Cleric v Druid

Shakey · Post by **Shakey** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:13 pm

Hi everyone,

I recently fired up BG II after a looooong hiatus, so it's been fun reading the posts here in the forum to get reacquainted.

I'm working on a couple of different party combinations, especially trying to focus on players I've not taken with me before.

My question - I hate Aerie and Anomen, and I've played with Vic many times before (I know that's not a question yet...) My question is if Jaheira and her druid spells can adequately take the place of a full/part time cleric. There's a couple cleric only spells that I'll miss, but I've not taken Jaheira in a party before, and I like some of her druid-only spells.

I know that any party can be made to work, but I'm just curious about any comments. Thanks in advance.

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:46 pm

Yes, but you'll have to adjust your combat strategies for the differences. A few of the druid spells don't work indoors, and druids can't control the undead. On the other hand, clerics can't summon lightening or insects to attack opposing spellcasters.

If you do decide to go with a druid, though, be sure it's Jaheira, rather than Cernd. Jaheira can cast Raise Dead after a certain point, thanks to being a Harper. It's a benefit you'll appreciate.

Fljotsdale · Post by **Fljotsdale** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:10 pm

Clerics are very good; but I always preferred Jaheira. It's been an age since I played this game though.

Ode to a Grasshopper · Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:23 pm

The only things to bear in mind are that being multi-class she's probably a little inadequate as the sole healer for the party, doesn't have the greatest wisdom score, and there's a massive gap between her reaching Druid level 14 and 15. That and a lot of people don't like her character, and the romance can be a pain.
On the other hand, as Fable notes she can raise dead and makes a decent part-time cleric with killer summoning powers, kicks major butt as a fighter multi (iron skins, insect summons, Nature's Beauty and harm + critical strike =

, and it means no wasted high-level abilities later on as with pure caster types), and the extra quests/encounters you get with her are actually pretty good.

Curry · Post by **Curry** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:40 am

Shakey wrote: My question is if Jaheira and her druid spells can adequately take the place of a full/part time cleric. There's a couple cleric only spells that I'll miss, but I've not taken Jaheira in a party before, and I like some of her druid-only spells.

Druids have access to the BEST spell in BG2 - Lvl 5 Insect Plague

It makes even dragons panic and run in terror

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:58 am

Curry wrote:Druids have access to the BEST spell in BG2 - Lvl 5 Insect Plague It makes even dragons panic and run in terror

You can't use Insect Plague indoors, as I recall. Unless I'm confusing the rules.

Stworca · Post by **Stworca** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 11:20 am

fable wrote:You can't use Insect Plague indoors, as I recall. Unless I'm confusing the rules.

I think you are.

I never use druids, but totemic druid is a very powerfull character with some "big ones". Priests can use more types of armor and weapons, therefore have it easier to stay alive. I believe that priests are better for the role of "Buffer" but don't quote me on that cause like i said, i never use druids

The limitation of some spells to be usable only OUTDOORS makes druids gimped in majority of battles.

Jaheira however is a druid/fighter, and a strong NPC (give her a good spear, and watch 'em go). Take her with you, sure. But she won't match the healing of a single-class Cleric or Druid.

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:21 pm

Stworca wrote:I think you are.

Quite possibly so. After thinking about it, I may have just added IP to a list in my head that includes Lightning Bolt--and that can't be cast indoors. I believe you're right, IP can. It's a great spell.

The limitation of some spells to be usable only OUTDOORS makes druids gimped in majority of battles.

No arguments, there. I much prefer the later druid rules that beef up the class in melee without resorting to a fighter/druid.

Jaheira however is a druid/fighter, and a strong NPC (give her a good spear, and watch 'em go). Take her with you, sure. But she won't match the healing of a single-class Cleric or Druid.

On the other hand, if you want to play a game with different NPC characters, as well as apply different strategies that challenge you, Jaheira rather than Anomen or Viconia is just fine. In fact, Cernd, for all that he's about as exciting as a water-soaked torch, can be fun in a party. Figuring out how to integrate his animal form into your combat can pose a challenge too, especially since he can't deliver spells during that time.