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Morale

Each creature has a base morale level that affects whether it fights or runs during a battle. The character you create is the only one immune to morale checks — every joining companion has morale dialogue and scripts attached.

Failing a morale check

Each creature is scripted to react differently when morale breaks. They may:

  • Flee outright at low morale.
  • Switch attack types — some choose melee while morale is high but switch to ranged when it falls.
  • Stop fighting until morale recovers.

Each creature has a recovery time dictating how long it takes for morale to return to its base level. If a party member fails a morale check, their selection circle turns yellow as a visual cue.

What affects morale

Positive influences

  • A high-Charisma party leader (the topmost portrait).
  • Friendly environment — kobolds and drow prefer underground; surface dwellers prefer outdoors.
  • Buff spells like Remove Fear.
  • Easy enemies — visibly weaker foes raise morale.

Negative influences

  • Being attacked by powerful magic.
  • Seeing a party member killed or knocked unconscious.
  • Losing a substantial chunk of hit points.
  • Spotting a difficult foe before engaging.

Bards, Skalds, and Paladins

A Bard playing "The Tale of Curran Strongheart" or a Skald's standard song grants fear immunity to all allies within 30 ft. Paladins are innately immune to fear (and grant Divine Courage to themselves), and Cavaliers extend that to charm and poison.

Source: iwdee/original_manuals/IWDEE - Mastering Melee & Magic.pdf — "Morale".