I just checked this in NI. Fists have a speed factor of 0 for everyone (including non-Monks). This suggests that the speed factor bonus Monks get is just a marginal improvement for those occasions where your fists don't cut it.
If you import characters from the black pits you can grind out some extra items to take with you.
My Rasaad currently has Gauntlets of Crusthing(+4 to Hit and +4 to damage with fists) and a belt that gives him 20 Strength as well a +2 Ring, the Klaw of Kazaroth, and Ioun Stone that gives him +1 AC!
He has a +2 Scimitar for a few enemies who need bonus to hit using single weapon style for AC bonus...and darts of wounding for ranged.
If I decide to kill Drizzt...he'll get his Defender. =P
Moral of the story is... Rasaad brings fun to the game. Dorn brings easy to the game. I prefer having fun and having to work at winning tough fights with Rasaad (my current run through has Myself(Monk), Rasaad, and Branwen(tanking) as my three front liners with Neera, Imoen, and Kivan providing range support) trust me, having to use all my guys strategically is keeping things fun. Only so much fun you can have when you can bulldoze through every fight. So no, Rasaad is not as good as dorn throughout the game, but he is DEFINITELY competitive with Dorn when stacked out with 19 strength and maxed level (2xd10 + strength bonuses to damage and thac0, plus gauntlets that give 2 damage 2 thac0 = some badass numbers).
...In chapter 5 the Short Sword of Backstabbing (THACO +3) becomes available...
I haven't seen this available in Chap 5... where do you find it? I usually get it from slyth in the undercellar Chap 7 I believe...
It's in Durlag's Tower.
Do you know where in Durlag's it's located? I just came through it in my recent game and didn't find or see that sword, but I'll reload a save if necessary
Moral of the story is... Rasaad brings fun to the game. Dorn brings easy to the game. I prefer having fun and having to work at winning tough fights with Rasaad (my current run through has Myself(Monk), Rasaad, and Branwen(tanking) as my three front liners with Neera, Imoen, and Kivan providing range support) trust me, having to use all my guys strategically is keeping things fun. Only so much fun you can have when you can bulldoze through every fight. So no, Rasaad is not as good as dorn throughout the game, but he is DEFINITELY competitive with Dorn when stacked out with 19 strength and maxed level (2xd10 + strength bonuses to damage and thac0, plus gauntlets that give 2 damage 2 thac0 = some badass numbers).
This is very much my philosophy. Because I can easily assemble a party that mops the floor with enemies. (Especially versus the vanilla AI.) After you've basically mastered the game's basic combat strategies, for me, the challenge shifts to trying to get the most out of all the various NPCs, and various classes and kits, in a lot of different constellations. It's not to say that it isn't fun to be maximum powerful. It is. But after a while I seek something fresh.
I picked up Ras just recently for his story and honestly haven't had an issue with him. With twinkle and basic gear he hasn't died yet even though I'm playing insane and basically let him run full tilt into every fight. At this rate I might well keep him.
Special Effects: The sling is permanently animated (similar to a sword of dancing) and will attack a selected enemy once per round. Unlike a sword of dancing the sling can be attacked by enemies and has poor AC and health and therefore should be kept out of melee combat whenever possible. The sling is a talking weapon and will occasionally regale the party with uninteresting anecdotes.
Okay, here is the guide to using Rasaad that I've been working on. I would greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions on how to improve it:
A Guide to Using Rasaad in Combat
Rasaad can be a fun character to use. But he is arguably the least powerful NPC out of the entire 28. And that is because Monks in BG1/EE are just plain weak. (Note: Monks become extremely powerful in BG2. So Rasaad will be a much stronger character in BG2:EE.)
Monks can't wear armor. They don't gain warrior class amounts of HP on level-ups. Their THACO is rather poor at low level. They have comparatively less attacks per round than most other melee oriented classes or kits. They have some stealth ability--but it is far below that of Thieves and Rangers. Indeed, a Monk's Hide in Shadows and Move Silently scores remain low enough in BG:EE that there's a notable risk of leaving shadows when hiding in broad daylight. A Monk can Detect Traps but can't remove them. So practically speaking, that's not a terribly helpful ability. (A Thief is typically taking care of traps anyway.)
And finally, Rasaad's stats are decent for an adventurter in the Forgotten Realms, but not uber. He also doesn't join with any truly amazing gear to offset a Monk's deficits. (Just his Moonwalker Boots that lower AC by +2)
On the plus side: In BG:EE Monks can stun targets using Stunning Blow, eventually twice per day. Monk fists and feet deal 1 d10 damage at 1.5 attacks per round starting at level 3, and 2 attacks per round at level 6. Their fists and feet are very fast: weapon speed is 0. They can stun using either with handstrikes and kicks or a handheld weapon. At level 7 they can heal themselves fairly well. They also move at a significantly faster rate of speed than other creatures (this footspeed does not increase attacks per round, however). That's what they have going for them.
So... if you do intend to use Rasaad, be prepared to have him play a supporting role as a warrior in BG:EE. He can still be used quite effectively, however. And he is a well written and voiced-acted character who brings something fresh to the game. Enjoy Rasaad for what he has to offer, which means accepting his limitations.
There are a number of approaches to using Rasaad in combat:
Target Mages and Archers - Try to Stun Them If you're going to adopt this approach, then equipping Rasaad with equipment that lowers his AC is particularly vital. Have Rasaad use the Shield Amulet before entering melee. (See below.)
Send Rasaad to attack mages or archers whenever the opportunity presents itself and use Stunning Blow. He can stun with either his fists or a melee weapon. Using this tactic often disrupts enemy mages from spellcasting even when stun isn't successful. Rasaad is fleet of foot--he reaches targets very fast. His fists are also fast. So Rasaad forces archers to switch to melee very quickly. If there are no mages or archers (left) to attack Rasaad can assist the party's tanks, striking enemies who are already directly engaged by another party member.
If Rassad uses his fists and feet he gets 1.5 attacks per round at level 3, and 2 attacks per round at level 6. Arguably you have a greater chance of stunning with more attacks per round. On the other hand, some weapons improve THACO, which also improves the odds of a successful hit.
Equipped with a Strength enhancing item Rasaad will deliver greater damage when he hits (see below).
Equip Rasaad with an Enchanted Scimitar and a Strength-Boosting Item Rasadd can stun with a melee weapon using Stunning Blow. So you can use the same approach above with a weapon. If you go this route, give Rasaad a proficiency in Single Weapon Style in order to give him a 1 in 10 chance of landing a crititcal hit, which doubles the damage.
For the maximum result give Rasaad a one of Drizzt's scimitars (if you can rationalize killing Drizzt to acquire them). Rasaad joins with a pip in Scimitar/Wazikashi/Ninjato, and a pip in Katana. He can Stun with a sword. So there are other weapons that he can use as well, although not as powerful as Frostbrand or Twinkle.
With some of the more powerful swords Rasaad will deliver more damage, and his THACO and AC will be improved. However he will only get 1 attack per round using a sword.
If you further equip Rasaad with either the Gauntlets of Ogre Power or the Big Fisted Belt then damage will be multiplied with Strength modifers. With the cursed belt's 19 Strength, Rasaad receives an attack bonus of THACO +3 and damage +7. With the Gauntlets of Ogre Power his Strength is set to 18, increasing THACO by +1 and damage by +2.
Throw Darts and "Kite" Rasaad can be used quite effectively also to hurl darts. Here you can take advantage of Rasaad's blazing footspeed and have him run around the field of battle distracting enemies by hurling Darts of Wounding and Stunning. He can engage an enemy by first hurling a dart. Then retreat when enemy advances toward him. Hurl another dart from a safe enough distance. Repeat the tactic, etc. Nota bene: Darts of Wounding release poison that can disrupt enemy spellcasters.
With this tactic you'll want to make sure that Rasaad has his AC suitably low. It is especially recommended that Rasaad be equipped with the Girdle of Piercing which lowers AC against missiles by 3. That is because Rasaad is at risk from enemy archers with this strategy. But you can address the archers with your other party members (have a mage cast Glitterdust for example).
Gear That Can Help Rasaad Achieve His Full Combat Potential Depending on how you plan to play Rasaad you can use these items in varying combinations (with some restriction, i.e., there's a limit to number of AC lowering items that can be equipped):
Moonwalker Boots - AC +2 (he comes with these) Shield Amulet - casts Shield spell (sets Base AC to 4) Ring of Protection +1 or +2 - reduces AC by 1 or 2 Cloak of Protection +1 or +2 - reduces AC by 1 or 2 Girdle of Piercing - AC +3 versus missile and piercing attacks Bracers of Defense AC +3 Gauntlets of Dexterity - sets Dex to 18, thereby improving (lowering) Rasaad's AC by +2 Gauntlets of Ogre Power - sets Str to 18, increasing THACO +1 and damage +2 Glimmerning Bands - THACO +2 Big Fisted Belt - sets Strength to 19 and Intelligence to 6 (cursed item)
Comments
My Rasaad currently has Gauntlets of Crusthing(+4 to Hit and +4 to damage with fists) and a belt that gives him 20 Strength as well a +2 Ring, the Klaw of Kazaroth, and Ioun Stone that gives him +1 AC!
He has a +2 Scimitar for a few enemies who need bonus to hit using single weapon style for AC bonus...and darts of wounding for ranged.
If I decide to kill Drizzt...he'll get his Defender. =P
Damage: 1-6
Chance to Hit: Unremarkable
Party Slots: -1
Special Effects:
The sling is permanently animated (similar to a sword of dancing) and will attack a selected enemy once per round.
Unlike a sword of dancing the sling can be attacked by enemies and has poor AC and health and therefore should be kept out of melee combat whenever possible.
The sling is a talking weapon and will occasionally regale the party with uninteresting anecdotes.
A Guide to Using Rasaad in Combat
Rasaad can be a fun character to use. But he is arguably the least powerful NPC out of the entire 28. And that is because Monks in BG1/EE are just plain weak. (Note: Monks become extremely powerful in BG2. So Rasaad will be a much stronger character in BG2:EE.)
Monks can't wear armor. They don't gain warrior class amounts of HP on level-ups. Their THACO is rather poor at low level. They have comparatively less attacks per round than most other melee oriented classes or kits. They have some stealth ability--but it is far below that of Thieves and Rangers. Indeed, a Monk's Hide in Shadows and Move Silently scores remain low enough in BG:EE that there's a notable risk of leaving shadows when hiding in broad daylight. A Monk can Detect Traps but can't remove them. So practically speaking, that's not a terribly helpful ability. (A Thief is typically taking care of traps anyway.)
And finally, Rasaad's stats are decent for an adventurter in the Forgotten Realms, but not uber. He also doesn't join with any truly amazing gear to offset a Monk's deficits. (Just his Moonwalker Boots that lower AC by +2)
On the plus side: In BG:EE Monks can stun targets using Stunning Blow, eventually twice per day. Monk fists and feet deal 1 d10 damage at 1.5 attacks per round starting at level 3, and 2 attacks per round at level 6. Their fists and feet are very fast: weapon speed is 0. They can stun using either with handstrikes and kicks or a handheld weapon. At level 7 they can heal themselves fairly well. They also move at a significantly faster rate of speed than other creatures (this footspeed does not increase attacks per round, however). That's what they have going for them.
So... if you do intend to use Rasaad, be prepared to have him play a supporting role as a warrior in BG:EE. He can still be used quite effectively, however. And he is a well written and voiced-acted character who brings something fresh to the game. Enjoy Rasaad for what he has to offer, which means accepting his limitations.
There are a number of approaches to using Rasaad in combat:
Target Mages and Archers - Try to Stun Them
If you're going to adopt this approach, then equipping Rasaad with equipment that lowers his AC is particularly vital. Have Rasaad use the Shield Amulet before entering melee. (See below.)
Send Rasaad to attack mages or archers whenever the opportunity presents itself and use Stunning Blow. He can stun with either his fists or a melee weapon. Using this tactic often disrupts enemy mages from spellcasting even when stun isn't successful. Rasaad is fleet of foot--he reaches targets very fast. His fists are also fast. So Rasaad forces archers to switch to melee very quickly. If there are no mages or archers (left) to attack Rasaad can assist the party's tanks, striking enemies who are already directly engaged by another party member.
If Rassad uses his fists and feet he gets 1.5 attacks per round at level 3, and 2 attacks per round at level 6. Arguably you have a greater chance of stunning with more attacks per round. On the other hand, some weapons improve THACO, which also improves the odds of a successful hit.
Equipped with a Strength enhancing item Rasaad will deliver greater damage when he hits (see below).
Equip Rasaad with an Enchanted Scimitar and a Strength-Boosting Item
Rasadd can stun with a melee weapon using Stunning Blow. So you can use the same approach above with a weapon. If you go this route, give Rasaad a proficiency in Single Weapon Style in order to give him a 1 in 10 chance of landing a crititcal hit, which doubles the damage.
For the maximum result give Rasaad a one of Drizzt's scimitars (if you can rationalize killing Drizzt to acquire them). Rasaad joins with a pip in Scimitar/Wazikashi/Ninjato, and a pip in Katana. He can Stun with a sword. So there are other weapons that he can use as well, although not as powerful as Frostbrand or Twinkle.
With some of the more powerful swords Rasaad will deliver more damage, and his THACO and AC will be improved. However he will only get 1 attack per round using a sword.
If you further equip Rasaad with either the Gauntlets of Ogre Power or the Big Fisted Belt then damage will be multiplied with Strength modifers. With the cursed belt's 19 Strength, Rasaad receives an attack bonus of THACO +3 and damage +7. With the Gauntlets of Ogre Power his Strength is set to 18, increasing THACO by +1 and damage by +2.
Throw Darts and "Kite"
Rasaad can be used quite effectively also to hurl darts. Here you can take advantage of Rasaad's blazing footspeed and have him run around the field of battle distracting enemies by hurling Darts of Wounding and Stunning. He can engage an enemy by first hurling a dart. Then retreat when enemy advances toward him. Hurl another dart from a safe enough distance. Repeat the tactic, etc. Nota bene: Darts of Wounding release poison that can disrupt enemy spellcasters.
With this tactic you'll want to make sure that Rasaad has his AC suitably low. It is especially recommended that Rasaad be equipped with the Girdle of Piercing which lowers AC against missiles by 3. That is because Rasaad is at risk from enemy archers with this strategy. But you can address the archers with your other party members (have a mage cast Glitterdust for example).
Gear That Can Help Rasaad Achieve His Full Combat Potential
Depending on how you plan to play Rasaad you can use these items in varying combinations (with some restriction, i.e., there's a limit to number of AC lowering items that can be equipped):
Moonwalker Boots - AC +2 (he comes with these)
Shield Amulet - casts Shield spell (sets Base AC to 4)
Ring of Protection +1 or +2 - reduces AC by 1 or 2
Cloak of Protection +1 or +2 - reduces AC by 1 or 2
Girdle of Piercing - AC +3 versus missile and piercing attacks
Bracers of Defense AC +3
Gauntlets of Dexterity - sets Dex to 18, thereby improving (lowering) Rasaad's AC by +2
Gauntlets of Ogre Power - sets Str to 18, increasing THACO +1 and damage +2
Glimmerning Bands - THACO +2
Big Fisted Belt - sets Strength to 19 and Intelligence to 6 (cursed item)