This game is so huge.... You can easily lose months into this (doing everything, exploring etc...).

My question is based perhaps on some misunderstanding of the general flow of BG1, as I've been a lot more used to NWN for several years.... But sometimes I read e.g. that going to Nashkel starts Chapter 2 in the game. If this is so, is there any quest ope in Chapter 1 gone or still there? Honestly, I just tried "activating" Nashkel Mines map out of curiosity, coz I wanted my Kensai to have that Dorn Greatsword 8havent found one magical yet and he keeps breaking them!).

I knew of one time-sensitive regarding the family amulet of that noble Colquete whatever, but havent read about other ones that require a seuqence or are goen / unaccessible once reaching e.g. Nashkel Mines... Is there something I absolutely should know about the overall quest flow?

Btw... I am NOT keeping NPC's in my party of 6 customised characters. WHenever someone shows up, I accept just to get their gear and kick them out (except for poor Imoen, coz I didnt know of this trick so my gang detonated her).

thx,
pd

No side quest is mandatory, but doing more of them will give you XP, items, and gold. All of which will come in handy when you get back to the main story.

The only quests I can think of that are permanently gone when you move forward are the ones in Candlekeep.

Thank you. To your knowledge, are all areas accessible, provided you reach their "borders"? Also, do you know if any event is triggered just by accessing a anew area (and if so, is it time-sensitivie)?

No problem. No, not all areas are accessible. They are unlocked after reaching a certain point in the story. When the prologue is over, you can't zip towards Cloakwood Mines. Even with that in mind, there are a dozen places you can go at any point in your playthrough. So you do get a lot of elbow room.

I can't think of any significant event that is triggered by accessing a new area. There are a few scripted encounters, but you have to go to a specific point on that map. The closest thing that comes to this is the mayor of Beregost greeting you.

The only time sensitive quest I can think of is one in Baldur's Gate where you confront two assassins.

There are other time sensitive quests. The one that stands out to me is the one associated with Minsc when you first meet him. (I'm sure there are more, though, typically associated with NPCs.) Also, some other things are time sensitive--e.g., K and J will abandon your party if you dither too long getting to Nashkel.

I forgot about that. Thanks for bringing it up.

Those aren't quests.

K & J will not abandon you unless and until you dump them in favour of somebody else to go see the Mayor of Nashkel and complete the mines, or if you dump them and do the above -- Jaheira will complain after four days (Khalid after twelve) if you haven't been to Nashkel, then she will complain again and call you lazy after another four days (8 total), but complaining isn't leaving. What I am saying is they will not actually leave your party, so long as you have them with you (and don't dump them or leave them in the FAI) during chapter 1.

Minsc will attack the party if you take too long to rescue his 'witch'. All areas are accessible except for the Bandit Camp (chapter 3), Cloakwood (chapter 4) and Baldur's Gate City (chapter 5).

Many events are triggered by entering area zones but not specific quests, bar one in Baldur's Gate city. The exceptions to this are forced greets added in the 'enhanced' edition.

Oh be careful around the Nashkel mines maps, I don't remember exactly where it is but you will have an encounter where you choose to say something important. I said the wrong thing the first time I played the game and lost a very good weapon. You can always save before and try different outcomes.

Thank you all for your input. Nice to read what veterans (or at least more experienced) folks have to share.

*** Spoiler***

You mean talking to Prism. This can be a tough cookie for an inexperienced party (if you choose the "right" dialogue options).