB compatibility (thanks Austin and Gwendolyne!).
Restored items usability restriction flags in description for classic games and automatically removed them for EE games with GW_UPDATE_ITM_DESCRIPTION_TO_EE WeiDU function.
Fixed Face() and LeaveAreaLUA actions using dir.ids in EE games, and crashing classical games.
Solved the wrong WIZARD_IMPROVED_ALACRITY entry in classic spell.ids (misspelled WIZARD_IMPROVED_ALUCRITY) that was crashing installation in a way that does not break other mods compatibility.
Solved the missing DRAGON_DISCIPLE entry in classic kit.ids that was crashing installation in a way that does not break other mods compatibility (in case they restore this kit).
Provided NPCs portraits for original games (patched !sedwina.spl in classic games).
Proofread English strrefs (Gwendolyne).
Renamed "english.tra" file to "setup.tra" for consistency.
Fully TRAified the mod (some lines in tp2 and some .d files were not traified).
Added a brand new saradas_magic_2-readme-english.html file, with videos. 😉
Reorganized mod architecture tree: created folders to sort files according to their types.
Lower cased files.
Included Linux and mac OS versions in the same package (thanks AL|EN's Infinity Auto Packager tool!).
Added archive libiconv-1.9.2-1-src.7z with iconv licence info.
