My practical exposure to DnD is almost completely limited to the Infinity Engine adventures, so I don't know what effect - if any - ability scores have on saving throws and thief skills like they do in 3.5v.

Do ability scores have any effect on saving throws and thief skills in Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale or Planescape Torment?

BG and IWD (don't know about PST)

No. Ability scores affect many things, and the manual will tell you that WIS affects magical defense saving throws, but this is in error (not implemented) -- saving throws are table based, and are determined by race and class. The only ability scores that directly affect saving throws are what is referred to as 'shorty' saving throws. These are CON based bonuses granted to Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings.

Hm .. I don't ever remember hearing about the so-called "shorty" saving throws. It has been a while since I read the manual. I have no idea how this concept works.

Good to know. I don't know if ability modifiers for saving throws exist in the core rules but it would be nice if scores did affect saving throws. At least now I know not to worry about low scores in abilities not suited to my class.

Thanks again, Hickory.

edit: BG2 manual states that thief skills receive racial and dexterity adjustments.

You may find this page useful if you have any more questions on IE stats:

[url=http://playithardcore.com/pihwiki/index.php?title=Baldur%27s_Gate:_Races_and_Stats]http://playithardcore.com/pihwiki/index.php?title=Baldur%27s_Gate:_Races_and_Stats[/url]

Yes they do, but not saving throws. Thief skills, like saving throws, are table based, but not connected to saving throws directly. Below 7 DEX there are penalties to AC, above 14 are bonuses to AC; above 15 are bonuses to ranged THAC0; below 13 thieves start to incur penalties to their skills, and above 15 bonuses. This is in addition to racial bonuses.

That's real handy, pi4t.