Best or most fun class for a first time player (BGT)
Amos
Member Posts: 7
Hey everyone,
I've read through here: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/5989/best-class-for-first-time-player-using-bgt#latest and I want to keep it more open. This is literally the first time I'll play Baldur's Gate, and I've decided to use BGT straight away (I installed everything in this guide, except for SCS (so I also removed the experience cap): http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/the-ultimate-baldurs-gate-experience/). I've been reading through loads of different threads on loads of different websites, and I still don't know what to do. I'm one of those people that spends ages thinking about what they are going to do and planning stuff before they actually play the game.
I have read that the best classes for a first time player are either a fighter, ranger or a paladin (or combinations like cleric/ranger, fighter/mage and so forth), and that mages and bards and so forth are too difficult to play when it's your first time (I don't think I'd care about the extra difficulty to be honest). I've read that mages can't wear armour, so how does a fighter/mage even work, and that cleric/ranger can only use weapons like clubs? That archers get really weak in BG2? Fighters are boring? And more. Anyway, what would you guys recommend?
I've read through here: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/5989/best-class-for-first-time-player-using-bgt#latest and I want to keep it more open. This is literally the first time I'll play Baldur's Gate, and I've decided to use BGT straight away (I installed everything in this guide, except for SCS (so I also removed the experience cap): http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/the-ultimate-baldurs-gate-experience/). I've been reading through loads of different threads on loads of different websites, and I still don't know what to do. I'm one of those people that spends ages thinking about what they are going to do and planning stuff before they actually play the game.
I have read that the best classes for a first time player are either a fighter, ranger or a paladin (or combinations like cleric/ranger, fighter/mage and so forth), and that mages and bards and so forth are too difficult to play when it's your first time (I don't think I'd care about the extra difficulty to be honest). I've read that mages can't wear armour, so how does a fighter/mage even work, and that cleric/ranger can only use weapons like clubs? That archers get really weak in BG2? Fighters are boring? And more. Anyway, what would you guys recommend?
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Comments
Don't worry - spending ages on planning a BG run is a common thing here, no matter if a player is experienced or not. I too spend a lot of time thinking about my next's character, about his attributes, about party members, about game choices etc.
BUT. You're damn lucky to play FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. Believe me, it's the best thing that can happen to anyone playing BG.
SO. Don't spoil yourself reading guides and sites. Open it all yourself. Try and see what you get.
As for the character, I would recommend choosing the type of character you "gravitate towards to" the most. For example, I like thieves. So I play them, no matter they are more likely to die in the start than fighters.
Don't restrict yourself in any class/kit/multiclass combination right from the start. For examples, archers can be powerful characters throught the whole trilogy.
A fighter/mage can cast spells that work like armour, and many other buffing spells, so that he doesn't need a physical armour.
A cleric/ranger is a powerful character, who can use not only clubs but hammers and maces, and flails, and staffs... Lots of them are wonderful weapons.
But don't think about it all now. Start the game. Choose the class you think suits the best to you. If you don't like what you get, you can start again. Remember, BG is a party game, where party members matter. So even if your main character is a mage, your party will still have fighters, thieves and clerics. You'll taste them all.
Happy baldursgating!
Anyway, I'm going to start creating my character now. I think strength, dexterity and constitution is important for a Cavalier, right? I also really like two-handed weapons, so I think I'll go for that as well.
@Nimran thanks, I guess? @sarevok57 thanks for the suggestion, will probably try out a monk or a bard after I finish the game (if and when). Also, I'm not playing the EE edition, so it won't have Monk kits, I don't think?
On a more serious note, there are plenty of opportunities to try out your character's abilities in the prologue. They should give you a feel for the character, and possibly help you determine what you like best.
I envy you, its been so many years since my first time playing Baldur's Gate. Also I can't agree with @bengoshi more, try to avoid going and spoiling things for yourself. I did that to myself and honestly, I kinda regret it now.
Have fun, and gather your party before venturing forth!
I'll probably start playing a bit later tonight or tomorrow, I'm really looking forward to it!
I've gotten to Beregost with a party consisting of Xzar, Montaron, Jaheira, Khalid and Imoen, but I got fucked up by an assassin dwarf lol (luckily I saved beforehand). I'm thinking of getting rid of Montaron, because I want to keep Imoen in my party, so I don't really need another thief I guess.
Is it a good idea to get your party members as soon as possible (I've read that if you get them later, they put points into stuff you possible wouldn't want to level if you were in control)? And does getting rid of someone mean that you won't be able to recruit them in the future?
I also have another question, apart from getting party members as soon as possible (what are the consequences of not doing this anyway?), what is a recommended composition. What I mean is, like 2 front line fighters, a healer, a thief, a mage and an archer, for example?
For BG1, the more ranged fighters, the better. Montaron is a wonderful character, a fighter/thief is very useful. He can be quite helpful with a sling because of his proficiencies and being a halfling. Also, for BG1 2 thieves (or 1.5 in this case) is not bad, it lets you focus their abilites on different things. For example, Imoen can disarm traps and open locks while Monty will hide in shadows and be your scout.
Garrick is a bard, I don't know what you think about bards. A skilled player can use him effectively, but many people think he's weak. If you know how to combine spells/ranged weapons/wands, Garrick is for you.
Because it's your first playthough, take NPCs and try them. If you won't like them, you can always take others. Yes, the NPCs you've left behind won't level up but in the beginning you get little XP so the difference won't be big.
I am leaning towards getting rid of Montaron, because I already have Imoen as a thief. I know you said having 2 thieves isn't bad, but he's evil, got me killed by insulting someone and is constantly arguing with Khalid and Jaheira lol (who I will also probably get rid of later). But it seems that having multiple thieves is very handy, though, so I have to think.
I'm far from a skilled player, so I probably won't use him now. Maybe in the future I will. I'm not sure. I've read about a few characters (I couldn't resist!) and I think I will get Minsc, Dynaheir and Edwin at least, so with Imoen as well. Who would be a good 6th member if I go this route?
Also, one more thing. I found some magic scrolls, and I think you can use them to cast a spell once (and lose the scroll) or write them in your book (so you can memorise them each day). Is this correct, or am I way off?
For the magic scrolls, you're right: you can ether scribe them into your spellbook or cast at once.
Kivan is a good choice for BG1 - he's awesome with a bow and can be deadly in melee. Among evil characters, Kagain should be your choice: so many HPs.
I'm still unsure on how scrolls work. For example, I know have the scrolls magic missile, burning hands and armour. Can scribing them into my spellbook fail or what? I've read that only mages and bards can scribe magic scrolls (Garrick please!), but is there a limit to how much someone can scribe into their spellbook?. And if I use them to cast (instead of scribing), do they disappear after use?
Sorry for asking so many questions by the way. Also, I CAN'T CHOSE WHO I WANT TO HAVE IN MY PARTY, ARGH!
Edit: Jaheira just leveled up, but I can't seem to do anything with it? It says proficiency slots 0 and skills 0 (she already has 2 levels in quarter staff and sling, apparently), but I can't raise anything? So this level up is only useful because she got more HP, or what?
BGEE manuals
http://cdn.baldursgate.com/files/baldurs-gate-survival-guide.pdf
http://cdn.baldursgate.com/files/baldurs-gate-mastering-melee-magic.pdf
BG2EE manuals
http://www.beamdog.com/files/bg2ee/bg2eemanual1.pdf
http://www.beamdog.com/files/bg2ee/bg2eemanual2.pdf
In those manuals a lot of things you're asking about are covered. When the game was released, it also came with a manual. Yes, the chance of scribing scrolls depend on the user's INT. The amount of spells per spell level that can be scribed also depend on INT. Yes, the scrolls disappear after use.
Not each level up for your characters result in getting proficiencies. The manuals can show you which levels grant additional proficiencies for which classes. A new level can have multiple effects: getting better THAC0, better saving throws. Also, characters with a certain level become immune to certain spells (Sleep, for example).