Baldur's Gate 2 No-Reload Challenge
#2826
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 03:35
Another ambush hurdle was safely negotiated and provided the next level. After seeing Sir Sarles off Impatiens cashed in various bits of equipment and bought the simmy helm. With that she decided she was ready to go to Nalia's rescue. The orog ambush was not well handled. Impatiens' movement was wrong and she got boxed in by berserk orogs. With her improved invisibility dispelled she had to resort to using potions of invisibility and invulnerability to break out. Thereafter things went smoothly - mage fell to acid arrows and the rest were dealt with by Azuredge on the run.
#2827
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 05:42
Talking to random citizens and children with certain party members can be surprisingly fun. A lot of them will comment on Mazzy's stature and Minsc's intellectual prowess...morbidest2 wrote...
Grond0 wrote...
Impatiens used her womanly wiles to browbeat a merchant into handing over some papers.
I never knew that female PCs had so much fun![]()
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#2828
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 09:19
Pocket plane challenge 1 ended up being Ashoka's most interesting battle since the Underdark. My lack of experience with the SCS good path was a big reason for that. I'll post on it in some detail mostly because I think Impatiens may be interested in a few things here.
Everything started out simply enough. Ashoka had the Air Elemental tank while she fired away with Gessen. I enjoy doing that with Rangers. It's not like these guys can hurt a good path character, but still, it was fun.

Eventually Sarevok, Bodhi and Irenicus showed up.
I wasn't especting much from them, though in retrospect, I should haev taken the encounter more seriously heading in. Alesia had one of her scariest experiences in that encounter when Aran Linvail attempted to Maze her (countered with Carsomyr + Potion of Magic Protection). That should have been enough of a clue.
When everyone's favorite Jon started stopping time, dropping Dragon's Breaths, and spamming Wiltings, it became clear that Ashoka was in for a battle here. Wiltings and Dragon's Breath's aren't really scary mind you, but they're a clue as to what might be ahead.

The damage stuff was handled naturally (with contact timing being part of the equation). Jon did do something truly annoying later on though.

The biggest problem here was Bodhi really. She detected the invisible, had an excellent movement rate, and also regenerated well.
Ashoka noted that those random jokers she had left on the battle field might be a helpful tactical asset, and decided to let them box her in the hopes of blocking Bodhi and Sarevok. She should have tested the range on Bodhi's kick before doing that of course, but she had an exit strategy if things didn;t work out.
As things turned out that kick is at least a 2, and Ashoka had to make use of her exit plan.
That's the real Ashoka not the Simmy.

Back out in the open.

Shortly there after, Jon did something truly threatening.

I'm not being sarcastic. Pop quiz for Impatiens. Where is the danger? Here's a hint: it has something to do with that earlier Haste spell (as well as Bodhi's movement rate) and it wouldn't be a problem for a Halfling or UAI Rogue.

One more thing that Impatiens should note. Every now and then, Jon would be walking around and Ashoka would see this.

Instant Pro Evil and a wisp on a mage. What does that remind you of comrades...
That's my guess as well. In my install, the Staff of the Magi doesn't confer invisibility when equipped which is probably why Jon-Jon is still visible. If you haven't removed SoM invisibilty, watch out for that...
Anyhoo. Sarevok was iced first since he could be dropped quickly with a range weapon. Left the fodder because it hindered Bodhi's movement more that Ashoka's.

Next, Jon got another serving of Elemental Arrows.
He had had his fill of Gessen apparently, and ordered up some Arrows of Ice. He got a full spread.

Didn't have to ask Bodhi what she wanted: she was just begging for some Ages what with her regen rate and all. And her APR? That was her way of saying she'd like a side of Fire Shield: Red.
Ashoka set the table...


And dinner was served.


Fin.
Best,
A.
@HT. And yes. Ashoka did get sloppy with the AoP-Shield Amulet thing again. If Ashoka makes it to the Irenicus fight at the Throne, give her a friendly reminder.
@ Grond0. I like the idea of a ranger named Impatiens wielding the Blade of Roses.
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 29 octobre 2011 - 09:31 .
#2829
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 10:10
You've got me there - possibly an attack that slows countered by sword of arvoreen (which I've never acquired in my games)?Alesia_BH wrote...
I'm not being sarcastic. Pop quiz for Impatiens. Where is the danger? Here's a hint: it has something to do with that earlier Haste spell (as well as Bodhi's movement rate) and it wouldn't be a problem for a Halfling or UAI Rogue.
Yes. Impatiens is probably a bit cuddly for her actually - something with thorns in might suit her better@ Grond0. I like the idea of a ranger named Impatiens wielding the Blade of Roses.
#2830
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 10:29
Grond0 wrote...
You've got me there - possibly an attack that slows countered by sword of arvoreen (which I've never acquired in my games)?
Close. It's Power Word: Stun which offers no save, allows no counter window, and effects characters with current hit point totals below 90.
The MM Sequencer took Ashoka's HP total into PW: S range. And without access to the Sword of Arvoreen (and with the Greestone Amulet still in the Beholder's lair), that means Free Action. Free Action, in turn, means a slow movement rate giving Bodhi and maybe even Mr. Slugfoot a shot at her.
Ashoka equipped the Ring of Free Action as soon as she got below 90. Then she moved carefully for a few rounds and healed herself out of the danger zone. The Ring of Free Action was unequipped at that point.
That one is worth remembering. Note Well though: if you are playing with G3 and without Free Action Protects Against Stun, then, it would behoove you to get the Greenstone Amulet and be very careul with your aura management/hitpoint total management when you are in PW:S territory.
Yes. Impatiens is probably a bit cuddly for her actually - something with thorns in might suit her better
.
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 29 octobre 2011 - 10:34 .
#2831
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 10:50
Wasn't going to say anything.Alesia_BH wrote...
@HT. And yes. Ashoka did get sloppy with the AoP-Shield Amulet thing again.
Don't expect me to suddenly become pro-active. That is just not me.If Ashoka makes it to the Irenicus fight at the Throne, give her a friendly reminder.
I'm more of a "In hindsight, that was kind of obvious" kind of guy.
#2832
Posté 29 octobre 2011 - 11:33
Humanoid_Taifun wrote...
Don't expect me to suddenly become pro-active. That is just not me.
Yeah. Ashoka forgets about her amulet, I forget about you being an a-hole and all. We'll get it straightened out eventually.
Cheers,
A.
Edit: And just to be clear, this is a joke directed at someone I consider to be an old friend. :happy:
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 08:01 .
#2833
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 12:16
I do have free action protecting against stun and have for quite some time. Funnily enough my installation was updated around the time my entire party of 6 got stunned by a demon in Spellhold.Alesia_BH wrote...
That one is worth remembering. Note Well though: if you are playing with G3 and without Free Action Protects Against Stun, then, it would behoove you to get the Greenstone Amulet and be very careul with your aura management/hitpoint total management when you are in PW:S territory.
Impatiens has returned from her work at the de'Arnise Hold. It was slow going though that proved a bit costly. She had no defense (other than improved invisibility) against greater command, so tried to test the waters with simmy or Kitthix ahead to identify any lurking spirit trolls. This failed to work on one occasion when a spirit troll didn't react to Kitthix - fortunately it tried out an unholy blight on Impatiens rather than going for the command. Once spotted the spirit trolls were normally led to a choke point to kill a couple before going away to hide and rest.
With his last breath the yuan-ti mage in the libary managed to choke out an aptly named death spell. Azuredge + stealth made short work of the iron golem. Repairing the flail got Impatiens to level 13.
With everything else cleared the final battle was approached on a divide and conquer basis. The yuan-ti mages followed Impatiens upstairs. They were both held by Kitthix and got no more spells off - I've seen a few comments around about what a waste of space Kitthix is, but her web attack seems really vicious to me. Torgal saw through Impatiens' stealth so was easy to get on his own, though he still put up a good fight. With no immunity to fear available the simmy started running pretty much as soon as she approached Torgal and without stealth no backstabs were possible. As a result Impatiens was forced to retreat initially before coming back and finishing him off. The remaining group were still too strong to finish in one go, so another rest was required there.
By the time she eventually got back to the city Impatiens found that she was deemed to have abandoned the thief guild - cost her a pretty penny to get reinstated. When she did visit the guild for the first time she found there were already insider plots against her - at least with a bit of forewarning she was ready for the backstabbers alliance around her.
The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that her stock of extra-healing potions is growing quite sizeable. She hasn't bought any, but is yet to use one in the game (she has used a few standard healing potions). That's partly trying to conserve them for hard fights to come, but also something of a game within a game - hope the conceit doesn't prove too costly.
#2834
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 12:53
Grond0 wrote...
I do have free action protecting against stun and have for quite some time. Funnily enough my installation was updated around the time my entire party of 6 got stunned by a demon in Spellhold.
I'm definitely in no position to judge....
In the original game, Free Action did protect against Stun as you may know. G3 decided to change it based on Gaider's comments about intent. It made sense. Nonetheless, I was pretty peeved simply because I didn't want to see Alesia get PW: Stunned...
Anyhoo. I was discussing it with them on the old forums and said: well, if you do go through with the change in the Fixpack, then you should add a component to the Tweakpack at the same time that lets Free Action protect against Stun.
Whose to say whether that remark was the inspiration for the component, but I certainly can't fault you for using it.
Nice to see Impatiens making good progress. She may pass Ashoka before long.
And good work with those Tactics Spirit Trolls! They give me the willies in early SoA.
Best,
A.
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 03:00 .
#2835
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 02:53
Ashoka is now in Saradush. She'll likely face Gromnir in her next session.
I'll note that Ashoka has invited some buds over to her pad.

They won't travel with Ashoka. However, it will be nice to have a resident Alchemist and Cleric in the Pocket Plane. Haer Daelis will make a few cameo appearance later on so he can become a mix-master.
Here is Ashoka's current character record and inventory.


Best,
A.
#2836
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 06:44
#2837
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 07:57
2 Down.

I'll post on the fight relatively soon.
Best,
A.
@ Gorthaur X- I hope you'll be able to get back in the action soon.Regardless, it's good to know you are still out there . :happy:
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 07:59 .
#2838
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 11:18
First up was a desire for an invisibility ring - Brennan Riesling was kind enough to donate one. The remainder of that battle was easy after Impatiens and her simmy let go with the wrath of god on the casters. Also found a stolen talisman for the temple and returned a teddy bear. A bit of shopping as well, with the main purchase the dread bond - to provide protection against fear (this came in very handy later).
Off to the Umar Hills. My normal routine here is to provide entertainment for the local youths. However, reading Ashoka's adventures suggests this might not be a good idea for someone wishing to do the ranger quests - so Impatiens abstained on this occasion. After a mimic lost out to a simmy she travelled to the temple ruins in search of targets for Azuredge - there were plenty of these. After one painful experience I was careful this time to distinguish between shadows and shadow fiends when considering whether to allow melee combat.
It was clear there were undead on the move around the flame pit further on, but they were of no concern. This, however, was a different matter - I hate liches (I don't remember seeing one here before, but then I do tend to do this area at a lower level). One problem with liches is their propensity for summoning demons - this demon had no idea where Impatiens was - or so I thought. Leading the lich outside Impatiens and her simmy eventually got a safe shot at it. After tangling with a lich able to see through stealth, it was nice to be able to deal with a golem by dodging round pillars.
There was a lengthy fight with the shade lord. Taking another leaf out of Ashoka's book Impatiens used a sunstone bullet on the altar, while the simmy accounted for Patrick. Ganging up on the shade lord was producing slow results and the simmy tried to speed things up by moving into melee - he didn't last long. Keeping out of range Impatiens then bombarded the shade lord with Azuredge - gets a bit tiresome seeing the message that undead has been destroyed after the first dozen or so. With only chromatic orb and finger of death spells to do damage (Impatiens reluctantly used a potion of immortality to defend against the latter) it was slow going on both sides - a lot of the time the shade lord was immune to all missiles and part of the time he wasn't had mirror images up. However, eventually he got worn down before Impatiens had to go and heal.
While in the area Impatiens decided to have a go at Thaxy as well. The simmy and Kitthix were not much help - that was partly because the simmy was attacking with Azuredge, which did no damage (I thought it was just wearing away stoneskins, but I think it must count as a non-magical weapon for this purpose). I was also limiting the simmy to using 5 potions of extra-healing as the stack of those is intended to be for convenience rather than cheese. I was resigned to running round and round in circles sniping at Thaxy, but came across a new tactic when wing buffeted. Ashoka commented on the deficiencies in Firkraag's initial defences before a new designer was employed - I think I know where the old one went
During the battle a message somehow reached Impatiens that it was time to return to the thieves guild - so she did that. Her major purchase with her earnings was the sword of Balduran. With that she can get item bonuses to magic resistance of 50% (in my installation the cloak of Balduran gets imported if worn in BG1). With a potion of magic protection that gives 100%, which should come in handy when she goes to the only area of the city not visited yet - the bridge.
#2839
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 03:23
Her plan was to go in using protection from undead scroll and then buff up before summoning her simmy and attacking. My memory of this encounter was that the lich would not react until some offensive action was taken. However, as soon as she appeared he let loose a chain contingency that did major damage through a wilting and also removed her magic. In the next couple of rounds (with the help of a timestop and spell trigger) the lich summoned a cornugon, a magical sword and a skeleton warrior, further buffed itself and let loose a cloudkill and a sunfire as well as pelting Impatiens with MMM. Meanwhile Impatiens had taken a potion of magic protection to get MR up to 100%, quaffed her first extra-healing potion of the run and dodged around to try and keep out of the way of summons - not that easy in the confined space and she was hit once by the cornugon.
She wanted to go invisible, but the sunfire had got her low on hits and she was trying to take another extra-healing potion when the dreaded load or quit screen appeared - my guess would be she was hit by another sunfire as I don't think any creatures were in range.
#2840
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 04:42
I can't say what spell killed her, but I think you'd agree that fighting an invisibility detecting mage in a small room is a tricky bit of business...
Are you going to continue Impatiens run in a Campfire or Minimal Reload Thread? I know I'd be interested in following her journey.:happy:
Best,
A.
Btw- I've never tried multiplayer, but it had occured to me that it might have been fun to get Ashoka and Impatiens together.
Btw II- I was impressed with the things Impatiens was focusing on (as well as those she was ignoring) in combat.
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 04:46 .
#2841
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 05:42
Sorry about that - though I think perhaps Chewbacca would be a closer matchAlesia_BH wrote...
Ashoka was deeply sadden to hear of Impatien's death Grond0. She feels like she has lost her Padawan.![]()
Certainly - the fact that you can't get out of the door of course is the real killer. I think that lich is now easily the hardest one (that I've come across anyway) in BG2. Trouble is that even though my head knows that, my heart is still misled by early memories of vanilla BG2 when it was the easiest lich and good for an XP boost for a starting character. However, if I'd realised I wouldn't get a chance to prepare even with protection from undead up I would have found it an easy challenge to resist!I can't say what spell killed her, but I think you'd agree that fighting an invisibility detecting mage in a small room is a tricky bit of business...
There was also a costly error in getting items prior to this fight. I originally intended to buy Tymora's gift prior to it, but was about 1,000 gold short when I went to look for it. After that I did a few more chores in Umar Hills and had comfortably more than I needed on arriving back in the city - but went straight to the city gates rather than buying the belt first. With that on the damage from wilting and sunfire would have been greatly reduced and I think she would have had an excellent chance of survival even after being ambushed.
Afraid not. I've actually been having a few problems with my set-up recently - not crashing, but a radical slowing down during some battles. I might expect this to happen to some extent when fighting large groups, but it's a lot worse than it should be - it slowed progress down considerably in my recent battles with Sarevok for instance. That wasn't a factor in the fight with the lich, but I thought now would be a good time to try and sort it out. Given your recommendation I was also thinking to install Ascension and there are one or two other minor changes I had in mind.Are you going to continue Impatiens run in a Campfire or Minimal Reload Thread? I know I'd be interested in following her journey.:happy:
Now if I had read that a couple of hours ago it would have been a good reason not to change anythingBtw- I've never tried multiplayer, but it had occured to me that it might have been fun to get Ashoka and Impatiens together.
#2842
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 06:09
Intelligence gathering continues to be a major focus of Ashoka's run. That approach nearly got her killed in the Irenicus fight, however, it yielded dividends against Gromnir. With Alesia, I've often found this battle dangerous. Ashoka has essentially solved it for her.
I'll post on the fight in some detail as much for my reference as anyone elses. As a warning: this report will be more "spoilery" then most.
This battle is basically a trap. You have Gromir and his pooch in from of you. The two of them detect the invisible via script. They are flanked by a pair of mages which have some nasty spells at their disposal.
The temptation, of course, is to go straight for Gromnir. Doing so will give those mages an opening though. That's the first part of the trap.

Here's the second.

I did a bit of resource file peaking on the weapons wielded by Berena and Elder years ago when we were running the old Ascension Solo Challenge. Their weapons can be pretty dangerous if you have sprung the first part of Gromnir's trap.
Berenna's Spear dispels and causes Spell Casting failure on hit. Elder's dagger Poisons and Slows. It isn't hard to see how those two help tighten the noose. Note Well though: those weapons are very peculiar and have some serious limitations. Berenna's Spear is Range:1, Speed Factor :3. Were it, say, R:3, SF:1 instead, that girl would be pretty scary, but as is she can't really do much if you are tunned in.
Elder's dagger is R:1, SF:2. It is also unenchanted presumably to futz up ProMW caster.
Btw. The bow wielder over there is very nearly tactically irrelevant.
Then, there's those jokers to the south...
Hab wields an unenchanted axe and is slow so he's just something in the way. He will, however, buff up Gromnir and spam Skeleton Warriosr. That nymph looking thing will cast Flesh to Stone continuously so long as she is alive. They'll basically just hang back and grief you while Gromnir and his Mages do the dirty work with the aid of those funky-weaponed flankers.
For Ashoka, Hab was a tactical asset, the nymph was irrelevant.
Ok. Enough talk: time for some killing.
(Edit: As an aside, that's an appropriate sentence here. But in other contexts- like a first date for example- it's probably not the best thing to say...)
Ashoka opened invisible with minimal buffs (mostly renewables, but with Pro Poison, Pro Pet, and some Cold Resistance stuff). having no interest in springing Gromnir's trap, she immediately faded and attended to Elder and Berenna. Berenna is the more dangerous one, but Elder provides a potion scoring opportunity.
Ashoka likes potions.


Berenna got it next. Elder's Potions of Invisibility made this perfectly safe- as did backstabbing with a R: 2, S:0 when she's wielding a R: 1, S:3.

Killed Hab with the Axe once he had summoned an appropraite number of obstructive Skeletons.

Gromnir used a number of offensive HLA. An Oil of Speed takes that stuff out of play, the Skeleton Warrior aided in evasion.

Cleared the fodder before the finish.


Finally, Gromnir. Lots of ways to skin this cat: flail wielding warrior are pretty darn harmless unless the are fast like freaks. Gromnir is slow. He tried to buff hiself up a bit, but got served an Arrow of Dispelling.
Used Ras to aid in backstabbing.

Gromnir's not the brightest bloke, but he saw the writing on the wall: fighting a hasted, backstabbing, 2, 0 quarterstaff wielder with a flail is a losing proposition. Not that running away from a Bow Wielder panicked is a better one...


Fin.
On to the Marching Mountains!
Best,
A.
Btw. If Weirdo is interested in selling The Wave, she has a buyer in Ashoka...
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 06:38 .
#2843
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 06:12
I can't say what spell killed her, but I think you'd agree that fighting an invisibility detecting mage in a small room is a tricky bit of business...
Certainly - the fact that you can't get out of the door of course is the real killer.
Yeah. Despite her mastery of tracking and foe detection, Ashoa never found that Lich somehow...
Best of luck with whatever you try next!
A.
#2844
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 07:24
Now I'm kind of curious what kind of first dates you've had in your life...Alesia_BH wrote...
Ok. Enough talk: time for some killing.
(Edit: As an aside, that's an appropriate sentence here. But in other contexts- like a first date for example- it's probably not the best thing to say...)
#2845
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 07:40
Alesia_BH wrote...
Ok. Enough talk: time for some killing.
(Edit: As an aside, that's an appropriate sentence here. But in other contexts- like a first date for example- it's probably not the best thing to say...)
Now I'm kind of curious what kind of first dates you've had in your life...
Well, I'm still single...
But I wasn't speaking from experience. I've never actually said that on a first date.
That's more of a second date thing...
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 10:20 .
#2846
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 10:37
Grond0 wrote...
I would certainly be happy to try multiplayer, although I have no experience of it either.
I have a pretty slow computer and am usually using iffy wi-fi networks, but it may be neat if we got some multi-player no reloads going.
I'd love to be able to root on a crew. That sounds fun (so long as no one would freak if and when someone goofs...). With the right attitude, I think it could be cool.
Best,
A.
Modifié par Alesia_BH, 30 octobre 2011 - 10:39 .
#2847
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 10:59
#2848
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 11:03
I'm sure someone out there can provide technical advice.
#2849
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 11:40
Alesia_BH wrote...
I know exactly ziltch about multiplayer (It's a shame Canman is long gone...).
I'm sure someone out there can provide technical advice.
Imo, easiest thing would be to settle on a (reasonable) list of mods, then have one person perform the installation. Have that person make a copy of: [*]dialog.tlk[*]chitin.key[*]baldur.ini[*]bgmain.exe/bgmain.exe (depending on the game)[*]the entire override folder (not just the contents--copy the ENTIRE folder)[/list]Then use a free program like 7zip or WinRAR (I believe 7zip has better compression) to compress the files, then upload to something like Sendspace to share with the other. Depending on how big the archives are, you might have to break it up into a couple of archives, I dunno.
The second person would make a clean install -- ideally to the same location as the other person, IE, both use C:\\Games\\Baldurs Gate II or something -- and then just unzip and replace the necessary files.
...I haven't tried this specifically (I happen to live with my multiplayer buddy so we could just use an external harddrive to transfer), but it SHOULD work.
Edit: Credit where it's due, I gathered the essential files list from here.
Modifié par Sarielle, 30 octobre 2011 - 11:42 .
#2850
Posté 30 octobre 2011 - 11:43
http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Baldur's-Gate-2-Multiplayer-over-the-Internet
Do you want to try connecting based on BG2 vanilla to see if that works? If a direct connection proves troublesome another possibility might be to use Gameranger. I've used that for a couple of other games and it seems pretty easy (and there are always a number of people using it for BG).
I need my beauty sleep now and I'm working tomorrow, but we could have a go in the evening to see if we could get hooked up (say 20.00 GMT) if you want.
Edit: Sarielle's suggestion makes sense. I also meant to say in relation to vanilla installation that there are various different forms out there - I'm now using GOG, which would probably give the best match, although I've still got the 5+1 BG1 and the 4+1 BG2 discs as well.
Modifié par Grond0, 30 octobre 2011 - 11:50 .





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