My story.. (Just completed BGEE again)
Elzarath
Member Posts: 173
Hey guys,
First, full disclosure: I normally play 'safe' with one of each core class represented in my party, myself as some type of Mage, I follow the same kind of tactics / methods and generally use my usual play style. Also, finally instead BGNPC mod this time round (which was awesome).
I wanted to share my experience with everyone. I just finished the game and had blast with a new CHARNAME that I've never used before, a fighter / thief dual (no kits). Basic concept was a fighter / hunter type specialising in quarter staves and crossbows.
Admittedly playing fighter was easy and a little boring but I tried to role play a bit (normally just power game). My final party was me, Safana, Coran, Garrick, Neera and Kivan (Yep, no cleric for the whole game). I originally planned to have Yeslick instead of Garrick but found Garrick to be really versatile and fit the party well.
As for role play aspect, because of the number of rogue types in the party and their influence, that's how I justified CHARNAME dualling to thief at level 7. The grind to regain levels was tough but ultimately just required new tactics and I found myself enjoying the game all over again.
This time round there was a few bumps in the road, Dynaheir died under my care, I ditched Minsc and slaughtered Edwin as a kind of revenge for Dyna's death. Eldoth also died, i think from a bear attack. I would normally be boring and be like ooh quick, better resurrect that dead party member, but not this time, I tried being more chaotic.
Playing without any cleric type was tough but definitely doable, I surprised myself by being able to come up with other strategies for the battlefield as opposed to relying on cleric buffs & healing like usual. Aside from that I found the party complimented each other really well.
The 'main' fights of Demon Knight, Aec'letec, Shandalar & Sarevok were surprisingly easy. By this stage I had regained fighter levels and back stabbed Aec for 99(!) damage with Staff of Striking! I managed to take Sarevok with two backstabs and a magic missile but had to deal with Semaj first who was a lot more challenging due to his pre-buffing and crowd control spells. Shandalar wasn't tough, just required a lot of hitting because of some form of damage reduction he has.
Almost everyone was ranged the whole game and we generally took everything down on sight and didn't it have much chance to reach the party. Other archers, such as the bandits, were challenging, especially with ice arrows but we got there. Neera was on spells and Garrick was back up with a ton of wands and crossbow of his own. Safana was my lock & trap gal and Coran did a lot of scouting. Kivan was a little underwhelming but did well with his longbow.
Sorry for the long post, it's likely a bit incoherent and I've probably forgotten some details but just wanted to share my experience with everyone!
Also, now I'm starting BGII:EE, I want to continue with Neera but aside from that, what recommendations do you have for party composition?
First, full disclosure: I normally play 'safe' with one of each core class represented in my party, myself as some type of Mage, I follow the same kind of tactics / methods and generally use my usual play style. Also, finally instead BGNPC mod this time round (which was awesome).
I wanted to share my experience with everyone. I just finished the game and had blast with a new CHARNAME that I've never used before, a fighter / thief dual (no kits). Basic concept was a fighter / hunter type specialising in quarter staves and crossbows.
Admittedly playing fighter was easy and a little boring but I tried to role play a bit (normally just power game). My final party was me, Safana, Coran, Garrick, Neera and Kivan (Yep, no cleric for the whole game). I originally planned to have Yeslick instead of Garrick but found Garrick to be really versatile and fit the party well.
As for role play aspect, because of the number of rogue types in the party and their influence, that's how I justified CHARNAME dualling to thief at level 7. The grind to regain levels was tough but ultimately just required new tactics and I found myself enjoying the game all over again.
This time round there was a few bumps in the road, Dynaheir died under my care, I ditched Minsc and slaughtered Edwin as a kind of revenge for Dyna's death. Eldoth also died, i think from a bear attack. I would normally be boring and be like ooh quick, better resurrect that dead party member, but not this time, I tried being more chaotic.
Playing without any cleric type was tough but definitely doable, I surprised myself by being able to come up with other strategies for the battlefield as opposed to relying on cleric buffs & healing like usual. Aside from that I found the party complimented each other really well.
The 'main' fights of Demon Knight, Aec'letec, Shandalar & Sarevok were surprisingly easy. By this stage I had regained fighter levels and back stabbed Aec for 99(!) damage with Staff of Striking! I managed to take Sarevok with two backstabs and a magic missile but had to deal with Semaj first who was a lot more challenging due to his pre-buffing and crowd control spells. Shandalar wasn't tough, just required a lot of hitting because of some form of damage reduction he has.
Almost everyone was ranged the whole game and we generally took everything down on sight and didn't it have much chance to reach the party. Other archers, such as the bandits, were challenging, especially with ice arrows but we got there. Neera was on spells and Garrick was back up with a ton of wands and crossbow of his own. Safana was my lock & trap gal and Coran did a lot of scouting. Kivan was a little underwhelming but did well with his longbow.
Sorry for the long post, it's likely a bit incoherent and I've probably forgotten some details but just wanted to share my experience with everyone!
Also, now I'm starting BGII:EE, I want to continue with Neera but aside from that, what recommendations do you have for party composition?
7
Comments
Neera (as you want to continue with her)
Haer'Dalis (a very fun NPC, and a bard)
Valygar (the closest BG2 offers in terms of Coran and Kivan)
Anomen
Jan Jansen
I've got it narrowed to picking two out of four: Jan, Haer (never had him in party before), Keldorn and Mazzy (never had her in a party before). Two thieves is overkill I reckon but I barely use Jan and he's a great character.
Tomoko, for example, has never appeared in any game (modded and unmodded). Yet everyone always mentions her on the boards and her story and all the walkthroughs I've read. Never seen her when I reach Baldur's Gate the first time or outside the temple of Bhaal or anywhere. Which is bit of a bugger as it sounds like I'm missing out on some good plot elements / story.
Has anyone else ever experienced this or felt like the last chapter was a bit 'complete in whatever order you want and try make sense of it later' cause it always left me feeling a bit let down when it didn't come together / conclude as expected. As I said it felt like it did this time so now I really 'get it' but up til this run through, always a bit messy.
By the way, how did you do healing, suck down a lot of potions or "rest until healed"?
Mostly used potions and scrolls to buff stats and try to avoid damage e.g. potion of heroism or protection from fire. When I did take damage, for my tank, I had 19 CON by end game (normally don't horde the tomes and hand them out) plus DUHM then rest for regen / full heal. For the others I got away with potions of healing or temple visits when nearby. Bit catch 22 cause low HP so they don't require much healing but also don't require much to be taken down either.