Algernon's cloak - getting it without rep loss (spoilers)

Lemernis

Is 60 in pickpocketing plenty to lift Algernon's cloak? I do want the cloak. So if the pickpocket fails I'll have to wax him. But I'd prefer not to take a rep hit as my party's rep is now at 6. Does killing Algernon result in rep loss?

If I Charm him and have him attack Tranzig, that would be another way, I guess...

Awong124

Use a potion of master thievery first.

Lemernis

Don't have one handy.

Awong124

Well, you're at Beregost. I think Thalantyr sells them at High Hedge.

EDIT: Nevermind. I don't think it's sold in any stores until late in the game.

Lemernis

Unfortunately they're not among his inventory. Still in chapter 2. I think I'd have to go to Durlag's and purchase from Erdaine to get one.

Lemernis

Thalantyr has Potions of Perception, but they're costly at rep 6 with no party member with Cha higher than 11. And I don't think I have quite enough gold for one right now. I could make the trek to Durlag I guess...

KidCarnival

Do you have enough gold for Friends? That brings Edwin at least to 16 charisma, and after you get the cloak, to 18. Not that it's a big help now, but in the long run, you need a shopface and from the NPCs you rolled, no-one really stands out, so it has to be with Friends spell.

ShadowTiger

If you are okay reloading a few times, 60 should be enough I think. Otherwise you will want a potion. Also note that potions of Mind Focusing give you +3 Dex (+15% pp) though they are pretty rare and might be better used in combat (or to learn spells with +3 Int).

deltago

If you are not ok with reloading knock him out with unarmed attacks and then continously attempt to pickpocket. you won't lose rep that way.

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Wanderon

Keep in mind that if your PP fails the "new" Algernon may disappear entirely if you can't manage to kill him right away.

First time I tried to get the cloak in BGEE we failed the PP and he ran downstairs - we followed and chased him around the room a bit and he ran back upstairs and apparently disappeared forever...

DreadKhan

Erm, use ranged weapons?? What hp does he have? His ac wasnt amazing.

KidCarnival

DreadKhan said:

Erm, use ranged weapons?? What hp does he have? His ac wasnt amazing.

Since when do ranged weapons prevent the rep drop?

Lemernis

Another question re: Algernon's cloak: is there still no save against it for most enemies in BG:EE?

My thought is to possibly use it on Mulahey. I'm running a trio in a no-reload game (Assassin, Monataon, Edwin). I know the cloak got nerfed to one casting per day. (Which, personally, is fine with me, it was way OP.) But is it still as effective as it was in vanilla?

One strategy I'm considering is to charm Mulahey before he can summon his minions. Then backstab with a Poisoned weapon and have Edwin cast Blindness and Horror.

If I go the Algie's cloak route, I'll have to make a run to Durlag's to buy some potions of master thievery.

Wanderon

KidCarnival said:

DreadKhan said:

Erm, use ranged weapons?? What hp does he have? His ac wasnt amazing.

Since when do ranged weapons prevent the rep drop?

It only works if you name your PC Robin Hood and SK Imoen to Maid Marriane and Sarevok to Sheriff Of Nottingham... One downside is Jahiera looks a bit silly as Friar Tuck but Minsc makes a good Little John.

KidCarnival

@Lemernis - I once had Oublek (!) save against the cloak charm. Can't remember anything else, but apparently it is possible to save against it.

Neonfisk

-Steal something to summon the Flamming Fist
-Charm Algernon
-Move him next to the FF so they'll kill him

You wont suffer reputation loss for his death this way

Lemernis

I just went to Durlag's and found that the potion of master thievery doesn't increase pickpocketing. The potion of perception does (by 20%) which Thalantyr sells, lol.

@Neonfisk I may actually give that a try!

Lemernis

nm

stygga

I pickpocket him regularly with base like 25 in PP that monty and imoen start with rather successfully. You should be fine at 60. If not, oh well. No risk no reward.

ZanathKariashi

Imeon's base PP enough to steal it more then half the time.

Awong124

I just tried it with pickpocket at 65 and it worked first try. Could have been lucky though.

Starlily

With every character I've run through so far..(3 ) I've been able to picpoc on first try. Though the last one one I had to use Imeon and reload twice to get it. No loss of reputation.

GemHound

try putting him to sleep, and then pickpocketing him?

raelcari

hmm. not that i wanna bump this, but you're saying algernon (or anyone else) wont turn hostile if you cast charm / sleep? also, is he in the same area as Tranzig, so you can charm Algernon and have the mage kill him?

Neonfisk

raelcari said:

also, is he in the same area as Tranzig, so you can charm Algernon and have the mage kill him?

That might actually be the best way to do it - no worries about cleaning up FF's.

When charm ends the target will become hostile (I believe resting will reset the "mood" of the target).
Sleep only works on hostile targets, unless you use Command (which should make him hostile).

franco

Try using the spell color spray on him, then picking his pocket. I've read where color spray does not turn the NPC hostile if it succeeds. Only one way to find out.

Tresset

@franco It does make them hostile.

franco

@Tresset. There was a thread on here earlier today where a few people were saying it didn't. But, of course I'll take your word for it. Thanks.

Klorox

Recruit Garrick down the street. He should have a respectable pick pick pocket score.

Or, just save before trying and reload if you fail.

I have stolen it with a 40 pick pocket, but often need to reload.

Ulvaryl

Klorox said:

Or, just save before trying and reload if you fail.

I have stolen it with a 40 pick pocket, but often need to reload.

This.