The project will make use of a modified version of WeiDU (affectionately dubbed "WeiMorph") to do the automatic resource conversion.

Currently the project is in the beta-testing phase, and will probably remain there indefinitely. If you are interested in contuining this project, drop me a line.

In the interim, the beta versions are publically available. All of the content in BG2-SoA can be automatically converted (this takes between 40 seconds and two minutes on my 1.6 GHz laptop).

Want to follow our progress? Check out the bug-reporting forum.

Key conversion points:

• Uses IWD2's spell system (no more Time Stop, Chain Contingency, etc.). Don't worry, mages will remain difficult foes.
• All converted items are automatically given descriptions based on their actual abilities, so no matter what the BG2 designers or my converter were smoking you'll know what is going on.
• Item damage and feat requirements are taken from 3E (so warhammers do 1d8 base damage, katanas use the bastard sword feat, etc.).
• All monsters are converted to 76 + (level/3) stat-point characters. Feats are chosen (using the same rules you would use, etc.) based on classes, spell memorization tables are filled out.
• IWD2's "scaled experience" thingy is employed, so if you're 20th level you don't get XP for killing kobolds. (If you're one of the few people who prefer it the old way, it's easy enough to mod MONCRATE.2DA so that you get the same reward for killing a CR X for regardless of your level.)
• IWD2 skills like Hide, Spellcraft, Arcane Lore and Concentration work correctly. Both your characters and enemy creatures have them.
• Trap, lock, hide and lore (etc.) difficulties are converted from BG2's 1-100 scale to IWD2's 1-40(ish) scale.
• Still leaves IWD2 completely playable, if for some reason you want to :-). New strings are appended to dialog.tlk, converted resources are put in their own namespace.

The current goal/milestone is to convert an Unmodded version of SoA. If that works we'll move on to ToB, BG2 mods, possibly BG1, etc.

Here are some screenshots of the beginning of the game (the later bits work but I haven't had time). Click on the thumbnail for a larger image. Ignore any "debugging output" :-). Note that any numbers (actually, anything at all) in these screenshots are subject to chance. Don't take them as set in stone.

Want to see more screenshots? Check out Critical Path Gallery #1 or the Shade Lord Gallery or the Tactics (Normal Party) Gallery or the Tactics (Uber Party) Gallery or the Hall of Shame Gallery.

	After Imoen freed us we unlocked Jaheira. Now it's time to convince Minsc to break his bars.
	Our intrepid band is trampling some Shadow Thief corpses on our way to joust with the Lightning Mephit.
	Here we are looting the dungeon. Notice that scrolls and spells are converted to IWD2 but other items retain their original look-and-feel.
	Here's a shot of Immy's character sheet. Stats are subject to change and whatnot but you get the basic idea.
	It's the un-improved Ilyich. Notice our strategic use of Summon Nature's Ally I (the cats) and Flame Arrow.
	Whoa! That IWD2 Otyugh graphic has a smaller bounding box and can fit through the door. Notice that Imoen has switched from using a longbow to using a crossbow.
	Imoen banters with the dryads.
	The Pocket Plane of Air. Notice that all of the little "click here for more info" map things work fine.
	Mephits are tough! Rainstorm is a nice touch. Imoen's web isn't helping much.
	Again, death by Mephit. We were able to charm one but we're still taking a beating. Fortunately Yoshimo is along to provide extra ranged support.
	Some grief for Jaheira. Just to show that tricky dialogues work fine.
	Traps and scripts are still in working order as this Shadow Thief walks to his death.
	Joneleth is nuking some Shadow Thieves. This is harder than it looks to convert because because no one can take damage die in IWD2 cut-scenes unless you really work at it.
	Some Cowled Enforcers teleport in while Jon and Immy argue.
	We went to the Adventurer's Mart to buy some better equipment. Notice that all converted items have automatically generated descriptions so that you know exactly what is going on.
	I don't like Aerie, but what can you do?
	What stop in Waukeen's Promenade would be complete without an attack on Mencar Pebblecrusher? With Minsc charmed and Jaheira held, things look bad. We've already lost Yoshimo and Aerie during an intial assault involving a Web.
	Fortunately the charm and hold wore off and we carried the day.

Want to see more screenshots? Check out Critical Path Gallery #1 or the Shade Lord Gallery or the Tactics (Normal Party) Gallery or the Tactics (Uber Party) Gallery or the Hall of Shame Gallery.