Why is my PC, a Stalker, not backstabbing? I'm hiding, sneaking up, etc etc. Could it be the armor? Is there an armor limitation on this?

Armors limit sneaking, not backstab. Nonetheless, you can backstab wearing a full plate if you have Ring of Invisibility or spell or something similar).
It could be the weapon. What is he wielding?
It could be the enemy. Is it dragon or beholder?

I'm 99% sure that Beholders and their ilk can be backstabed.
Golems, however, can't be.

So, I'm not getting backstab damage with my Ranger PC in one game, nor with Valygar in another. Quite frustrating. Haven't I seen something before about this being a bug? Anyone know whassup?

Maybe you're using a weapon unsuitable for backstabbing. You have to use a weapon that single-slass thieves can use. Either that or you have a rare bug that causes stalkers to lose their backstab. The Baldurdash fixpack fixes that problem though.

That is my thought as well. His 2DA files could be damaged. Have you been installing custom kits or other mods?
Create new stalker and check if he can backstab. Can your thief backstab? And you haven't answered - what weapon is he wielding? Check with other weapons (daggers or swords).

[ 10-28-2002, 05:44 PM: Message edited by: Vedran ]

Beholders are immune to Backstab, or at least the Gauths in my game are. Odd that their avatars show all their eyes pointing in one direction, when the multiple eyes are supposed to radiate for 360-degree vision.

First off: Beholders can't be backstabbed. I realize it's been said, but I'll say it again =)

Anyway, I've heard of there being a bug where stalkers lose their abilities to backstab (At least I think I have =) Make sure you have all of the latest patches installed. I don't think Stalkers can wear full plate, can they? I thought they were limited to Leather Armor types.
Edit: Are you of high enough level? I don't think Stalkers gain their backstab modifier until a certain level.

[ 10-28-2002, 10:17 PM: Message edited by: Grammar ]

Did they change that from BGI? I never really used backstab much in BGII but I know it worked on the flesh golems in the original game...

I agree. That was just a general example: someone could backstab no matter what armor he has.