AD&D 2nd Edition
An immortal amnesiac's quest through the planes of Planescape.
Various · Public domain
Planescape: Torment is a 1999 role-playing video game developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment for Windows. The game takes place in locations from the multiverse of Planescape, a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy campaign setting. The game's engine is a modified version of the Infinity Engine, which was used previously for BioWare's Baldur's Gate, an earlier D&D game set in the Forgotten Realms.
- Core Mechanic
- Various dice rolls (d20, d100, etc.) for different actions; no unified resolution system
Lore & Background
The game is set in the Planescape multiverse, a D&D campaign setting consisting of various planes of existence. A large portion of the game takes place in Sigil, a city atop an infinitely tall spire at the center of the multiverse, overseen by the Lady of Pain. The story eventually moves to other planes such as Baator and Carceri. The protagonist, The Nameless One, is an immortal man with amnesia who forgets everything if killed. He journeys through Sigil and other planes to reclaim his memories and discover why he was made immortal. The game's role-playing ruleset is based on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition.
In Their Own Story
The Nameless One stands before the gate of Sigil, his mind a tapestry of forgotten lives. The rules of this world are not merely numbers; they are the threads of fate he must weave. As he rolls the twenty-sided die in his imagination, the result does not determine a hit or miss, but whether the truth will be spoken or swallowed by the silence of the Outer Planes.
Reader's Guide
The game begins with character creation, where the player assigns attribute points such as strength, intelligence, and charisma to The Nameless One. The Nameless One starts as a fighter class, but the player may later freely change it to a thief or wizard. The player may recruit up to five companions from seven potential characters. Gameplay focuses on dialogue and quest resolution rather than combat. The Nameless One is immortal; running out of health points usually imposes no penalty beyond respawning in a different location. The game uses the D&D alignment system, with The Nameless One beginning as true neutral and changing based on player actions.
Did You Know?
- The game was not a commercial success but received critical acclaim and is commonly cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.
- An enhanced version for modern platforms was released by Beamdog in April 2017 for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS, and in October 2019 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
- The Nameless One has a journal that helps the player keep track of quests and subplots.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AD&D 2nd Edition influence combat?
Battles rely on a twenty-sided die resolution system to determine hit chances and damage outcomes accurately. These mechanics translate complex physical dice rolls into digital probabilities for the Nameless One's encounters.
Why is this edition significant for Planescape Torment?
Its structured framework allowed designers to implement intricate spell systems and meaningful narrative consequences. Without these specific rules, the game would lack the mechanical weight required for its philosophical themes.
Can players customize characters using AD&D 2nd Edition stats?
Yes, character creation follows standard ability scores and class restrictions defined by the second edition manuals. Players manage attributes like Strength or Intelligence to unlock specific skills and magical capabilities.
Is AD&D 2nd Edition still supported today?
The system is officially discontinued but remains widely used within niche tabletop communities and retro gaming circles. Its continued relevance is largely due to the preservation of titles like Planescape Torment that utilize its codebase.
More in Production & Legacy
Elsewhere in the Planescape Torment universe
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