Ill-documented Effects of Blindness

Igneous · March 30, 2010

Hello!

It's recently come to my attention whilst loitering on the BioWare forums that the effects of Blindness are incorrectly documented in-game. For example, the 1st-level wizard spell 'Blindness' states that...

If a victim is blinded he receives -4 to hit on his attack rolls, and has a 4 point armor penalty.

Similarly, the 2nd-level wizard spell 'Glitterdust' states...

All enemies in the area must roll a successful saving throw vs. spell or be blinded (-4 penalties to attack rolls, saving throws, and Armor Class) for 4 rounds.

These spell descriptions come from my local installation, patched and Fixpacked.

However, the Blindness effect does not actually operate as documented in-game. In fact, as per the IESDP, the Blindness effect (Opcode #74, as can be found here) actually incurs a rather hefty -10 THAC0 penalty. There is no penalty to saving throws or armour class at all, in spite of the spell descriptions.

Perhaps a revision to GTU/GTU Light might be in order?

I am using Fixpack v8, at the moment. Here is my WeiDU.log, and here is the thread over at the BioBoards, for reference.

// Log of Currently Installed WeiDU Mods
// The top of the file is the 'oldest' mod

// ~TP2_File~ #language_number #component_number // [subcomponent Name -> ] Component Name [ : Version]

~A6XPPATCH/SETUP-A6XPPATCH.TP2~ #0 #0 // Correct reporting of experience (EXE patch): 2

~A6XPPATCH/SETUP-A6XPPATCH.TP2~ #0 #1 // Remove 110% scaling of some experience (EXE patch): 2

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #0 // Ascension v1.41 (requires ToB): 1.4.24

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #1 // Tougher Abazigal (optional, requires ToB): 1.4.24

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #2 // Original Tougher Demogorgon (optional, requires ToB): 1.4.24

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #3 // Tougher Gromnir (optional, requires ToB): 1.4.24

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #4 // Tougher Illasera (optional, requires ToB): 1.4.24

~ASCENSION/SETUP-ASCENSION.TP2~ #0 #5 // Tougher Yaga-Shura (optional, requires ToB): 1.4.24

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // BG2 Fixpack - Core Fixes (Plus Carsomyr +50% MR Fix): v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #1 // BG2 Fixpack - Game Text Update: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #3 // BETA Core Fixes (please check the readme!): v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Party Gets XP for Sending Keldorn to Reconcile With Maria: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #101 // Improved Spell Animations: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #109 // Corrected Summoned Demon Behavior: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #110 // Additional Script Fixes: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #111 // Bard Song Fixes: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #112 // Wizard Slayers Cause Miscast Magic on Ranged Attacks: v8

~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #113 // Additional Alignment Fixes: v8

~SETUP-TACTICS.TP2~ #0 #1 // The Ritual (requires ToB): 25

~SETUP-TACTICS.TP2~ #0 #8 // "Kuroisan", the Acid Kensai (Nerfed Edition): 25

~SETUP-TACTICS.TP2~ #0 #9 // "Red Badge" Poison-Based Encounter: 25

~SETUP-TACTICS.TP2~ #0 #28 // GÃ¶ran RimÃ©n's Improved Nymphs: 25

~SETUP-D0QUESTPACK.TP2~ #0 #11 // Improved Oasis II -> IO2 Dialogue & Combat Enhancement: v2.3 (Feb 14, 2010)

~SETUP-D0QUESTPACK.TP2~ #0 #19 // Nazariel The Lich: v2.3 (Feb 14, 2010)

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Detectable spells (required for most other components): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1010 // Allow enemy AI to detect the party's magic items: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1020 // Bugfix: Fix the Mirror Image spell so it doesn't block area-effect magic: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #1030 // Bugfix: Fix the Dispel Magic spell so it correctly allows for caster's level: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2000 // Allow Spellstrike to take down a Protection from Magic scroll: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2010 // More consistent Breach spell (always affects liches and rakshasas; doesn't penetrate Spell Turning): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2020 // Antimagic attacks penetrate improved invisibility -> Only Spell Thrust, Secret Word and Ruby Ray get areas of effect (default option): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2030 // Iron Skins behaves like Stoneskin (can be brought down by Breach): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2060 // Revert Greater Restoration back to only affecting one creature: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2070 // Blade Barrier and Globe of Blades only affect hostile creatures: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2080 // Cap damage done by Skull Trap at 12d6: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2120 // Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #2140 // Slightly increase the power of Mantle, Improved Mantle, and Absolute Immunity: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #3070 // Make the healing and resurrection powers of the Rod of Resurrection into separate abilities: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #3080 // Change Carsomyr so that its Dispel on contact power grants a saving throw: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4003 // Increase the price asked by Gaylan Baele -> Gaylan wants 100,000 gold pieces: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Make Freedom scrolls available earlier: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4020 // Make Watchers' Keep accessible between SoA and ToB (warning: this will make it inaccessible until the end of SoA): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4030 // Retrieve Dropped Items from Hell: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4061 // Make the cleric stronghold available to all classes: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4063 // Make the fighter stronghold available to all classes: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #4064 // Make the paladin stronghold available to all classes: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #5010 // Remove animation from the Cloak of Mirroring (leave it for other spells and effects that use the same graphic): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #5030 // Remove the blur graphic effect from the Displacer Cloak: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6000 // Smarter general AI: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6010 // Better calls for help: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6020 // Potions for NPCs -> All of the potions dropped by slain enemies are recoverable: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6030 // Improved Spiders: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6035 // Improved golems: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6040 // Give fiends more staying power by increasing their hit points (this component has no effect unless Improved Fiends is installed): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6050 // Improved fiends -> Fiends have fast, uninterruptable innate magic: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6061 // Smarter genies -> Genies cast spells like normal wizards: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6070 // Give Celestials slightly more staying power: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6081 // Smarter celestials -> Celestials cast spells like normal wizards: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6090 // Give dragons more staying power by increasing their hit points: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6095 // Standardise dragon immunities: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6101 // Smarter dragons -> Dragons cast spells like normal wizards: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6108 // Enemy mages (and Elder Orbs) use Simulacrum and Project Image spells (this component will have no effect unless you install Smarter Mages or Smarter Beholders): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6111 // Smarter beholders -> Don't give beholder rays any chance of burning through spell protections: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6123 // Smarter mind flayers -> Illithids have enhanced damage resistance; Illithids can see through invisibility (matches Tactics mod): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6130 // Improved Vampires: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6135 // Smarter githyanki: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6136 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to ToB mages -> Only selected ToB mages get HLAs: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6152 // Smarter Mages -> Mages never cast short-duration spells instantly at start of combat: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6160 // Add high-level abilities (HLAs) to ToB priests -> Only selected ToB priests get HLAs: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6180 // Smarter Priests -> Priests cast some short-duration spells instantly at start of combat, to simulate pre-battle casting: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6210 // Smarter Illasera: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6220 // Smarter Yaga-Shura: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6230 // Smarter Abazigal: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6240 // Smarter Gromnir: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6250 // Smarter Melissan: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6260 // Give Ascension demons SCSII scripts and abilities: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6270 // Give Ascension versions of Irenicus and Sendai SCSII scripts and abilities: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #6900 // Make the starting dungeon slightly harder: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7000 // Improved Shade Lord: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7010 // Spellcasting Demiliches: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7020 // More resilient trolls: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7031 // Increase difficulty of level-dependent monster groupings -> Significantly increased difficulty: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7040 // Improved Random Encounters: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7050 // Improved d'Arnise Keep ("Tactics Remix") -> Spirit trolls have the same powers as in the original game: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7060 // Slightly improved Faldorn: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7070 // Improved Bodhi (Tactics Remix) -> "Toned-down" version of the original Tactics Improved Bodhi, with SCSII scripting: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7075 // Party's items are taken from them in Spellhold: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7078 // Improved battle with Irenicus in Spellhold: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7080 // Improved Sahuagin: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7090 // Improved Beholder hive (adapted from Quest Pack): v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7100 // Prevent resting in the Illithid city: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7110 // Slightly Improved Drow -> Upgrade Ust Natha's defences: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7120 // Slightly Improved Watcher's Keep: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7126 // Improved Irenicus in Hell (Tactics remix) -> Tactics-SCSII hybrid: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7130 // Improved Fire Giant temple: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7140 // Enhanced Sendai's Enclave: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7150 // Improved Abazigal's Lair: v13

~SCSII/SETUP-SCSII.TP2~ #0 #7160 // Improved Minor Encounters: v13

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Icon Improvements: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Force All Dialogue to Pause Game: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1010 // More Interjections: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1020 // Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1080 // Add Bags of Holding: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1170 // Bonus Merchants (Baldurdash): v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2210 // True Grandmastery (Baldurdash): v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3080 // Unlimited Ammo Stacking: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3090 // Unlimited Gem and Jewelry Stacking: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3100 // Unlimited Potion Stacking: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3110 // Unlimited Scroll Stacking: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3121 // Happy Patch (Party NPCs do not fight or complain about reputation) -> NPCs can be angry about reputation but never leave (Salk): v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3125 // Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation: v8

~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Improved Fate Spirit Summoning: v8

~FREEACT/SETUP-FREEACT.TP2~ #0 #10 // PnP Free Action: v2

~CONTAIN/SETUP-CONTAIN.TP2~ #0 #15 // Unique Containers -> Unique icons only: v3

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #101 // Prevent skeletal undead from being affected by Illithids' Devour Brain attack: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #103 // Allow Dispel/Remove Magic to take down Globes of Invulnerability: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Magical arrows and bolts deal bonus damage equal to their enchantment level: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #120 // Restore innate disease immunity to Paladins: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #125 // Rangers' Animal Empathy improves with experience: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #200 // Allow Breach to take down Stoneskin effects applied by items: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #202 // Consistently spell-like Bhaalpowers: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #210 // Restore the Dispel Magic vulnerability to Nishruu and Hakeashars: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #302 // Change the appearance of the Robe of Vecna: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #303 // Give Shambling Mounds their proper soundset: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #304 // Give Mariliths their Icewind Dale soundset: v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #310 // Distinctive creature coloring (Pit Fiends omitted): v3.03

~ATWEAKS/SETUP-ATWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #502 // Slightly expanded storage capacity for containers -> Manually enter the storage capacity value: v3.03

~RANDOMISER/RANDOMISER.TP2~ #0 #1300 // Randomise items -> Randomise with WeiDU. No items are lost: v3

~RANDOMISER/RANDOMISER.TP2~ #0 #10100 // Remove Protection from Undead scrolls from stores -> All scrolls from all stores: v3

~PALLIES/SETUP-PALLIES.TP2~ #0 #10 // Nemesis: v0.36

~PALLIES/SETUP-PALLIES.TP2~ #0 #20 // Sanctifier: v0.36

~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Nythrun's Level 1 NPCs: List party-joinable NPCs (required to install any other components): v1.3eib2

~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1201 // Aerie: v1.3eib2

~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1205 // Haer'Dalis: v1.3eib2

~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1207 // Jaheira: v1.3eib2

~LAVICONIA/SETUP-LAVICONIA.TP2~ #0 #0 // La'Viconia Tweak: Viconia Cleric/Assasin: 2.0

~LAVICONIA/SETUP-LAVICONIA.TP2~ #0 #1 // Recoloured Portrait for Viconia: 2.0

~WIDESCREEN/WIDESCREEN.TP2~ #0 #0 // Widescreen Mod -> for the original Infinity Engine (CHOOSE THIS!): Widescreen Mod v2.31

Thank you!

Wisp · April 1, 2010

It should be included somewhere.

Anyway,

STRING_SET 6622 @1006622
STRING_SET 7784 @1007788
STRING_SET 38595 @1038595

@1006622="Blindness
(Illusion/Phantasm)
Level: 1
Range: Visual range of caster
Duration: 10 turns
Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Neg.

This first level spell temporarily blinds its target. A saving throw is allowed, and if successful there are no harmful effects. If a victim is blinded he receives -10 to hit on his attack rolls."
@1007784="Power Word, Blind (conjuration/summoning)
Level: 8
Range: Visual sight of caster
Duration: 6 rounds
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: 10' radius
Saving Throw: None

When a Power Word, Blind spell is cast, one or more creatures within the area of effect become sightless. The spellcaster selects one creature as the target center, and the effect spreads outward from the center, affecting all within a 10 foot radius. This lasts for 6 rounds or until dispelled. The usual effects of blindness (penalty to hit rolls and decreased sight range) apply to the victims."
@1038595="Glitterdust (Conjuration/Summoning)
Level: 2
Range: 10 yds.
Duration: 4 rounds
Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: 20 ft
Saving Throw: Special

This spell creates a cloud of glittering golden particles within the area of effect. All enemies in the area must roll a successful saving throw vs. spell or be blinded (-10 penalties to attack rolls) for 4 rounds. In addition, all within the area are covered by the dust, which cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades. Note that this reveals invisible creatures. The dust fades in 4 rounds."

The changes to the description of PW: B are slightly more extensive. The last part of the description sounded really strange even before you removed the mention of a AC penalty.

It should be noted that the GTU changes the description of PW: B to explicitly state that the penalties are -4 to hit and AC.

Igneous · April 1, 2010

It should be noted that the GTU changes the description of PW: B to explicitly state that the penalties are -4 to hit and AC.

Indeed? I wonder, was that change motivated by a confirmation of developer intent? Or was it merely an attempt at consistencyâ€”an effort to bring PW:B's description in line with that of the other blindness-inducing spells?

Because even if those penalties documented in-game (-4 penalties to THAC0, AC, and possibly saving throws) were intended by the developers, the spell descriptions would still be inaccurate, regardless.

Well, unless it's possible to repair the blindness opcode. I do not know how feasible such an enterprise might be.

In the meantime, I think correcting the spell descriptions, as you have done, is the best approach. :down:

@1007784="Power Word, Blind (conjuration/summoning)
Level: 8

Range: Visual sight of caster

Duration: 6 rounds

Casting Time: 1

Area of Effect: 10' radius

Saving Throw: None

When a Power Word, Blind spell is cast, one or more creatures within the area of effect become sightless. The spellcaster selects one creature as the target center, and the effect spreads outward from the center, affecting all within a 10 foot radius. This lasts for 6 rounds or until dispelled. The usual effects of blindness (penalty to hit rolls and decreased sight range) apply to the victims."

I would propose a description slightly 'truer' to the original wording.

When using this spell, the wizard points at a target and utters the Power Word. Any creatures within a 10 foot radius of the target then become sightless for the duration of the spell. All of the usual effects of blindness apply to the victims, such as -10 penalties to attack rolls, and these last for 6 rounds or until dispelled.

Completely open to discussion, of course.

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Ill-documented Effects of Blindness

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