Change companion at Chapter 6

Netheriel

Hi guys.. I have a question for you.

I want to play a game with Yoshimo in the first part of the game and later change him with Jan.
I want to go to Spellhod with Yoshi (You know why..) but when I will save Imoen, I will had to wait until chapter 6 to leave here to her fate (I really don't like here..) for choose another companion for my group.

I want your opinion: it's ok? Or it's better take Jan from the begin?
I really like to play with Yoshimo in the first place and than change him with Jan, the only thing that stop me is change a companion at chapter 6 (and play the chapter 5 with one I don't like), near the end of SoA..

Thanks

recklessheart

In my opinion this very much depends on when you intend to do your sidequests: the bulk of them take place in Athkatla and generally I do them all before I rescue Imoen.

If you are leaving them until later, there isn't much wrong with this. Although I think the Underdark section of SoA is the most tiresome part if you've played through it enough times, so it might feel like a bit of a chore if you're doing it with a party you aren't committed to.

Personal preference for me is to say no: it's entirely your decision, however. If you're okay with it, it won't hinder your ability to complete the game.

the_spyder

I'd agree with @recklessheart - you are gonna end up with a significantly lower level Jan than you might otherwise have. while this is absolutely within the realm of being able to be done in the game, it will add a level of difficulty. Primarily, Jan is already splitting his levels (Illusionist AND Thief). He definitely benefits from the extra XP if you take him early.

but here's a thought. why not take Jan AND Yoshi? When Imoen comes along, she becomes your second (or even primary) wizard instead of being any kind of a thief substitute. She actually can be quite powerful that way. Just a thought.

elminster

You could always console in him and then boost his experience to an appropriate level for the rest of your group.

JuliusBorisov

It's completely ok. It's your game. Your party. The number of people who don't like the canon Minsk and Jaheira in Irenicus dungeon is quite big, they say what if our canon party included completely different NPCs? The same can be said about Yoshimo.

I like Yoshimo to bits and VERY MUCH would like to have him after the Spellhold. But sometimes I want to try something new. So, take Jan right from the start. RP this decision: perhaps you need not only traps but some magic as well.

If you cannot drop Yoshi (and I feel you, bro), take the 6th member after the Spellhold. It's completely ok to act as @elminster‌ has proposed - I always act this way with any NPC I meet in both games - I give them exactly the number of XP my main character has.

CaloNord

@bengoshi‌ I seem to recall there was once a mod that allowed you to redeem and revive Yoshimo. Although it has been a LONG long time I only vaguely remember it. I mmmmmay have also used the console to bring him back from time to time. He and Jan are my favorites in BG2.

JuliusBorisov

@CaloNord‌

That's a mod by @Lemernis‌ , see this comment: http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/comment/478120/#Comment_478120

As far as I know, the latest state of this mod was that the mod was not EE-compatible and @Lemernis‌ searched for a person to help him to update this mod. IIRC, @CrevsDaak‌ thought he could help with it.

But I don't know the current state of this

CaloNord

Yea think that's the one I was thinking of! Anyway, Yoshi doesn't deserve to die! :O He had no choice. Poor guy! :O
Hope it gets on track at some point! If I had any useful talents I'd be all over that! :P

CrevsDaak

I have an EE-working version of the mod, but it won't work over Mac and I am don't have Windows to test the stuff I have done. I'll finish the EE-sized portraits stuff and then ask Lemernis where should the mod be uploaded and that stuff.