15202 réponses à ce sujet

[Serg BlackStrider]

Well met and welcome, EA1. Best of luck with your challenge! 

BTW, as far as I know, with aTweaks only the *first wave* of gated fiends could gate in their own ones and those in turn couldn't gate further. But, if those *first wave* fiends are Balor or Pit Fiend then they could gate in more reinforcement during the fight. Pit Fiend, for example, could gate each round  with 100% probability 2 lesser or 1 greater baatezu so looks like that's what had happened in your Lich fight. 

 

@all: just noticed that we hit 10000 replies in this thread ... wow!

[ussnorway]

Gratz Serg, Do you win a panda?

Yes welcome EA1, is your Advenger Druid/ fighter a special house rule?

[Blackraven]

Entering the BG2 No-Reload Challenge: Eydan the Elven Assassin.
Here's his record screen at the start of the game, level 10, with his thieving skillpoint distribution displayed. 

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...c13f215336e.jpg" />

Eydan was released by his childhood friend Imoen, who like him, had no idea where they were, so all he knew was that he was in some kind of prison, and that he'd been tortured. He told Imoen they would be best off trying to sneak their way out individually. He worked best alone, and he didn't want the girl to be a witness of what he was about to do. Understandably the Elf was vindictive, and he was going to make his captor pay, and those that served his captor as well. I think Eydan's strategy is best summarized in a few images:

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...320eb2ddb41.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...a21d4a5e9ec.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...118b71e3218.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...3842708c350.jpg" />

Or in a few words: hide and stab

Eydan even managed to kill the Cambion, who sees through invisibility, with a backstab.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...4b730ca8b85.jpg" />

With success comes overconfidence, so Eydan decided to check out a portal to the plane of air. Stealth helped him past several Mephits, before he spoke with a Genie who promised him an item that belonged to him in exchange for a flask that would secure his release. As he left to look for the flask, his stealth failed him. It prompted the critters to follow suit, and pester him with their special abilities. Eydan nevertheless succeeded in returning to the prison, and received the flask from a Dryad slave. In a way it was lucky that the Mephits had all followed him. It meant that he only needed to successfully hide in shadows at a single location: the entrance. He made the exchange with the Genie.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...21a6b44349a.jpg" />

 

Eydan's meagre Open Locks skills (40) were often sufficient to open locked chests, and his exceptional strength (19) enabled him to force the more skillfully locked chests. He also proved to be of sufficient skill to disarm most traps, and where he wasn't his Bhaalpower to DUHM helped him out.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...fc800c3a2b7.jpg" />

Eydan managed one level-up (11) in which he invested 5 skill points in Find Traps (70 now), Set Traps (70) and Detect Illusions (15).

 

On a second level of the prison Eydan faced a difficult challenge: a room with four Mephit portals that kept spawning different types of Mephits. Eydan was most wary of the Magma Mephits (third portal), that could knock one unconscious with their sprays. With an oil of speed and two potions of extra healing, he managed to destroy the different portals without having to fear for his life. 

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...8d7db81dfe4.jpg" />

Eydan found a forge worked by Duergar, but decided not to bother with them. He saw a group of Shadow Thieves take down a Vampire, and had to battle a few of those Thieves himself before he could leave the prison. With the poisoning of his arrows and his blade (a Long Sword +1 he had picked up somewhere; there was no sign of his trusty Varscona), he managed to dispatch three of them that blocked his path to freedom.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...dd9058a8167.jpg" />

@EA1, nice to see you here, and best of luck of course!

[corey_russell]

@Blackraven - best of luck for your assassin in BG 2.

@USSNorway - Thanks! We did Firkraag in Chapter Two specifically to allow Yoshimo to lay down 7 snares. It "softened" him up and made the battle a bit easier - don't even think the battle lasted more than 4 rounds.

[Grond0]

On a second level of the prison Eydan faced a difficult challenge: a room with four Mephit portals that kept spawning different types of Mephits. Eydan was most wary of the Magma Mephits (third portal), that could knock one unconscious with their sprays. With an oil of speed and two potions of extra healing, he managed to destroy the different portals without having to fear for his life. 

I think it's probably the 4th portal which is the troublesome one - that produces radiant mephits which can knock you out with colour spray.  Unless your mods change them the magma mephits just do fire damage (though enough of that to potentially cause a problem for an assassin if not killed quickly).

[Grimwald the Wise]

Welcome EA1. Enjoy the challenge.

[Blackraven]

Ouch Grond0, that would mean I was mistaken... I did the 4th portal last...   
Lucky Eydan (me) hehe.

[Grond0]

It's actually not a bad idea to do that one last if you avoid activating the radiant mephit until after the other portals are destroyed (or the mephits are disabled or shut in the other room).  The radiant mephit on its own doesn't do much melee damage (as long as you have a melee weapon equipped) so even a thief would be likely to survive a failed saving throw against its colour spray.

[corey_russell]

Coremonk III the level 18 monk - Spellhold, City of Caverns

Traveling with: Mazzy, Korgan, Jaheira, (Yoshimo), Aerie, Imoen

 

Coremonk III and team arrive in Brynnlaw. The vampire ambush was settled with the Daystar. The pirates are no more than annoyances. We helped Ginia and her brother. We busted up the brothel leader - buffed up Korgan. Most of his buffs were still running, Korgan took on Perth the Adept as well. He did great in both cases.

 

Spellhold was pretty unremarkable. Yoshimo betrayed us, but Imoen joined us. We tried to get Lonk to release the prisoners using the "You only serve Irenicus out of fear..." dialog - but Lonk attacked us despite our 17 reputation. Guess I will need to be paying 2000 gold, like I usually did before people said you can get him to help you with good rep (we are 17). We had so much ammo, the ammo belt was full. Thus, to burn some of it up, I had Jaheira use darts of wounding - they must have made a big difference, as Lonk died almost immediately once the fight began. Don't even think he got a spell off.

 

Irenicus was the same - not a single spell could he get off, and no time stops by anyone either. Suspect it's the dart of woundings again. No wonder Alesia_BH uses darts on so many of her characters...

 

We decided to help Saemon, but we got pulled to the City of Caverns. The party is way stronger than any of the Sahugain. Deathblow was too much for the prince. We did two important items here. Cloak of Mirroring for Korgan, since he often solos mages as well as to allow Mazzy to use the shield of Balduran in the Beholder Cave. I find that two melees working together can usually kill the elder orb before he can imprison. Even if we fail in that, shouldn't be a big deal since either Imoen or Aerie can bring the imprisoned person back, as long as it's not Coremonk III.

 

The other item is the gauntlets of crushing from the King for dealing with his Rebel problem - +4 attack and +4 damage when using fists. Coremonk III already does base damage of 18, plus gets 3.5 attacks per round plus he has 19 strength. 

 

We make it to the Underdark, but no mind flayers near the entrance for some reason. So we slaughter the elementals near the portals, with elemental help of our own assisting us. The drow party we sent tons of summons - while they failed to win, they drained the drow of their spells, the party mopped easily then. Korgan equipped some drow plate, putting his AC at -8 and he's still dual-wielding - not bad. Korgan and Mazzy dealt with the Myconids (since they can't be confused). We get to the sverfbelin city and decided to end the session here.

[Blackraven]

Solid Corey, keep it up!!
Isn't there another, less confrontational line you could use to convince Lonk to release the prisoners? Can't remember...

[ussnorway]

Please can you open the doors and let all the loones out?

[corey_russell]

@Blackraven: Thanks! Will try to keep it up...

[corey_russell]

Coremonk III the level 20 Monk - Underdark

Traveling with: Mazzy, Korgan, Jaheira, Aerie, Imoen

 

The Underdark has been cleared and Coremonk III's party has escaped to the surface. No chunkings this time that is helpful. Everything went to plan. The only thing unusual that happened was Coremonk III didn't have enough CHA to convince Phaere not to force him to bed - and he wasn't about to betray Aerie - thus he outright refused. This made the city hostile. This wasn't a big problem though, as the team then just battled their way to the Temple of Lolth, got the dragon egss, and reported to Adalon.

 

We just battled the shadow dragon (Thaxxy) - Coremonk III once again got the kill shot. We had some summons, only spell during battle that was cast was a single breach.

 

We aren't going to do the extra areas, so will just do the planar sphere, before working on the main quest.

[corey_russell]

Coremonk III the level 21 monk - Planar Sphere, Final Confrontation with Bodhi

Traveling with: Mazzy, Korgan, Jaheira, Aerie, Imoen

 

Coremonk III and team have ventured into the planar sphere. They did very well here. Ranged weapons against golems whenever possible. Summons against mages, except Coremonk soloed Lavok (with the help of a few buffs). Coremonk will have 100% magic resist once he gets thru the hell tears.

 

Bodhi and her mass of vampires were also defeated. Aerie was kidnapped and made into a vampire. While I restored Aerie OK, I made a MASSIVE BLUNDER. You see, in my games I rarely have a romantic interest in Chapter 6 - by this time they usually are petrified (breaks romance), chunked, left me, or bugged. So when Aerie was kidnapped I did NOT look at the ground. Can you guess the problem? Yep, ALL of Aerie's equipment disappeared (except containers) because I didn't come back and look for her stuff until her stuff was NOT on her when she was brought back to life in Umar Hills Temple area - this is by design, but I didn't know that. This is the list of things she had that I can remember:

* Staff of Magi

* Dragonbane Sling

* +2 small shield

* helmet of defense

* Sensai Amulet

* CON belt (will miss this, was a huge help for her HP)

* boots of frost

* ring of acuity

* +2 cloak

* ring of earth control

* lots of wands, including wand of resurrection (ouch)

EDIT: Lost the golem book summon. Bummer, that's a nice summon...

 

The quest must go on. We have a few misc tasks before we report to Elhan, will work on those.

[ussnorway]

The ring of acuity will hurt... she needs every spell you can give her but does she still LOVE you?

[Blackraven]

Nooooooooooooooooo Corey! So sorry to read this. 
Here's hoping you'll overcome this setback...

[corey_russell]

The ring of acuity will hurt... she needs every spell you can give her but does she still LOVE you?

Yes - in fact she says he loves me even more after bringing her back and will follow me where-ever I go. 

 

@Blackraven - thanks for the sympathy. Being a caster, she's not quite as dependent on equipment as a melee is. She will still be able to do great contributions to the party. Hopefully I will remember to loot next time I get into this situation, lol.

[corey_russell]

Coremonk III the level 23 monk - Suldanessar

Traveling with: Mazzy, Korgan, Jaheira, Aerie, Imoen

 

The team has cleared out Suldanessar. This was rather clean sweep, the team did get hurt, but no one died. A fallen solar wiped out a Nabassu and Ramilat. We even battled in the Temple of Rillifane, no deaths once more. Coremonk III is up to 89% magic resist, I like it...

 

Nizi was handled with ranged fire and summons - our summons didn't quite survive, but a fresh mordy sword did well to keep the dragon's attention. Somewhat fittingly, Jaheira destroyed the dragon with a call lightning.

 

 

Irenicus is next!

[Blackraven]

Excellent work there Corey, best of luck against Irenicus!

[Grond0]

Looking good Corey.  I reckon Mel must be trembling in her boots.

[corey_russell]

Coremonk III the level 23 Monk - Battles with Irenicus

Traveling with: Korgan, Mazzy, Jaheira, Aerie, Imoen

 

So Coremonk III battles Irenicus at the Tree of Life. Using the sword of Balduran, that put his magic resist at 99%. Thus he engages in melee. Korgan and Mazzy assist, while the rest of the party ranges. Irenicus did huge damage in a Time Stop, killing Aerie and Jaheira. However, the survivor's relentless attacks did him in.

 

All good routes were done in hell, mainly to get the magic resist boost (I couldn't remember which tear gave me that).

 

While we did lots of buffs, the battle with the demons went REALLY fast - Coremonk III did deathblow ability (monk) and that was quite effective. The party then chased down Irenicus. I forgot a buff (resist fear), so Jaheira was running everywhere in fear. But everyone else zeroed in on Irenicus. The party didn't have to wait very long until Irenicus combat protections wore off, and then Coremonk III's fists were just pummeling Irenicus - victory!

 

This is my FIRST monk to ever make it to ToB no-reload. His AC is -10, pretty decent for a guy who doesn't wear any armor. And next level will be 100% magic resist.

[Grond0]

Congrats to Coremonk III - keep those punches going.

[EA1]

Episode 3: Mighty foes

 

So how dit Raven do against the ThaxxlSyllia and improved shade lord? Read on.. 

 

Facing of with the shadowdragon even made Dorn gulp. Such might! So how are we doing:

 

Raven: Kensai9/Druid11

Dorn Il Khan: Level 10 Blackguard

Korgan: Level 9 Berserker

Hexxat: Level 10 Thief

Mazzy: Level 9 fighter

 

We freed Mazzy the halfling paladin, only to find she had 5 pips in shortbows and 1 pip in shord swords... lame?

 

Two pics of Raven and his equipment, check them out.

 

http://cdn.vanillafo...16a22efa0fe.png

http://cdn.vanillafo...a66c960a170.png

 

Since I dont like cheese I like to keep these fights as 'realistic' as possible. So Raven took a long good look at his surroundings, while the shadow stone kept him and his allies completely hidden. He noticed a beautiful(ly drawn) hidden alcove and decided to try to build a danger zone there, meaning he would keep some summons there and retreat there when things went south hill. Hexxat also tried to lay here 3 traps somewhere in the alcove (roleplaying it like making it collapse on the dragons head) and succeeded twice with 55 in traps. Resting now to be able to lay more traps made no freaking sense so it had to be just the 2 traps in the alcove. 

 

He then buffed completely, casting DUHM, bless, barkskin etc. Raven then walked up to the Shadow dragon casting negative plane protection on Korgan and himzelf (not knowing it doesnt protect against shadow dragon breath...). Strangely enough the dragon noticed it.... CRAP! -There goes my planning! 

 

Now read carefully because I forgot to take pics because of the nerves (it was a nervewrecking battle):

 

Thaxxlsylia the mighty laughed at our stupidity and vowed to eat us alive. Before Dorn with poisoned blade or Korgan could even hit him his protections got up causing both Mazzy and Korgan to shout in frustration: no bloody effect!

 

He knocked Korgan back in two succesive hits dealing a sum of about 80 damage and then wing buffeted him away. While Korgan was gulping grater healing potions like it was ale Dorn and Raven, together with a fire elemental tried to distract the dragon. I had to pause and think a while: what to do while the PFMW would run out? (btw I didnt have any normal weapons with me, stupidly enough...). I tried Dorns drain health which actually hurt the dragon for about 20 damage (nice) and Raven tried to cast an insect plague. It got through his protections causing him to actually be panicked for like 5 seconds. I still couldnt hurt him though...

 

After a while Mazzys first arrow hit for about 12 damage I believe (grandmastery in bows good after all?) and Raven cast a genie form a bottle. The genie got to hit off two freshly made stoneskins before it was deathspelled. Our foe then decided to try his breath on the two nearest, Dorn hacking away at him (but missing all the time) and Hexxat throwing darts of wounding. The two had the following thoughts:

 

Dorn Il Khan:

"What is this dark breath?! It tugs at my armor and makes my heart pound... But I am unhurt... Ur Ghatoz protects me!... Waurgh!!!"

He then got a nice backhand in the face for 32 damage......

 

Hexxat:

"What is this mist?... Level drain... Ha, dont level drain a vampire, foolish lizard!"

 

Long story short the breath did absolutely nothing against a blackguard and a vampire! Mazzy got in another arrow for 10 and Thaxxlsyllia decided to start his invisibility spamming after wing buffeting the whole party left and right. 

 

It did give the wounded party a breather and strange illusion of safety. They all drank a potion (which were almost gone) except Raven who cast detect invisibility. When the spell resolved Thaxxlsyllia was actually standing right behind him on the complete other side of where he was standing. Such amazing AI! I wonder what his script becomes after he turns invisible.. The ability is actually called 'call shadows' and quite OP if you ask me.

 

Anyway Raven and party charged again and just couldnt get any succesful hits in. I guess they were just too low a level. My cursor above its head revealed a still 'barely injured' while Ravens resources were running out. He summoned a berserker and drew in the other fire elemental who both promptly got dispelled by death spell. The dragon smacked Hexxat for 25 or so who had to retreat and Dorn who had to gulp his last potion. After which he buffeted all but Mazzy and Hexatt into the alcove. On top of that he breathed another dragon breath which, again, bounced of of Hexxat but got Mazzy to level 5. Cowering and shrinking, Mazzy crawled in a corner...

 

Raven was panicking and found it was time to draw the dragon into the alcove, where he couldnt reach the party as easily and perhaps would set of some traps that could actually damage his barely injured foe. Korgan hit its tail for 15 damage. 

 

Having reached the alcove the two traps went of hitting Thaxxlsylia for about 10 damage each. A round later another 10+ damage twice by the poisonous traps, although Thaxxl resisted 3 damage every time.

The lizard started fading in and out again so Raven cast his last detect invisibility. Mazzy hit a 20 roll and actually hurt it for another 10 damage albei being level 5... Poor Dorn got backhanded in the alcove. And all partymembers retreated into it, cowering for the inevitable breath. 

 

Raven was about to call the retreat and flee the temple when Thaxxl got hit with another 15 and 10 poison damage from the traps, immidiately causing him to turn invisible. 

 

A few seconds later it ended. Thaxxlsyllia appeared again and immidiately fell death when the last poison trigger hit him for 3 and 7 damage, killing him while he was moving away from the party, invisible.. 

 

I literally was stunned for about 10 seconds and saved immidiately, realising I hadnt taken a single screenshot (sorry guys).   

 

Raven had 1 healing potion left and all where wounded heavily except for Raven himself who only got wing buffeted twice for about 25 damage. Mazzy got her levels back shortly after and after looting the dragon, the party rested for the Shade Lord. 

 

How did Raven fare against the improved Shade Lord? Find out next time...

 

----------------------

 

Interesting happenings:

-Taking on Thaxxlsylia on SCS2 with a paltry 5 man party, non hasted, without any mage, seems to be possible. In the end, the 2 OP traps did do him in, however, as the summed up damage from non traps was only about 50 the whole battle. 

-2 npcs who are immune to level drain is awesome against undead. Only undead hunters wouldve been able to do before. 

-Ill buy normal weapons for the next foe that casts PFMW its just lame to have to wait it out but it also makes you think of creative strategies like casting Dorns health drain (which overcomes all resistances it seemes) and trying to overcome their spellresistance with magic

-The insect swarm that got him at the beginning did prevent any spells to go of, at least I think. But there was no insect damage (damage resistance I think) or further panicking because of the dragons high moral I think. 

[Blackraven]

@Corey, impressive work! Congratulations for completing the second part of the trilogy!
@EA1, excellent job with Thaxxy there. I wouldn't have dared confron the Shadow Dragon at that stage I think.

 

I had to pause and think a while: what to do while the PFMW would run out? (btw I didnt have any normal weapons with me, stupidly enough...). 

I'm not sure but I wouldn't be surprised if (SCS) Shadow Dragon and other dragons are immune to normal weapons, and thus immune to all weapons once they cast PfMW. I think normal weapons wouldn't have helped.

Meanwhile, entering from BG1, Thani my third Wizard Slayer to make it into Amn.
A few preliminary remarks about my game setup: I'm playing BG2EE on core rules but with maximum hit points. My only mods are SCS and Rogue Rebalancing. I was informed that the BG2EE contains a very nice shield, very useful for Wizard Slayers. It can be obtained by temporarily recruiting Neera, but without doing any battle. Although I'm trying to keep this run a solo run for as long as I don't consider it impossible to advance solo, I did decide to allow my Wizard Slayer to acquire the shield.  

This is Thani's character record at the start of SoA:

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...9e886106ca3.jpg" />

Interestingly the XP she had acquired beyond the BG1 level cap, which I never removed, was included in her starting XP. Here's a report of Thani's first feats in Amn. Thani got to fight a lot as soon as she began her attempt to escape. On the first level she took down most of the Duergar (mostly by trying to fighting them one or two at a time), the Flesh Golems, the Otyugh, and the inevitable Mephits. She didn't engage the Cambion. The Duergar Mage, one of Ilych's crew, horrored her when the other Duergar were all slain already, so no harm  was done.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...3a31f457158.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...3a31f457158.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...a0219245ce1.jpg" />

She acquired the Sword of Chaos from the Genie, in spite of being stunned once by a Salt Mephit (as with the Duergar Mage, after most other foes had already fallen). 

On the second level Thani had to suffer more nuisances from the Mephits. First of all she got cornered by three Mephits, making it impossible for her to reach the portals. And secondly, one of the critters repeatedly blinded her, so that she couldn't finish off the portals with Yoshimo's shortbow. Once she managed to release herself, she had little difficulty with the vermin.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...cf85aa7946a.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...1569d529e3e.jpg" />

Further on, she failed to kill Ulvaryl before the vampire was done with the Shadow Thieves, and hence fled that room. She kept away from the Duergar at the forge, and she released and killed Frennedan and the Shadow Thieves near the exit.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...e69205026fc.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...cd608dedbc9.jpg" />

Thani leveled up once in Irencus dungeon, to level 9. She invested her first pip in TWF. At Waukeen's Promenade she completed the Circus quest and she dealt with Mencar Pebblecrusher and his gang, relying heavily on the Amnian soldiers. Sorecerous Amon was the first to follow her outside of the Den of the Seven Vales. He used mostly damaging magic, but no dangerous mind or movement affecting spells. Thani was doing a good job hurting him with her bow, but an Amnian soldier stole the kill. Brennan Risling fled after Thani injured him severely, and Mencar Pebblecrusher was eventually slain by one of the Amnian guards. Thani did finish off Smaeluv and Pooky herself.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...17b552e49d6.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...a43f377ba63.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...403daa11090.jpg" />

From Ribald Barterman she bought the Reflection Shield. In the Copper Coronet Thani managed to slay the Lethinan's guards and Beastmaster and his companions. Careful manoeuvering and the use of a Bhaal horror allowed her to take on her foes one or two at a time.

Spoiler

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...2a432612a55.jpg" />

<img src="http://cdn.vanillafo...cd22f6a68ce.jpg" />

The Dwarf then cleared the sewer area to secure Lilarcor for herself (indispensable before other areas can be visited I think), and she has dealt with Amalas in the fighting pit, and with Bregg and Cohrvale outside.

 

That's all for now. Am not sure how much time I'll have to make much progress in the next days, but I'll keep you posted

[Aasim]

I'm not sure but I wouldn't be surprised if (SCS) Shadow Dragon and other dragons are immune to normal weapons, and thus immune to all weapons once they cast PfMW. I think normal weapons wouldn't have helped.

None of the dragons are immune to normal weapons, including ToB specimens - SCS doesn't change that. They are invurnerable to normal arrows however.