My travels have taken me across Faerun and back again, searching for lost items of power, hidden places of wonder and legends that spark the tale of the wandering bard. It wasn't until my arrival in Amn, Athkatla to be exact, that I came across a tale, a tale I could not so easily forget.

         As I walked through the city streets, I found I had picked up my pace some what as the sun began to set over the western horizon which caused long shadows to reach out before me. I was not alone with my quick pace, as others sleeked through the streets, sticking to the side of buildings and moved quickly, dashing from one spot to the other. This was not the Amn I had come to before. Something dark, something evil was stretching itself across the nation like a blanket and it was effecting all who lived within its borders.

         This evil, perchance greater than any faced before, is here or perhaps is only stopping by in the nation of Amn but I can feel it slithering through my body like a Dark Naga. Foul is its touch and spitting only removes its horrid taste for but a short time. I will need thy help of course, brave warrior and I would not ask this of you if I could do this alone. Only with the help of others can we bring this evil to its knees, together of course. Pray tell you can step forth and take up this challenge yes? Good. Then it is time. Time for you to open this package I give to thee in which you must follow the instructions and tomes found within and begin thy adventure as it comes to thee.

         During thy journey, do thy best to note what you can and record it for others like myself, to read and learn from. I will be waiting for thy notes and parchments as I shall record thy journey and the journey of others in the pages to follow.

         Travel safe brave warrior and may Tymora shine on you in your time of need for this evil is nothing like Faerun has faced before!

         Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is the sequel to the "Game of the Year", Baldur's Gate. Having sold over 1 million units worldwide, it remains a top-selling PC product in the industry. Baldur's Gate II builds upon the success of the franchise and takes the RPG experience to new levels of high-fantasy gaming. Gameplay enhancing features include 3D graphics support, dazzling new spell effects, improved multiplayer capabilities, subquests based on class, new classes and a new character race. Baldur's Gate II contains more spells, weapons and monsters than any other licensed AD&D PC game to date. It is the continuation of the Baldur's Gate epic plot developed by BioWare Corp. (MDK2, Baldur's Gate, Tales of the Sword Coast, Neverwinter Nights) and published by Black Isle Studios (Planescape: Torment, Fallout 2, Icewind Dale).

Create a new character or import your Baldur's Gate character into Baldur's Gate II and continue the epic saga.

Supports 800x600 resolution, full-screen mode and 3D acceleration for spectacular visual effects.

New weapons and AD&D proficiencies (including a two-weapon fighting style) create unique combat options for players.

Real-time gameplay with the ability to pause at any moment and custom script your character's behavior or refine your strategy.

Encounter hundreds of different types of monsters, thousands of NPCs and over 130 new spells in a huge and intricate world.

New races and character kits such as the Half-Orc, Beastmaster, Undead Hunter and Assassin add to an extensive array of character options.

Richer quests and subquests, including quests based on class, add more realism than ever-before-seen in an RPG.

Improved multiplayer support for up to 6 players for the ultimate role-playing experience.