Amusing question - Heardalis or Dorn?

kicjow

Hi, i am playing baldurs gate 2 first time since ages and decided to try some new NPC that i have never used before (except viconia). So my party for time being looks like

Me (sorcerer)
Korgan
Edwin
Viconia
Hexxat

and last slot i was thinking about Heardalis but I have met Dorn that looks pretty tanky. I know little about both characters but defensive spin of Blade, his versatility and bard's song is also tempting. Dorn however looks simpler and tankier and i know that ToB is more about big swords rather than spells. What are your thought about that? Whom would you prefer in such a company?

Joan_Daro

Nope Dorn isn't a good tank he has 14 con and 156 max hp at 8m exp
But Ir'revrykal (evil verson of the Holy Avenger) can be *really* useful in TOB. Just don't do his mission wrong.

That said, HD's off-hand equipment (which deals DEX damage) can also be extremely useful. Bard song also offer great AC bonus to the bard himself (-10 if memory serves right).

Also, given that you are a sorcerer and have Edwin and Viconia in party, it is possible to do TOB in a magic-and-spells way. Easier to blow Draconis up in seconds than have melee characters running around the whole map after him.

ThacoBell

Bards are the best class. Gotta have a Bard.

kicjow

Joan_Daro said:

Nope Dorn isn't a good tank he has 14 con and 156 max hp at 8m exp
But Ir'revrykal (evil verson of the Holy Avenger) can be *really* useful in TOB. Just don't do his mission wrong.

That said, HD's off-hand equipment (which deals DEX damage) can also be extremely useful. Bard song also offer great AC bonus to the bard himself (-10 if memory serves right).

Also, given that you are a sorcerer and have Edwin and Viconia in party, it is possible to do TOB in a magic-and-spells way. Easier to blow Draconis up in seconds than have melee characters running around the whole map after him.

Thank you, i think i will follow then he music of the others plans

hoi_Gr

Any arcane magic NPC is better than the rest. TBH the bard vs blackguard part doesn't even come to consideration.

UnderstandMouseMagic

Not going to disagree with the above posts but,

As you haven't played for a while, it might be easier and enjoyable for you to have a couple of straightforward "go there bash that" NPC rather than the more complicated "sorting out spells and buffing" for nearly every NPC.

Kaisc006

I suggest Dorn because you already have a magic savvy party and need another neat shield.

But under different circumstances it’s eaaily Haer’Dalis. He does have low hp but if you take steps to
Mitigate him being hit his defensive spin offers great tactical choices. Once you hit ToB epic bard song will turn a melee oriented party into a slaughterhouse.

JuliusBorisov

Haer'Dalis can be a good tank when buffed.

But Dorn can be a great tank as well with the Armor of Faith spam, Hardiness, and helments (including the one improving protection against crushing damage). You don't need to use only two-handers on him, you can give him a shield or the Defender of Easthaven, and combine it with another one-handed weapon.

dunbar

JuliusBorisov said:

But Dorn can be a great tank as well with the Armor of Faith spam, Hardiness, and helments (including the one improving protection against crushing damage). You don't need to use only two-handers on him, you can give him a shield or the Defender of Easthaven, and combine it with another one-handed weapon.

The Girdle of Fortitude helps immensely as well.

JuliusBorisov

dunbar said:

JuliusBorisov said:

But Dorn can be a great tank as well with the Armor of Faith spam, Hardiness, and helments (including the one improving protection against crushing damage). You don't need to use only two-handers on him, you can give him a shield or the Defender of Easthaven, and combine it with another one-handed weapon.

The Girdle of Fortitude helps immensely as well.

Though it can be used effectively by both of them.