According to the AD&D 2nd Edition Monster Manual, a wolfwere is a shapeshifting creature of exceptional intelligence that is capable of assuming basically any humanoid form. Their true form is that of a large wolf, almost indistinguishable from a dire wolf. When hunting human or demihuman prey, they will usually assume the form of an attractive member of the same race, but opposite sex in order to lure their prey into an ambush. In combat, the wolfwere almost always assumes the form of a half-man, half-wolf, in which it can both deliver a savage bite as well as wield weapons. Interestingly, wolfweres also have the ability to play instruments that cause lethargy in the listener, acting as a Slow spell, and therefore often disguise themselves as minstrels.
I just came back from killing the werewolf. I used only the dagger because i didn't know about the sword in the room. I gave the dagger to one of my warriors and gave him Frost Giant Str potion, Regeneration and Heroism potion. When the fighting started i buffed the warrior with Bless, Aid, Chant. He went down after about 30 sec of fighting.
Also according to the AD&D Monster Manual, a werewolf is a Lycanthrope, that is a humanoid who can change its form into a wolf. There are True Lycanthropes (those who were born as werewolves to werewolf parents) and Infected Lycanthropes (those who were given the curse of lycanthropy by being damaged by a True Lycanthrope). True Lycanthropes have full control over their shapeshifting forms and generally consider themselves a natural creature. Infected Lycanthropes often do not have control over their forms, being beholden to moon phases or similar effects, and consider their state unnatural, often seeking a cure. Infected Lycanthropes cannot pass on the curse to others, though there is a 6th-level wizard spell, "Curse of Lycanthropy" which can be used to inflict the state on others. Infected Lycanthropes can be cured via a "Remove Curse" spell which is cast on the night of a full moon (or the night immediately prior or following a full moon), but a successful saving throw vs. polymorph is required or else the spell has no effect.
Lycanthropes (or "therianthropes" when discussing non-wolf varieties) are different than "antherions", which are animals that can assume human form (such as wolfweres) and the two species generally hate one another--attacking their opposite on sight. Antherions (like wolfweres) pass on their traits genetically, and do not infect others. Antherions are weak against cold iron, while Lycanthropes are weak against silver (I believe Baldur's Gate ignores this distinction, and makes both species weak against silver).
Ugh I just landed at the werewolf island. I'm expecting a real challenge from this Karoug fellow. I am used to fighting him in Baldur's Gate 1, which for instance allows for strategies like leaving an area to avoid an enemy and then coming back at full strength. So I'm looking forward to getting my butt kicked before I"m able to adjust my strategy to beat him and his gang.
It really sounds like the good ol' greater wolfwere regen stacking bug is still present. I think normally they regenerate like 18hp per round, but if you reload a map with a greater wolfwere their regen doubles to 36hp per round, and so forth. Not sure of the specifics, but I've definitely been bitten by the bug in some old games of BG2 (in Firkraag's dungeon I think).
This may be one encounter where the "no reloads" crowd has the edge on the rest of us.
Well back from killing him - I went in with one buffed wizard-slayer wielding +1+3 shapeshifters, wore the horror spell. and got all the wolfweres and karoug attacking him while he ran around in a panic.
Then I entered with the rest of the party (AI off). Cleric cast remove fear - then everyone concentrated on individual wolfweres one at a time until they were all dead. Then the entire party quickly ran back down the stairs leaving Karoug alone in the ship.
Once outside, quick save. Back inside with thief only - raid the desk on the top for Balduran's Sword +4 lycans, quick wave to Karoug from the shadows, then rejoin the party. Quick spell change, and equipment reshuffle. Went back in with only 4;
my WSlayer - +1+3 Shapeshifters (96hp and good magic resistance) Minsc wielding Baldurans Sword and carrying Branwen's Large Shield+1, with Helm of Defense and Fire resist ring: Kivan with the Dagger vs Lycans and the amulet +2 lycans, and the second Fire Resist ring: Dynaheir buffed with fire shield and packing 3 fireballs and haste.
Rest - re-buff protection from evil and haste.
Again - enter Karoug's room with one person only (this time Minsc as he now has the highest AC) run down the bottom, Karoug follows; then enter with the other fighters and Dynaheir - spam Fireball. He died from Minsc just before the third fireball hit.
I still think he's bugged - the +3 Cursed Two Handed Sword -should- hit according the rules but it doesn't. I am relieved my save game's not in an impossible position though. (No problems with the Loup Garous after that either)
The problem is that he can only be hit by certain weapons which possess the "cold iron" tag in them which we cannot see. I believe that @Tanthalas said those weapons are the following:
Sword of Balduran Dagger of Balduran Bastard Sword +1, +3 against shapeshifters Flametongue +1, (it gets +2 v something, +3 v regenerating creatures IIRC and +4 v demons or undead)
Honestly I need to get off my ass and do a playthrough that way I can make a guide and post it on the forums for easy solutions to hard bosses.
I think this is a not intented bug as a result of loading this TOTSC creature into the BG2 rules. The BG2 version is freakishly regenerating and not intended for the low level party you are when you meet him. I got the same thing when I ran BGT. The Greater Wolfwere creature file in BG2 is way harder than the vanilla BG1 version.
Just checked using Near Infinity. in BG1, the greater wolfwere has the same stats as in BG:EE.
That is : 66 HP 2 base AC (That's about -2 AC with 19 DEX) 5 hp regen / round Resist magic 0% Resist elemental damage (Fire, Cold, Lightning & so on) 50% 19 STR / 19 DEX / 16 CON 3 attacks at base THACO 6 (That's about THACO 3 with 19 STR) Saves are about 5 to 7, depending on the save.
The easiest way to kill it would probably to cast "hold" on it, until it sticks (20% chance), or, if you use Greater Malision, about 40% chance to stick), then to beat on him using +3 or greater weapons (+2 weapon do not hit him).
I just came back from killing the werewolf. I used only the dagger because i didn't know about the sword in the room. I gave the dagger to one of my warriors and gave him Frost Giant Str potion, Regeneration and Heroism potion. When the fighting started i buffed the warrior with Bless, Aid, Chant. He went down after about 30 sec of fighting.
Pretty much my approach. I didn't find the fight too difficult with a few potions and buffs along with the dagger.
Just killed him. It has been awhile I guess since I went there. Honestly I would have preferred that they at least allow me instead to join sides with Karoug, being an evil character and all. Instead I am only given two line options, which to me was disappointing. Did unfinished business add this option in BG1? because for whatever reason I recall it.
Faced off with him today. He certainly seems much more powerful than the original rendition of him in TotSC. The other werewolves/wolfweres almost seemed lesser minions by comparison.
I suppose it's my own fault for not coming in prepared with a few extra potions, though I did have two mages in the party and likely couldn't have won the battle any other way. I buffed and hasted the party all the way with what spells I had at my disposal. Went up, and immediately had my thief run through a trap just to grab the sword of Balduran when Karoug stopped blocking the door. Cast slow on the rest of the werewolves just so I can tag them off. Had to retreat once his cronies were disposed of and ran far away from the ship to rest and refresh before facing Karoug again.
Cast 2x slow spells on Karoug when he was alone which made him a little more manageable, but pretty much took everything I had (magic missile bombardments, firearrows, acid arrows) just to bring him down. Yikes.
Cast 2x slow spells on Karoug when he was alone which made him a little more manageable, but pretty much took everything I had (magic missile bombardments, firearrows, acid arrows) just to bring him down. Yikes.
Slow, Glitterdust, blindness and chant works wonders against his AC + Thac0. Am too low for hold monster, but I guess that'd be the ultimate spell. Else there are only 3 weapons, which damage him and no arrows! - Bastard against Shapeshifter - Silver Dagger - Baldurans Bastard Sword
(dunno about Flame Tongue, as it gets +2 vs regenerating creatures)
Everything else is pretty much ineffective, but that's usually enough - also mere +3 weapons do NOT count, as mentioned above. Ajantis had Drizzt's Scimitar equiped, but it was ineffective prior to looting Baldurans sword. Lost 30k Gold thanks to Neera but I guess I just farm some more Wyvern heads but I have all the gear I need :P
I'm having trouble with the greater wolf were. I am in the ship at the moment, and I kill everything, nearly one shotting them, except for the greater one. I can't even get it down to injured. Party is buffed up as best I can, strength haste, armour, etc. Is the regeneration of the Greater wolfwere bugged? BEcause, even after blasting it with magic missle none stop, it's just barely injured. I have two character with +3 weapons, I even used seeking sword, and can't do crap. Also, I'm already level 8. Any suggestions?
Comments
He went down after about 30 sec of fighting.
Lycanthropes (or "therianthropes" when discussing non-wolf varieties) are different than "antherions", which are animals that can assume human form (such as wolfweres) and the two species generally hate one another--attacking their opposite on sight. Antherions (like wolfweres) pass on their traits genetically, and do not infect others. Antherions are weak against cold iron, while Lycanthropes are weak against silver (I believe Baldur's Gate ignores this distinction, and makes both species weak against silver).
This may be one encounter where the "no reloads" crowd has the edge on the rest of us.
Then I entered with the rest of the party (AI off). Cleric cast remove fear - then everyone concentrated on individual wolfweres one at a time until they were all dead. Then the entire party quickly ran back down the stairs leaving Karoug alone in the ship.
Once outside, quick save. Back inside with thief only - raid the desk on the top for Balduran's Sword +4 lycans, quick wave to Karoug from the shadows, then rejoin the party. Quick spell change, and equipment reshuffle. Went back in with only 4;
my WSlayer - +1+3 Shapeshifters (96hp and good magic resistance)
Minsc wielding Baldurans Sword and carrying Branwen's Large Shield+1, with Helm of Defense and Fire resist ring:
Kivan with the Dagger vs Lycans and the amulet +2 lycans, and the second Fire Resist ring:
Dynaheir buffed with fire shield and packing 3 fireballs and haste.
Rest - re-buff protection from evil and haste.
Again - enter Karoug's room with one person only (this time Minsc as he now has the highest AC) run down the bottom, Karoug follows; then enter with the other fighters and Dynaheir - spam Fireball. He died from Minsc just before the third fireball hit.
I still think he's bugged - the +3 Cursed Two Handed Sword -should- hit according the rules but it doesn't. I am relieved my save game's not in an impossible position though. (No problems with the Loup Garous after that either)
Sword of Balduran
Dagger of Balduran
Bastard Sword +1, +3 against shapeshifters
Flametongue +1, (it gets +2 v something, +3 v regenerating creatures IIRC and +4 v demons or undead)
Honestly I need to get off my ass and do a playthrough that way I can make a guide and post it on the forums for easy solutions to hard bosses.
The regeneration thing seems excessive, so it's worth a look.
As far as I remember, he was the same in vanilla BG.
in BG1, the greater wolfwere has the same stats as in BG:EE.
That is :
66 HP
2 base AC (That's about -2 AC with 19 DEX)
5 hp regen / round
Resist magic 0%
Resist elemental damage (Fire, Cold, Lightning & so on) 50%
19 STR / 19 DEX / 16 CON
3 attacks at base THACO 6 (That's about THACO 3 with 19 STR)
Saves are about 5 to 7, depending on the save.
The easiest way to kill it would probably to cast "hold" on it, until it sticks (20% chance), or, if you use Greater Malision, about 40% chance to stick), then to beat on him using +3 or greater weapons (+2 weapon do not hit him).
I'm just playing. These forums are great and full of many helpful individuals!
I suppose it's my own fault for not coming in prepared with a few extra potions, though I did have two mages in the party and likely couldn't have won the battle any other way. I buffed and hasted the party all the way with what spells I had at my disposal. Went up, and immediately had my thief run through a trap just to grab the sword of Balduran when Karoug stopped blocking the door. Cast slow on the rest of the werewolves just so I can tag them off. Had to retreat once his cronies were disposed of and ran far away from the ship to rest and refresh before facing Karoug again.
Cast 2x slow spells on Karoug when he was alone which made him a little more manageable, but pretty much took everything I had (magic missile bombardments, firearrows, acid arrows) just to bring him down. Yikes.
Else there are only 3 weapons, which damage him and no arrows!
- Bastard against Shapeshifter
- Silver Dagger
- Baldurans Bastard Sword
(dunno about Flame Tongue, as it gets +2 vs regenerating creatures)
Everything else is pretty much ineffective, but that's usually enough - also mere +3 weapons do NOT count, as mentioned above. Ajantis had Drizzt's Scimitar equiped, but it was ineffective prior to looting Baldurans sword.
Lost 30k Gold thanks to Neera but I guess I just farm some more Wyvern heads but I have all the gear I need :P