I'm getting tired of the typical fighter heavy parties. Been thinking of creating a party consisting of only spellcasters:
Me: sorcerer (never played one before)
Aerie
Nalia
Jan
Imoen
Since that might prove a bit unwieldy, I could maybe take yoshimo instead of jan, and then imoen would take over the thieving duties when you know what happens.
Only problem I foresee is having to buy truckloads of pots of genius to help scribe all those spells. Oh, and I plan to make it a naked party as well. Certain items really take the fun out of the game for me (cough robe of vecna staff of the magi cough) so I'd rather just completely rely on the characters' skills.
What say you?
EDIT: or do you think nalia's thieving is enough until I get immy? (I usually do every single quest before sailing to spellhold though).
All mage party
It sounds interesting. The summoning limit and lack of melee will certainly hinder though especially at the lower levels. Knock spell should help with troublesome locks, it's just trap disarming that could be a problem. Nalia should suffice most of the time.
Lots of saving and the highest-level, deadliest traps can be avoided.
Lots of saving and the highest-level, deadliest traps can be avoided.
I say, "Don't compromise." You won't have a real "all Mage" party if you use the Bioware NPCs since all of them except Edwin are multi-class, but you'll have a nice "theme party" if you only select those who can cast Wizard spells, and I think it's a great idea.
Don't take Yoshimo; let Jan handle all of your thieving needs. I don't see why you'd have any complaints about that; he's the best Thief in the game. And go ahead and use Aerie's cleric abilities--you'll probably need them. For all practical purposes, you can treat Nalia and Imoen as single-class Mages who can wield a bow.
If you're worried about expensive potions and other items, have Jan drink four or five Potions of Master Thievery (they last 3 hours) and go on a shoplifting spree. Steal all of the items you plan to keep except for wands and other rechargeable items, and steal a bunch of expensive items you don't want to use and sell them to a "fence". Don't steal any wands, though. You have to sell wands to a store to recharge them, and it won't be easy to do that if they become "fenced goods".
If you want advice about tactics, here are some tips. When you have a lot of spellcasters in your party, I think you should focus on a narrow range of spells for each party member to make melee casting simpler and easier. Your single-class party members will be able to cast higher level spells than your multi-class party members, so plan accordingly. It would also be a good idea to use summoned monsters to absorb the brunt of physical attacks. If you want to use area effect spells, try to avoid hurting your summoned help (and your own party). When you select your Sorcerer spells, don't choose any that can be replaced by a wand, such as Cloudkill, Fireball, etc. Let your party use plenty of wands. If a tough, magic-resistant monster is eating your party alive, let a party member with Stoneskin or a summoned monster distract it while you hit it with four or five Lower Resistance spells and a dozen Magic Missile spells. When your Sorcerer is able to cast Project Image, use it to its full advantage--cast the spell, empty your spellbook, and cast it again when it wears off. We have discussed Sorcerer spell selection in great depth in these forums, so I suggest that you do a search and take a look at those message threads.
Good luck!
Don't take Yoshimo; let Jan handle all of your thieving needs. I don't see why you'd have any complaints about that; he's the best Thief in the game. And go ahead and use Aerie's cleric abilities--you'll probably need them. For all practical purposes, you can treat Nalia and Imoen as single-class Mages who can wield a bow.
If you're worried about expensive potions and other items, have Jan drink four or five Potions of Master Thievery (they last 3 hours) and go on a shoplifting spree. Steal all of the items you plan to keep except for wands and other rechargeable items, and steal a bunch of expensive items you don't want to use and sell them to a "fence". Don't steal any wands, though. You have to sell wands to a store to recharge them, and it won't be easy to do that if they become "fenced goods".
If you want advice about tactics, here are some tips. When you have a lot of spellcasters in your party, I think you should focus on a narrow range of spells for each party member to make melee casting simpler and easier. Your single-class party members will be able to cast higher level spells than your multi-class party members, so plan accordingly. It would also be a good idea to use summoned monsters to absorb the brunt of physical attacks. If you want to use area effect spells, try to avoid hurting your summoned help (and your own party). When you select your Sorcerer spells, don't choose any that can be replaced by a wand, such as Cloudkill, Fireball, etc. Let your party use plenty of wands. If a tough, magic-resistant monster is eating your party alive, let a party member with Stoneskin or a summoned monster distract it while you hit it with four or five Lower Resistance spells and a dozen Magic Missile spells. When your Sorcerer is able to cast Project Image, use it to its full advantage--cast the spell, empty your spellbook, and cast it again when it wears off. We have discussed Sorcerer spell selection in great depth in these forums, so I suggest that you do a search and take a look at those message threads.
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice VonDondu.
The problem with taking jan is that when I pick imoen up I'll have 4 mages in the party, which will make spellbook management a huge mess (this is why I decided on a sorcerer for my PC). I'd like to keep it down to just myself and the girls.
I'm confident I can get them through SoA without too much difficulty. My fear is with ToB, as I've very very little experience with it. It would really suck to get that far and not be able to complete the game.
The problem with taking jan is that when I pick imoen up I'll have 4 mages in the party, which will make spellbook management a huge mess (this is why I decided on a sorcerer for my PC). I'd like to keep it down to just myself and the girls.
I'm confident I can get them through SoA without too much difficulty. My fear is with ToB, as I've very very little experience with it. It would really suck to get that far and not be able to complete the game.
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JackOfClubs
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[QUOTE=JackOfClubs]the NPC that is specific to ToB can be multi-classed to a Mage, if you want to add him the party.[/QUOTE]
Yes, that's a very good option--an 18th Level Fighter dualled to a Mage with incredible stats. He's pretty scary, if you ask me.
Some of the battles in TOB are very long. The monsters will keep coming long after your Mages have exhausted their spells. I once killed about 40 fire giants in one battle and about 130 orogs in another battle (I counted the suits of armor I picked up after it was over). For situations like that, you need a character with staying power who can keep on swinging--like a Fighter. A strong melee character also comes in handy when you fight the most powerful singular monsters in the game (the Imprisoned One and Sendai, for example) and also in the final battle, especially if you install Ascension. But I'm sure there are players out there who would rise to the challenge and win all of those battles with a Mage or a Sorcerer.
Yes, that's a very good option--an 18th Level Fighter dualled to a Mage with incredible stats. He's pretty scary, if you ask me.
Some of the battles in TOB are very long. The monsters will keep coming long after your Mages have exhausted their spells. I once killed about 40 fire giants in one battle and about 130 orogs in another battle (I counted the suits of armor I picked up after it was over). For situations like that, you need a character with staying power who can keep on swinging--like a Fighter. A strong melee character also comes in handy when you fight the most powerful singular monsters in the game (the Imprisoned One and Sendai, for example) and also in the final battle, especially if you install Ascension. But I'm sure there are players out there who would rise to the challenge and win all of those battles with a Mage or a Sorcerer.
It's interesting, something I will have to try one day. The problem; it is borderline suicidal. The character should keep its rep around 11 and get a tank like korgan and another powerful fighter, just for saftey and protection.
Boo will have clean wood shavings you evil bastards! -Minsc
Luke Schenn will make you pregnant with a glance. Caution is advised.
Luke Schenn will make you pregnant with a glance. Caution is advised.
[QUOTE=VonDondu]Yes, that's a very good option--an 18th Level Fighter dualled to a Mage with incredible stats. He's pretty scary, if you ask me.
Some of the battles in TOB are very long.[/QUOTE]
I'll start don't get me started. In Sendai's Lair you can fight those kind of dwarves (her slaves) that just keeps popping up. Although you don't have to take that fight for too long, I decided to see what a fighter/thief with 100% mag res and the combined power of aerie's and imoen's Horrid Wilting (and similar spells) was able to do against a mass of dwarves.
Let's just say it was way too many armors to count, probably some hundred. 13000 exp for some of them, though I got bored after everyone (who wasn't max) gained a few levels.
And ToB-guy dualed to mage is indeed very scary. As scary as he is as a pure fighter of fighter/thief.
[On-topic]
My first playthrough I managed to get almost the same party, unintentionally. I played sorcerer and picked up Aerie, Jan and Jaheira for starters, and then I got Immy. 20x 1d4+1 is pretty decent damage for just one level1 spell from everyone, which is even more if you get Nalia instead of Jaheira.
That is not something I'd like to try in ToB though. Some of that battles will be very though even though you're pretty high-leveled. But well, as said... Pick up the ToB-guy and dual him. When he regains his fighter skills he'll probably be enough tanking power to get you through ToB. But not without problem though.
Some of the battles in TOB are very long.[/QUOTE]
I'll start don't get me started.
In Sendai's Lair you can fight those kind of dwarves (her slaves) that just keeps popping up. Although you don't have to take that fight for too long, I decided to see what a fighter/thief with 100% mag res and the combined power of aerie's and imoen's Horrid Wilting (and similar spells) was able to do against a mass of dwarves. Let's just say it was way too many armors to count, probably some hundred. 13000 exp for some of them, though I got bored after everyone (who wasn't max) gained a few levels.
And ToB-guy dualed to mage is indeed very scary. As scary as he is as a pure fighter of fighter/thief.
[On-topic]
My first playthrough I managed to get almost the same party, unintentionally. I played sorcerer and picked up Aerie, Jan and Jaheira for starters, and then I got Immy. 20x 1d4+1 is pretty decent damage for just one level1 spell from everyone, which is even more if you get Nalia instead of Jaheira.
That is not something I'd like to try in ToB though. Some of that battles will be very though even though you're pretty high-leveled. But well, as said... Pick up the ToB-guy and dual him. When he regains his fighter skills he'll probably be enough tanking power to get you through ToB. But not without problem though.
Party will be all naked so no rings or any other worn items . And no tob-guy either as he's an uber fighter and would defeat the purpose of the party.
Been thinking of spells to use against those unrelenting waves of guys. How about greater malison and chaos (for a -8 at saving vs. spells)? And a teleport field and damage over time spell for good measure? Although I seem to recall waves of drow warriors at one point. Won't mordenkainen's swords make short work of them?
. And no tob-guy either as he's an uber fighter and would defeat the purpose of the party.Been thinking of spells to use against those unrelenting waves of guys. How about greater malison and chaos (for a -8 at saving vs. spells)? And a teleport field and damage over time spell for good measure? Although I seem to recall waves of drow warriors at one point. Won't mordenkainen's swords make short work of them?
You're not going to have ANY worn items at all? *whistle* That's going to be difficult. I thought you were just going to avoid the best items e.g. Ring of Gaxx. Is that going to be the same with the best weapons too?
Okay, no Amulet of Power means you're going to have problems vs vampires and other level-drainers (chaos will be ineffective). No Chaotic Commands for fights vs mindflayers though skeletons are immune to their psionic blasts.
I've never used the Teleport Field spell so I can't really advise on that. Mordenkainen's Sword is a good spell, though against higher level enemies it may be dispelled or hit.
Okay, no Amulet of Power means you're going to have problems vs vampires and other level-drainers (chaos will be ineffective). No Chaotic Commands for fights vs mindflayers though skeletons are immune to their psionic blasts.
I've never used the Teleport Field spell so I can't really advise on that. Mordenkainen's Sword is a good spell, though against higher level enemies it may be dispelled or hit.
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Luis Antonio
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Aerie will be able to cast chaotic commands so no problems there.
I've soloed with a naked mage before because I wanted to play the game without those unbalanced items. It would be hard to decide which items I should or should not use, so I decided not to use any. Turned out to be huge fun. I thought of him as a peasant mage who eschewed all material possessions (only carried a normal quarterstaff for looks ). That was a SoA only solo though.
There are many ways to avoid vampires' level drain. Protection from magical weapons is one, and although it does not last long, it's perfect to get them to bunch up around you for a powerful AoE spell such as sunfire. Combine that with stoneskin, mirror image, aerie's negative plane protection, hold undead, etc., and they shouldn't be too difficult to overcome.
I just remembered that there is a no-magic zone somewhere in tob, but I can't recall if there is anything you absolutely must kill there to proceed. I sure hope not :/.
I've soloed with a naked mage before because I wanted to play the game without those unbalanced items. It would be hard to decide which items I should or should not use, so I decided not to use any. Turned out to be huge fun. I thought of him as a peasant mage who eschewed all material possessions (only carried a normal quarterstaff for looks
). That was a SoA only solo though.There are many ways to avoid vampires' level drain. Protection from magical weapons is one, and although it does not last long, it's perfect to get them to bunch up around you for a powerful AoE spell such as sunfire. Combine that with stoneskin, mirror image, aerie's negative plane protection, hold undead, etc., and they shouldn't be too difficult to overcome.
I just remembered that there is a no-magic zone somewhere in tob, but I can't recall if there is anything you absolutely must kill there to proceed. I sure hope not :/.