Original artwork, not a still
Baldur's Gate (1998), when the party strays from the leader
You must gather your party before venturing forth.
— Baldur's Gate · 1998
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Few lines in games have been read so many times. It is the engine telling you, politely and firmly, that your wizard is still back at the inn. It also says what the game thinks of its heroes: an adventurer does not go anywhere without the party. Players remember it as the sound of a missed straggler, and as the opposite of a loading screen.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Baldur's GateShow the scene
This is not a character's speech but a system message from Baldur's Gate (1998). BioWare's role-playing game runs on the Infinity Engine, with the player leading a party of up to six across the Sword Coast. When the party leader walks onto an area exit while party members are still scattered, the game refuses to change area and prints this warning, so no one is left behind on the previous map. Fans of the series see the same mechanic in Baldur's Gate II, where the wiki notes that the party must be gathered to leave a hideout.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: Baldur's Gate (video game)lead and GameplayReference checked
- Baldur's Gate Wiki: Aran Linvail's Hideoutexits paragraphReference checked
Context reviewed