The Tale of the Totemic Druid

JuliusBorisov

Inspired by this tread and thanks to @bbear here I’m going to tell a story about Karasu no Yoru, a totemic druid raised in the Candlekeep and destined to become a major figure in the history of the Sword Coast.

The name of the character is in Japanese and means his name actually is Yoru (night) and he comes from the Karasu (crow) clan known for shamans and spirits.

Here's the character sheet at the start of the game.

The main incentive is to find out what it takes to successfully solo the whole game (from the start of BG:EE to the end of BG2:EE) with the totemic druid. There’s a discussion about which class is the hardest for a solo run in that thread and it seems many people vote for a druid. So I’ve decided to test it and will gladly write about it for those who are interested in the concept.

I’m playing on the Core difficulty and here’s my weiDU log:

// Log of Currently Installed WeiDU Mods
// The top of the file is the 'oldest' mod
// ~TP2_File~ #language_number #component_number // [Subcomponent Name -> ] Component Name [ : Version]
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1000 // Initialise mod (all other components require this): v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #1910 // Protection from Normal Missiles also blocks Arrows of Fire/Cold/Acid and similar projectiles without pluses: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2010 // More consistent Breach spell (always affects liches and rakshasas; doesn't penetrate Spell Turning): v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2020 // Antimagic attacks penetrate improved invisibility: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2030 // Iron Skins behaves like Stoneskin (can be brought down by Breach): v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #2120 // Slightly weaken insect plague spells, and let fire shields block them: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4000 // Faster Bears: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Grant large, flying, non-solid or similar creatures protection from Web and Entangle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4020 // More realistic wolves and wild dogs: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4030 // Improved shapeshifting: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4110 // Allow NPC pairs to separate: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4120 // NPCs go to inns: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #4130 // Move NPCs to more convenient locations: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5060 // Ensure Shar-Teel doesn't die in the original challenge: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #5900 // Initialise AI components (required for all tactical and AI components): v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6000 // Smarter general AI: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6010 // Better calls for help: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6030 // Smarter Mages -> Mages cast some short-duration spells instantly at start of combat, to simulate pre-battle casting: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6040 // Smarter Priests -> Priests cast some short-duration spells instantly at start of combat, to simulate pre-battle casting: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6200 // Improved Spiders: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6300 // Smarter sirines and dryads: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6310 // Slightly harder carrion crawlers: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #6320 // Smarter basilisks: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7000 // Improved doppelgangers: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7010 // Tougher Black Talons and Iron Throne guards: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7020 // Improved deployment for parties of assassins: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7030 // Dark Side-based kobold upgrade: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7040 // Relocated bounty hunters: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7050 // Improved Ulcaster: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7060 // Improved Balduran's Isle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7070 // Improved Durlag's Tower: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7080 // Improved Demon Cultists: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7090 // Improved Cloakwood Druids: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7100 // Improved Bassilus: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7110 // Improved Drasus party: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7130 // Improved Red Wizards: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7140 // Improved Undercity party: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7200 // Tougher chapter-two end battle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7210 // Tougher chapter-three end battle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7220 // Tougher chapter-four end battle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7230 // Tougher chapter-five end battle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7250 // Improved final battle: v28
~STRATAGEMS/SETUP-STRATAGEMS.TP2~ #0 #7900 // Improved minor encounters: v28

I consider myself an experienced player, had different playthroughs in the past but have never tried the totemic druid. This kit seems interesting to me because it shows the true, from my point of view, nature of a druid – a summoner. In the past I played as an Avenger and liked it much but the Avenger feels more like a druid/mage, while a Shapeshifter obviously feels more like a fighter/druid. A vanilla druid is fine as well but I just like using a kit and not a vanilla version (if it’s not a dual- or multi-class). So, the totemic druid it is.

I understand the problems that can arise because of the SCS but I hope that my knowledge of the game will help to overcome these difficulties. I seriously think that with some meta-gaming even the power of SCS can be not so dangerous. I think than so bad (yeah) thing as the meta-gaming needs serious countermeasures such as not OP class, not min-maxed stats, smarter AI and so on.

As a rule, I try to role-play my character and his party as much as I can but this time it will be different. And I’m so excited – it’s a challenge, and a good one. I’ll try to play a no-reload run with an option for minimal reloads if the character will be killed but I will feel myself attached to it. Also, your reactions, ideas and just a general discussion is much appreciated ))

booinyoureyes

Hey Bengoshi! I'm looking forward to checking it out
I actually made Jaheira a fighter/totemic druid in my latest game. I actually rarely use summons (not even Planatars or Devas), so I'm trying to expand my horizons. Definitely gonna check out this thread to see how you are doing with it.

Nature's Servant Awaits!

JuliusBorisov

At the start, I'll post quite a lot of screenshots to show the tecniques and methods that I find to be the most effective.

Here's a wonderful guide on spirit animals and their level progression: http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/663933-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/faqs/65403

Right from the Candlekeep Karasu no Yoru went to the Sword Coast area with Shoal the Nereid. I opted to go through the High Hedge without visiting the crossroads map in order to avoid an ambush with bandit archers. I also avoided fighting with Shank and Carbos because with SCS they're dangerous poisonous assassins.

For the 1st time I summoned a Spirit Lion that from all the summons of the starting level has an immunity to Charm. But as it turned out this immunity wasn't needed;)

Voila!

Karasu no Yoru reached the level 3 and thus his Spirit Snake and Spirit Wolf received an immunity to Petrification.

Without any fights Karasu no Yoru came to the Basilisk area and summoned a Spirit Wolf - I chose the wolf. not a snake because he has 2 APR and he moves a little bit quicker. An immediate effect of the wolfie was that he killed a tasloi;)

JuliusBorisov

The Spirit Wolf seems to be an ideal weapon against a basilisk. Maybe wolves in the Faerun always ate basilisk for their supper?

What I’ve found out is that you don’t need to see a basilisk for the Spirit animal to attack it. With Corax the Ghoul it’s another story. He doesn’t hit an enemy if your character doesn’t see it. And seeing a basilisk even if it fights your summoned creature is a straight way to a defeat. So it very convenient to get EXP with the Spirit Wolf.

Mutamin turned out to be an uphill task for both the Spirit Wolf and Corax. So Karasu no Yoru retreated a bit, rested, summed a new helper and continued to explore the area.

That brought him to the 5th level and an access to the 3rd level of spells. HP rolls were quite ok so far, coming near the half of the maximum. Summoned Spirits get good bonuses at the 5th level, such as an immunity to Stun for a bear and a lion, an immunity to feeblemind and confusion for a snake and an immunity to charm for a wolf.

I reiterate, you don’t need to see an enemy, just make it so that a spirit animal can reach the enemy as it is shown on the following screenshots.

What I further found out is that a spirit animal can be unsummoned with some time so that you have to retreat and rest again. And you should be quick because basilisks seem to follow you.

With quite a few more basilisks killed Karasu no Yoru reached the 6th level thus getting an additional summon spirit ability.

Now Karasu no Yoru is much more ready for serious tests than at the Candlekeep.

bbear

Nice challenge! I'll definitely follow this thread.

Just curious, is there supposed to be something in the spoiler tag? I try clicking on them but nothing is revealed.

Edit: Something is weird. When I open this thread, I cant open the spoilers. However, after I edit this post, I can click on them.

elminster

Glad to see I'm not the only person having issues with spoilers! None of them given an option to open for me.

jackjack

Not sure if this is helpful or not, but they worked for me up until I posted this.
Edit: still working, and I should probably mention that I'm using the mobile site on my iPhone.

JuliusBorisov

Yeah, it's very wierd: on my tablet (no matter if logged in or not) I can see the spoilers but on my PC I'm not able to see them even taking into account I've obviously posted here... @Dee ? Can you help here? Maybe there has been some change in the forum software lately?

Nevertheless, I'm happy you've all been able to see spoilers one way or another;)

element

totemic druid is one of my favourite classes i look forward to following your progress

mjs

i can see you having little problem with bgee until maybe sarevok, but I think you'll struggle in bg2ee, looking forward to your progress!

Lemernis

FYI I've linked your thread in the Challenges and Playthroughs archive under Tactical.

KidCarnival

Posting to try open the spoiler tags; this looks pretty interesting since I rarely ever use druids in general.

Edit: Wow, this is really weird. Before posting, I could only see the spoiler bar, but not even the "show" button. Now it all works. O.o

elminster

So this thread doesn't get too off topic you can post about the spoiler issue here

http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/30548/spoiler-bar-lacks-show-button?new=1

BelgarathMTH

Posting in thread to see if it opens the spoilers.

Edit: It worked. This is really weird.

Edit #2: After signing off and returning later in the afternoon, they're all broken again. That means I would have to post a dummy message every time I want to look at any updates. I really hope Beamdog fixes this problem soon - it's occurring everywhere, not just in this thread.

Edit #3: After I posted Edit #2, the "show spoiler buttons" came back - temporarily, I would guess. At least I can keep doing a string of edits in this post rather than making a new post every time.

elminster

I'm actually doing a solo shapeshifter run at the moment. Access to stuff like the greater variety of darts in BGEE compared to the original I think has really helped druids.

ZaknafeinBaenre

Sugoi yo! Kono nimu wa honto-ni omoshiroi da yo. Tabun, Durlags-Tower ni iku tsumori desu ka? Ganbatte ne!

Lemernis

@bengoshi in your thread I moved the contents of the spoiler to place the text contained within (i.e., HTML code for the image links) immediately adjacent to the code for the tags, and I'm now seeing the "show" buttons. You had a line space separating the image link codes from the spoiler tags.

Edit: Oh well, it only worked temporarily. After leaving the thread and returning it's broken again.

munchy01

Posting to see the spoilers. Keep updating, if you can - this is interesting. Thanks.

Nonnahswriter

I've thought of playing a totemic druid, so this is super-interesting! Keep it up!

ZaknafeinBaenre

Lemernis said:

@bengoshi in your thread I moved the contents of the spoiler to place the text contained within (i.e., HTML code for the image links) immediately adjacent to the code for the tags, and I'm now seeing the "show" buttons. You had a line space separating the image link codes from the spoiler tags.

Edit: Oh well, it only worked temporarily. After leaving the thread and returning it's broken again.

I think it's working perfectly: it's making people post

JuliusBorisov

Thanks everyone for their interest. It does really matter to me. Exactly, the current forum's bug leads to more discussion. A blessing in disguise ^_^

@Lemernis
Ohh, nice, thank you! I feel myself humbled now:)

@elminster
Good luck with your shapeshifter! May he never become a werebear;)

@ZaknafeinBaenre
Watashi wa subete no gaishutsu shiyou to shimasu!

I’m starting to like the Totemic druid more and more as he gains new levels. The new Spirit snake of the 5th level now has 100% immunity to Poison and AC `1 (the snake has the lowest AC between all the spirit summons) that is quite decent as the screenshots in this post will show.

Having returned to Beregost, Karasu no Yoru cleared Landrin’s house from the spiders (all 4 spiders didn’t even manage to hit the snake) and helped Marianne to know her husband’s story. The snake was also useful against the Thayan mercenaries. Its poison prevented any spell-casting and finished the job.

Even one Spirit animal of the 5th level (I’ve chosen the Spirit Bear because he has the highest HP) with the support of throwing daggers from the druid is enough to defeat general enemies such as bandits, dread wolves, ogres.

It’s important to check what particular immunities every Spirit animal has because they differ from one summon to another. Well, at least till the druid is below the 10th level;)

Tarnesh managed to successfully horror the Spirit Wolf so Karasu no Yoru had to cast Lightning to send him to the Abyss. It looked so epic, I like the animation of this spell.

After getting the reward from Landrin and Joya Karasu no Yoru went to the Ankheg map. I’ve decided to use both spirit animals simultaneously and have chosen the Snake and the Wolf. The Snake has less HP so an Ankheg generally targets it – but in the same time the Snake has solid AC so it’s not easy for an Ankheg to hit it. The Wolf has an ability to hold an enemy.

In pair these animals do wonders. Just check the screenshots below. What was the most amazing is that one pair of animals managed to clear all the Ankheg dungeon! Poison and hold work so good together;)

After successfully killing all the Ankhegs in the dungeon Karasu no Yoru reached the 7th level.

Up until now Yoru wasn't hit even for one single HP.

Arizael

Despite my animosity againts solo runs, this seems pretty fun thus far. However I have one concern - the summons stop improving past level 10, which reduced them into cannon fodder in later parts of SoA. Aren't you afraid that this will kill the fun?

JuliusBorisov

@‌Arizael

I'm playing as a totemic druid fo the first time so I can't be sure how it would be in the later stages of the game. I'm not sure in anything, considering SCS as well.

But I will try to overcome every difficulty I face with all the arsenal the druid can have. It is in fact the funniest part of this run - I don't know how it will unfold so it's a challenge.

Based on what I know about the game and what I've read about the abilities of the summons they won't be a cannon fodder in late SoA and maybe even in ToB. They'll have the permanent Free Action and Death Ward and a really impressive number of immunities. The druid himself can add to the buffing of the summons (for i.e, to their 100% resistances to Cold, Electricity and Poison, he can add also Resistance to Fire with his spells). Moreover, the druid himself will be much more powerful with an access to the high level spells.

So, the time will tell. Karasu no Yoru is looking forward to meet Sarevok, Irenicus and Amelyssan.

elminster

Yea the level 10 spirit summons have immunities to sleep, stun, confusion, hold, poison, petrification, charm, slay, berserk, panic, fatigue, and level drain. Plus of course immunity to normal weapons. Also they hit as though they had +3 weapons and they are all 100% resistant against cold and electricity.

Sometimes they also have a chance of doing an additional effect when hitting a target. Lions get nothing. For bears a successful hit as a chance to cause panic (gives a +3 bonus to save vs death against it), for spirit wolves its level drain (+2 bonus to save vs death against it and it drains at one level a hit), and spirit snakes can poison (save vs death with no bonus/penalty). The poison is at a rate of 2 damage/second.

So they do fairly well on just that alone.

That said if you are going to use either the snake or the wolf casting the 3rd level druid spell Strength of One will help boost their chance of hitting (the wolf has only 16 strength and the snake has only 18 strength).

Edit: Some of them may not have immunity to panic.

Arizael

Thank you for your explanation, this seems very interesting! I'll keep tracking this topic.

element

the spirit bears can be really frustrating at times though as they're so slow they tend to just waddle after whatever's panicked without ever being able to hit it I mostly use them on things that are immune to fear or as a form of crowd control

ZaknafeinBaenre

Freaking awesome! nihongo no hanasu nakama wa yokatta desu

You are doing a fantastic job of demonstrating the power of the totemic druid. I am looking forward to a report on your battle with Daveorn. That'll be a tricky one with all the traps and his constant dimension doors.

elminster

ZaknafeinBaenre said:

Freaking awesome! nihongo no hanasu nakama wa yokatta desu

You are doing a fantastic job of demonstrating the power of the totemic druid. I am looking forward to a report on your battle with Daveorn. That'll be a tricky one with all the traps and his constant dimension doors.

By the time he gets there he probably will be level 9 (access to insect plague). I'm soloing a shapeshifter and I'm at about 60,000xp after having just left the Nashkel Mines (I explored most of the areas around nashkel before I entered them but I still have a number to do).

ZaknafeinBaenre

ah. in that case, sleep well Daveorn

elminster

Yea the battle horror's will be difficult but the easiest way to kill them would probably be a wand of the heavens (you can get one in Ulgoth's Beard) with summons distracting it. They have no resistances (just a killer blade, good ac, and 3 APR) and they each have 58 health and pretty average saving throws.

CrevsDaak

@elminster Battle Horrors just 100% missile resistance, and some have elemental resistances but this isn't the case (IIRC they have electricity resistance too...).