Tanks and Spears

Meanbunny

Hey guys, I was wondering, from a RP perspective. I wanted to do a BG / Icewind Dale run with a Fighter as the main tank that uses spears. I know not having a shield is really bad because of the extra AC, but I know that paladins can tank with 2 handed weapons, so I was wondering is it possible to main tank using a spear? I know it will not nearly be as efficient as a sword and board tank but at least will my survivability be good enough to not have to worry about getting badly rocked all the time? I appreciate any advice. Have a great day guys.

CaloNord

I've done it. For me it worked just fine. Took extra damage earlier on but was fine when better plate armours become available.
Playing through BG2 now with a Jester wielding the Impaler spear. Using haste, tenser's and improved invisibility turns this thing into an absolute beast.

But yes, spears are perfectly viable, I actually prefer them to two handed swords. Spears and halberds are seriously underloved!!

Meanbunny

Sounds good. I am definitely about to give it a shot. If anyone else has any experience tanking with a spear, please let me know. I'd love to hear your tips and comments on the topic.

meagloth

Totally. However, I would reccomend you focus more on finesse and damage dealing than tanking. Most of the spears in bg have incredible damage Boni, like 1d6+10, but only +1 thaco, and I don't know of any that have good defensive qualities like swords do(fire resistance comes to mind), though early bg2 the spear of the unicorn has immunity to charm and hold, which is nice, but never as good as it sounds.

jackjack

Thread title sounds like a Grand Strategy game
Spears are awesome.
Halberds are even cooler.

Meanbunny

I admit, I always liked the idea of a short spear and shield. Too bad that it was never implemented. I am really glad that there are active forums for the Infinity Engine again thanks to BG:EE. I haven't played the games in years and now I am reigniting that fire. After playing EE, I just re-installed Icewind Dale. I know the game's npc relationships are lacking, but I really like the opportunity to build my whole party and design them exactly the way I want to. Adds a different element to the game that BG does not have. I just wish that IWD 1 had Half-Orcs and Class Kits, although I don't like not having the option in IWD 2 to play a vanilla Paladin or Cleric. They always have to be of Lathander, Helm, Talos or Tempus. Either way, still amazing games. I hope we get a new IE type game in the near future.