Magic Resistance Baldur's Gate
Magic Resistance Definition
In Baldur's Gate 1 and BG2, Magic Resistance (MR) represents the ability of a character, creature or thing to resist the effects of Baldur's Gate spells as well as spell-like abilities and on-hit spell-like effects. MR is not to be confused with Magic Damage Resistance BG2 (MDR).
Magic resistance is measured as a percentage. Most Baldur's Gate enemies have no magic resistance whereas some have 100% magic resistance or immunity to spells that are not MR-bypassing. The magic resistance check is applied before saving throw checks. Thus, innately magic-resistant combat units, such as Drow, have what amounts to dual-protection vs. spells that target them.
In BG1, magic resistance is both a blessing and a curse because BG1 MR not only protects us from hostile spells but also resists party-friendly spells cast on us, such as healing spells. But in BG2, this restriction is lifted because healing spells are flagged as MR-bypassing.
Magic resistance can be acquired through race, class, spells, items, abilities and quest-based choices (see below). In most cases, these sources stack. For example, BG1 Viconia has 50% MR. If she wears the Cloak of Balduran she has 75% MR. In BG1 this level of MR is extremely powerful as it allows Viconia to reliably tank spells for the party.
Note that some spells, spell-like abilities and on-hit effects are MR-bypassing. That is, they ignore the target's magic resistance.
Baldur's Gate 100% Magic Resistance
Like damage resistance BG2, magic resistance can not only reach but actually exceed 100%. But unlike DR, having greater than 100% MR does not mean that spells will heal us. Thus, there is no point in having >100% MR unless we need to tank MR-reducers.
100% MR makes No Reload Runs a lot less lethal in BG2.
Baldur's Gate Companions with Innate Magic Resistance
By virtue of being of Drow race, BG1 Viconia (50% MR) and BG2 Viconia (65% MR) are the only Baldur's Gate companions that have innate magic resistance.
In comparison, both Monks and Wizard Slayers only achieve such magic resistance levels after a lifetime of adventuring.
Note that Familiars are magic-resistant.
Baldur's Gate Classes that Grant Magic Resistance
Some Baldur's Gate 2 classes grant magic resistance as an innate ability.
At 14th level Monks are granted 3% MR per level and cap out at 78% MR. In addition, Wizard Slayers are granted 1% MR per level and cap out at 84%. Once levelled, these two classes can easily reach 100% MR just by adding an item or two that grants MR.
Baldur's Gate Abilities that Grant Magic Resistance
The Use Any Item High Level Ability allows the Thief, Swashbuckler, Bounty Hunter, Assassin, Bard, Blade, Skald and Jester to attain 100% MR just by adding an item or two.
At epic level, warriors can select the Resist Magic HLA. However, its 50% is not additive but rather sets MR.
Enhanced Bard Song grants 10% MR.
Baldur's Gate Items that Grant Magic Resistance
On-equip magic resistance is superior to spell-based or ability-based MR because it cannot be dispelled.
In BG1, the Cloak of Balduran confers a whopping +25% magic resistance.
In BG2, there is an embarrassment of items that grant magic resistance. The most famous of these is Carsomyr. That means BG2 Paladins, Undead Hunters, Cavaliers and Inquisitors such as Keldorn can have 50% MR by simply wielding the holy avenger. And that, as early as Chapter 2.
When quaffed, the Potion of Magic Protection grants 50% MR for 10 turns.
In addition, we have stackable MR through:
as well as through: Human Flesh Armor BG2 [LEAT21], Amulet of the Seldarine [AMUL27], Amulet of Power [5%, AMUL21], Purifier BG2 [30%, SW1H65], Hindo's Doom +4 [10%, SW1H71], Flame of the North [10%, SW2H12], Gram the Sword of Grief [10%, SW2H18], Amulet of 5% Magic Resistance [AMUL19], Kaligun's Amulet of Magic Resistance [10%, AMUL20], Archmagi Robes [5%, CLCK17], Drow Elven Chain +3 [5%, DWCHAN01], Enkidu's Full Plate +3 [5%, PLAT21].
Baldur's Gate Quests that Grant Magic Resistance
For the protagonist only, the Selfish Bhaaltear in the SoA finale grants a permanent 10% MR. In addition, the Machine of Lum the Mad in Watcher's Keep of Throne of Bhaal can also confer a permanent 5% MR on one companion.
Baldur's Gate Spells that Grant Magic Resistance
While many Baldur's Gate spells ward against incoming spells or protect against their effects, not many spells grant actual magic resistance.
Magic Resistance is a 5th level Cleric spell that grants 2% MR per Cleric level up to 40% max at 20th.
Forms of Shapechange grant MR or even immunity to magic. As can Polymorph Self.
We can also Wish BG2 for MR.
Baldur's Gate Spells that Nerf Magic Resistance
Spells that nerf magic resistance include Lower Resistance BG2, Pierce Magic BG2 and Pierce Shield BG2. These are extremely important spells if we're going up against magic-resistant enemies.
Baldur's Gate Enemies that have Magic Resistance
Notable Baldur's Gate enemies that have magic resistance include Flesh Golems, Skeleton Warriors and the Mustard Jelly. Pre-TotSC, Sarevok BG1 had 100% MR.
Some Bhaalspawn BG2 have non-trivial MR, Fallen Solar BG2 has 85% MR, The Ravager BG2 has 90% MR and Adamantite Golem BG2 is one of the most difficult magic-resistant monsters to battle.
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