Looking for backstabber build

cbarchuk · Post by **cbarchuk** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:09 pm

Been revisiting these old games and I absolutely love them. Currently playing through IWD2 and afterwards I'm going to tackle BG2 again and I can't wait. I'm wanting to play a strong backstabber. I'm looking between a basic multi-class fighter/thief, a kensai-thief or a pure assassin. Just wanted to get some feedback on what others like as well as pros and cons between them as you see it. Thanks guys. Peace

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:32 pm

Unfortunately Baldur's Gate offers less customization that Icewind Dale II does, as such, your options are limited.

For reference, and before I throw any suggestions out at you, I recommend that you look at [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/forums/baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn-9/who-is-the-ultimate-backstabber-85223.html"]this[/url] thread, particularly Sheila Lee's post on the second page.

cbarchuk · Post by **cbarchuk** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:18 pm

Wow! Assassin/Cleric or even Assassin/Mage. Sounds pretty nasty. Those combos never even crossed my mind. It would take forever for those builds to come into their own though. I'm not a huge fan of dueling over so late in levels. Several folks mention the fighter/thief as the more practical backstabber. Mmm, decisions, decisions. I do like the assassin as well though. That x7 multiplier is pretty sweet along with poison. As far as duel-wielding goes, what swords would be amongst the best to look out for?

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:47 pm

Here's the thing, I know that dual wielding looks cool and all that, however, for a pure thief (if you don't multiclass or dual class), it's not that good. Sure, you can start dual wielding before you move fast enough to backstab, but your THAC0 (which is essentially your chance to hit) is very poor, and dual wielding only makes it worse (but it does give you a bonus attack, maybe even two, depending on weapons). If you're going to backstab, use a single weapon with a high modified (for example, +4).

My favorite dual weapons would have to be the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/kundaneplus2.jpg"]Kundane +2[/url] (shortsword) and [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/belmplus2.jpg"]Belm +2[/url] (scimitar). This is because they both give you a bonus attack per round and, well, make you attack fast.

However, if you have Throne of Bhaal installed, you should have access to the Watcher's Keep dungeon. I strongly reccomend that you save up what money you can and buy [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/shortswordofmaskplus4.jpg"]Short Sword of Mask +4[/url]. It will really help you hit, plus the entangle is nice early on, so that you can run away and hide again. Also, not that unlike in Icewind Dale II, your backstab multiplies your damage. So for an assassin, the +4 modifier actually adds 28 damage.

In her post, Sheila Lee suggest [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/theequalizer.jpg"]The Equalizer[/url]. It's worth a try, but I have never used it to backstab. I've always stuck with the Staff of the Ram (both upgraded and non-upgraded).

If you do not have the money, do not want the sword or simply do not have the Throne of Bhaal expansion, I would recommend two items: [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/shortswordofbackstabbing.jpg"]Short Sword of Backstabbing[/url] (as a backup) and the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/staffofstriking.jpg"]Staff of Striking[/url].

The Staff of Striking costs a mere 640 gold and has a +9 damage modifier (meaning that it won't help you hit, but will add (7*9 = 63 damage). However, the Staff of Striking is a charged item, meaning that after a set number of attacks, it will go away. So, when you buy it, you will have five charges on it. However, you can bypass this by selling the staff to a merchant when it has one charge left and buying it (or stealing it - there are some fences that WILL buy stolen goods). After you sell/buy/steal it, the staff will have 25 charges on it.

Anyway, back to classes. I personally dislike the fighter thief multiclass and go in favor of the mage/thief instead (since, as you'll soon learn, the mage can do everything the fighter can... only better). However, the fighter/thief CAN choose the high level ability Assassinate (makes every hit a backstab for one round (seven seconds) multiple times, but, the mage can replicate that through its many illusion spells. The builds that Sheila Lee provided are most likely meant to be solo builds, and CAN be achieved before you finish Chapter 2.

cbarchuk · Post by **cbarchuk** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:04 am

Thanks for the info bud. I've got BG2 and ToB. I played it many years ago using an Elven pure Assassin and he was a beast and you're right single weapon style was the way to go and funny enough, the Short Sword of Mask is what I had. Great weapon. I'm in Chapter 5 of IWD2. It's been pretty fun though I enjoyed IWD1 more. I think I just prefer 2nd edition rules as well as the original story line. As soon as I finish BG2 will be next. I was just trying to figure out if I should recreate my assassin again or try something else. I figured Sheila's builds were more for solo play and I may even go that route. As far as the thief/mage idea goes, it sounds tempting. I've got 2 worries here though: Won't your THACO be too low(even lower than pure thief)? Also I assume you would go with single weapon style for this build too correct?

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:19 am

THAC0 is not a concern for the mage/thief. Yours should be very close to that of a normal thief. However, as soon as you can cast Tenser's Transformation (level 6), you will quickly surpass the thief, the fighter and the fighter/thief.

Your mage part has so many protections that you can easily go toe to toe with enemies without worrying about your health.

You can go whatever style you like after you get Tenser's, however, before that time comes, stick with single weapons.

However, in my opinnion, the best backstabbing weapon is the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/staffoftheramplus6.jpg"]Staff of the Ram + 6[/url].

Eventually, you'll be able to use that huge golem fist of yours for "backstabbing".

As a special mention, I would like to bring your attention to the fact that an Assassin, while starting with x5, will get an x7 multiplier at around level 21. Additionally, he gains +1 to THAC0 and damage every few levels, as well as an additional use of Poison Weapon. Now, here's the fun part, Poison Weapon stacks with itself, meaning that one application (you use the skill once) will do 1 damage per second for 24 seconds (3 damage for first 6 seconds), two applications will do 2 damage per second for 24 seconds (6 damage for first 6 seconds) and so forth. Now, the beauty of this isn't the damage (which is still nice, at 36 damage over 24 seconds), but the fact that each time the opponent takes damage, it forces them into a "damage animation". With several applications, you can essentially render your enemies helpless.

Stworca · Post by **Stworca** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:21 am

Crenshinibon wrote: However, in my opinnion, the best backstabbing weapon is the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/staffoftheramplus6.jpg"]Staff of the Ram + 6[/url].

I agree with Crenshinibon fully. (now go, and write a review!)

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:10 pm

A review? Of what? The staff? :laugh:

Stworca · Post by **Stworca** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:20 pm

The staff can be the part of it, yes

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:51 pm

I gladly would, had I any time to spare. Second to last semester for me. Busy busy. That and preparation for work and so forth.

cbarchuk · Post by **cbarchuk** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:09 pm

Crenshinibon wrote:THAC0 is not a concern for the mage/thief. Yours should be very close to that of a normal thief. However, as soon as you can cast Tenser's Transformation (level 6), you will quickly surpass the thief, the fighter and the fighter/thief.

Your mage part has so many protections that you can easily go toe to toe with enemies without worrying about your health.

You can go whatever style you like after you get Tenser's, however, before that time comes, stick with single weapons.

However, in my opinnion, the best backstabbing weapon is the [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/showshot.php?/baldursgateii/equipment/images/staffoftheramplus6.jpg"]Staff of the Ram + 6[/url].

Eventually, you'll be able to use that huge golem fist of yours for "backstabbing".

As a special mention, I would like to bring your attention to the fact that an Assassin, while starting with x5, will get an x7 multiplier at around level 21. Additionally, he gains +1 to THAC0 and damage every few levels, as well as an additional use of Poison Weapon. Now, here's the fun part, Poison Weapon stacks with itself, meaning that one application (you use the skill once) will do 1 damage per second for 24 seconds (3 damage for first 6 seconds), two applications will do 2 damage per second for 24 seconds (6 damage for first 6 seconds) and so forth. Now, the beauty of this isn't the damage (which is still nice, at 36 damage over 24 seconds), but the fact that each time the opponent takes damage, it forces them into a "damage animation". With several applications, you can essentially render your enemies helpless.

Well damn, I didn't realize you can stack poison weapon. That's pretty sweet!