Don't get me wrong, i loved first game and finished it but this game looks exactly like the first one. Characters and story are the only different things as far as i can see. Looks more like expansion than a second title.

Does this game continue the story from the 1st game? If I skip the first game, will I feel confused or out of place in regards to the story and characters of this game?

I am required to go down into Avadon's halls under the dungeon and release some "red stuff." The only place I'm aware of to get there is the stairs leading to the Lower Cells. However, there's a closed gate when I get there, and I don't know how to open it. Screenshot of stairs in Avadon dungeon: https://i.imgur.com/tbVY0vn.jpeg Screenshot of the closed gate at the beginning of the Lower Cells: https://i.imgur.com/4DdrDMC.jpeg Thank you, fellow adventurers, for whatever guidance you can provide....

since avadon1 is on linux can we have this one on linux to?

I've been playing EFtP and thought of buying more games from them since they all seem to follow the same gameplay aspects. I'd like to know how open and interesting Avadon's world is. I fell in love with how sandbox-ish Avernum: EFtP is and how well the lore is presented. Been thinking in getting more from that series and hopefully I'll have enough money if they go on sale during the Winter sales, but right now I have a bit of money for either Nethergate or Avadon. So, is it as open and interesting as Ave...