Yeah. That's why I don't really consider IWD a role playing game. Even though it uses the D&D rules there's no "role playing" in it. It's a linear action game with a completely intransigent plot and NPCs that serve only to justify action. If what you are looking for is strictly a party based hack 'n slash using the D&D rules IWD is a good choice, but if you're looking for a Role Playing Game in the old school sense of the word where your decisions affect the way the plot unfolds and you need to manage your relationships with your companions IWD is pretty much worthless.

and my pyromancer can only mance fire once a day
how am i supposed to set the heavens on fire and burninante everything in my path
if my pyromancer wont mance ?!


and if you only have half those games ?

Then wait until the D&D bundle comes up again on sale. It will be soon if I'm right ;)

but but i already bruninate my way through icewind dale !

...after some save game editing ...a pyromancer that cant mance what bullshit is that ?

I recently started with BG1 EE and damn it is absolute not beginner friendly. In the 90s I might have played this once through, the same as BG2.

You start off in the town and everything is crispy, once you take off they kick the sh*t out of you. The followers do what they want and get killed a lot. BG1 IMHO is all about challenging fights and exploration.
Look for friends they tell you, "Oh yes I am Disi", "You were the one I was looking for..." and you have to fight a high level mage -.-

NWN1 on the other hand is all about story, looking around, searching for clues, find extra loot in hidden places and on occasion you meet enemies that suit your level.

IWD is also a nice start, but the second used the 3rd edition of AD&D so I would first play BG imho as the changes are pretty large.
BG can be hard at places, but it also offers lots of possibilities. Summoning for example is way overpowered. Also backstabbing if used well can decide almost any fight.. Hell, I soloed BGI with a fighter thief and killed everything (including Drizz't and Sarevok). Actually you can even kill Gorion, but then you can't leave Candlekeep :(. You can also kill Elminster, but it's not really rewarding... Ah the good old times :)
Soloing does have one huge drawback... Basilisks become extremely dangerous as they instantly end your game if they turn you to stone :D.

i have balders gate EE its somewhere at the bottom of my to do list

Oof just get the standard versions of 1+2 and easytutu them.

easy whatsiwhatsit ?

http://www.gog.com/forum/baldurs_gate_series/newbie_guide_modding_bg1_if_you_buy_bg1_bg2_from_gog

mleh too much effort for a game im not that interested in

I'll recommend Neverwinter Nights, too. Though I started with Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter is a gentler introduction to the ruleset (even if it is a slightly different one) and, because of being designed to be modded, gives tremendous bang for your buck.

NO answer?! Hmmmm, I contest!