Help me equip Minsc

[mrdeluxe]

So, here's what I'm planning for Minsc:

He comes with two points in 2H Swords, two points in Maces, two in Long Bows and two in Two Weapon Style, so, for the rest of is progression I'm thinking:

• Level 9: Two Weapon Style
• Level 12: Axe
• Level 15: Axe
• Level 18: Long Sword
• Level 21: Long Sword
• [ToB] Level 24: Bastard Sword
• [ToB] Level 27: Bastard Sword

And playing him in three distinct phases:

1. Two-Handed Sword and Long Bow (Lilacor and Elven Court Bow)
2. Double Maces / Axes (IMoD, Frostreaver and Stonefire)
3. Dual-Wielding Long Swords and Axes (Daystar/The Equalizer and Axe of the Unyielding)

What do you think?

(I'm reserving the Flail of Ages as a backup weapon for my Paladin)

[Frostguard]

Well, there are plenty of options. IF you ask me, I can advise you to change them regularly. For example, Lilarcor +3 is the best weapon if you have to slay Ilithids. In other, less specific situations, I think that dual wielding is definitely a better choice. Frostreaver+Stonefire is a devastating combination. Two long swords might be just as devastating, though the better ones can only be acquired much later. In the Shadows of Amn, there aren't really good maces, so I don't advise you to prepare for using them (unless you plan to advance to Throne of Bhaal, where this statement is not true).
Also, I think that Flail of Ages shouldn't be considered a backup weapon; it is far too effective to be so.

The Axe of the Unyielding might be the most devastating weapon you might have. Considering that I could instantly kill liches, other bosses and even Melissan with it, you should definitely use it with someone. Of course, this applies only to the improved, +5 version. Also, you might want to give your most preferred melee character proficiency points in War Hammer - for Crom Faeyr, which could be the second most powerful weapon of all (sets Strength to 25). My Dwarven Berserker wielded Crom Faeyr and Axe of Unyielding +5; besides Dragons, not too many could stop him.

Also, I would definitely say that you should not equip Minsc with a ranged weapon. Though he is written to be a Ranger, essentially he is a melee tank, no more and no less (still my favourite). With his strength of 18/91, giving him a ranged weapon is a waste.

[mrdeluxe]

Thanks for the reply!

The Axe of the Unyielding will most certainly go to Minsc as his Main Hand weapon, but I was thinking of giving him Angurvadal +5 on the Off Hand. It has some pretty cool bonus, immunities and having Speed Factor 0 means more hits with the Axe. It's 'only' a 22 Strength bonus, 3 less than Crom Fayer, but it still means a +10 damage, plus, focusing on Long Swords proficiencies and not on Warhammers gives me more options throughout the game (Daystar, The Equalizer, The Answerer +4).

I know what you mean about the Flail of Ages being too good as a backup weapon, but with a party composition of: Paladin, Minsc, Jaheira, Imoen, Jan and <ToB NPC>, I have no one to wield it.

Still, it will get plenty of use from my Paladin, before acquiring Carsomyr, and as a dedicated Troll killer.