How can there be "none" when the question is "who is the best"? There can't be no best at something. That'd be like if you held a race and nobody was allowed to cross the finish line.
Picked Neera cause she reminds me of a combination in their Good qualities of all 3 other romances Aerie, Viconia and Jaheira. Strong and independant like Jaheira, but still kind of innocent like Aerie and toping it off with Vico's wit.
Baeloth might be close 2, but I didn't play with him YET, my priestess of Talos has only reached Nashkeel atm, but what little I had him he was awesome.
Overall I think all characters seem interesting and "good". Rasaad I don't like as he is monk and I really dislike monks (yes, even Balthazzar but won't mind Ascension mod if it becomes available for BG2:EE), Hexxat is... well.... what she is, will be interesting in my evil party playthrough (loved Clara though), and Dorn.... well, he is what I expected him to be, ROAR SMASH! (Intellegent ROAR SMASH, but ROAR SMASH nevertheless).
I didn't take Rasaad during BG:EE because monks are so squishy then, but I added him to my party in BG2 and I love the fact that you can debate him on his religion and influence him and I was surprised by what a deep character he was, and I also liked he was reasonable. Also monks rule in BG2.
On the otherhand, I took Dorn in BG:EE liked him a lot then, but I find myself mostly annoyed with him in BG2 because he's stupid evil. Yes, let's kill everything without thinking!!! You can be outright evil without bloodshed. He has no imagination ahha. It felt like he was making more work for himself than he needed.
He's not stupid evil, but his patron seems to be.
Exactly - in fact, that's kind of the starting point of his storyline: as a blackguard, he has to obey Ur-Gothoz's commands whether they're sensible or not...
I do really like Dorn's SoA quest-line, and its various resolutions (haven't reached ToB yet: waiting for Ascension to come out).
I, naturally, got Dorn to double-cross everyone involved and he ended up with a sweet sword (and no powers, but 'Fallen Blackguard' is a pretty awesome title, so I can live with it)
I'm surprised that so many people actually like Neera. She is my number 3 after Dorn and Baeloth. (poor Rasaad) And... I really don't like Hexxat. It's not about her black picture or her lgbt shit everybody is talking about here. Well, she's ok. But her main stats are a bit... wrong, I think. 19-18 would be normal. But 20 is too much, IMO.
If Hexxat had 19 Str and 18 Dex she'd have -1 damage and -10% on some of her thief skills (-6% i think on the stealth ones). It would't really make much of a difference mechanically, so I'm unsure what you're taking issue with.
I'm surprised that so many people actually like Neera. She is my number 3 after Dorn and Baeloth. (poor Rasaad) And... I really don't like Hexxat. It's not about her black picture or her lgbt shit everybody is talking about here. Well, she's ok. But her main stats are a bit... wrong, I think. 19-18 would be normal. But 20 is too much, IMO.
Uh, vampire? Super strong, super agile lords of the night?
Great voicework (though in BG2:EE he doesn't remark that moving to a patch of flowers will be even bloodier than I'd hope, which is a shame), badass fighter and over-the-top completely senselessly evil.
Considering Viconia's "more bitch than evil" and Edwin's "more asshole than evil" and Sarevok's "I used to be really evil but now I'm just the diet version, just one calorie of evil", having Dorn go all out, "balls to the walls, murdering every innocent he can get his hands on evil" is refreshing.
Refreshing? Nah it's just terrible writing proving that the writers at Beamdog don't understand why evil exists. If you observe any good literature, whether it be a novel, movie, or game, a worthwhile evil character is written in such a way that they are driven to do evil deeds for their own benefit, not for the gratuity of it. (15 Wisdom? Ain't no thang.) They have some form of a conscience, even if tiny, because in the real world, that is the case. Dorn has absolutely no conscience, no semblance of honor or restraint in any situation. Not only is that gratuitous, but it is also bad characterization, boring, totally inhuman and unrealistic. I had high hopes for Dorn, perhaps too high. It would seem though that Beamdog is incapable of analyzing human nature and understanding the existence of evil, and as such, they will never be able to write a realistic and relatable evil character.
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
I'm pretty fond of Rasaad, enjoyed his quest and the romance is adorably awkwardly cute so far. Plus he's a lot better at punching things to death now.
Neera seems to have matured a bit, just got her in my group and while I like her character, not really fond of the wild mage class
Hexxat is awesome but I haven't had her in my group much due to party conflicts.
Don't think I'll recruit Dorn this playthrough... in the first game I could justify keeping an eye on him, but when I met him in 2 it was either kill him or gleefully talk about rolling in the blood of innocents so.... :P
Neera is hilarious. I also find wild magic to be, well, wildly entertaining. Especially when Neera accidentally summons a demon into the middle of a battle.
Don't think I'll recruit Dorn this playthrough... in the first game I could justify keeping an eye on him, but when I met him in 2 it was either kill him or gleefully talk about rolling in the blood of innocents so.... :P
Right, forgot to mention that: Dorn's quest line gives you very little choice thus far. Same thing people were complaining about concerning Dragomir's Tomb. FAIL FAIL FAIL
Refreshing? Nah it's just terrible writing proving that the writers at Beamdog don't understand why evil exists. If you observe any good literature, whether it be a novel, movie, or game, a worthwhile evil character is written in such a way that they are driven to do evil deeds for their own benefit, not for the gratuity of it. (15 Wisdom? Ain't no thang.) They have some form of a conscience, even if tiny, because in the real world, that is the case. Dorn has absolutely no conscience, no semblance of honor or restraint in any situation. Not only is that gratuitous, but it is also bad characterization, boring, totally inhuman and unrealistic. I had high hopes for Dorn, perhaps too high. It would seem though that Beamdog is incapable of analyzing human nature and understanding the existence of evil, and as such, they will never be able to write a realistic and relatable evil character.
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
I'm surprised that so many people actually like Neera. She is my number 3 after Dorn and Baeloth. (poor Rasaad) And... I really don't like Hexxat. It's not about her black picture or her lgbt shit everybody is talking about here. Well, she's ok. But her main stats are a bit... wrong, I think. 19-18 would be normal. But 20 is too much, IMO.
Uh, vampire? Super strong, super agile lords of the night?
I like all of them so far, maybe a little bit less Rasaad in BGEE, but his story seems interesting so far in II. On the note of early II storylines, Neera is adorable, although I do hope she has scenes showing off that she is Neutral and not Good, as she did in the original.
To be honest, between Rasaad and Hexxat; it was a real toss-up. I *really* like them both. Hexxat is one of the most interesting characters that I've seen so far. The thing is, I really like Rasaad too. I like his outlook on life. His voice actor did a fantastic job. Hexxat's voice actress is brilliant too!
My party: 1] Charname [Fighter/Mage] 2] Jaheira [Fighter/Druid] 3] Hexxat [Uber Thief] 4] Viconia [Cleric] 5] Neera [Wild Mage] 6] Resaad [Merchant au la Bludgeon]
I have Hexxat hitting on Viconia. Jaheira is hitting on charname. Neera is just trying to be loved.
Do not read this unless you want a conversation between characters spoiled.
I remember a conversation between Jaheira and Hexxat, where Jaheira is basically saying that she doesn't trust Hexxat, but she knows that Hexxat didn't choose her destiny. Hexxat doesn't respond with hostility, she responds apologetically.
There was one conversation between Rasaad and Neera that was just fantastic! Neera was rambling on about something, and Rasaad begins reflecting intensely on the merits of silence (he's trying to remain centered and calm, like a flame in the void; then you have Neera in the middle of the void going "Meh... meh, me, meh. Meh? And I was like... meh!!!").
Neera, I like her voice and her funny retorts. So far her story is interesting as well. Rasaad is ok. Dorn I never tried, I'm not into evil, but I guess he fits his purpose. Same with Baeloth. I have a very poor opinion of Hexxat and won't go any further then that. And I wouldn't even call Clara a real PC.
mine is a tie. neera has wild magic which is SO MUCH FUN!!! ive never had such a big grin playing with neera since....the arcane sanctuary in diablo 2. and Hexxat is SO CREEPY i love her, every time she speaks she sends a chill down my spine
I do really like Dorn's SoA quest-line, and its various resolutions (haven't reached ToB yet: waiting for Ascension to come out).
I, naturally, got Dorn to double-cross everyone involved and he ended up with a sweet sword (and no powers, but 'Fallen Blackguard' is a pretty awesome title, so I can live with it)
I like to plan my storylines in advance, but oh my God, I literally don't know what I'll do when I get to that point.
RP-wise, my Bhaalspawn is NE but has this whole thing about preferring freedom to power - he'll probably give up the Bhaal essence at the last minute because of the strings attached - plus he's romancing Dorn, so my first impulse is to take them both out and free him. But I also know that Dorn will reach the height of his power if he stays loyal to Ur-Gothoz: you get the Visage, plus a sword that will shred Demogorgon once we get to WK. It's a masterful bit of writing, one of the few occasions in a RPG where I've had to stop and carefully consider the possible outcomes of my decisions. Love it!
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
Wow. Just... wow.
So let's recap: Dorn is a half-breed whose early life is, shall we say, not that great. He starts off in Luskan killing just to survive, eventually gets involved with Simmeon and his gang. They seem to like him, and Kryll takes that a bit further. They're the first humans who've ever shown him kindness. Then they turn on him and get him arrested. Ur-Gothoz comes to him and offers him power in exchange for servitude (standard blackguard arrangement).
How is any of that not relatable? Dorn's mindset in BG:EE is a product of his backstory; and it's clear pretty early in BG2:EE that while he might enjoy a good fight, Ur-Gothoz's orders (which are getting more and more sadistic) are starting to wear on him.
The whole point of his quest puts him squarely in the dilemma that defines him: does he stay with Ur-Gothoz for the sake of power? Does he basically swap one master for another by joining Azothet? Does he forfeit his blackguard powers to free himself? And no matter what he chooses, you can call him out on it.
I do really like Dorn's SoA quest-line, and its various resolutions (haven't reached ToB yet: waiting for Ascension to come out).
I, naturally, got Dorn to double-cross everyone involved and he ended up with a sweet sword (and no powers, but 'Fallen Blackguard' is a pretty awesome title, so I can live with it)
I like to plan my storylines in advance, but oh my God, I literally don't know what I'll do when I get to that point.
RP-wise, my Bhaalspawn is NE but has this whole thing about preferring freedom to power - he'll probably give up the Bhaal essence at the last minute because of the strings attached - plus he's romancing Dorn, so my first impulse is to take them both out and free him. But I also know that Dorn will reach the height of his power if he stays loyal to Ur-Gothoz: you get the Visage, plus a sword that will shred Demogorgon once we get to WK. It's a masterful bit of writing, one of the few occasions in a RPG where I've had to stop and carefully consider the possible outcomes of my decisions. Love it!
Dammit, @shawne, the powergamer in my heart is doubting my decision! XP
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
Wow. Just... wow.
So let's recap: Dorn is a half-breed whose early life is, shall we say, not that great. He starts off in Luskan killing just to survive, eventually gets involved with Simmeon and his gang. They seem to like him, and Kryll takes that a bit further. They're the first humans who've ever shown him kindness. Then they turn on him and get him arrested. Ur-Gothoz comes to him and offers him power in exchange for servitude (standard blackguard arrangement).
How is any of that not relatable? Dorn's mindset in BG:EE is a product of his backstory; and it's clear pretty early in BG2:EE that while he might enjoy a good fight, Ur-Gothoz's orders (which are getting more and more sadistic) are starting to wear on him.
The whole point of his quest puts him squarely in the dilemma that defines him: does he stay with Ur-Gothoz for the sake of power? Does he basically swap one master for another by joining Azothet? Does he forfeit his blackguard powers to free himself? And no matter what he chooses, you can call him out on it.
Fan fiction writers wish they were this good.
Did you just ignore 90% of my post, only replying to my last line?
OK I'm going to keep it short then. I liked his BG:EE storyline/backstory, it was good. I am finding his antics in BGII:EE so far are ridiculous, one-dimensional, unrealistic, inhuman, and all the other words I used in my previous post, that you should consider reading again.
In the future, please don't start a reply with "Wow. Just... wow." It's incredibly condescending. Honestly it makes me consider not responding, since you apparently think I'm an idiot simply for having a different opinion than you.
@Quartz: Honestly? Your argument that Dorn's behavior is "bad characterization, boring, totally inhuman and unrealistic" sounds to me like you didn't go further than his introduction. Because he starts questioning Ur-Gothoz almost immediately after that, and his questline puts a spotlight on precisely those issues which you seem to find one-dimensional.
I don't think you're an idiot for having a different opinion than me - but it certainly seems like you're drawing conclusions based on incomplete evidence.
I'm also curious what people think is the worst EE companion, but that's a thread just asking to get locked within two pages, what with damn near any discussion involving Hexxat devolving rapidly.
as lawful good i did not get a chance to use much of dorn, but i will say that having him introduced breifly early in the game, then having him show up the way he does later...pure genius
Comments
Baeloth might be close 2, but I didn't play with him YET, my priestess of Talos has only reached Nashkeel atm, but what little I had him he was awesome.
Overall I think all characters seem interesting and "good". Rasaad I don't like as he is monk and I really dislike monks (yes, even Balthazzar but won't mind Ascension mod if it becomes available for BG2:EE), Hexxat is... well.... what she is, will be interesting in my evil party playthrough (loved Clara though), and Dorn.... well, he is what I expected him to be, ROAR SMASH! (Intellegent ROAR SMASH, but ROAR SMASH nevertheless).
She is my number 3 after Dorn and Baeloth. (poor Rasaad)
And... I really don't like Hexxat. It's not about her black picture or her lgbt shit everybody is talking about here. Well, she's ok. But her main stats are a bit... wrong, I think. 19-18 would be normal. But 20 is too much, IMO.
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
Neera seems to have matured a bit, just got her in my group and while I like her character, not really fond of the wild mage class
Hexxat is awesome but I haven't had her in my group much due to party conflicts.
Don't think I'll recruit Dorn this playthrough... in the first game I could justify keeping an eye on him, but when I met him in 2 it was either kill him or gleefully talk about rolling in the blood of innocents so.... :P
Refreshing? Nah it's just terrible writing proving that the writers at Beamdog don't understand why evil exists. If you observe any good literature, whether it be a novel, movie, or game, a worthwhile evil character is written in such a way that they are driven to do evil deeds for their own benefit, not for the gratuity of it. (15 Wisdom? Ain't no thang.) They have some form of a conscience, even if tiny, because in the real world, that is the case. Dorn has absolutely no conscience, no semblance of honor or restraint in any situation. Not only is that gratuitous, but it is also bad characterization, boring, totally inhuman and unrealistic. I had high hopes for Dorn, perhaps too high. It would seem though that Beamdog is incapable of analyzing human nature and understanding the existence of evil, and as such, they will never be able to write a realistic and relatable evil character.
TL;DR - Dorn is a product of bad fan-fiction writing.
Woow... Love the way you wrote it dude.
My party:
1] Charname [Fighter/Mage]
2] Jaheira [Fighter/Druid]
3] Hexxat [Uber Thief]
4] Viconia [Cleric]
5] Neera [Wild Mage]
6] Resaad [Merchant au la Bludgeon]
I have Hexxat hitting on Viconia. Jaheira is hitting on charname. Neera is just trying to be loved.
Do not read this unless you want a conversation between characters spoiled.
I remember a conversation between Jaheira and Hexxat, where Jaheira is basically saying that she doesn't trust Hexxat, but she knows that Hexxat didn't choose her destiny. Hexxat doesn't respond with hostility, she responds apologetically.
There was one conversation between Rasaad and Neera that was just fantastic! Neera was rambling on about something, and Rasaad begins reflecting intensely on the merits of silence (he's trying to remain centered and calm, like a flame in the void; then you have Neera in the middle of the void going "Meh... meh, me, meh. Meh? And I was like... meh!!!").
Rasaad is ok.
Dorn I never tried, I'm not into evil, but I guess he fits his purpose.
Same with Baeloth.
I have a very poor opinion of Hexxat and won't go any further then that.
And I wouldn't even call Clara a real PC.
So let's recap: Dorn is a half-breed whose early life is, shall we say, not that great. He starts off in Luskan killing just to survive, eventually gets involved with Simmeon and his gang. They seem to like him, and Kryll takes that a bit further. They're the first humans who've ever shown him kindness. Then they turn on him and get him arrested. Ur-Gothoz comes to him and offers him power in exchange for servitude (standard blackguard arrangement).
How is any of that not relatable? Dorn's mindset in BG:EE is a product of his backstory; and it's clear pretty early in BG2:EE that while he might enjoy a good fight, Ur-Gothoz's orders (which are getting more and more sadistic) are starting to wear on him.
Fan fiction writers wish they were this good.
OK I'm going to keep it short then. I liked his BG:EE storyline/backstory, it was good. I am finding his antics in BGII:EE so far are ridiculous, one-dimensional, unrealistic, inhuman, and all the other words I used in my previous post, that you should consider reading again.
In the future, please don't start a reply with "Wow. Just... wow." It's incredibly condescending. Honestly it makes me consider not responding, since you apparently think I'm an idiot simply for having a different opinion than you.
I don't think you're an idiot for having a different opinion than me - but it certainly seems like you're drawing conclusions based on incomplete evidence.
Dorn. Definitely Dorn. An Evil Blackguard half-orc bisexual boyfriend. No more need be said, imo.
As someone that often plays 'evil'/rebellious/renegade characters, it's nice to have options beyond Neutral Yet Still Pretty Good companions.