In addition, each character can be given various traits such as toughness, propensity for combat, magical aptitude, rapid recuperation, frailty, and sluggishness. Positive traits incur experience penalties, while negative traits offer bonuses. Regardless of which side you choose to play, Nethergate consists of six chapter-like segments, one for each of the game's central quests plus an introduction and the finale. The main storyline naturally follows these quests, but the game also offers numerous side quests. These are optional, but they offer opportunities to obtain experience that allows you to build your characters, to learn new information, and to earn various rewards.
Character advancement involves experience points gained from combat and from completing quests.
Training can only take place at a trainer. For players who can't remember where to train, or who have ulterior motives, a character editor is also provided, essentially allowing you to modify your party at will. Nethergate uses an isometric point of view with the camera at a three-quarters perspective. Character size varies with where your party is. Indoors or in a town, characters are a decent size, but when they move into the countryside, they shrink substantially, so much so that you can lose sight of them behind trees or other objects.