No-Reload Run (Attempt #1: Zhira the Shadowdancer)

ZaramMaldovar

I'm thinking about doing a No-Reload Run. I've never actually made it through the game without dying at least once, but I'm motivated to try it at least a few times.

I'm going to start on Easy since I've never played on anything harder than Core Rules (I did make it halfway through Chapter 3 on Hard Once though) but beyond that I would like a little advice such as character creation and party member/strategy suggestions.

Thanks for the help guys, I'll post my attempts when I feel ready to begin.

Enuhal

Hey,

My starting advice for no-reloading would be to play a class you are comfortable with and are likely to keep out of trouble - a ranged attacker maybe, but someone with decent hitpoints/defenses as well. Make sure not to send you PC right into dangerous battles (always keep them at a reasonable distance), equip them with some ac, saving throw and elemental resistance improving items for extra security - don't worry too much about your other party members, a typical balanced party will be fine. If you're not very familiar with trap positions, you might not want your PC to be a thief, otherwise there are some very dangerous ones capable of instantly ending your run.

Also, combining "Remove Fear", "Death Ward" and "Chaotic Commands" will make you immune to 90% of the effects likely to end your no-reload run, especially in vanilla - but watch out for dispel magic.

There is an old thread from the bioware forums with some no-reload advice, though much of it is very specific:
http://blackstrider.net/forum_bioware_arhiv/The_Lounge_Arhiv/forum.bioware.com/topic/560248-the-adventurers-lounge-guidance-and-support-for-no-reload-challengers-newbie-or-veteran/index.html

But there's also the current thread, here: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/66243/the-adventurers-lounge-guidance-and-support-for-no-reload-challengers-newbie-or-veteran/p1

People there will be very happy to answer any of your questions

Mantis37

I'd suggest sticking with core rules, but perhaps giving yourself good stats at first. No-reloads are often ended more by silly mistakes or misremembering the location of a trap than enemy damage output. After all you can just run away from most opponents if things are going badly.

ZaramMaldovar

@Mantis37
Case in point, Core Rules it is!

RVNS

Something I have that helps me is that I usually take extensive notes on each area. This helps me with my playthroughs quite a bit. Important notes for me have been as follows:

-Items available in this area
-amount of exp available in this area
-location of dangerous mobs
-location of traps
-Notes on where I died and how.

It is makes for slow going but also enables me to look back on an area for reference or to plan my run.

ZaramMaldovar

The beginning of my 1st Attempt at the No-Reload Challenge.

This is Zhira, my Female Shadowdancer.