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Races

Race defines your character's species. Each race carries its own ability-score modifiers, special senses (most have infravision), save bonuses, thieving-skill modifiers, and constraints on which classes are available.

  • Human — no bonuses, full class flexibility, the only race that can dual-class
  • Dwarf — tough, save-bonused, infravision
  • Elf — graceful, charm/sleep resistant, bow & sword specialist
  • Gnome — clever, save-bonused, only race that can multi-class as an illusionist
  • Half-Elf — balanced, mild charm/sleep resistance, infravision
  • Half-Orc — strong and tough, intellectually limited
  • Halfling — agile and lucky, save-bonused, sling specialist

Race vs. class

Race constrains class choice — some classes are restricted to certain races, and the level cap in a class varies by race. Only humans may dual-class; only non-humans may multi-class. Gnomes are the sole exception that may multi-class into a specialist (Illusionist) wizard combination.

The full race × class compatibility matrix is enforced in the character generator.

Source: bg2ee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_2_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Race" section.