I have been borrowing SOA from one of my brothers friends, but I just bought the colletors edition (Collectors edition, the "official" strategy guide, and Sword coast for $40-50!) But now, if installing the collectors edition, would I still be able to play my game saves from the borrowed game or is all I need to install the bonus disk?

Also, what are the cards about? Just a preview into the game?

Savegame should work fine. Just install the bonus disc and youll get the merchants.

Dunno about the cards. Dont trust the official strategy guide, it may be accurate to the designers intentions but sites like Sixofspades and the Spell Reference are much more accurate to the game as it actualy works.

k thanks, and that's why i put "" around official.