Guiding a Nameless Search

Your first action in the game is generating your character. Each stat (Strength, Wisdom, Constitution, Charisma, Dexterity, and Intelligence) begins with a value of 9. You are given 21 additional character points to boost those stats. Attributes are capped at 18 at creation but can exceed that number during the adventure.

The Nameless One begins as a fighter (values Strength) but can switch between fighter, mage (values Intellect), and thief (values Dexterity) during the adventure by speaking to an appropriate NPC. Some of your initial stat allocation should be made with your desired class in mind.

An Overview of Stats

Because of its overall value, Wisdom stands alone at the top of the stat heap. Strength, Dexterity, and Intellect are tied to class bonuses and are considered primary stats. Constitution and Charisma are secondary stats, not because they’re less important but because they don’t offer class bonuses.

Wisdom

Maximizing your Wisdom score from the start of the game pays for itself. You see better dialogue options, have different ways to solve problems, and earn additional experience points.

Strength

Strength determines your ability to hit targets in combat and the amount of damage you inflict on a successful hit. High Strength opens up threatening dialogue choices, allows you to carry more in your inventory, and gives you a chance to break open locked objects.

Dexterity

Dexterity is a combination of speed, nimbleness, and hand-eye coordination. It determines your ability to avoid enemy attacks, pick locks, pick pockets, and catch thieves trying to steal from you.

Intelligence

A high Intelligence stat influences potential dialogue with NPCs and boosts your Lore rating, which allows you to learn the properties of unidentified items.

Constitution

If you’re looking for a stat to skimp on so you can boost Wisdom, look elsewhere. Constitution is your health. A high Constitution boosts the HP earned with every new level. Constitution also influences the rate of health regeneration.

Charisma

More than simply a measure of good looks, Charisma also determines charm and persuasiveness. A good Charisma stat improves interactions with NPCs, who can’t help being taken in by The Nameless One, despite his scarred and pale body.

Controls

The controls in Planescape: Torment are simple. Touch (if you’re playing with a mouse, substitute “click” for each instance of “touch”) a spot on the screen and the characters under your control move to it. Touch objects to inspect them—although not all objects can be inspected. Touch other characters to interact with them, which always begins with dialogue options. If it comes to a fight, keep in mind that combat is limited. Melee attacks are automated and spellcasting isn’t much more complicated.