Tank for my party
Aron740
Member Posts: 153
Hey people,
I'm planning to stack up on some more save files before the launch of bg2ee and this time I wanted to make my character a big fat tank of steel and muscles.
So the question is: What race, class, weapons choice should I go for? My initial thoughts was to make a dwarven defender with axe and shield specialization but I have heard a lot about how shields are kind of useless in bg2(ee) and does the weapon choice even matter? Is there any item I really should seek out as early as possible to make the tank better?
All the help is welcome!
I'm planning to stack up on some more save files before the launch of bg2ee and this time I wanted to make my character a big fat tank of steel and muscles.
So the question is: What race, class, weapons choice should I go for? My initial thoughts was to make a dwarven defender with axe and shield specialization but I have heard a lot about how shields are kind of useless in bg2(ee) and does the weapon choice even matter? Is there any item I really should seek out as early as possible to make the tank better?
All the help is welcome!
0
Comments
half-orcs get bonus max strength, dwarves get bonus max constitution, and Elves get bonus max dexterity.
Personally I have a Half-Orc Fighter/Cleric who generally withstands more ass-kicking than anyone else, while also dishing out more damage than both Dorn and Kagain. 20 STR and 20 CON is really neat. He uses flail and shield in BG1, but will probably go for war hammer in BG2.
The Blade is a jack-in-all-trades, since you can combine arcane defencive magic, bard support and have the option of a hefty attack and an unparallelled defence with spells+defensive spin. No fighter can match that defence until the skill runs out.
So you have to choose wether you prefer a tank who doesn't need to rely on spells that much (Dwarfen Defender with a lot less micro management), or a Blade which which can have a lot of roles to play, even though he/she is much more relying on spells and his few skills in spinning.
edit:
You don't actually have to use a shield, even though it helps against feisty archers. Either go single or two weapon style with axe and or war hammer is the next thing I want to try out.
Gnomish Fighter/Illusionists are also worth considering. They also benefit from saves and stoneskin and mirror image, making them just about unhittable with a little preparation.
The thing with shields is that most just give a AC bonus. In the end of TOB, AC concerns go out the window. You never know what new shiny items are going to be added to BGII:EE though, so making one could be interesting. If not, dual wielding is always an option.
Weapons are all up in the air due to RP reasons, meta gaming and personal choice. With the DwD, Axes are your cliche ridden choice, however war hammers can be an option too as both allow 4 pips. You get a magical war hammer early in BG:EE and you have enough updatable choice in BG2 /w Hammers +1-3 all the way to the Crom Faeyr and Runehammer.
c/i gives you a ridiculous number of ways to combine different tanking types
1. high hp: holy power/tenser's
2. saves: shorty saves, you got 'em!
3. Low AC: full plate, shields, buffs
3. DR%: armour of faith, wraith form (?), DoE flail
4. Damage Avoidance: mirror image, stone skin, PfMW etc
The only reason to even consider it is if you genuinely think that your Character would choose to do it for roleplaying reasons. And even then it's a poor decision compared to every other available choice.
Great armor, plating, inherent Constitution bonus and a mighty, manly beard. Also, from RolePlaying perspective, the shortie bonus camouflage and conversations held from the open hatch are great.
Sword and Shield style isn't actually very useful in this game (just like @Corvino said), so better put points into axes and the front dual 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34.
PIC related - it's the new patch 1.2 Dwarven Defender:
Choices!!!! Ahhrrgggg!
So you need a lot more micro management especially if you for example go for a class combination or a kit. The DD is a lot more forgiving because of the overwhelming amount of HP and the resistance to physical attacks (+50% on skill, and up to 20% permanent physical resistance).
The blade starts weak, but once you have a few spells at your disposal it will make your effort count. The defensive spin for example gives you 1 AC/level up to 10 AC a few times a day- that's not bad for a caster. Add the usual defence spells, or the ability to neutralize the enemys defences and you got one char which is deadly in all fields of experience.