TOB question - Jaheira or Saravok (spoilers obviously)

the_spyder

So, just crossed over the line to TOB today. My current party has served me pretty well, but I am kind of wondering if I shouldn't trade up (down)? As it stands my party looks like this:

Charname - Human Wizard (evil)
Korgan
Jahiera
Viconia
Jan
Imoen

My standard combat tact involves having Korgan and Jaheira attack first, followed by Viconia (usually kitted out with Blade Barrier). Jan and Imoen stand back with a combination of Debuffer spells and damage attacks. Charname also contributes to the debuffing, but he usually has the major kill spells to cast.

Now on the face of that, it works out pretty well, but Saravok would be a better combatant than Jahiera. I already know he is a heck of a fighter and I understand his deathbringer assault is well worth having. Only that puts me down one healer and pre-battle buffer. At 21st and above (more or less), do I really need more muscle? Or do I want the spell power of a formidable druid who just happens to know the correct end of a Scimitar to do damage with?

I know that I could merely trade up Korgan for Saravok, but I kind of like the little blood-thirsty maniac and I already have these nice axes that will go to waste if I get rid of him.

Opinions welcome.

Shin

RP-wise I'd say Sarevok has more interesting ToB content than Jaheira. Combat-wise, your party seems balanced enough that it doesn't matter much. On one hand Jaheira is more versatile; there are a lot of stuations where physical attacks don't help much, at least initially. On the other hand, with three mages and a priest, you really don't need a druid as well. Just ask yourself what kind of playstyle you like.

Itstucktwice

Sarevok would be a better fit with that party, if only because you already have Viccy, and you really only need 1 healer.

However, either party can easily finish the game, and Jaheira is definitely a competent enough fighter to serve that purpose, along with the powerful debuffs+ironskins.

It honestly comes down to who you prefer. Myself personally, I have always been able to rationalize not taking Sarevok more than not taking Jaheira.

Sarevok asks you to take a lot on faith in forgiving and accepting him. Jaheira has been with you from the start as a loyal ally.

elminster

Personally I would take Jaheira but either choice is a good choice.

Arcalian

Sarevok.

the_spyder

Thanks for the inputs. Jaheira it is.

Dexter

I usually switch jaheira over sarevok at the start of ToB. Sure Jaheira spells are great in SoA, but in ToB you can summon devas or planetars and cast creeping doom. You'll miss elemental summoning, but sarevok damage output is better (ravager halberd + girdle of giant strengh = sarevok on a rampage).
Also for sentimental reasons I like sarevok and imoen to be in the throne of blood (especially if ascension is installed), kind of a family reunion

SharGuidesMyHand

From an RP/NPC interaction perspective, Sarevok would be better.

From an efficiency perspective (which is what your question asks), I would favor Jaheira. However, I would note that I make much more use of her than just a "healer and pre-battle buffer." She is one of only two NPCs that has access to the druid's unique high level spells, like insect plague. I think adding two pure tanks to your party (assuming you insist on keeping Korgan) in place of your only druid caster noticeably reduces its versatility.

blackchimes

the_spyder said:

At 21st and above (more or less), do I really need more muscle? Or do I want the spell power of a formidable druid who just happens to know the correct end of a Scimitar to do damage with?

So who's the formidable druid? I don't see Cernd in your party?

MilesBeyond

Definitely Sarevok. Way more interesting, and you're doing okay for spellpower.

Unless you have Ascension, in which case it's not even a question. Sarevok all the way.


NPC interest is actually the biggest factor here as you'll have no trouble finishing the game with either. And Sarevok is way more interesting.

the_spyder

blackchimes said:

the_spyder said:

At 21st and above (more or less), do I really need more muscle? Or do I want the spell power of a formidable druid who just happens to know the correct end of a Scimitar to do damage with?

So who's the formidable druid? I don't see Cernd in your party?

Wait a minute. Cernd is a 'Formidable' Druid? When did that happen?

Itstucktwice

blackchimes said:

So who's the formidable druid? I don't see Cernd in your party?

They said "formidable" not "most boring npc in the entire trilogy-including the non-joinable npcs"

blackchimes

the_spyder said:

Wait a minute. Cernd is a 'Formidable' Druid? When did that happen?

Compared to Jaheira, who is both a multiclass and has pathetic 14 Wisdom, Cernd is a torrent of divine power.

ChildofBhaal599

@blackchimes i like that at least jaheira easily doubles as a tank with access to all armors and 2 pips. she is a great help to me with the staff of ram and her spells

the_spyder

For my money, Cernd is admittedly an OK Druid, but he is a one trick pony. Jaheira is a decent Druid AND a good front liner. Give her girdle of giant strength, some decent armor and weapons and Iron Skins and she is a heck of a fighter. And then when combat is over, she can heal and buff. Although she isn't the most powerful divine caster in the game, I already have Viconia for that.

Plus she is much more interesting personality wise than Cernd (personal opinion).

the_spyder

Just to revisit this, after a bunch of hours into TOB, I am quite happy with my choice to stick with Jaheira. Several combats have pivoted on her druid abilities, either through pre-buffs or through healing. Although I probably could have survived with Saravok, I think things would have swung another direction in those encounters.