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{{About|the ''Forgotten Realms'' character|the capital of Belarus|Minsk}} {{Infobox D&D character | image =[[File:Minsc.jpg|200px]] | caption =Minsc as he appears in {{nowrap|''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn|Baldur's Gate II]]''}} | name =Minsc | series =''[[Baldur's Gate (series)|Baldur's Gate]]'' series | first =''[[Baldur's Gate]]'' | voiceactor =[[Jim Cummings]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television |last=Gale Research Company |year=2001 |publisher=Gale Research Co. |location=University of Michigan |isbn=0787651087 |page=100}}</ref> | birthplace =[[Rashemen]] | race =[[Human (Dungeons & Dragons)|Human]] | class =[[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|Ranger]] | alignment =Chaotic Good | setting =[[Forgotten Realms]] }} '''Minsc''' ({{IPA-en|ˈmɪnsk|pron}}) is a [[fictional character]] in the [[Baldur's Gate series|''Baldur's Gate'']] series of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[computer role-playing game]]s. Created by BioWare, Minsc originated in [[pen and paper]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' sessions held by ''Baldur's Gate''{{'}}s Lead Designer [[James Ohlen]], and was expanded upon by the game's lead writer, Luke Kristjanson. First appearing in ''[[Baldur's Gate]]'', Minsc later appeared in its sequel, ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'', and expansion, ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal]]'', as well as in promotions relating to the titles. Minsc is voiced by [[Jim Cummings]] in all appearances. Minsc is a ranger, originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to the [[witch]] [[List of Baldur's Gate characters#Dynaheir|Dynaheir]] as part of a [[rite of passage]]. After assisting the protagonist defeat his brother, they are captured alongside him. After Dynaheir is killed by the mage Jon Irenicus, Minsc offers his services to the protagonist in the pursuit of justice. A [[berserker]], Minsc has a strong desire to uphold good and be heroic, though with an extreme fervor that causes those around him to regard him as possibly [[insanity|insane]]. His animal companion is a hamster named Boo, who he believes is a "[[miniature giant space hamster]]" and consults for advice. Boo's actual nature is left for the player to decide. Since his introduction, Minsc has been regarded as one of the best and most popular elements of the ''Baldur's Gate'' due to his demeanor and attachment to Boo, according to sources such as [[IGN]], [[GameSpot]], and [[Eurogamer]]. Others such as ''[[Computer and Video Games|CVG]]'' have regarded him as one of the greatest aspects of [[PC gaming]], while game developers have noted a preference for him. The webcomic ''[[Megatokyo]]'' adapted Boo to appear in their publication, while the protagonist took on aspects of Minsc. His absence from subsequent gaming titles has also been lamented by sources such as [[UGO.com]] ==Conception and creation== Minsc and Boo originated in [[pen and paper]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' sessions held by ''Baldur's Gate''{{'}}s Lead Designer [[James Ohlen]]. Played by Cameron Tofer, associate producer and lead programmer of ''[[MDK2]]'', Minsc was conceived as an unstable [[comic relief]] ranger who carried around a pet hamster named Boo in the [[Dark Sun|Dark Sun campaign setting]]. The lead writer for ''Baldur's Gate'', Luke Kristjanson, expanded upon the character and created dialogue intended to make Minsc funny and memorable to the general audience.<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |date=December 24, 1999 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/073/073533p1.html |title=Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II pt. 3 |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> During development, Minsc's lines were modified in accordance with his voice actor [[Jim Cummings]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 7, 2000 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/077/077730p1.html |title=Developer Journal: Baldur's Gate II, pt. 9 |author=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> As this progressed, the writers noted they were able to interject dialogue more freely for Minsc into the script in a tone suitable for the character.<ref>{{cite web |author=Lafferty, Michael |date=July 3, 2001 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_03_01_11_11AM.htm |title=GZ Interview BioWare on BGII: Throne of Bhall |publisher=[[GameZone]] |accessdate=January 12, 2009}}</ref> Bioware co-founder [[Ray Muzyka]] has stated that out of the ''Baldur's Gate'' series, Minsc is his favorite character.<ref name="playerofgames">{{cite web |author=Staff |date=August 9, 2001 |url=http://www.playerofgames.com/articles/index.php?id=10 |title=An Interview with Ray Muzyka |publisher=Player of Games. |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> The notion of Minsc's animal companion Boo as possibly a "miniature giant space hamster" originates from ''Dungeons & Dragons'' source material, first mentioned in the [[Spelljammer|Spelljammer campaign setting]] which described them as giant hamsters bred to paddle wheels for flying ships, which can alternatively be bred in miniature form, looking like a normal hamster.<ref>{{cite book |title=Monstrous Compendium: Spelljammer Appendix |last=Terra, John |coauthors=Scott E Davis and Newton Ewell |year=1991 |publisher=TSR, Inc.|isbn=1560760710 |pages=83–84}}</ref> The possibility of Boo as such was purposefully left up to the player to determine, though senior designer David Gaider noted that regardless Boo had no powers or abilities beyond those of a regular hamster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sorcerers.net/newspro/arc3-2001.html |title=Black Isle Studios Forum Updates |publisher=Sorcerer's Place |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> He also noted Boo was handled differently from the standard concept of familiars as creatures that fought alongside their owners, due to both the frailty of hamsters and the impact Boo dying would have upon Minsc in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetbaldursgate.com/news/index.asp?month=5&day=24&year=2000 |title=On the BG2 Boards |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> In an open discussion with BioWare developers, scriptwriter [[Drew Karpyshyn]] described Boo's role in the game as "[providing] wisdom and moral support to Minsc".<ref name="chat" /> ==In computer games== Introduced in ''Baldur's Gate'', Minsc is a bald, purple-[[tattoo]]ed [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|ranger]] from the [[Forgotten Realms]] country of [[Rashemen]]. Originally a [[berserker]] on his "dajemma",<ref name="bg2manual"/> a [[rite of passage]] to gain entrance to the prestigious "Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge",{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} he swore to guard the [[witch]] [[List of Baldur's Gate characters|Dynaheir]].<ref name="bg2manual">Baldur's Gate II manual, 2000, p.33.</ref> When introduced to the player, the duo has already been ambushed by a group of [[gnoll]]s, who took Dynaheir back to their stronghold. Ordering them to halt so his hamster may judge them, Minsc introduces himself and his source of advice, the hamster Boo. He requests their help, and if they accept he will hold them to their word, to the point of using violence if necessary.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} Once rescued, both characters will assist the protagonist in defeating his brother, the antagonist [[Sarevok]]. In ''Shadows of Amn'', it is revealed shortly after the close of the previous game the group was captured and imprisoned by the mage [[Jon Irenicus]], who seeks to tap into the protagonist's power for his own goals. Dynaheir is slain, and Minsc offers his services in the name of good to strike back against Irenicus. In ''Throne of Bhaal'', Minsc is one of several character that can be summoned to assist the protagonist in a similar fashion. In the game's epilogue, it is revealed Minsc returned to Rashemen and gained access to the lodge, having become a renowned hero due to his experiences with the protagonist. Forming his own adventuring company, he continues fighting against evil until when well advanced in age, Minsc and Boo set out and disappear.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal]] |developer=[[BioWare]] |publisher=[[Interplay]] |date=21 June 2001 |platform=[[Personal computer|PC]] |level=Epilogue |quote=With the saga of the Bhaalspawn closed, Minsc fulfilled a long promised oath. He returned to Rashemen, hoping to regale the Icedragon Berserker Lodge with the tales of his deeds, and earn a place within its hallowed halls. His words were not needed. Every tavern in Faerun had a bard singing of the valiant ranger, and he was welcomed as a hero. Eventually he formed his own adventuring company, the Justice Fist, striking fear in the hearts and faces of evil until, in his advancing age, he again set out across the Realms... and disappeared. And what of Boo? Well, what is Minsc without Boo? The two would never be separated, and some say they are together still, up amongst the stars where hamsters are giants and men become legends.}}</ref> Though not appearing in any later games in the series, Minsc and Boo are referenced in other Bioware titles. In ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer]]'', an "Astral Rodent totem" can be found, with the words "For M" carved on it. In ''[[Mass Effect 2]]'' a purchasable "space hamster" that gives the player a "knowing smile" when observed can be purchased; in another instance, one of the game's [[non-playable characters]] will shout a modified version of one of Minsc's battlecries, instructing her combat drone to "Go for the optics!"{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} ==Cultural impact== ===In other media=== Minsc appears in the 2000 [[novelization]] of ''Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn'' with a heavily changed design, which describes him as a well-built man with long red hair, a patchy orange beard, and a jagged scar along the right side of his head. In addition Minsc is no longer a warrior, portrayed as much smaller with the novel's protagonist, Abdel, who is described as much larger than him. In contrast, Boo is left unchanged, still referred to by Minsc as a miniature giant space hamster. Held prisoner alongside Adbel at the start of the novel, Minsc is set free and accompanies Abdel until they reach an inn, at which Minsc opts to work. Abdel repeatedly shows discomfort for his presence, using Minsc's employment as an excuse to leave him behind and steal his sword, though later returns for his help in securing travel aboard a ship. Minsc makes a final appearance in the novel when Adbel returns to kill his employers; understanding that the inn will be permanently closed soon, Minsc tells Boo as they leave that they will have to find another place to work.<ref name="books">{{cite book |title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn |last=Athans |first=Philip |authorlink=Philip Athans |year=2000 |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |isbn=0786915692 }}</ref> Boo appears by himself in the [[webcomic]] ''[[MegaTokyo]]'', wearing strapped on wings and serving as secondary protagonist [[List of characters in Megatokyo#Largo|Largo]]'s conscience, though can't be readily understood due to only being able to squeak. Largo himself quotes Minsc, though adapts the battlecries to his own needs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/90 |title=MegaTokyo - <nowiki>[90]</nowiki> go for the beer, boo! |publisher=[[MegaTokyo]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> At one point in the comic, Boo attempts to leave Largo and return to BioWare's employment, only to be turned down.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/121 |title=MegaTokyo - <nowiki>[121]</nowiki> E3 Special: how many times... |publisher=[[MegaTokyo]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> BioWare's Ray Muzyka praised Boo's appearance in the comic, describing it as an "anime-style" depiction of a favorite character.<ref name="playerofgames" /> For a limited time Boo [[plush toys]] modeled after his appearance in the comic were sold by the artists through the website, though production was initially delayed due to manufacturer error.<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |date=December 12, 2005 |url=http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/759#rant712 |title=Boo booboo |publisher=[[MegaTokyo]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> ===Promotion and reception=== [[GameSpy]] held an interview with Lukas Kristjanson who, while speaking as Minsc, gave background information on the character.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kristjanson, Lukas |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/october00/minsc/ |title=Interview: Minsc |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> When asked about the possibility of Minsc and Boo making cameo appearances later BioWare titles, lead ''Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal'' developer Kevin Martens stated "Well, Minsc is popular. You like Minsc. We like Minsc. Neverwinter is so far away. That is all that I have to say."<ref name="chat">{{cite web |author=Staff |date=June 27, 2001 |url=http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/chats/bg2chat20010627.shtml |title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhall Edited Chat Log |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> [[IGN]] named Minsc's return in ''Baldur's Gate II'' as an aspect of the game they looked forward to, stating "How can you live without Minsc?!"<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |date=August 21, 2000 |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/133/133437p1.html |title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> Dan Tudge, project lead for ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'', noted that prior to working for BioWare he would rush home after work to use the character.<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |date=December 23, 2008 |url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html |title=Baldur's Gate Memories |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> Minsc placed seventh in a "Reader's Choice" edition of [[GameSpot]]'s "Ten Best Sidekicks" article, which noted that readers commented on the character's demeanor and attachment to Boo as reasons for his appeal to them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_sidekicks/page5.html |title=Reader's Choice: Ten Best Sidekicks |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=January 11, 2009}}</ref> [[UGO.com]] described Minsc as "a beloved game personality",<ref>{{cite web |author=Harper, Kareem |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17821 |title=Heavenly Sword Review |work=[[UGO.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> lamenting the absence of similar characters in later BioWare titles.<ref>{{cite web |author=Swiderski, Adam |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=15955 |title=Neverwinter Nights 2 review |work=[[UGO.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |accessdate=January 30, 2009}}</ref> [[Eurogamer]] named Minsc the best male supporting character in video games for 2001, noting him as additionally one of the most popular characters of the original ''Baldur's Gate''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Staff |date=March 26, 2001 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_gg2001_3 |title=Gaming Globes 2001: The Results |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=January 11, 2009}}</ref> ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]'' called him the favorite character of many players of the original ''Baldur's Gate'', citing his strengths and "appealing personality" as reasons for his popularity.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] |author=Ryan Hunt, David |date=17 October 2000|title=Baldur's Gate II: A brief guide to crucial NPCs}}</ref> Calling him "everyone's favorite lovable oaf",<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] |author=D'Aprile, Jason |date=1 September 2000|title=Another Look at Baldur's Gate II}}</ref> they praised his early presence in the game's sequel.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] |author=Yans, Cindy |date=16 March 2000|title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn Preview}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games|CVG]]'' listed him as one of their two-hundred reasons to "Love PC Gaming", quoting one of his battlecries for their reasoning.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213997 |title=200 Reasons to Love PC Gaming |publisher=''[[Computer and Video Games|CVG]]'' |accessdate=July 8, 2009 |date=May 2, 2009 |author=Staff}}</ref> [[GameDaily]] named him one of the Most Lovable Lummoxes in video gaming, stating "Every good party of adventurers in a [[Computer role-playing game|CRPG]] needs a [[Tank (gaming)|tank]]...In ''Baldur's Gate'', the human ranger Minsc is that tank, and a valuable asset to the player's quest."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/ten-of-video-games-most-loveable-lummoxes/?page=3 |title=Ten of Video Games' Most Lovable Lummoxes |work=[[GameDaily]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |accessdate=January 28, 2009}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{wikiquote|Baldur's Gate series|Minsc}} *[http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/october00/minsc/ GameSpy interview with Minsc] *[http://www.megagear.com/product_p/mt%2006-5002.htm MegaTokyo Boo plush toy] {{Baldur's Gate}} [[da:Minsc]] [[it:Minsc]] [[ru:Минск и Бу]] [[tr:Minsc]] [[Category:Baldur's Gate]] [[Category:Fictional bodyguards]] [[Category:Fictional sword fighters]] [[Category:Forgotten Realms characters]] [[Category:Male characters]] [[Category:Characters]] [[Category:Video game sidekicks]]
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