Otherwise, the situation is similar to what has always been the case for LAN games with no internet connection available: the authentication step is simply skipped. This prevents logging in to servers that require master server authentication (a setting in the server's nwnplayer.ini file). The master server has been offline since the summer of 2011, so key verification has not occurred since then. Furthermore, each computer connecting to the game must have its own set of CD keys. When starting or joining a multiplayer game, the game's CD keys are authenticated by BioWare's master server (if the master server is available). The key is entered during the game's installation and stored in the nwncdkey.ini file (if the key is accepted by the installer). The code for the base game is also used to validate premium modules.
This 35-character alphanumeric code is used for authentication, both during installation of the game and when using the multiplayer aspect of the game.
A CD key comes with each copy of Neverwinter Nights and each expansion pack.
