Jan Jansen

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 9:04 am

Once I briefly recruited Jan. He's a really funny character and a good thief, but I found that he died extremely easily and that his spell casting abilities were pretty mediocre. So I didn't recruit him again after completing his quest. But I think he's a really cool character. Besides waiting for him to level up are there any other ways to improve his longevity? I tried various strength/protection items but they did not appear to help that much, and I prefer to equip the strength modifiers on my fighters anyway.

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 9:29 am

Jan _is_ a great character.(IMHO - I wouldn't/couldn't play without him, unless your PC is a thief)

Just keep him out of harms way, and let him use his Flasher Master Bruiser (tm).

And yes - don't use girdles of strenght or the likes on him - they are better spendt on your meele characters.

[ 04-30-2001: Message edited by: Xandax ]

koz-ivan · Post by **koz-ivan** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 9:38 am

strength modifiers ? are you trying to use him in melee ?

if so don't, he's a wizard / theif, not a tank, stone skin would protect him in a pinch.

all of his gear (while stylish) does not provide for a great a/c, you may want to swap out his armor or gauntlets for some bracers, and add a ring or amulet of protection.

also he can use a buckler if you put his flasher launcher in inventory. there is atleast one magic buckler i've found (only +1 though)

his spells are mediocre? give him a potion of genius or two & he'll scribe all the spells you could possibly want. he'll never match a single class mage in spell power, but he seems good enough to me.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 9:56 am

No I'm not attempting to use him in as a tank, I was just experimenting to see if anything made a difference. (I figure if you can use the ring of earth control to charm a fire elemental [I'm not kidding, a bug??], then anything is at least possible).
Regarding potions of genious, I agree they help tons, but only if you have plenty or when you know that you're entering a serious battle (duration). If you're ambushed.... I know that you can always reload, but doing so too frequently seems a bit wimpy. But thanks a lot for the suggestions, I will try to lay my hands on that buckler +1.

Shrylia · Post by **Shrylia** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 9:57 am

First I dropped Nalia for Jan and now I have decided not to take along Imoen but keep him. Along with getting used to his vulnerabilities you will also get used to his strengths which aren't in the muscle area, but are in the spellcasting area...he is a cool little turnip burper! You will miss him when he is gone

Sojourner · Post by **Sojourner** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 12:34 pm

Equip Jan Jansen with Robe of Vecna, Cloak of Non-Detection, Bracers of Archery, Girdle of Piercing, Boots of Speed, Ring of Protection, Mercykiller ring, Crossbow of Speed and good shortsword or staff. BTW, potions of Mind-Focusing last 12 hours and grant +3 DEX (boost thieving skills) as well as +3 INT (learn more spells).

[ 04-30-2001: Message edited by: Sojourner ]

koz-ivan · Post by **koz-ivan** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 12:54 pm

(I figure if you can use the ring of earth control to charm a fire elemental [I'm not kidding, a bug??], then anything is at least possible).

ok, now why were you trying that?

fable · Post by **fable** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 1:55 pm

Jan is so feeble that he practically breaks when you look at him. But don't underestimate his thieving and magical skills. Keep him at range, and let him cast, or shoot. You'll find a whole range of useful bolts throughout the game, too, which do very well when the Blasters are gone.

You might also want to replace his homemade crossbow. You'll find better light crossbows throughout the game.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 1:57 pm

Regarding ring of earth control: It was an accident, I'd intended to click on something else. It was really weird too. The thing turned green, and then just floated there while my party slaughtered it. Not what I'd meant to try, but it worked anyway.

coolguyclay · Post by **coolguyclay** » Mon Apr 30, 2001 8:40 pm

I'd have to say that Jan is a very cool NPC. When I heard Yoshimo was going to betray me I started looking for a new thief. With all his spiffy gear (plus some other items), Jan is a great defensive thief. He's great at detecting and disabling things, and sits in the back line to shoot his little crossbow. I got him later in Chapter 2 so he is just about to reach his Exp. Cap now. This means he's a really great mage. He only reaches Lv. 6 spells (I think), but a second high-ish level spellcaster is great.
He is weak as toast. And if you're not careful that's what he'll become. Just keep him out of the way, wait till you fighters start the fighting, and then pull him in to add support fire to your battle.
All in all, I'd say keep Jan till the end. You can't keep Yoshimo and Iomen is low level when you get her back (lower than she could be) so just keep leveling up your Gnome for a great supoorting character. Plus his interactions are great with Keldorn and Minsc. OK, happy gaming. Later.