MR-bypassing, Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate MR-Bypassing

MR = magic resistance BG2 and SR = spell resistance.

MR-bypassing relates to AD&D 2nd Edition cRPGs such as Baldur's Gate, and SR-bypassing relates to D&D 3rd Edition cRPGs such as IWD2, Neverwinter Nights and ToEE.

MR-Bypassing Baldur's Gate

By MR/SR-bypassing, I mean an on-hit effect of a weapon, or the effect of a Baldur's Gate Spell or ability, which bypasses the target's magic/spell resistance.

MR-Bypassing Weapons

For example, the on-hit Slow effect of the Flail of Ages BG2 is MR-bypassing. That is, it ignores the target's magic resistance.

MR-bypassing effects are usually the result of developer oversights. For example, if the effect of the Slow spell can be resisted with MR, then the same should be true for the on-hit spell effect of a weapon as well. Magic, afterall, is magic. Thus, the on-hit effects of FoA and Celestial Fury BG2 should not be MR-bypassing.

MR-Bypassing Spells

Key MR-bypassing arcane spells in Baldur's Gate 2 include Sunfire, Melf's Minute Meteors, Imprisonment and Chromatic Orb: Stun, Slay and Petrification. Also, Dragon's Breath. 

Also, Lower Resistance, Khelben's Warding Whip, Ruby Ray of Reversal, Pierce shield and Spellstrike.

In respect to divine spells, BG2's Bolt of Glory is MR-bypassing, as are Firestorm and Implosion.

MR-Bypassing Abilities

Other MR-bypassing effects in BG2 include Monk Stunning Blow and Quivering Palm, Jester Song and Thief Spike Traps.

MR/SR-bypassing spells and on-hit effects are particularly useful against highly magic/spell resistant enemies, such as Drow and Illithid (mindflayers).

Note how, in this vid, low level Viconia tanks Fireballs and Cloudkill by virtue of Drow MR. 50% MR is very powerful. Even if MR check fails, Drow can still make a saving throw.

Thus, the preference for MR-bypassing spells versus Drow in BG2.

In Icewind Dale 2, Skull Trap and Horrid Wilting are key SR-bypassers. 

In NWN and NWN2, Evard's Black Tentacles is SR-bypassing.

cf. No-save.

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