Favorite NPC. Personality and practicality wise

Sabretooth · Post by **Sabretooth** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 7:42 am

Ok people, I know the "what is your favourite NPC's" topic has been done 100000 times before but this time I want just ONE vote for each catagory (personality and practicality/usefulness)
My topic so I get first vote.

Top personality = Korgan: He's undeniably evil

(he shows a softer side if you take him on Jans quest though, there are some things even Korgan won't do), pure tank, loves to flat out kill stuff, interesting dialogue (Keldorn and Edwin) plus he has the games BEST accent. "Me axe be bloody ready" You gotta love the guy.

Most practical = Har 'Dalis?: Thats right folks, he may seem completely crap at first but believe me he ain't. Count 'em, 3 possible proficiency points in duel wielding, 2 in short swords (Cut-throat +4, Backstabing +3) AND spelcasting abilities!!!
Now then we throw in Stoneskin, Tensers transformation and offesive spin = The thinking mans tank!
Of course you could just stand in the back lines as well if you wished and throw fireballs and lightning bolts with Edwin or Aerie, Mr Flexibility can do it all!

The_Pope · Post by **The_Pope** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 8:06 am

Personality: Jan. The little fellow is just plain cool. Great interaction with other NPCs as well.

Most practical: Keldorn! Definitely Keldorn! He needs 2 items to be insanely powerful: Gauntlets of Dexterity and Carsomyr. His abilities gained as an inquisitor are 2 of the most invaluable spells in the game. His personal armor rocks, and his immunity to Charm and Hold thanks to his kit make him really unstoppable. I love this guy.

Quitch · Post by **Quitch** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 8:08 am

For personality, I'd go with Jaheira. Her background isn't just for added colour, it actually comes into play nicely. She has a sharp (and fairly dry) wit with which she can cut anyone down to size, but she also has a softer, and rather sad side. All in all, I think she has more depth than anyone else, and brings you into the most interesting situations. Not only that, but she has a reasonable amount of interaction too. She never lets her opinion go unvoiced

For use, hmmmmm.....not sure, but I think I'll take Imoen. Her abilities as a thief are just good enough for BG2 (get the Kevin Dorner patch, she's missing 20-25 ability points without it), and she's free to concentrate on spells and spells alone, useful for those on the rampage looking for their soul

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 8:10 am

A tank, by definition, is somebody with great armor level and hit points to spare, who can take the battle right into the enemy ranks as required while your ranged fighters and spellcasters work behind the scenes. Haer'dalis' hit points aren't the best, his offensive spin roots him to the spot, and Tenser's Transformation, while good, doesn't make a tank out of anybody--it's an emergency-only spell, since there are a lot of others spells on the same level you'll want your magely-inspired characters to learn, too. I'm not saying you shouldn't like him, but I would suggest that those aren't reasons to regard him as a tank.

rapier · Post by **rapier** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 9:00 am

Personally: Jaheira! She adds much to the story, makes many comments and is the best romance in the game!

Practically: 1.Keldorn with Gaunts of Dex and Carsomyr, and 2.Mazzy with Gesens or Tansherons...

The_Pope · Post by **The_Pope** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 9:28 am

Originally posted by fable:
his offensive spin roots him to the spot

No it doesn't, that's Defensive Stance.

TheDude · Post by **TheDude** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 9:31 am

personality: Yoshimo i think he is one of the most polite npc's in the game.

practical: KELDORN, i think the_pope said enough

---------------------------------------------
TheDude Notorious Founder of The Shadow Guild,
Co-Founder of The Shadow Mages

-Sorcery and Shadow together as one, the arcane and the dark united. Through our knowledge and skill none can stand against us. We are as one, infallible and invincible. The Shadow Mages.-

-if i survive death, i probable survive everything-

Sabretooth · Post by **Sabretooth** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 9:49 am

Whoops, forgot about Keldorn. I would agree that he is the most practical (who wouldnt be when weilding Carsomyr), however I still prefer using HD simply because its more fun to beef him up with numerous spells before sending him into the fray. Dont have to carry ten of those damn ID scrolls around either.

Sojourner · Post by **Sojourner** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 9:53 am

Best Personality - Jan: Some of the best dialogues in the game (" You'll go far, you know. Farther, maybe, than cousin Bifflechips... although he was flung by a catapult, so I suppose it doesn't really count.")

Most Practical - Jaheira: Druid spells + tanking power, not to mention Harper Plot yields more goodies with her along

Edwin · Post by **Edwin** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 10:00 am

Personality: Viconia. A woman that leaves her homeland and venture in a world hostile vs her race.....

Practical: Korgan. With his axe is really a power of nature. But all the three evil character are preactical. Viconia and Edwin only have low hit points, but are as much powerful as korgan. IMO

Sabretooth · Post by **Sabretooth** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 10:12 am

Originally posted by fable:
A tank, by definition, is somebody with great armor level and hit points to spare, who can take the battle right into the enemy ranks as required while your ranged fighters and spellcasters work behind the scenes. Haer'dalis' hit points aren't the best, his offensive spin roots him to the spot, and Tenser's Transformation, while good, doesn't make a tank out of anybody--it's an emergency-only spell, since there are a lot of others spells on the same level you'll want your magely-inspired characters to learn, too. I'm not saying you shouldn't like him, but I would suggest that those aren't reasons to regard him as a tank.

I agree with your definition of a tank, however I would still regard HD as a decent secondary tank. I never thought of him being in Korgans or Keldorns league but HD can be used in the front line effectively nevertheless.
Stoneskin makes the AC argument vitually irrelevant. Of course you'd still want a decent AC of -2 or so but with a primary tanks assistance it shouldnt be a problem. As the Pope pointed out, Offensive spin enables mobility (plus extra attacks) which is extremely useful for a tank. Finally you would make Har 'Dalis memorise the spells that will enhance his role in the party. If you use him as a mage then you might memorise say,Chain lightning or true sight but if you use him as a front liner then of course you would want to use a melee orientated spell such as Tensers.

Just my opinion, hope it makes sense
Sorry for double posting

The_Pope · Post by **The_Pope** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 10:19 am

Originally posted by Sabretooth:
Of course you'd still want a decent AC of -2 or so but with a primary tanks assistance it shouldnt be a problem.

Since when is AC -2 decent?!

Originally posted by Sabretooth:
As the Pope pointed out, Offensive spin enables mobility (plus extra attacks)

Plus full damage dealing...

Sabretooth · Post by **Sabretooth** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 10:23 am

Hey, you could do worse.

Quitch · Post by **Quitch** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 3:45 pm

Yeah but Aerie isn't supposed to be used up front

Evandarian · Post by **Evandarian** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 5:36 pm

Personality
Jaheira- indepth background, best romance, and just really a no-nonsense down-to-earth sweet half elf... (does neone else think her tethyrian accent is really sweet?)

Practicality
Aerie- the mage/cleric combo is really really useful!

fable · Post by **fable** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 5:47 pm

Me: ...His [meaning Haer'dalis] offensive spin roots him to the spot.

Pope: No it doesn't, that's Defensive Stance.

True. However, that still only gives him an offensive bonus once a day. Like I said, Haer'dalis doesn't become as a tank as a result.

Manveru · Post by **Manveru** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 11:09 pm

Personally :

Jaheira

- (I said it many times) the best story, deepest character, the best romance and NPC quests.

Practically : Keldorn - always the first tank in my party (Keldorn + Carsomyr = desolation)

[ 04-09-2001: Message edited by: Manveru ]

TheHellion · Post by **TheHellion** » Sun Apr 08, 2001 11:54 pm

Why the hell do I bother getting involved in these conversations anyhow?

Personality-wise, I'm gonna have to go with a certain Rashemmar ranger. I can't believe nobody's mentioned Minsc yet! What's wrong with you people?!

As far as practicality goes, it's Jaheira all the way. She's easily my favorite NPC. A combination of good fighter abilities, low AC, and powerful spells (Iron Skins and Insect Plague immediately come to mind) make her one of the most versatile characters in the game. She's equally capable both up close--with the Belm scimitar +2--and from a distance, with the uncomparable sling of Everard +5. I'd never even consider dumping her from my party, whether romancing her or not. What can I say, I love the gal.

[ 04-09-2001: Message edited by: TheHellion ]

Minsc&BOO · Post by **Minsc&BOO** » Mon Apr 09, 2001 6:39 am

Both Minsc&BOO

renyu · Post by **renyu** » Mon Apr 09, 2001 6:56 am

well, if u want all rounded usefulness, its gotta be jaheira
can fight well, can tank, can cast druid spells, can romance, etc etc

most fun??? gotta be jan.
no kiddin

but of course, no forgetting keldorn
i wud take keldorn JUST to be able to use the HA