Best weapon specialization for Minsc?

Funky Bob · Post by **Funky Bob** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:09 pm

Hey all,

Now, obviously Minsc is a frontline warrior type, but unlike Keldorn and Korgan he has several options of what kinds of weapons to specialize in. Even though the first instinct is to use two-handed swords with him, I've seen lots of people that take advantage of his free points in two-weapon fighting and dual wield some other stuff. But which is the smarter option, spending Minsc's proficiency points on two-handed weapon style or on some one-handed weapons and dual wielding them?

Saros · Post by **Saros** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:37 pm

Depends wholely on your party. If you have, say, Korgan together with Minsc in the party, then don't give Minsc points in Axes and War Hammers, because Korgan will use the best of these weapons. If you have Haer'dalis - then no points for Minsc in short swords. If you have Jaheira - Minsc will not receive Scimitar specialization.

Two-handed w style is best for Paladins(who need Carsomyr). For Minsc and all of the other warriors it is best to concentrate on Dual-Wielding. Yet, in the later game, you can give Minsc specialization in Halberds since there are quite a few nice weapons in that category which usually stay unused in your pack.

I suggest concentrating on Long Swords**, then Dual-Wielding ***, after that * in either short swords(Kundane off-hand) or scimitars(Belm off-hand), and after that according to the weapons that remain unused(i.e. if no-one in the party can wield axes, then Minsc should get some proficiency points)

The Flail of Ages has to be taken in consideration. If you don't have a decent other warrior to wield it, give it to Minsc and give him ** in flails.

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:18 am

I disagree that Dual Wielding is necessarily the "best." It's very powerful, if used correctly though.

A lot really depends on who else you plan on bringing with you.

If you do decide on dual wielding, I suggest getting ** in Axes, Flails, or Katana ASAP.

CFM · Post by **CFM** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:03 am

Who else is in your party, Funky Bob?

fable · Post by **fable** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:01 pm

I prefer the dual wielding myself, because you can give him a second weapon that adds magical effects. It's that, rather than any additional damage bonus, that I think makes a real difference. But this is, as Klorox pointed out, just a personal preference.

Sytze · Post by **Sytze** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:52 pm

I prefer dual wielding as well, especially in flails. The Flair of Ages and the Defender of Easthaven are a great combination and the protection offered by DoE gets really interesting once Minsc gets higher in level. Hardiness+DoE+Armor of Faith equals impressive protection from blunt, piercing, etc damage.

JackOfClubs · Post by **JackOfClubs** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:01 pm

He starts with specialization in maces so I sometimes like to let him dual-wield Mace of Disruption and some other high-powered mace. Sometimes I will add axe specialization and give him Azuredge as well. I can't remember if he can dual wield that with the MoD (since it has a throwing axe form) or if I had to store it in his inventory and do a quick swap when I needed him to go ranged, but giving him both makes him an excellent vampire slayer.

It's been a long time since I've done that though. I usually just stick with his Two-Handed Sword proficiency and give him Lilarcor since they seem to have similar personalities.

NiteWulf · Post by **NiteWulf** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:03 am

I just started playing BGII again and gave my friend Minsc Lilarcor. A crazy sword for a crazy guy. I let him use 2-handed only.

Off-topic: I have to express my happiness that I bought BGII again after somebody stole it a few years back. It itches again

JackOfClubs · Post by **JackOfClubs** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:33 pm

NiteWulf wrote:It itches again

It does that.

Crucis · Post by **Crucis** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:01 am

I agree with Saros when hs says "Depends wholely on your party". Since there are other NPC's who will either be better with certain weapons than Minsc (i.e. Korgan) or there are other NPC's whose class(es) limits their
choice of weapons, Minsc "best" weapon choice seems to be whatever will work best with the rest of the party.

But in many ways, this can be a positive, not a negative. Arguably, Minsc
is sort of a chameleon, in terms of weapons. He can go in any direction that you choose and can can fit into any party's mix of weaponry.

Pellinore · Post by **Pellinore** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:31 pm

I usually give him axe and mace dual wield or switch him to axe or mace with shield if I need AC. He is nasty with anti-undead weapons since his species enemy is ....vampires. Sometimes I give him the silver sword which is just sick sometimes, lol...

Sator · Post by **Sator** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:57 am

I think you would have fun with spears and halberds, there are some interesting weapons in those categories and Minsk sounds like the best character to burn slots for them. (Or to sacrifice on a whim since he is so darn annoying

)

Saros · Post by **Saros** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:28 am

Why pick him at all? He surely is not the greatest fighter. Nor has a great variety of spells. Besides, you oughtta free him early in the game meaning he always starts at a very low xp(compared with other NPC's later, who can start at 1 200 000 xp if you know how to do it). His Berserk ability is only one and works uncontrollably(unlike Korgan, who can direct his rage where you want him and can Enrage more than once per day). His weapon proficiencies on start are awful(again, Korgan for instance has grandmastery in Axes and Mastery in Warhammers when you pick him, which is excellent). Minsc simply loves to be Dominated, Charmed, Confused and so on. He has no quests. So then, why do you need him? Even his personality becomes boring quickly. The only good thing around Minsc is Boo. Indeed a cute critter. If I could steal him and put him in the Bag of Holding, then it will be Bye-bye Minsc.

AvatarOfLight · Post by **AvatarOfLight** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:35 am

Saros wrote:Why pick him at all? He surely is not the greatest fighter. Nor has a great variety of spells. Besides, you oughtta free him early in the game meaning he always starts at a very low xp(compared with other NPC's later, who can start at 1 200 000 xp if you know how to do it). His Berserk ability is only one and works uncontrollably(unlike Korgan, who can direct his rage where you want him and can Enrage more than once per day). His weapon proficiencies on start are awful(again, Korgan for instance has grandmastery in Axes and Mastery in Warhammers when you pick him, which is excellent). Minsc simply loves to be Dominated, Charmed, Confused and so on. He has no quests. So then, why do you need him? Even his personality becomes boring quickly. The only good thing around Minsc is Boo. Indeed a cute critter. If I could steal him and put him in the Bag of Holding, then it will be Bye-bye Minsc.

I feel a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

Klorox · Post by **Klorox** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:35 pm

Saros wrote:Why pick him at all? He surely is not the greatest fighter. Nor has a great variety of spells. Besides, you oughtta free him early in the game meaning he always starts at a very low xp(compared with other NPC's later, who can start at 1 200 000 xp if you know how to do it). His Berserk ability is only one and works uncontrollably(unlike Korgan, who can direct his rage where you want him and can Enrage more than once per day). His weapon proficiencies on start are awful(again, Korgan for instance has grandmastery in Axes and Mastery in Warhammers when you pick him, which is excellent). Minsc simply loves to be Dominated, Charmed, Confused and so on. He has no quests. So then, why do you need him? Even his personality becomes boring quickly. The only good thing around Minsc is Boo. Indeed a cute critter. If I could steal him and put him in the Bag of Holding, then it will be Bye-bye Minsc.

This is why you have a choice. If you dislike him, you can discard him. I think the designers want you to take Minsc (he's specialized in Maces and has a very useful favored enemy in this game). He's fun. But if you don't want him, you don't have to take him!