15228 réponses à ce sujet

[corey_russell]

My favorite charname is probably Russell the Paladin (he was the leader of my all paladin parties which I had to try 5 times before I got a Trilogy success - he was fallen too!)

[Blackraven]

Thanks Alesia.

 

MGoI and GoI are options against Hold Person.

That came to my mind as well. Unfortunately I didnt have it memorized. Had already burnt up my Stoneskins (only lvl 4 spell) against the Rune Assassins. In hindsight should have rested at the Five Flagons. But even then I might not have counted on the ambush as it was only my 3rd area transition.

 

I trust that you know yourself as a player better than I can. Trust your judgement. I do.

That's very nice of you. Still, you're an astute forumite. You may have noticed things in my playstyle that I haven't. 

Do you, or others, think a character like Dagny stands a fair chance to beat the challenge with a reactive approach (as opposed to your preventive approach)? I really the idea of a character who uses a limited number of prebuffs, and then simply counters whatever enemies throw at her, thanks to a superflexible spell repertoire. Solo, with Improved Alacrity in mid-SoA, and with Gnomish spell saves bonuses and good saves vs death thanks to being a Cleric, it does sound feasible, at least until the late game. Scintilla operated more or less that way, although she also relied heavily on summons, and she did eventually fall due to being unprepared for Nizi's plants.

[Grond0]

Sorry to see you being deceived again Blackraven.  I know it took me quite a bit of being hit over the head before I could finally accept that all the spell descriptions Alesia listed are just wrong!

[Blackraven]

Corey, noted. Will keep that in mind.
 

Sounds great! Just don't get my bounty hunter killed or Aerie will hunt you down. 

 

Best,

 

A.

Haha, exactly! Yeah, I think I want to be a bit better at the game first, in order for the party to stand a reasonable chance at making it (without permanent casualties).

[Grond0]

That would be great! 

I'm sure you would think so - that looks like a challenge made for you (though I agree - it would be great).

[Golden28]

Do you, or others, think a character like Dagny stands a fair chance to beat the challenge with a reactive approach (as opposed to your preventive approach)? I really the idea of a character who uses a limited number of prebuffs, and then simply counters whatever enemies throw at her, thanks to a superflexible spell repertoire. Solo, with Improved Alacrity in mid-SoA, and with Gnomish spell saves bonuses and good saves vs death thanks to being a Cleric, it does sound feasible, at least until the late game. Scintilla operated more or less that way, although she also relied heavily on summons, and she did eventually fall due to being unprepared for Nizi's plants.

 

This is exactly what I was referring to in my previous post, I do not think Dagny would stand a fair chance with this approach, at least not with SCS/Ascension.. Corey makes a valid point, its about you having fun, and I'm sorry for thinking for you, but from my personal experience its just heartbreaking to fail an attempt having invested 10+ hours into just because of a small error or bug. The game is full of these unexpected things. I noticed a bit of frustration and some selfdoubt ("I dont think I am ready", etc.) which are understandable and Im feeling ya.. 

 

When you have, as you call it, a reactive approach (which I always use as well and find the most fun) those small errors are negated by a quick Keldorn dispell or Korgan suicide. These also are as 'real' RPG as they get in my opinion, such things happen all the time with my d&d crew at least (not 'real' but you get my point).. 

 

Ultimately, I just like watching your NR challenges and love to see you get far and have fun doing it.

 

Cheers! 

[Serg BlackStrider]

I'm sure you would think so - that looks like a challenge made for you (though I agree - it would be great).

You flatter me...   And tempts at the same time    Truth be told, I could definitely be willing to try such kind of challenge. One success (the Avatars) might be just an accident. Two (the Favorites) - the coincidence. And only three (whatever might be invented in the future) - the regularity. 

[Alesia_BH]

Sorry to see you being deceived again Blackraven.  I know it took me quite a bit of being hit over the head before I could finally accept that all the spell descriptions Alesia listed are just wrong!

 

Hmm? Are you referring to the XYX Baldur's Gate Spell Reference that I sometimes link to?

 

I find that to be a helpful starting point when learning about spells and immunities, but it's not without flaws. When you start spotting those flaws, you know you are making progress.

 

Best,

 

A.

[Blackraven]

Serg! That would indeed be very cool!

Alesia, you listed a number of spells:

 

Minor Spell Deflection, Minor Spell Turning, Spell Deflection, Spell Turning, and Spell Trap all only work against single target spells. MGoI and GoI are options against Hold Person. SI:Ev and substantially negative saves are among the others.

I assume Grond0 meant those.

Golden, maybe you're right. I'll see if I can think of a nice party

[Grond0]

Hmm? Are you referring to the XYX Baldur's Gate Spell Reference that I sometimes link to?

No - just the list of spells in your previous post all of which share the flaw the game description says they defend against area spells centred on the caster (but don't actually do so).

[Alesia_BH]

Do you, or others, think a character like Dagny stands a fair chance to beat the challenge with a reactive approach (as opposed to your preventive approach)? I really the idea of a character who uses a limited number of prebuffs, and then simply counters whatever enemies throw at her, thanks to a superflexible spell repertoire. 

 

The reactive approach is workable. In fact, that's basically the way I approach the game with single class thieves and warriors. Note well though: If you want to play a resourceful character who counters enemy attacks, you may be better off with a rogue or a warrior. Rogues and warriors have access to a wide array of items that grant immunities and, of course, if you are using items to counter attacks, you aren't consuming your aura. That could prevent you from finding yourself in a situation where death is inevitable due to conflicting constraints on aura.

 

If you do decide to play this way with Dagny or any other character, you may want to consider allowing the AI long duration pre-buffs only, in the interest of leveling the playing field. I think it would be tough with a C/M.

 

Best of luck, Blackraven: whatever you choose.

 

Best,

 

A

[Alesia_BH]

No - just the list of spells in your previous post all of which share the flaw the game description says they defend against area spells centred on the caster (but don't actually do so).

 

Got it.

 

Best,

 

A. 

[Serg BlackStrider]

Hmm? Are you referring to the XYX Baldur's Gate Spell Reference that I sometimes link to?

 

I find that to be a helpful starting point when learning about spells and immunities, but it's not without flaws. When you start spotting those flaws, you know you are making progress.

Yeah. One of those flaws is Minor Spell Turning. In the Spell Reference guide it stated as a protection from up to 7 max spell levels while in reality it only protects vs 1-4 level spells. I found that in a hard way when it doesn't stop the enemies' Breach cast on me. That sounded as an anomaly to me but thanks to Alesia I now know the truth and only use a Minor Spell Deflection as a Breach stopper ever since. 

[Grond0]

Wrecking Crew {13} - dwarf fighters (update 5)

 

The gang undertook the Sir Sarles quest.  Neb narrowly escaped dying from an initial volley of missiles, but other than him drinking a couple of our invisibility potions that made no difference.  

Spoiler

After trying to pass off some fake illithium the gang reported back to one temple before recovering a relic for another.

Spoiler

 

Next they went through the sewers under the Copper Coronet.  Lilarcor will actually be useful this run, so it was lucky I remembered at the last moment to open an inventory slot for Carlo to receive it.  Captain Haegan and his guards quickly evaporated and the mages apparently didn't hear the noise.  

Spoiler

After resting for Carlo to regenerate HPs lost to the acid trap, the gang carefully edged past the prismatic spray trap.  One of the mages saved against a bolt of biting, but that didn't matter as Al's horror immediately sent both mages running.  

Spoiler

The gang ignored the poison trap to ensure they didn't recover.

Spoiler

That did mean that after resting once outside Al had to use a potion of frost giant strength + DUHM to break back in and then go himself to grab all the treasure - using his one slow poison to stop the first lot of poison trap damage.

 

Deciding it was about time to pay Gaelan Bayle the gang found themselves all at level 12.  After a visit to Aran Linvail they went to avenge Mook.  Mad Dog was dominated there, but had had time to switch to fists and was no real danger.  Lassal still managed to drain Carlo once before retreating, but a restoration scroll soon set him to rights.  The Guild Contact then just had time to drink one potion before exploding.

Spoiler

 

At the vampire hideout I decided that Haz shouldn't be allowed to run off this time - there was no reputation damage done as a result.

Spoiler

The gang cleared the vampires from the top level, other than Tanova, before leaving to go and get the MoD upgraded.  Using that Carlo ran Tanova around, while Mad Dog used Lilarcor to protect against a stream of dominations while throwing Azuredge in between times.  Eventually PfMW wore off and Carlo joined in the attack - a first hit with the IMoD proving fatal.

Spoiler

 

They used similar tactics downstairs to win that battle comfortably

Spoiler

before going back up for Lassal.  Mad Dog was too slow to switch weapons there and was dominated, but he had already launched a deadly attack.  Bodhi started with a sepulchral sleep.  Mad Dog was the only one to take an invulnerability potion there, but even his adjusted saving throw of -1 proved inadequate.  

Spoiler

The others tried attacking, but were no match for Bodhi and had to retreat when Baby Face died to a Touch of Death and everyone else was badly injured.  

Spoiler

They tried using Ras for once, but Bodhi was reluctant to attack that and the only benefit they got from it was allowing them to split up and retreat with the help of potions of speed.  Deciding that it would have to be down to Mad Dog - as the only one with a missile weapon that could hurt her - the others got well out of the way while Mad Dog recovered and took a potion of speed.  He was about to use a regeneration potion as well prior to rejoining combat when Bodhi decided that she could no longer handle the relentless assaults on her .

Spoiler

 

Looking for some XP to get up to level 13 the gang went to the Temple sewers.  They were ambushed there by a group of beholders and Baby Face died for the second time in the day there.  

Spoiler

However, the beholder went down at almost the same time, freeing up Al to get involved and help finish things off just as Vito finally came back to his senses.  

Spoiler

After going to get Baby Face raised there was then a bit of a RL distraction as the gang were going back to get his equipment - resulting in him dashing in to combat with some kobolds (and racking up a third death in the day - more than his previous total in the whole run).  

Spoiler

Another 1,200 gold down the temple drain and they were finally able to get back together, though it took a long time and an awful lot of goblin ambushers before they were back up to full health.

 

Stats (cont. from BG1)

Al - L12, 95 HPs (incl. 5 from Helm, -14 from Claw), 770 kills, ***** longbow / *** long sword

Carlo - L12, 113 HPs, 840 kills, 4 deaths, ***** flail / ** sling / * bastard sword

Baby Face - L12, 103 HPs , 728 kills, 5 deaths, ***** 2-handed sword / *** crossbow

Vito - L12, 107 HPs, 661 kills, 2 deaths, ***** halberd / *** shortbow

Mad Dog - L12, 103 HPs (incl 9 from ioun stone), 623 kills, 2 deaths, ***** axe / ** 2-weapon / * long sword

Bugsy (chunked at L9)

[Blackraven]

Nice update Grond0. Glad that none of today's deaths involved Al.

Funny that you killed Haz, in mine he always gets killed by Grimward Archers.

[corey_russell]

Nice update Grond0. Glad that none of today's deaths involved Al.

Funny that you killed Haz, in mine he always gets killed by Grimward Archers.

A couple of times I've been able to save Haz. If you do, he fights with you. I'd say he's not particularly good ally to have. His spell book is filled with Agannazar's Scorcher rather than the more party friendly Melf's Acid Arrow - as a result sure he hits the vampires, but also scorches 1/2 the party in the process every time he "helps".

[Grond0]

Funny that you killed Haz, in mine he always gets killed by Grimward Archers.

You have to be pro-active about killing the enemies before they can get to Haz to save him.  What I object to though is that he doesn't reward you for doing so, in fact he takes away his staff mace with him - which just seemed a step too far to me .

[Alesia_BH]

Quick Note on Aphril's Game:

 

Aphril, Adara, Aerie, and Imoen have escaped the Spellhold Labyrinth. They will face off with Jon-Jon soon.

 

 

The more important news is that I can now take screenshots in full screen mode again, thanks to CrevsDaak. That means I'll be able to take more pictures of crucial battles that I prefer to complete in full screen mode. It should also substantially enhance my enjoyment of the run. Thanks again Crevs!

 

Best,

 

A.

 

Current Character Records and Inventories

 

Aerie

 

Spoiler

 

Imoen

 

Spoiler

 

NW: The two missing hitpoints were caused by the Pale Green Ioun Stone. With the Pale Green equipped, characters randomly lose 2HP from time to time.

 

 

Adara

 

Spoiler

 

Aphril 

 

Spoiler

[Blackraven]

Woah, Aerie's got mad hitpoints
What happened there Alesia?

Teach Jonny a lesson!

[Alesia_BH]

That's VT getting a little crazy again. It happens from time to time.

Sometimes it doesn't work at all. At other times it works way, way better than it should.

Thanks for your support!

Best,

A.

[Alesia_BH]

Aphril, Elven Sorcerer: Spellhold Irenicus (or But a Gnat Before Our Power)

 

One thing is for certain: Jonicus has had better days. He has never defeated one of my characters, but he has, at times, stretched them to the limit. This time? Not even close. Jonicus was dispatched in two shakes of a lambs tail.

 

Here is the party's updated standard buffs. Note that the list has been adjusted to leverage Aerie's recent level up and Imoen's acquisition of the Cloak of Reflection.

 

Aphril: Stoneskin, Protection from Cold, Protection from Fire, Protection from Lightning, Protection from Magic Energy, Protection from Evil, Chaotic Commands, Resist Fear, Death Ward, Spirit Armor, Spell Shield, Spell Deflection, Blur, Mirror Image, Improved Invisibility, Globe of Invulnerability, Spell Immunity: Abjuration, Spell Immunity: Divination, Spell Immunity: Conjuration

 

Adara: Stoneskin, Protection from Cold, Protection from Fire, Protection from Lightning, Protection from Magic Energy, Protection from Evil, Chaotic Commands, Resist Fear, Death Ward, Spirit Armor, Spell Shield, Blur, Mirror Image, Improved Invisibility, Globe of Invulnerability, Spell Immunity: Abjuration, Spell Immunity: Divination, Spell Immunity: Conjuration

 

Aerie: Stoneskin, Protection from Cold, Protection from Fire, Protection from Lightning, Protection from Magic Energy, Protection from Evil, Chaotic Commands, Resist Fear, Spirit Armor, Spell Shield, Spell Deflection, Blur, Mirror Image, Improved Invisibility, Globe of Invulnerability, Spell Immunity: Abjuration, Spell Immunity: Divination

 

Imoen:  Stoneskin, Protection from Cold, Protection from Fire, Protection from Magic Energy, Protection from Evil, Chaotic Commands, Resist Fear, Death Ward, Spirit Armor, Spell Shield, Spell Deflection, Blur, Mirror Image, Improved Invisibility, Globe of Invulnerability, Spell Immunity: Abjuration, Spell Immunity: Divination, Spell Immunity: Conjuration

 

In contrast, here are Jonicus's buffs. Huge disappointment.

 

Spoiler

 

If he really did skip Pro Fire, then he has a magic number of zero: he could be taken out in half a round by Sunfires. We instead chose to assume he was running Pro Fire and go for the Skull Trap based kill. That would take just over one round.

 

Round 1: Aerie: True Seeing; Adara: Ruby Ray of Reversal- Jonicus; Aphril: Ruby Ray of Reversal- Jonicus; Imoen: Breach- Jonicus. That stripped him.

 

Spoiler

 

Round 2: Aphril: Skull Trap x3 Sequencer- Jonicus; Adara: Skull Trap x 3 Sequencer- Jonicus. That finished him.

 

Spoiler

 

That was it. No Time Stop for him. No planetar. He was forced to skip the praeses and go straight to spio. Game over.

 

Of very nearly. Wanev got of a Time Stop before Jonicus could leave. Aphril, Adara, Aerie, and Imoen were grateful since it gave them an opportunity to inflict more pain. They went with Melf's Acid Arrows x 4, seeking to leave a lasting impression.

 

Spoiler

 

I'll post on the rest of Spellhold when I get the chance.

 

Best,

 

A. 

[corey_russell]

Nice work Alesia - you already got this run in the bag - or do you forsee any problems?

[Grond0]

Wrecking Crew {13} - dwarf fighters (update 6)

 

The gang started off by ganging up on the rakshasa to prevent him casting too many spells.  

Spoiler

After more resting to heal up (and a few dozen more goblin deaths) they moved on to the Unseeing Eye quest.  At the bridge the gauth were persuaded to come across to get shot up, while the beholders were treated to a few fireballs to badly damage them - they still put up a decent fight though.

Spoiler

 

Deciding not to chase any more beholders for the moment the gang went instead to sort out Mekrath and his yuan-ti.

Spoiler

Emerging from there they used invisibility to sneak up and assassinate Gaius and the rest of Tarnor's party quickly followed.

Spoiler

 

Still needing a bit of XP to get to level 13 the gang went to find Dracandros.  Going in and out of the building there they dodged most of the spells in order to safely complete the job (and their levels).

Spoiler

 

With improved APR and saving throws I decided it was time for the gang to invade Umar Hills.  On the way they stopped off at Al's stronghold for the first time - paying out 1,500 gold to placate some merchants, but picking up taxes worth 6,000.  At Umar village they did a couple of quick quests before moving on to the ruined temple area.  Everyone had death saving throws of 1 or lower, so there was no need to be too careful about shadow fiends there and, with no liches, they made quick progress through the temple.  The ioun stone there, allowing regeneration, will also reduce the amount of resting needed to stay healthy in areas where ambushes are likely.

 

They left Thaxy alone, but did take on the Shade Lord.  He survived an initial attack to buff and they ran down again to wait out his PFMW.  They did that again a couple of times before finally seeing him fall.  

Spoiler

Among other things, that gave Vito access to a magic halberd for the first time.  On the way to report to the mayor they picked up Valygar's body.

 

After calling in again at de'Arnise they've gone straight on to Windspear Hills and cleared the external area there while returning some acorns.  Before tackling the dungeon next time they'll be aiming to acquire Daystar.

 

Stats (cont. from BG1)

Al - L13, 98 HPs (incl. 5 from Helm, -14 from Claw), 880 kills, ***** longbow / *** long sword

Carlo - L13, 116 HPs, 937 kills, 4 deaths, ***** flail / ** sling / * bastard sword

Baby Face - L13, 106 HPs , 811 kills, 5 deaths, ***** 2-handed sword / *** crossbow

Vito - L13, 110 HPs, 744 kills, 2 deaths, ***** halberd / *** shortbow

Mad Dog - L13, 106 HPs (incl 9 from ioun stone), 694 kills, 2 deaths, ***** axe / ** 2-weapon / * long sword

Bugsy (chunked at L9)

[Alesia_BH]

Nice work Alesia - you already got this run in the bag - or do you forsee any problems?

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence Corey.

 

The strategy is sound. I knew that heading into the run. This is essentially a 2015 reboot of Alanis's run. Alanis's run was the first Trilogy no reload with tactical mods in the thread's history. Thanks to SCS, the game world has become smarter since Alanis, but I've also become a better caster. So far the things I've learned have trumped what the NPCs have learned, but we did hit a speed bump in Spellhold, which I've yet to report on (Surely someone noticed that Adara has slightly less XP than Aphril now...).

 

The biggest dangers are implementation error, overconfidence, Illasera, and Melissan herself. Of those, implementation error worries me the most. It may not be evident from the screenshots, but I have very little margin for error in this run due to the massive amounts of damage that enemies do on insane. To fully prep the party for combat I have to cast over 80 spells in a semi intricate pattern. Adara buffs everyone. Aerie buffs everyone. Aerie buffs Imoen. Adara buffs Aphril. Imoen buffs everyone. Everyone buffs themselves. If I miss a single spell in a single battle, it could be catastrophic. If I get the order wrong it could be catastrophic. We may seem invincible, but things could go terribly wrong at any moment. Hopefully that won't happen, but it could.

 

I have to say that I'm jealous of the Wrecking Crew. They're chugging right along with a with a far simpler and more deliberate approach. If complexity is a sin, we are sinners and they are saints.

 

Best,

 

A. 

[Serg BlackStrider]

To fully prep the party for combat I have to cast over 80 spells in a semi intricate pattern. Adara buffs everyone. Aerie buffs everyone. Aerie buffs Imoen. Adara buffs Aphril. Imoen buffs everyone. Everyone buffs themselves. If I miss a single spell in a single battle, it could be catastrophic. If I get the order wrong it could be catastrophic. We may seem invincible, but things could go terribly wrong at any moment. Hopefully that won't happen, but it could.

 

Personally I have an Excel file with all my caster's buffing spells and their duration according to caster's levels. Then I just sort'em out from longest duration to shortest and build a buffing sequence for everyone so I haven't miss something. Once you get used with the order all is going on autopilot.