Usual size of your party?

[Galuf the Dwarf]

Note to fable: I tried searching for a topic like this, but it didn't come up with anything exactly like this.

Well, the thread about favorite Bard kits made me wonder. The Blade is more of a worthwhile solo Bard, while the Skald is better in a party. Other kits may have similar circumstances of play value, so I'm wondering how large of a party people prefer.

[Faust]

I generally fill up the party, chiefly for the character interaction and role playing value. I enjoy the strategy of managing a full force, as well, though it probably simplifies many situations.

[Sytze]

6. Plain and simple, there's one word for the reason why: dialogs. I love the party interaction and the stories the NPC's hold. That's what makes BG and that's what always kept me coming back. Mod's like Tashia, Kelsey and Keto keep the BG fire burning and make this such a great game.

[dragon wench]

[QUOTE=Sytze]6. Plain and simple, there's one word for the reason why: dialogs. I love the party interaction and the stories the NPC's hold. That's what makes BG and that's what always kept me coming back. Mod's like Tashia, Kelsey and Keto keep the BG fire burning and make this such a great game. [/QUOTE]

Ditto here. I don't care about the extra loot capacity; it are the party interactions that make the game what it is.

[fable]

[QUOTE=dragon wench]Ditto here. I don't care about the extra loot capacity; it are the party interactions that make the game what it is. [/QUOTE]

My point of view, too.

[SP101]

For me, it's either :

- 1 (Solo), for the challenge,
- 4, to get exp quicker, but to keep all areas covered (Thevery, magery, etc.)
- 6, for roleplay and banters.

I used only 2 character once, and if I recall correctly, it was a Gnome fighter/thief multicass with Aerie, mainly because they completed each others (Tank, thief, mage and healer, all the basic classes are covered but druid (wich is another type of healer)). It was fun... not as challenging as a solo, but still really hard and fun!

[Galuf the Dwarf]

The dialogue aspect is a very good point.

Hey fable, you think you could possibly edit a sentence into #6 saying something like "Also provides plenty of dialogue"? *grumbles under his breath about being demanding of others*

[Erenor]

I've just started soloing Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate II, Icewind Dale, Icewind Dale II, and all of their expansions with some mods. This is a new experience for me and it doesn't make too much sense from a roleplaying point of view, but it is challenging and fun! Normally, I try and fill up my party with at least 4 members to keep the banter coming and to enjoy some of the abilities of other characters. The easiest way to learn about other classes is through NPCs IMO...

[Phantom Lord]

1 or 4.

While soloing lacks dialog, it's an interesting experience in tactics. A party of 4 seems like the perfect compromise between fast leveling and flexibility. A full party is simply too big for me.

[fable]

[QUOTE=Galuf the Dwarf]The dialogue aspect is a very good point.

Hey fable, you think you could possibly edit a sentence into #6 saying something like "Also provides plenty of dialogue"? *grumbles under his breath about being demanding of others* [/QUOTE]

It's done.

[Painflux]

I like having a party of 6, because it makes room for lot's of interesting NPC's. This also gives the party a larger varity of spells, skills and so on... and of caurse the possibillity of using a lot of VERY interesting and different equipment !

[Erenor]

[QUOTE=Painflux]I like having a party of 6, because it makes room for lot's of interesting NPC's. This also gives the party a larger varity of spells, skills and so on... and of caurse the possibillity of using a lot of VERY interesting and different equipment ! [/QUOTE]

Yes, it's a pain to find a particular weapon and not being able to use it do to restrictions because your party is too small or unvaried. Using a variety of weapons and tactics that groups allow is a good part of the gaming experience.

[krunchyfrogg]

I like 5, and taking random NPCs for they're quests in BGII. When I get to ToB, I like taking that NPC, so I guess my vote should be 5.5.

[Erenor]

[QUOTE=krunchyfrogg]I like 5, and taking random NPCs for they're quests in BGII. When I get to ToB, I like taking that NPC, so I guess my vote should be 5.5. [/QUOTE]

Which NPC do you take in ToB?

[krunchyfrogg]

I don't want to spoil, but I take that guy who is only available in ToB...

[Luis Antonio]

koveras, perhaps?

[Erenor]

[QUOTE=Luis Antonio]koveras, perhaps?[/QUOTE]

Methinks this assumption is probably correct, Luis.

[krunchyfrogg]

Yes, you're right. I still don't think your answer should be posted though. Someone who played BGI, but never played ToB shouldn't know that he can join your party.

[Tequila]

Depends on the circumstance. With no mods SoA+ToB is too easy so a full party isn't needed but then you lose out on the dialog and interaction between six people. After you've played the game enough and learn what works then dragging around six people isn't so much fun anymore. Three people is ideal since you can get them all outfitted in boots of speed by chapter four if you do things right.

However for this time around I installed the Tactics mod and have kept the group full for most of it. Sometimes I'm glad I did for the improved fights especially Bodhi and Twisted Rune but othertimes it's just plain overkill. The group I have is an odd mixture of good and evil so it's quite entertaining to say the least. I've had me(Cavalier), Korgan, Sir Anomen, Jahiera, Nalia and Edwin for about 4 chapters now. Just saw the dialog recently from Edwin about the desire to slowly torture Nalia so things could be interesting I've never had those two in my party at the same time in any other game.

[Erenor]

[QUOTE=Tequila]Depends on the circumstance. With no mods SoA+ToB is too easy so a full party isn't needed but then you lose out on the dialog and interaction between six people. After you've played the game enough and learn what works then dragging around six people isn't so much fun anymore. Three people is ideal since you can get them all outfitted in boots of speed by chapter four if you do things right.

However for this time around I installed the Tactics mod and have kept the group full for most of it. Sometimes I'm glad I did for the improved fights especially Bodhi and Twisted Rune but othertimes it's just plain overkill. The group I have is an odd mixture of good and evil so it's quite entertaining to say the least. I've had me(Cavalier), Korgan, Sir Anomen, Jahiera, Nalia and Edwin for about 4 chapters now. Just saw the dialog recently from Edwin about the desire to slowly torture Nalia so things could be interesting I've never had those two in my party at the same time in any other game.[/QUOTE]

Edwin and Nalia are a great conversation match. You never really need two mages once you have Edwin's skills, but his attitude makes for great conversations with people he doesn't get along with.