How do you Mirror Image Xzar... I thought that, as a necromancer, he can't cast illusion spells?
As for SCS, it's not just got powergamers (that would be Tactics). I play RP legit, no pre-buffing or anything, on core rules difficulty and with the core SCS components (no enemy pre-buffing either)... it makes for a great experience.
Sorry, I didn't mean that I Mirror Image Xzar. I mean that I use Xzar in melee sometimes. As long as the tanks have aggro, it doesn't matter how vulnerable Xzar is.
I do it with Xzar and Chilling Touch all the time.
I guess doing that in the vanillia BG:EE is fine, though I'd use that as a backup to when he's out of spells, or saving them. I like that idea!
SCS however, no dice.
How do you Mirror Image Xzar... I thought that, as a necromancer, he can't cast illusion spells?
As for SCS, it's not just got powergamers (that would be Tactics). I play RP legit, no pre-buffing or anything, on core rules difficulty and with the core SCS components (no enemy pre-buffing either)... it makes for a great experience.
What part of Mirror Image didn't you understand? Like Xzar with Chilling Touch, he's great for running around and axing lesser enemies while your real melee players handle the serious stuff, or as a bit of supplementary DPS on the serious stuff while the tanks have it distracted.
What part of crappy AC means the Mirror Images go pretty quickly don't you understand? And Mirror image has a duration and requires to be renewed before every combat that you need it in. Add to that the fact that he has a crappy 'To Hit' meaning he only hits rarely. Even with the strength boost, he isn't hitting anywhere near as often as the other tanks in your group.
Don't get me wrong, it is a neat trick ......... once a day. But there are better uses of spells than that and for the gain you get, you do better having a regular tank in Minsc or Dorn or Kagain or Shar-Teel or Ajantis or even Khalid or Jaheira or Monty. Heck, even Viconia or Branwen are better tanks consistently. In short, just about everyone in the game other than other casters.
What part of crappy AC means the Mirror Images go pretty quickly don't you understand? And Mirror image has a duration and requires to be renewed before every combat that you need it in. Add to that the fact that he has a crappy 'To Hit' meaning he only hits rarely. Even with the strength boost, he isn't hitting anywhere near as often as the other tanks in your group.
Don't get me wrong, it is a neat trick ......... once a day. But there are better uses of spells than that and for the gain you get, you do better having a regular tank in Minsc or Dorn or Kagain or Shar-Teel or Ajantis or even Khalid or Jaheira or Monty. Heck, even Viconia or Branwen are better tanks consistently. In short, just about everyone in the game other than other casters.
I never suggested Xan should do any tanking, only supplementary DPS and minion-killing that costs no spells per day. His to-hit isn't going to be overly terrible with a +3 weapon in hand. Hell, Xzar hits regularly enough on non-bosses with just Chill Touch in hand.
@Schneidend Dude I was really tempted to flag your last posts as spam.
Xan a killing machine..? Xzar with Mirror Image..? SCS for powerplayers..?
Do whatever you like, but I never said I had Xzar cast Mirror Image, though admittedly I did imply it. What I meant was that I have Xzar wade into melee and whack unsuspecting enemies with Chill Touch the same way I would have Xan whack aggro'd stuff with the Moonblade. Apologies for the confusion.
But, yes, Xan a killing machine. I'm not saying Xan is going to skewer Sarevok (I doubt he could ever hit Sarevok without a crit), but I'd rather have Xan Sleep-stabbing lower level enemies while my actual melee guys focus on the bosses.
I never suggested Xan should do any tanking, only supplementary DPS and minion-killing that costs no spells per day. His to-hit isn't going to be overly terrible with a +3 weapon in hand. Hell, Xzar hits regularly enough on non-bosses with just Chill Touch in hand.
An enemy that is stunned etc. is automatically hit on attack. Use this to your advantage. A guaranteed hit on an enemy for 4-7 damage each round is hardly nothing, and you still get to cast your spells as well.
Make sure that he is not being targeted by enemies. If he does come under fire and you don't to withdraw him from his free attacks, keep a Mirror Image and/or Stoneskin prepared.
Killing Machine denotes more than 'supplementary DPS'.
An exaggeration, I'll admit. Still, he can get kills, honest. It seems wasteful to not use something as cool as the Moonblade. d8+3 is nothing to sneeze at for a Wizard, especially considering it is DPS that takes up no spell slots barring the occasional buff. Even if he isn't buffed, if he's out of spells or you're being resource-conscious, it's free extra damage.
And any mage can provide supplementary DPS with simple application of a sling.
Sure, I guess. I never suggested that was not a possibility.
Using Moonblade doesn't take any spell slots........ except if you want to do the mirror image/strength thing you indicated turning him into "A Killing Machine". Without those two buffs, he can't hit worth crap and is fragile as a pane of glass in a rock storm.
Additionally, it is extra damage, which wizards really need to add to the company........ Only they can do that with a simple sling stone which is a ranged weapon and can be done from the safety of being in the back ranks whereas the moonblade requires you to enter into sword range of the enemy.
And that +3 really helps..... much in the same way that having a high dex would help with the sling. Or having a +1 sling and +1 stones and even a reasonable DEX bonus would give you. Not to mention the gauntlets of DEX.
Glad you were able to clear that up and set me straight. I can definitely see the benefits now.
Glad you were able to clear that up and set me straight. I can definitely see the benefits now.
Is there a reason you're being so hostile? OP asked for a way to use Xan, and I gave my suggestion. I don't recall this being a contest of who can be the most optimal powergamer that tries to make other people look stupid. If that was the focus of this thread, Xan wouldn't be an issue because Edwin is already the best Wizard for pure spellcasting power. Using Xan in melee is perfectly viable, and it amuses me, so that's what I proposed OP do. Get over it.
Look, no offense was meant on my part. I personally don't think that the moonblade is in any way an effective way to use Xan. I have been responding to that.
I stand by my assessment that putting him in any kind of HtH combat is in no way 'Effective'. Had he been a Bard, that would be a much different matter. He isn't. He is a mage and I don't think there is an effective way to deal with him.
he is underwhelming at best. There are better casters and his "thing" is the moonblade. Only he is the only one who can use it and he is not a combat type. I generally leave him where he is and count myself lucky.
The question was Best way to use Xan? and I Gave him my way of using him...
I'd say the best way to use Xan is the way you enjoy him the most. You can beat this game with all possible stupid combinations or solo so having Xan swing happily swing away with a sword is hardly worse than playing without him. Admittedly if you are using SCS there is less tolerance for such folly (though I sure do try!) but I indulge in having Xan swing away with his fancy pants sword now and then and I like the fact that I can leave him alone with a Xvart and expect him to come out on top ...most times.
Look, no offense was meant on my part. I personally don't think that the moonblade is in any way an effective way to use Xan. I have been responding to that.
I stand by my assessment that putting him in any kind of HtH combat is in no way 'Effective'. Had he been a Bard, that would be a much different matter. He isn't. He is a mage and I don't think there is an effective way to deal with him.
And I disagree. As I've said, it's just extra DPS, more DPS than a sling provides. Slings are safer, yes, but in most encounters Xan can easily be made safe by micro-managing aggro. I'm not suggesting Xan is going to replace Shar-Teel, Minsc, and Dorn as the game's deadliest melee combatants, but having what amounts to a free, infinite duration touch spell that also gives him defense buffs is most certainly not useless.
I had an idea for using Xan I wanted to try, but I recently had no time to play, so perhaps someone would like to try it out: give him ring protecting from fire, as well as robe of fire protection, so he should have 110% fire resistance (so fire damage should heal him:) ) Then, during harder fights, cast some protection spells (Mirror Image, Stoneskin, perhaps strength just for fun) and have him run solo into the battle. Once he is encircled by enemies, have your other mages cast fireball, archers shoot arrows of explosion, and everyone else throw exploding potions. Not only all the enemies would be affected, but perhaps Xan would get some healing:).
I know, it would require some preparation, but I think it could be fun
If I feel like using Xan, I usually do the following to him:
Class: Fighter/Enchanter (gives Xan some unique flavor)
STR: 16 (+3, tough, but not outstanding DEX: 16 (no change, fits) CON: 16 (+9, he needs all the HP he can get >_>) WIS: 11 (-3, too pessimistic to actually consider circumstances for what they are, but other than that pretty wise) INT:16 (-1, he's probably very clever, but I've never imagined him as a super-genius and I've always found BG too generous with godly levels of intellect) CHA: 8 (-8, 'We're doomed!" Never got why he had high CHA in the first place)
Stat total: 83
Exactly the same stat total, but due to the reshuffling he's very competent and I personally would say that this stat spread fits him a lot better (except the constitution buff, which would probably be more realistic as 13 or so).
His actual description supports my massive charisma nerf:
'He has devoted his life to improving his mastery of magic and has become a skilled wizard, though this dedication has left him little time to make friends or acquire any other pastimes'
@Tome I believe that the only reason Xan has 16 CHA is because it's a requirement for the Enchanter specialization, not as a representation of his leadership qualities.
Edit: It's not to say that I dislike his quirks, I always have Xan in my BG1 parties and never give him any weapon besides his trusty moonblade (just have to stay alert to all of his movements while in the fray)
Yeah, there are some contradictions for NPCs with respect to their make-up. Another one is Xzar, who has 16 Wis which simply does not square up with his description:
His bio states "Xzar has very few coherent things to say... his ramblings seem disjointed, but his faculties are obviously in good enough order for him to be adept at magic... He mutters... gets extremely agitated... He is obviously at least partially insane..." And per the manual the Wisdom ability "measures a character's enlightenment, judgment, and common sense." The only sense I think that can be eked out of this is that (owing also to his extremely high Int) Xzar may be a kind of mad genius who occasionally shows flashes of brilliantly creative problem-solving. (And just as often has utterly poor ideas.)
But anyway re: Xan, his description indicates that he has poor social skills due to single-minded devotion to the study of magic, which has "left him little time to make friends or acquire any other pastimes." Further, Xan is (due to his incessant pessimism) "probably not the best influence on morale." Whereas per the manual Cha measures "persuasiveness, personal magnetism, and ability to lead."
Now myself, I think Xan is very funny, though--even if unintentionally so. So I could see how other party members might be rather amused by him (as I as a player am). And he is a highly competent mage (has good stats for an enchanter), and strong performance also tends to bolster morale, even if indirectly.
He is neither persuasive or a leader. But perhaps he has a highly quirky kind of "personal magnetism" that he himself is out of touch with: he doesn't realize it (which makes it funnier), but he unintentionally provides a high level of comic relief. And people might actually enjoy having him around for that.
Comments
SCS however, no dice.
Xan a killing machine..?
Xzar with Mirror Image..?
SCS for powerplayers..?
Don't get me wrong, it is a neat trick ......... once a day. But there are better uses of spells than that and for the gain you get, you do better having a regular tank in Minsc or Dorn or Kagain or Shar-Teel or Ajantis or even Khalid or Jaheira or Monty. Heck, even Viconia or Branwen are better tanks consistently. In short, just about everyone in the game other than other casters.
But, yes, Xan a killing machine. I'm not saying Xan is going to skewer Sarevok (I doubt he could ever hit Sarevok without a crit), but I'd rather have Xan Sleep-stabbing lower level enemies while my actual melee guys focus on the bosses.
And any mage can provide supplementary DPS with simple application of a sling.
also, as has been said, Xzar with mirror image? Um.....
Make sure that he is not being targeted by enemies. If he does come under fire and you don't to withdraw him from his free attacks, keep a Mirror Image and/or Stoneskin prepared.
Xan could use some hair on his chest, though.
Using Moonblade doesn't take any spell slots........ except if you want to do the mirror image/strength thing you indicated turning him into "A Killing Machine". Without those two buffs, he can't hit worth crap and is fragile as a pane of glass in a rock storm.
Additionally, it is extra damage, which wizards really need to add to the company........ Only they can do that with a simple sling stone which is a ranged weapon and can be done from the safety of being in the back ranks whereas the moonblade requires you to enter into sword range of the enemy.
And that +3 really helps..... much in the same way that having a high dex would help with the sling. Or having a +1 sling and +1 stones and even a reasonable DEX bonus would give you. Not to mention the gauntlets of DEX.
Glad you were able to clear that up and set me straight. I can definitely see the benefits now.
Look, no offense was meant on my part. I personally don't think that the moonblade is in any way an effective way to use Xan. I have been responding to that.
I stand by my assessment that putting him in any kind of HtH combat is in no way 'Effective'. Had he been a Bard, that would be a much different matter. He isn't. He is a mage and I don't think there is an effective way to deal with him.
The question was Best way to use Xan?
and I Gave him my way of using him...
My Bard may not actually hit with it, but we all know looking cool and singing a song and is the way to go.
give him ring protecting from fire, as well as robe of fire protection, so he should have 110% fire resistance (so fire damage should heal him:) )
Then, during harder fights, cast some protection spells (Mirror Image, Stoneskin, perhaps strength just for fun) and have him run solo into the battle.
Once he is encircled by enemies, have your other mages cast fireball, archers shoot arrows of explosion, and everyone else throw exploding potions.
Not only all the enemies would be affected, but perhaps Xan would get some healing:).
I know, it would require some preparation, but I think it could be fun
Class: Fighter/Enchanter (gives Xan some unique flavor)
STR: 16 (+3, tough, but not outstanding
DEX: 16 (no change, fits)
CON: 16 (+9, he needs all the HP he can get >_>)
WIS: 11 (-3, too pessimistic to actually consider circumstances for what they are, but other than that pretty wise)
INT:16 (-1, he's probably very clever, but I've never imagined him as a super-genius and I've always found BG too generous with godly levels of intellect)
CHA: 8 (-8, 'We're doomed!" Never got why he had high CHA in the first place)
Stat total: 83
Exactly the same stat total, but due to the reshuffling he's very competent and I personally would say that this stat spread fits him a lot better (except the constitution buff, which would probably be more realistic as 13 or so).
His actual description supports my massive charisma nerf:
'He has devoted his life to improving his mastery of magic and has become a skilled wizard, though this dedication has left him little time to make friends or acquire any other pastimes'
Edit: It's not to say that I dislike his quirks, I always have Xan in my BG1 parties and never give him any weapon besides his trusty moonblade (just have to stay alert to all of his movements while in the fray)
His bio states "Xzar has very few coherent things to say... his ramblings seem disjointed, but his faculties are obviously in good enough order for him to be adept at magic... He mutters... gets extremely agitated... He is obviously at least partially insane..." And per the manual the Wisdom ability "measures a character's enlightenment, judgment, and common sense." The only sense I think that can be eked out of this is that (owing also to his extremely high Int) Xzar may be a kind of mad genius who occasionally shows flashes of brilliantly creative problem-solving. (And just as often has utterly poor ideas.)
But anyway re: Xan, his description indicates that he has poor social skills due to single-minded devotion to the study of magic, which has "left him little time to make friends or acquire any other pastimes." Further, Xan is (due to his incessant pessimism) "probably not the best influence on morale." Whereas per the manual Cha measures "persuasiveness, personal magnetism, and ability to lead."
Now myself, I think Xan is very funny, though--even if unintentionally so. So I could see how other party members might be rather amused by him (as I as a player am). And he is a highly competent mage (has good stats for an enchanter), and strong performance also tends to bolster morale, even if indirectly.
He is neither persuasive or a leader. But perhaps he has a highly quirky kind of "personal magnetism" that he himself is out of touch with: he doesn't realize it (which makes it funnier), but he unintentionally provides a high level of comic relief. And people might actually enjoy having him around for that.