Healing and Recovery¶
Damage and death are the consequences of unsuccessful combat — and of poison, fire, falling, acid, and most other dangerous activities. Damage is measured in hit points (hp): each hit reduces current hp; when hp reaches 0, the character is dead.
Beyond hope
Characters whose bodies are destroyed by the effect that killed them (e.g. a Disintegrate spell or massive single-blow damage) are forever beyond resurrection.
Maximum healing is capped at the character's maximum hit points — you cannot exceed the cap by ordinary healing.
Note
Some special abilities and necromantic spells can temporarily raise maximum hit points.
Natural healing¶
Natural healing is slow but available to everyone, regardless of class. Characters heal several hit points per eight-hour period of rest (low activity).
- Resting in a comfortable inn room restores more hit points the better the room — but at a higher gold cost.
- Camping in the wilds restores fewer hit points but still lets spellcasters memorise spells.
- Rest is only possible when no enemies are within visible range. If enemies are nearby you must move away or charm them first.
- Some creatures may attack while you sleep — if that happens, you don't heal or memorise.
Magical healing¶
Healing spells, potions, and magical devices can speed the process considerably — wounds close instantly and vigour is restored. Healing magic is particularly useful in the midst of combat or in preparation for a dangerous encounter.
Remember that your opponents are just as likely to carry healing magic — an evil high priest will bestow healing on his followers and guards.
Specifics of each healing spell live in the spell descriptions under Magic.
Raising the dead¶
Curative and healing spells do nothing for dead characters. The dead can be returned to life only with a Raise Dead or Resurrection spell (or a device that mimics one).
- A character revived with Raise Dead has only 1 hit point and needs further healing to be useful.
- If your party can't cast the spell, a nearby temple will do it — for a fee that scales with your reputation.
Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Combat Effects and Recovery", "Healing and Hit Points", "Natural Healing", "Magical Healing", "Raising the Dead".