Solo Druid is pretty difficult...

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 11:32 pm

I know the soloing thread has been done to death, but from what I remember Druids were never very popular. Now I see why, because they're by far the most difficult class I've soloed yet. I've done just about everything but a Druid. I never really played druids much in BG, but when I did they were primarily healers. They have a very meager selection of spells, the armour restricion of a thief, and the weapon selection of a mage. Don't get me wrong I thing druids are damn cool characters and will continue playing, but beating some of the more powerful spellcasting characters is barely possible. I find myself constantly running in and out of buildings when they're half done casting a spell repeatedly until they wast all of their spells and then going in for the kill. Or if they're mirror imaged, I just leave the area until it wears off so I can actually do something like use a Call Lightning. Fighting Nimbul I had to charm two Amnish guards for him to waste all his magic missiles on cause I couldn't heal myself fast enough. Then I took care of his mirror image and cast call lightning. I even got killed by Tranzig the first time because I wasn't fast enough to disrupt him casting Armor. I'd just like to see what other peoples' experiences with Druids are like whether solo or in a party. My solo Conjurer was easier than this is so far. But I have some confidence that once I get to level 7 and get Animal Summoning it'll become much easier. Sure the Shapechange will be a nice perk but Animal Summoning is what I need right now. Whatever... I just needed to voice my opinion on the slow progress of my solo druid, respond if you feel inclined.

garazdawi · Post by **garazdawi** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 4:23 am

The thing with druids in BG1 is that you can reach really high levels(compared to a cleric) IIRC so can u get level five spells without the expansion pack, which is really cool

, the complete lack of offensive spells except for call lightning is to say the least hindering. And even call lightning is no help against the big baddies as they are all indoors

Summoning animals will surely help quite a bit as will gettig some fifth level spells...... a good tactic with these kind of classes(spell casters) is to use a sling al the time. When ever you are not casting a spell or running away attack with your sling. You might get lucky sometime. Also iron skin is helpful ( I'm not completly sure if this spel exist in BG1 as I didn't play teh game in like 2 years.....) ans hsould be up 24/7. Charming monsters to do your bidding might actualy be a saving tactic, but it wiil become harder and harder as you approach teh main baddies......

Well that's just my 2c, keep us posted on your journey

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 7:39 am

Well I do use my sing a lot, and there is no Ironskins in BG as far as the manual goes.

garazdawi · Post by **garazdawi** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:50 am

Originally posted by Skuld
Well I do use my sing a lot, and there is no Ironskins in BG as far as the manual goes.

As I said I haven't played the game for a while

.....I know that there is iron skin in BG2, but I wasn't sure about BG1......Do u have ToSC? it might eb included there.... or it might just be a BG2 spell...... well Good luck with that druid..... I have a feeling you're gonna need it. It's hard playing anykind of defensive character solo....

nephtu · Post by **nephtu** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 11:16 am

Skinless..

Nope, no skins (Iron or Stone) in BG or TotSC, alas.

It makes life much harder for druids and mages.

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 1:09 pm

So I've made it to level 7(still in chapter 3), and Shapechange and Animal Summoning were worth the agony it took to get here. I don't have TotSC and as nephtu said no iron or stone skins anyway, but Mages at least have Armor, which lasts for 8 hours while Druids get Barkskin, which lasts only rounds. Anyway... this is still gonna be a challenge since the only other offensive spell I will gain in this game is Animal Summoning II. Well I'm off to the bandit camp, and see how that goes.

Mirk · Post by **Mirk** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 3:02 am

couple of things that might help u:

1. ankleg armour

2. darts (of biting vs. spellcasters, of stunning vs. all tough baddies). actually they are of my favorite weapons, for the fast ROF, regardless of class

3. dagger of venom

4. ring of invisibility

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 10:35 am

I have Darts of Wounding, and the Dagger of Venom. IIRC Druids can't wear Ankheg armor. And where is the Ring of Invisibility?

garazdawi · Post by **garazdawi** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 12:46 pm

Originally posted by Skuld
I have Darts of Wounding, and the Dagger of Venom. IIRC Druids can't wear Ankheg armor. And where is the Ring of Invisibility?

I belive it can be bought in the sorceror's soundries..... not 100% sure.... not ven 50% sure but it is worth having a look in there......u might also try high edge.

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 1:15 pm

I know for sure that it's not at High Hedge, and I haven't even been to the bandit camp yet, so it'll be a while before I get the the Sorcerer's Sundries.

garazdawi · Post by **garazdawi** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 1:32 pm

There might also be a chance of finding it in the theives guild if u ever make it there... some merchants in beregost also have some random items.......Basically I'm just telling u to run around to very shop there is and look for it......gee what if it is loot somewhere.....well i guess time will tell.....

The Z · Post by **The Z** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 9:28 pm

Isn't the Ring of Invisibility in TotSC?

garazdawi · Post by **garazdawi** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 9:16 am

Originally posted by The Z
Isn't the Ring of Invisibility in TotSC?

This might well be, it might be bought from the merchant in ulgoths beard.....

Mister Popo · Post by **Mister Popo** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 11:02 am

Aren't there 2 rings of invisibility, I recall having 2 when I did the cult quest in Ulgoth's beard.

Ring of Holiness will help a bit, but as you are a druid, I don't think you'll need more level 1 to 4 spells.

I think there's a studded leather plus owh, no that's in ToSC...
maybe the best advice is:

"Get Tales of the Sword Coast"

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 12:38 pm

I got the Studded Leather +2, but I felt the +1 to all saves was worth a little more than the extra +1 to AC I'd get from the armor. I have the Ring of Holiness too.Well here's what I have:
Studded Leather
Buckler
Ring of Holiness
RoP +1
Sling +1
Bullets +1
Dagger of Venom
Darts of Wounding

Mister Popo · Post by **Mister Popo** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 1:03 pm

I got the Studded Leather +2, but I felt the +1 to all saves was worth a little more than the extra +1 to AC I'd get from the armor.

It depends a lot on what you plan to do, I would choose the full plate plus 2 in DT above a normal full plate, but I agree that when playing a tricky class such as the Druid, you should go for a studded leather armor plus the benefits the +2 RoP gives you.

Question @ Skuld: How far along are you in the game, cause wouldn't the sling +3 in DT benefit you greatly at this time?

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 1:57 pm

I'm gonna head up to the Bandit Camp as soon as I get motivated to play some more. I'm back at school now and I've been sick all week, so that's left little time for gaming.

Mirk · Post by **Mirk** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 10:30 am

"Get Tales of the Sword Coast"

i have to second that! the ring of invisibility is there, being sold at Ulgoth Beard, together with the nifty Greenstone Amulet (forget about mind-affecting spells, wear the better armour). These are MUCH needed items for a solo player. There's also a Ring of Free Action ther, to be pickpoceted of a halfling dude, also this might prove a problem for a solo druid... maybe get a thief with you just for that...

also, you can get a sling +3, which will help you a lot, and a scimitar (both mundane and +2) is a weapon that does not appear if TotSC is not installed, as does hide armour.

another thing that might help you a lot is a Ring of Fire Protection, one of which, IIRC, can be found in a crack in a cliff in one of the southern areas, you should check the various walkthroughs for this, i don't remember where exactly...

Skuld · Post by **Skuld** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:14 pm

Well I came to the conclusion that since I've been playing almost exlusively IE games for the past three years, that I've had plenty of entertainment without the aid of expansion packs. I'm actually headed over to the mall today to see if I can try and dig up a copy of PS:T, because I've looked for it in stores for quite some time and have been unsuccessful at locating it. Or I might have to find a new game to occupy my time until this new game comes out that I read a review for the other day on gamesdomain. It's based on a 1st edition campaign but set to 3E rules, and the specs for it are years behind other games of the time(like NWN) so I'll be able to run it on my laptop at school. I forgot when it comes out, but it sounds like it'll be great.

Mister Popo · Post by **Mister Popo** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:53 pm

mmmm, I would like to know which game you have in mind, I'm on the lookout for good "BG perspectif" RPG's