Sun Soul Monk solo possible?
So I just completed BG2 ToB with a standard full party with my main character being a Sorcerer. I feel like trying to do a BG1/BG2 walkthrough with a solo Monk.
However, since there are so many possible classes in BG and the game is old, it's hard for me to find specific info on this (especially for BG1 as the Monk wasn't there until BG EE).
1- So far, I remember reading that there was one very good Monk item from Black Pits but I can't find back what it was and if it's worth it for me to go in there to find it for my Monk (I would have liked to start BG1 at lvl 1 but would have liked to have this particular item if there's almost nothing for Monks in the game). Anyone has an idea about what this item might be and if there's a way for me to transfer the item and start the Monk at level 1?
2- I also read that Rasaad has 1-2 items I can take from him (but only if I'm Lawful Good). Do I need to complete Rasaad's quest to get all of these items or I can just invite him to my party, take the items and kick him out?
3- My main hesitation is that I wanted to go with Sun Soul Monk because I wanted the nice AOE damage spell (especially that since I'll be soloing, there won't be a problem using it). It also would have let me get Rasaad's items from BG1 EE. My biggest concern is that if I do this, it might be impossible for me to solo BG2 and ToB. So far, the only info I was able to find was that the only way to solo the dragons as a Monk is to use the Quivering Palm and that they might die from it. If I go Sun Soul Monk, I unfortunately don't get access to this. So I'm left with either the Dark Moon monk (skills seem like meh and I miss out on Rasaad's items so I basically can't get any gear in BG1 when Monks are already very weak there) or the regular Monk which sounds a bit boring as it seems to have fewer abilities and less flavor.
4- Is Sun Soul Monk incapable of soloing BG2/ToB in this case (or has to rely on Cloudkill wands cheesing this way and waiting forever for the dragons to hide while hiding)?
5- Am I overestimating that Sun Soul Monk AOE damage? I just played with my Sorcerer and I had Dragon's Breath, Abi-Dalzim, etc. It was hard hitting AOE. I guess since the Monk's AOE damage doesn't scale, it might not be so impressive in the end (especially with half dmg when resisted)? Am I underestimating Quivering Palm for other things than just killing dragons? I'm not super excited about the fire spells considering I just finished ToB and a part of it had mobs that were resistant or immune to fire.
However, since there are so many possible classes in BG and the game is old, it's hard for me to find specific info on this (especially for BG1 as the Monk wasn't there until BG EE).
1- So far, I remember reading that there was one very good Monk item from Black Pits but I can't find back what it was and if it's worth it for me to go in there to find it for my Monk (I would have liked to start BG1 at lvl 1 but would have liked to have this particular item if there's almost nothing for Monks in the game). Anyone has an idea about what this item might be and if there's a way for me to transfer the item and start the Monk at level 1?
2- I also read that Rasaad has 1-2 items I can take from him (but only if I'm Lawful Good). Do I need to complete Rasaad's quest to get all of these items or I can just invite him to my party, take the items and kick him out?
3- My main hesitation is that I wanted to go with Sun Soul Monk because I wanted the nice AOE damage spell (especially that since I'll be soloing, there won't be a problem using it). It also would have let me get Rasaad's items from BG1 EE. My biggest concern is that if I do this, it might be impossible for me to solo BG2 and ToB. So far, the only info I was able to find was that the only way to solo the dragons as a Monk is to use the Quivering Palm and that they might die from it. If I go Sun Soul Monk, I unfortunately don't get access to this. So I'm left with either the Dark Moon monk (skills seem like meh and I miss out on Rasaad's items so I basically can't get any gear in BG1 when Monks are already very weak there) or the regular Monk which sounds a bit boring as it seems to have fewer abilities and less flavor.
4- Is Sun Soul Monk incapable of soloing BG2/ToB in this case (or has to rely on Cloudkill wands cheesing this way and waiting forever for the dragons to hide while hiding)?
5- Am I overestimating that Sun Soul Monk AOE damage? I just played with my Sorcerer and I had Dragon's Breath, Abi-Dalzim, etc. It was hard hitting AOE. I guess since the Monk's AOE damage doesn't scale, it might not be so impressive in the end (especially with half dmg when resisted)? Am I underestimating Quivering Palm for other things than just killing dragons? I'm not super excited about the fire spells considering I just finished ToB and a part of it had mobs that were resistant or immune to fire.
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Comments
Rasaad's boots and bracers can't be used by anyone but Rasaad. I don't know about a Black Pits item, but it's been a while since I've played BP1.
My view is that Dark Moon Monk is the best kit for the BG saga. Detect Illusion and Mirror Image are extremely useful.
In general, you can be fairly safe assuming that without difficulty-enhancing mods, you can just play whatever you think is cool and awesome. You won't be left unable to complete the game, or be denied vital parts of it - however, depending on what you choose you may need to think a bit more and try harder than on some other classes. That is not meant to discourage you, of course; on the contrary, you should find MORE enjoyment in that than you would in an easy win
Warning: NSFW - He swears quite liberally so if you're at work turn down the volume lol. I tried a spoiler tag but it's not working on my phone for some reason =/
On topic though you should be just fine as a SSM. BG1 is rough for any monk. I'm unfamiliar with what items you're referring to, but by BG2 you'll be punching everything to death pretty easily.
Taking advantage of the various spells your DMM has access to will greatly improve your survivability.
By the way, my opinion about DMM vs. SSM is different for IWDEE. SSM is awesome in that game.