Once more. Party advice :)

Brerlappin · Post by **Brerlappin** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:56 pm

Hello
I purchased SoA when it first came out but never finished the game. Finding the CDs missing, I just purchased the collection (BG2 + ToB). I've probably started over with a new PC 50 times (I'm sure this is common). I've decided to finally bite the bullet and complete the series ( installed some of the popular mods: ease, aPack, refinements, ascension, tougher battles, items upgrade, DBG) Anyways, sorry for rambling, back to the point.

*SPOILER* (It's minor, but I like to comply)

I have BG2 and ToB installed. I've never even finished SoA ( but replayed the first 2 acts too many times, so I installed mods in the hope I would have to change my tactics (but not modding that until after I beat the game at least once). I'm looking at this line up to shake things up ( if that is still possible, as i seem to read how every npc will be a powerhouse, which is fine). Don't wanna use Edwin, because i always do, and because I'm a druid and i enjoy minsc too much.

The party I have planned out will eventually consist of:

PC
fighter (9) dualed to druid (avenger kit with SK, so I'm still gonna only use leather) I guess dual wielding scimitars ( first thing I've done outside of town is trademeet and all my profs. are in scims, dual wield, 1 in club, spear)

Minsc (how can you not love him?)
dual axe/mace

Vic (used Anomen last game, which i got bored with after the underdark
i guess sling/shield. dunno , I think I read she is weak for frontline. so no crom or FoA i guess.

Imoen (with Jan filling in right now)
gesen. shaky point, with the party im looking at, she is my only arcane caster. don't know if that will be enough to combat enemy caster protections

HD
never played a blade before, nor have i used him. so he gets a try.

Keldorn, finally
seems like i need another tank/fighter. love his dispells. plus, someone has to use that sword. (which hopefully will feel like an accomplishment, i think i installed a tougher Fierg component. probably dont know what im getting myself into).

Whew, sorry this is so long, but it's payback for the hours ive spent reading without posting

Now to the point again. I know you get a new char in ToB, and since he/she is of fine breeding, i think i will substitute him/her when i can. Not sure who i should sub out for this person. Since this will be my first time all the way through SoA and my first experience with ToB, it will make me nervous not having keldorn and that sword. in the past, he's been the workhorse. but I've never used AotU, so i want minsc around. i guess this means HD should go, but i feel like his song and limited arcane capabilities will be invaluable considering the only mage ill have is Imoen. anyone i can dual?

thank you, ive had these thoughts in my head for a long time. hoped i could find the answers from reading all the great posts, but i think my questions were specific to my situation.

THANK YOU if you do read all of this and can offer advice

-Brer

SP101 · Post by **SP101** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:12 pm

Once in ToB, you could kick Viconia, since Imoen's Planetar will provide more than enough clerics spells, and this will allow you to take *him/her*. Anyway, since CHARNAME is a druid, you'll have enough healing spells... all you need is resurection, and Planetars get 1 memorization of this spell. You could also carry a wand.

You could also kick another frontliner (Keldorn, Minsc)..

Brerlappin · Post by **Brerlappin** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:17 pm

Thank you. I know you are all tired of these questions, so thank you for taking the time.

krunchyfrogg · Post by **krunchyfrogg** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 8:21 pm

Just a side note: Haer' Dalis can cast arcane spells, so he makes a good backup mage to Imoen. He's also more than enough of a mage to make it through the first two acts.

Also (and this can be fun!) Opposing aligned characters tend to bicker. I personally have a lot of fun when party members aren't too fond of each other. The added banter is great for the game.

VonDondu · Post by **VonDondu** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:16 pm

Haer'Dalis can cast a fair number of lower level Wizard spells, and he has Offensive Spin. You could keep him out of melee and let him cast attack spells (Magic Missile, Melf's Acid Arrow, and Flame Arrow, for example) and party-friendly area-effect spells (such as Glitterdust, Emotion, Teleport Field) or use wands when he runs out of spells. But he can fight very effectively in short bursts if you buff him up. At low levels, Melf's Minute Meteors combined with Offensive Spin is a potent combination. At higher levels, Stoneskin, Mirror Image, Improved Haste, Mislead, Spell Immunity (Abjuration and Divination), and of course, Tenser's Transformation (along with Offensive Spin and Defensive Spin) make him a very formidable ally. He advances rapidly compared to other NPCs. When he gets High Level Abilities such as Use Any Item and Spike Trap, he can do a lot of interesting things. You can also fall back on Enhanced Bard Song if you don't want Haer'Dalis to get all of the glory.

I don't think Viconia belongs in your party; Aerie would be better.

CFM · Post by **CFM** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:11 pm

I used a similar party in BG2, with Keldorn, Minsc, Imoen. My main dude was a Cleric & included Jahiera, yours a Druid & includes Viconia. The only real difference was I had Aerie, and that's who I sub'ed for *him/her* in TOB.

IMO, tanking is more prevelent than casting in TOB, as opposed to SOA.

Reasons to sub or not each NPC in TOB:

Keldorn
Lose him because *others* can be your tank.
Keep him for reasons you've already mentioned.

Minsc
Lose him because *others* can be your tank.
Keep him for Boo's sake.

Viconia
Lose her if you find your Druid is enough Priest for you.
Keep her if you find yourself wanting to hit on her.

Imoen
There is no good reason to lose her.
Keep her for Wizard spells, thieving, and she's part of the storyline.

H'D
Keep him to help support most of the other NPC's abilities, with his smorgasbord of talents.
Lose him if you want less support, and more tank.

There are no bad decisions here, but I'd lose H'D. Unless you find him charming, of course.

Or, if you prefer Wizard over Priest magic, lose Viconia. Unless you find her sexy, of course.

Brerlappin · Post by **Brerlappin** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:50 pm

Hrmmm thank you, it's tough

well, from what I've read of the replies, think Vic will go. Primary concern is if my druid will lose out on casting by using more slots on healing. Most likely, by the time I get to ToB, I will have a hoard of extra healing pots (Ah Diablo 2). I think the hardest part of the game for me, is I CONSTANTLY quick save and back up save. I did it before, because I found myself forgetting to save and then walking or doinbg a bunch, then dying. Then I'd find myself way way back, cursing myself. Now, it;s overboard. I don't remember how BG 1 worked, but I think I read you had to find areas to rest? Sounds like my experience with Resident Evil games. Finding those damn ribbons and typewriters was a pain in the ass, but you really felt like you accomplished something.

I guess this is more to do with me obviously, but sometimes it's hard not to save. Lately, I've been trying my best to not reload when members die. I'm on core, and could NOT beat Pooky's beloved parents without sliding it to easy and dragging the fight throughtout the city and running into buildings to rebuff and buy pots at the genies (had just started trademeet). This was with 4 member party of Minsc, PC, Vic and Jan. Minsc was only level 9 I think. It was alot of running members away while others peppered one dragon. Luckily, I seperated the two. In the end, had to bring back Jan, spent all my money, and used up every single healing potion I had. I didn't want to leave area to rest ( couldn't rest anywhere in trademeet), so even though it was on easy, I felt great when I beat them. Same with the trademeet crypt (once again, i've got some tougher mod on). Damn Lich teleported me right to him! Once again, it took everything I had and once more noble Jan lost his life (twice). Ah well, more stories for him to tell

(sorry, realized I got off topic)

Coot · Post by **Coot** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:02 am

[QUOTE=VonDondu]I don't think Viconia belongs in your party; Aerie would be better.[/QUOTE]Not to put Aerie down, but IMO Viconia wouldn't be out of place in this (mostly good- aligned) party. Role-playingwise it would be a fine choice, at least if you choose to romance her. Of course Keldorn has issues with Vic, but those problems can be avoided if you keep your rep medium.

Sorry, Brerlappin, obviously you can have any kind of party you want, but when people talk about dropping Viccy, I just feel compelled to speak up.

Obsidian · Post by **Obsidian** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 11:57 am

I think you might be a bit weak in the thievery skills department until you get the amulet that bumps up thief skills...

Make sure you stock up on potions to increase Imoens thief skills, or else you may find yourselves at chests and doors you can't open.

Brerlappin · Post by **Brerlappin** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 3:16 pm

Whelp, after reading and thinking, I'm gonna drop keldorn. He does not fit in with how I want to roleplay and I think if you aren't happy with that, then you'll get bored in the later parts. So the ToB NPC will be exchanged for Keldorn. : )

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 5:06 am

A sorceror will give more 10th-level spells; one or two extra Dragon's Breaths can decide a battle.

Haer'Dalis' bardsong sucks until you get the Enhanced Bard Song ability. If you have a six-man party he'll make them unstoppable.

Thrifalas · Post by **Thrifalas** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:23 pm

Either Keldorn or Minsc should go, I'd say. Three fighter is one too much.

And in case you didn't know, Haer can use Carsomyr, so you won't miss out on it's godlike powers. (He gets UAI, Use Any Item, as a high-level ability)

So, you wont miss out on anything and you have a well balanced party. You might even consider dropping someone else as 6 chars just makes the leveling go real slow. But that's another story.

Dedigan · Post by **Dedigan** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:52 am

[QUOTE=Brerlappin]Whelp, after reading and thinking, I'm gonna drop keldorn. He does not fit in with how I want to roleplay and I think if you aren't happy with that, then you'll get bored in the later parts. So the ToB NPC will be exchanged for Keldorn. : )[/QUOTE]

That's what I would have done. They both serve similar functions in the group and the group as a whole is not lacking in any abilities. So rather than adding redundancy, just replace a function with a better choice.

Apart from that:
PC: Fighter/druid is a fun killing machine. I would use quarter staff instead of dual-scimitar, but still great choice.
Minsc: compliments Fighter/druid well in a rp sense. Great dual wielder
Vic: with strength enhancements, she is great for the front lines. I prefer to hold her back (with sling) and summon/buff. All of my parties have her since I despise the other priest option.
Imoen with gesen: can't get better for thief/mage combo IMO
HD: could be redundant with PC and Minsc or Imoen, but has so many advantages, especially late in game. Makes perfect decoy.
Keldorn: could be replaced by almost anyone, or nobody. All major tactical roles are filled, so this PC (and HD really) could be anybody.

Xiryith · Post by **Xiryith** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 4:16 am

I think aerie is a worthless npc, she simply has to low CON and the dialogues are so boooooring.

ps: the new npc is sarevok, just trying to be helpfull

Coot · Post by **Coot** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 6:06 am

[QUOTE=Xiryith]I think aerie is a worthless npc, she simply has to low CON and the dialogues are so boooooring.

ps: the new npc is sarevok, just trying to be helpfull

[/QUOTE]No offense, but if you want to be helpful, try to do it without giving away spoilers, OK?

Some twists and surprises in the game have been ruined for first-time players this way.

About Aerie: she's a spellcaster, so she shouldn't be used for meleecombat. Aside from that, her wide range of magical and clerical abilities will protect her (and her teammates!) better than a high constitution (stoneskin, mirror image, armor of faith etc.).

fable · Post by **fable** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 6:38 am

A second to Coot's request regarding spoilers. If you do want to put anything like that in a post, check out the site owner's sticky thread, About Spoilers: Please Read Before Posting. We get a lot of complaints about spoilers, even in games like BG2. Seems that quite a few people are just taking it up, now: a testament to its quality, IMO.

Aerie progresses more slowly than a single class cleric or mage, but by getting both spell books, she amasses enormous power by the latter stages of the game. She can cast mage-based trigger spells that contain not just mage spells, but clerical ones, as well. By herself, she can wipe out an undead army.