Hi my name is Faylar and im quite new to the BG2 world.I am at Chapter 2 at the moment.My problem is that i dont know exactly which quests i can do with my gear atm so i get owned all the time by mobs.And another thing:you think Jaheira is viable?should i have her replaced with Viconia?I roll a Pala as a protagonist so Keldorn gets out of the ways so i am a little confused with the party options i have to make.Pls all ur help is needed.
Peace.
Tips Please!
Aye, Jaheira is viable. You can replace her with Viconia if you'd like, though, but Viconia is significantly weaker physically so you may want her to don a sling and keep her in the back. It's more a choice of what you prefer really; personally I like clerics that can take a beating so they can be up and close with the fighters to heal them faster. Also, Jaheria is a Druid while Viconia is a Cleric, so their spells differ abit.
As for party configuration, it's up to you, really. Make sure you have atleast one mage, one healer and one thief, though. As for difficult monsters, there's quite alot of different types of monsters in BG2 and many of them have unique strengths and weaknesses; it would be easier to help you if you said exacly what you are having difficulties with. Taking too much damage? Getting burned by enemy wizards? Etc.
As for party configuration, it's up to you, really. Make sure you have atleast one mage, one healer and one thief, though. As for difficult monsters, there's quite alot of different types of monsters in BG2 and many of them have unique strengths and weaknesses; it would be easier to help you if you said exacly what you are having difficulties with. Taking too much damage? Getting burned by enemy wizards? Etc.
Selinde Truesword- I am clearly deranged. Look who I travel with! Minsc, meet the Pirate Lord!
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?
I find that Jaheira is weak at stats low intelligence low constitution..Viconia at the other hand has super high intelligence 18 i think which makes her really powerfull.I think that Jaheira is like a sort of Jack of all the trades:she can do a number of things yes but she cant do them decidently.Wizs yes are my biggest problem i dont know how to counter them effectively.If you could tell me some general battle tips i would appreciate it very much.Thanks for ur quickly response you are the man.
Intelligence is not important to clerics; it makes no difference at all for them. Jaheira has 17 CON, which is quite good, while Viccy only has 9 - making her rather weaking in melee fighting. I'm guessing you may have confused them with eachother. 
Wizards are quite tough to beat for a lowlevelled party, especially if you don't know how to counter them. You need to look at what spells they cast to protect themselves, and then figure out a way to breach them. If they cast magic protections, use spellthrust to make them vurnable to your spells. If they have combat protections, like "Stoneskin", "Protection from magical weapons" etc then only thing you can try, really, is dispel magic, or to CC them with "web" or "fear" etc until they wear off.
I found the first part of the game rather frustrating, typically what I'd do was to spellthrust them, then cast something like "Miscast Magic" and hope they didn't save. You can always try Dispel Magic, but it seldom works if you are lower level than the enemy, and you will most likely be in the early game.. The game will get much easier once one of your wizards reaches level 9 and can cast "Breach". Breach is going to be the only thing you'll need for a long while to utterly destroy spellcasters.
Wizards are quite tough to beat for a lowlevelled party, especially if you don't know how to counter them. You need to look at what spells they cast to protect themselves, and then figure out a way to breach them. If they cast magic protections, use spellthrust to make them vurnable to your spells. If they have combat protections, like "Stoneskin", "Protection from magical weapons" etc then only thing you can try, really, is dispel magic, or to CC them with "web" or "fear" etc until they wear off.
I found the first part of the game rather frustrating, typically what I'd do was to spellthrust them, then cast something like "Miscast Magic" and hope they didn't save. You can always try Dispel Magic, but it seldom works if you are lower level than the enemy, and you will most likely be in the early game.. The game will get much easier once one of your wizards reaches level 9 and can cast "Breach". Breach is going to be the only thing you'll need for a long while to utterly destroy spellcasters.
Selinde Truesword- I am clearly deranged. Look who I travel with! Minsc, meet the Pirate Lord!
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?
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roller1234
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Viconia is a divine caster. Jaheira is a fighter with spell support. Judging on their overall power Jaheira is a far superior character. She has fighter hit chance(maximum possible in the game), fighter abilities which grant her 10(maximum possible in the game) attacks per round and 40% damage reduction, can cast stoneskin which makes her immune to melee damage anyway, and generally there are some very nice druidic spells in the game. She is a bit slow to start, but once she gets going with some xp noone can stop her. Viconia is a better caster and thats nice, but she cant fight, due to her having only 2 attacks per round.
Ok, I think we need to approach this with more order.
Faylar, exactly how familiar are you with the edition Baldur's Gate operates on? Your remark about intelligence makes me think you may be looking at things from a 3rd edition perspective and this may be a problem here. If you tell us what is your exact party composition we will be able to advise you comprehensively, instead of making this thread into a Jaheira vs Viconia catfight. The truth is that all characters can be played with success, but this largely depends on gear, player's preferences and whether or not you know what to expect from quests and encounters.
Off the top of my head, I can say that a paladin is not a bad choice for your protagonist, but that's no reason to shun Keldorn - two paladins can be quite a significant force. It's generally a good idea to have at least one arcane caster (wizard or sorcerer), one divine caster (druid or cleric) and one thief in a party. Of course this is not absolutely vital, but it does make the game easier for unaccustomed players.
The other tip I can give right now is, read all descriptions. Especially spell descriptions, you'd be surprised to see how many different effects a spell can have, and many of them are very specific so you should know exactly what a spell does. Make sure your party members are equipped with weapons they are proficient in, as they will fight bad otherwise. Do not be afraid to use all abilities, spells, items and stuff, it's all there for you to use, not hoard
I also remember that at early stages I got slaughtered most often by my own party members under chaos or confusion effects, so make sure your strongest types are protected against those so they stay at your side. Do not underestimate ranged weapons, they can be very useful (they were invented for a reason, you know )
More specific tips to come once we know who and what are you playing with.
Faylar, exactly how familiar are you with the edition Baldur's Gate operates on? Your remark about intelligence makes me think you may be looking at things from a 3rd edition perspective and this may be a problem here. If you tell us what is your exact party composition we will be able to advise you comprehensively, instead of making this thread into a Jaheira vs Viconia catfight. The truth is that all characters can be played with success, but this largely depends on gear, player's preferences and whether or not you know what to expect from quests and encounters.
Off the top of my head, I can say that a paladin is not a bad choice for your protagonist, but that's no reason to shun Keldorn - two paladins can be quite a significant force. It's generally a good idea to have at least one arcane caster (wizard or sorcerer), one divine caster (druid or cleric) and one thief in a party. Of course this is not absolutely vital, but it does make the game easier for unaccustomed players.
The other tip I can give right now is, read all descriptions. Especially spell descriptions, you'd be surprised to see how many different effects a spell can have, and many of them are very specific so you should know exactly what a spell does. Make sure your party members are equipped with weapons they are proficient in, as they will fight bad otherwise. Do not be afraid to use all abilities, spells, items and stuff, it's all there for you to use, not hoard
I also remember that at early stages I got slaughtered most often by my own party members under chaos or confusion effects, so make sure your strongest types are protected against those so they stay at your side. Do not underestimate ranged weapons, they can be very useful (they were invented for a reason, you know
)More specific tips to come once we know who and what are you playing with.
Kitchen Witchcraft : Of Magic and Macaroni - a blog about, well, a witch in the kitchen.
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
Faylar: Most importantly, remember that this is a Roleplaying Game. Choose the companions you want your character to have because you like them and/or feel they are suitable for your character. If you have a male character both Jaheira and Viconia have long and worthwhile romance sub-plots that take the whole game to play out. TIP: With Jaheira's romance, remember to pause your game for a few hours regularly. The counter is on real-time, not game time. HINT: Just because you're a Paladin, it doesn't mean you shouldn't play out the Viconia romance, either.
If you're new to the game, then stick with Jaheira, Minsc, and Yoshimo - they are central to the story. Nalia is not only a good character but also deadly at higher level. I usually take her along because I didn't feel my Paladin/Undead Hunter would leave her behind. Anyone else is a matter of choice. At least reserve the last place in your party for whichever character's quests you are doing (i.e. Cernd in the Druid Grove quest, Nalia for the D'Arnise Keep quest).
I don't think I've seen two players who take on the Baldur's Gate trilogy in the same manner. Many people like buff spells. I rarely use them. I go for a combination of Breach and serious offensive firepower spells. Experiment with things and find out what you enjoy. Some tough battles become easy if you've got the right combination. Again, this is down to experimentation.
Perhaps you're getting creamed because your tactics are wrong? On normal difficulty, fights can be challenging until you figure out what tactics work best in that situation. For example, regularly quick-save. When you find an enemy, reload, send in a stealthed rogue until your enemy is *just* revealed. Use web and area effect spells (cloudkill, fireball etc) to clean them out. Don't forget to disable game AI...
Your gear doesn't have too much of an effect to be honest, unless your items offer immunites. The game is fairly well balanced in that respect.
After you have played the game a bit, you will have an idea of what sequence you want to do quests in. To start with, I would say do Nalia's quest first, and finish chapter 2 with the Beholder Cult quest (you pick this up first time in the temple district).
Do you want spoilers? Otherwise, as QuenGalad says, you'll need to give us some more specific info.
If you're new to the game, then stick with Jaheira, Minsc, and Yoshimo - they are central to the story. Nalia is not only a good character but also deadly at higher level. I usually take her along because I didn't feel my Paladin/Undead Hunter would leave her behind. Anyone else is a matter of choice. At least reserve the last place in your party for whichever character's quests you are doing (i.e. Cernd in the Druid Grove quest, Nalia for the D'Arnise Keep quest).
I don't think I've seen two players who take on the Baldur's Gate trilogy in the same manner. Many people like buff spells. I rarely use them. I go for a combination of Breach and serious offensive firepower spells. Experiment with things and find out what you enjoy. Some tough battles become easy if you've got the right combination. Again, this is down to experimentation.
Perhaps you're getting creamed because your tactics are wrong? On normal difficulty, fights can be challenging until you figure out what tactics work best in that situation. For example, regularly quick-save. When you find an enemy, reload, send in a stealthed rogue until your enemy is *just* revealed. Use web and area effect spells (cloudkill, fireball etc) to clean them out. Don't forget to disable game AI...
Your gear doesn't have too much of an effect to be honest, unless your items offer immunites. The game is fairly well balanced in that respect.
After you have played the game a bit, you will have an idea of what sequence you want to do quests in. To start with, I would say do Nalia's quest first, and finish chapter 2 with the Beholder Cult quest (you pick this up first time in the temple district).
Do you want spoilers?
Otherwise, as QuenGalad says, you'll need to give us some more specific info.Guys thank you so much for your replies!it feels good to have ppl helping around you know!i run ow this party:
Me.Pala Cavalier(i know its kinda bad but i like the kit description )
2.Minsc
3.Jaheira
4.Aerie
5.Korgan(I did the quest Book of Kaza)
6.Nalia(What a stonecold bitch she left my party to see her parents prolly get killed wtf)
EastFrame i feel that the Nalia's quest is difficult.I cant do it right now.Just to know i dont have a single full plate atm so bad.I doing the quest with slaves at the Copper Corenet atm.I find it easy and i will get a few good items i guess.If i want Viconia to romance with what chars so i do throw out of the party?I find Jan actually pretty good.Whats ur thoughts?Thanks again for ur replies.
Me.Pala Cavalier(i know its kinda bad but i like the kit description
)2.Minsc
3.Jaheira
4.Aerie
5.Korgan(I did the quest Book of Kaza)
6.Nalia(What a stonecold bitch she left my party to see her parents prolly get killed wtf)
EastFrame i feel that the Nalia's quest is difficult.I cant do it right now.Just to know i dont have a single full plate atm so bad.I doing the quest with slaves at the Copper Corenet atm.I find it easy and i will get a few good items i guess.If i want Viconia to romance with what chars so i do throw out of the party?I find Jan actually pretty good.Whats ur thoughts?Thanks again for ur replies.
My first PC was a cavalier, and she kicked butt. It's really all in the roleplay - there are no bad classes, just classes you don't feel like roleplaying
IIRC, characters with personal quests (such as Nalia) will, if in your party, remind you three times that you promised to help them, and then will leave. This is kind of important if you want to keep your party together.
The beginning can be a bit tough if you don't know where to go and what stuff to grab, but it makes the game more interesting. After a few replays, one wishes one could forget it all and have a blissfully ignorant run once more As to your party composition, Korgan seems to stand out a bit among your do-gooders, bloodthirsty psychopath, so you might consider dropping him. Viconia is also a character described as evil, but she mostly manifests that as being rude.
As an afterthought, wouldn't your cavalier be interested in Aerie? She's "available" too, as you may soon find out. But that's just a random remark
IIRC, characters with personal quests (such as Nalia) will, if in your party, remind you three times that you promised to help them, and then will leave. This is kind of important if you want to keep your party together.
The beginning can be a bit tough if you don't know where to go and what stuff to grab, but it makes the game more interesting. After a few replays, one wishes one could forget it all and have a blissfully ignorant run once more
As to your party composition, Korgan seems to stand out a bit among your do-gooders, bloodthirsty psychopath, so you might consider dropping him. Viconia is also a character described as evil, but she mostly manifests that as being rude.As an afterthought, wouldn't your cavalier be interested in Aerie? She's "available" too, as you may soon find out. But that's just a random remark
Kitchen Witchcraft : Of Magic and Macaroni - a blog about, well, a witch in the kitchen.
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
Jan is very good, and he is also really funny! Personally I prefer thieves who can scout ahead and pull some backstabs, though, so I ended up taking Yoshimo instead.
I find it most interesting to switch characters back and forth for awhile; if I find someone new I'd take them in and give them a chance, and if I didn't like them I'd then ditch them and get the old character back. It can be quite interesting to take evil characters in your good-aligned party, and vice versa: offers alot of diversity and interesting character interactions - plus you get to see what that character is really about and decide wether you like them or not.
Lastly, Cavalier is a very powerful class even if you're thinking purely metagame-wise. Sure, there are others, more specialized classes, but, the ability to do extra damage to demons/dragons and being immune to fear is quite nice in a warrior. You only give up the ability to use ranged weapons; but really, what kind of Paladin wants to run around with a bow?
Personally I prefer thieves who can scout ahead and pull some backstabs, though, so I ended up taking Yoshimo instead.I find it most interesting to switch characters back and forth for awhile; if I find someone new I'd take them in and give them a chance, and if I didn't like them I'd then ditch them and get the old character back. It can be quite interesting to take evil characters in your good-aligned party, and vice versa: offers alot of diversity and interesting character interactions - plus you get to see what that character is really about and decide wether you like them or not.
Lastly, Cavalier is a very powerful class even if you're thinking purely metagame-wise. Sure, there are others, more specialized classes, but, the ability to do extra damage to demons/dragons and being immune to fear is quite nice in a warrior. You only give up the ability to use ranged weapons; but really, what kind of Paladin wants to run around with a bow?
Selinde Truesword- I am clearly deranged. Look who I travel with! Minsc, meet the Pirate Lord!
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?
Minsc- Pirate Lord? Such a name does not conjure images of righteous behavior. Stand still a moment and let Boo have a look at you.
Desharik- Er, why is your friend pointing a hamster at me?