GameBanshee Forums

I've just realised that Jan has a special ablility to create those Skull things. You can do it once a day. Did any other people know about this?

Yes, but they're not very useful though. Although in one game he actually managed to stun a hobgoblin once with one of them. I usually give Jan some other crossbow as soon as possible.

I'm almost positive you can use them in any crossbow, and I use them all the time. They're awesome in the early game. But IIRC they count as casting a spell so the cowled wizards might not like you creating them out of doors until you shell over some cash.

Are you sure they count as a spell, Skuld? I've never had the Cowled Wizards show up after Jan uses his special ammo when I'm outside.

Incidentally, they're excellent ammo at any time during gameplay, not just the early portion. As long as you lower the magical resistance of an ammo, those ammo can still paralyze, even when they can't damage.

Not using them is a spell, just the creation of them. That's the portion I think counts as a spell, but it's been a while so I could be mistaken. And they are quite useful throughout the game as long as you lower resistances before hurling some Bruiser Mates.

Jan's Special Ability

I believe fable is correct here, although Jan does appear to be casting a spell. Btw in one of the mods(I believe its Kelsey) Jan can make in addition to his usual ammo, an ammo that contains insects that act like the third lvl druid spell Summon Insects when he reaches lvl twelve.

No spell, and yes, the ammo is quite useful throughout the whole game.

His ammo rocks.. it's saved the party when all other options were exhausted numerous times. My only problem is he can only cast it 1 time a day... I usually SK him so he can cast it more times as he levels up.

Originally posted by AgentX
His ammo rocks.. it's saved the party when all other options were exhausted numerous times. My only problem is he can only cast it 1 time a day... I usually SK him so he can cast it more times as he levels up.

But if you just remember to have him "make" his ammo once a day, and use normal ammo when the paralysis effect isn't needed, you'll have all the special stuff you'll ever need. As a rule, I preferred using lightning crossbow bolts, since those usually did some elemental damage even when bolt itself did nothing. The paralysis came in handy for the brute force types with little magic, like the dimensional demon whose heart you need to power the planar sphere. It was hilarious how a couple of lowered resistance spells and a bolt of Jan's froze him in his tracks.

Yeah that's the problem, I always forget to have him make ammo every "day" hehe. I usually don't need to use it if I play with a full party... but I'm sure if I were just duoing with him for some reason I'd be sure to remember it. Ah I need to find the time to play a game with all the parties and self restrictions I've thought of for some fun.

i've seen flasher bruiser mates stun undead....incredibly effective...

The trouble with Jan's ammo...

...is that it weighs so much! 2-3 pounds (can't remember, alas) per shot, but he's not very strong & has carrying problems.

SPOILER - avert your eyes now

Better to collect a whack of Kao-Tao bolts when in the Underdark - Sahaugin bolts do more damage, but weigh one pound each.

But I shouldn't be ranting*, coz I dropped Jan after about 1/4 game - he's too much like my PC & I got a bit "alpha male"...
Must try another time, mind, coz J. is obviously good fun.

B.

* MORE SPOILER

Am currently saving crossbow bolts in the expectation of recruiting Saravok for ToB. But like Minsc *a lot*, so may not...