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[After5CST]

UPDATE: Toil ( L5 H M Berserker, Dagger of Venom / +2 Dagger ):

Shook the dust off of Toil, and we quickly moved through the mines with no issues.  Cleared the Amazon map... Dynaheir died because I got lazy against some kobold archers, but other than that, no problems.  Cleared the Slime wizard map.  Cleared High Hedge.

At that point, I went ahead and raised Dynaheir.  A party of five is larger than I would like ( Xzar/Montaron, Viconia, and Dynaheir), but I just couldn't decide who to drop.

Before resting, I went to collect a certain cloak and finish off Tranzig. Using a technique I've only used once before, I charmed Algernon and had him next to Tranzig when we had our dialog. With everyone else out of the room, Tranzig decided to pop him with an Acid Arrow (and he was not long to live).

Montaron provided a surprising finishing blow, before the battle even really began:

Toil: Montaron vs Tranzig on Flickr

Things are good so far. Deciding my next move now: probably Ulcaster and nearby maps.

[corey_russell]

Picenon the gnomish fighter/thief continues his adventures

Picenon (pronounced pik-a-non) is still alive. Earlier we had sold the greenstone amulet (to recharge it), but the recharge cost was 15,000. So we did miscellaneous fights until we could afford it then off to the valley of the 3 tombs area.

First challenge was the Amazon assassins. Picenon was using composite bow +1, Ankheg armor, boots of avoidance, belt of piercing and cloak of displacement -- all but assuring the enemy could only get ranged hits with criticals. Picenon had a greenstone amuelt charge active, walked right up so they could see him and threw a single fireball to soften the enemy up. The fireball didn't kill anyone. They unloaded on Picenon and Picenon unloaded on the enemy, targeting the clerics first. Picenon's bow took all down all 4 with ease. The Amazon's could only get a single critical in - pathetic. I find it ironic that was safer to deal with them solo than with a party -- can't give a whole party a greenstone amulet, for example. The loot filled up Picenon, so he had to go and sell. He returned and dealt with 2 tombs with ghasts in them -- with greenstone amulet, pretty safe far as it goes.

Crazy mage and his jellies - to start the fight threw a single fireball and then targeted the mage with magical arrows (fire arrows in this case) - the mage fell quickly. His jellies were another matter - they were doing tons of damage to Picenon. Picenon killed one, was low life and ran for his life into a nearby tomb. He used lots of heal potions to get back up to speed - out of the 10 heal potions he had, the jellies forced him to use 8 - yikes! He decided the direct approach wasn't working great, how about subtlety? He stealthed and went outside and guess who was just outside the door? Picenon got a free whack with his staff, went inside, stealthed, went outside and whacked, etc. Took like 5-6 times of this and finally the jelly fell.

Picenon also went to an area and saved a cow using his bow to pick off the xvarts. A farmer was happy for our help and now our rep is 20. In the same area met a lot of ogres - somewhat surprisingly, many of the ogres fell without hurting Picenon, as most of them only needed 3 arrows to kill. If they got into melee, his girdle of bluntness and Ankheg armor kept him pretty safe.

Some bandits were found in the area. Picenon had all his anti-missile equipment on him, used a shield and +2 warhammer. Picenon opened with a fireball (killing a bandit archer) - he walked right up to the other archer and in one hit whacked him dead. Picenon also defeated the melee. Clean fight.

Picenon also found an ettercap in the area. A 30 point backstab plus a normal melee hit was enough to finish off the ettercap.

Picenon needed some more cash, so went to the Ankheg area and went into their nest. With only -3 AC he did just fine, only took 2 hits. All the loot plus the farmer's boy overburdened him, so he had to walk VERY slowly to the farmer to give him his boy's body.

Next thief level is 70000 experience. Without a doubt, that will be the last one in the game for him. Also the next fighter level is 64000, that too will be the last fighter level (which is good, as level 7 fighter will give Picenon an extra 1/2 attack). Long way from leveling either one at the moment.

After selling, will probably do sirenes next and their cave. However, those flesh golems are no joke (and in fact ended a previous incarnation of Picenon). Picenon has a potion of absorption to use, but that's still no guarantee, those flesh golems seem to get a lot of criticals. I will be very careful...

Picenon, level 6 fighter/level 7 thief, 56 HP

[Easymask]

Greetings everyone! 

It seems that I had to being my journey anew, seeing as how Itharius had his companions died in the Astral Prison. Well, you are all probably wondering what kind of party I have whiped up next?
Well. I haven't really given up on getting myself the Mage Stronghold. I really do want it, so I decided one last time I would enter the challenge with a Mage. It would seem that Itharius & Inarius had a younger brother! 

Please allow me to introduce Icharius, the Berserker/Mage!
Like his brothers, he is followed by an Inquisitor and a Thief. This time though, the Thief is not a Fighter/Thief - but rather a deadly assassin! Rylanor the Inquisitor has proved to be quite devestating this time around, while Ember the Elven Assassin has been much more usefull than her predecessors.

The party prevailed against Bandits, Bounty Hunters, Mages, Adventurers, Iron Throne Leaders, Ogre Mages, Sarevok's Agents, Lunatic Assassins and finally Sarevok himself. With her Staff+3, Ember was quite different than what I was used to. She completely oblitorated her enemies - and thus I gave her both the Ring of Invisibility and all the Invisibility Potions I had with me. Sarevok didn't stand a chance against the mighty group.

I tried some new tactics this time around, like burning the Iron Throne leaders down with Necklace of Missiles, Wand of Fireball and Arrows of Detonation all at once. I also did a lot more with the Assassin and Inquisitor - two classes I am absolutley baffled about concerning their strength in Baldurs Gate 1.

I am pretty much speeding through the content, thus only posting once - as I am hoping to brave Amn and get as far as Irenicus at least!

Good luck to the rest of you, and see you all in Amn!

(The party's Images where all taken just as they where about to engange Sarevok, don't be fooled by Icharius' picture though - he doesn't have Stoneskin and Magic Swords yet!)

Modifié par Easymask, 29 novembre 2011 - 07:51 .

[corey_russell]

Wow easymask you are in Amn already? You must have a lot of time...congrats in any case. Hope you can get further than your last attempt.

[Easymask]

Aye, thank you Corey, I do have lots of free time. Some errors occured concerning my entry into school - thus making me unemployed at the moment. All I really do is work out and play computer games. Not much of a life, but at least it's somewhat entertaining while I wait.

[Gate70]

Demivel, NG male elf F/M/T & pseudo dragon familiar.

Time to spend out on a robe and some spells.


After that I head to Baldurs Gate and explore the city. I grab the helm of Balduran, kill Larze in 4 backstabs and retrieve the cloak of Balduran.

Then I get poisoned, retrieve some magical tomes, kill Jalantha Mistmyr and Marek before clearing the Seven Suns. Despite hiding in the shadows I am hit once so rest before helping Aldeth Sashenstar for a second time.

Scar rewards me well fighter 6 mage 6 thief 7, no more levels so could be interesting from now. I decline his offer of investigating the sewers and get asked to investigate the Iron Throne HQ instead.

I sneak in, and I sneak out. Duke Eltan seems satisfied and sends me back to Candlekeep. Koveras greets me then I am accused of killing Rieltar and arrested.

Tethtoril helps me escape into the catacombs. I manage to grab two more tomes, a ring, a scroll of protection from magic and a potion of strength. I have to fight off one doppelganger then sneak past the rest.

I sneak past Prat, spiders and basilisks and backstab Diarmid. He escapes and I return to the city where Tamoko is waiting to speak to me.

Rashad.


Cythandria. An oil of speed and potion of absorbtion deal with her, but Ughh hits me so I have to run and hide before returning for Sarevok's journal.

I fail to pick a pocket so glug an oil of speed and manage three backstabs. He's hit me twice for 22 and 26 damage.


I decide to leave Krystin alone so check my spells, inventory and evidence before heading to the duchal palace. There are a lot of people milling around, not good news for me.

Potions. Mind focusing, frost giant strength, absorbtion, heroism, oil of speed. Spirit armour, mirror images and DUHM are next then I try my luck. A few chase me as Liia falls, then I manage to hide and backstab twice. One down.


I fail to hide but land a critical blow. It scares one doppelganger off and another chases me so Belt gets a reprieve.


I race towards Belt, turn back and land another critical blow.


I fail to hid in the shadows twice but drop another. It costs me two hits though.


I fail to hide again so have a brief melee before hiding and backstabbing again.


I find the last one in the cellar.


Sarevok dodges four arrows of piercing then leaves. Belt sends me after him with 43/68hp.

Felt like an element of luck with Belt there, but boots of speed and oil of speed were a real help. Move silently and hide in shadows were both 70% which meant I failed to hide too often for my liking.

Modifié par Gate70, 29 novembre 2011 - 11:12 .

[BBMorti]

Looking great Gate70, I smell a winner.

[Gate70]

Thanks

Demivel, NG male elf F/M/T & pseudo dragon familiar.

The thieves maze is done mainly by stealth, other than a fireball trap 12 damage to me, 40+ damage to each enemy and two backstabs to kill a pair of skeleton warriors. Rahvin and co don't see me pass them, nor does Tamoko.

I use a scroll of protection from magic and greet Sarevok. My first two attempts fail while Semaj has cast dispel which in the multiplayer game dispelled buffs inside the protection sphere but left it unaltered so I intend buffing post dispel, but my third arrow strikes home.


I hide behind a pillar on the third attempt and leave Sarevok to go and play with his buddies instead. First though, some potions. Fire resistance, frost giant strength, heroism, mind focusing and an oil of speed.

Angelo first, in fact Semaj and Tazok aren't around. Here is Semaj arriving.


Angelo is down while Semaj is unable to overcome the scroll.


Tazok is held somewhere while I wear down Semaj. Tazok arrives and badly wounds me with one blow. I run, glug a potion of regeneration, hide and backstab Tazok.


A second backstab adds more pain 33 damage, I hide on the 3rd attempt and backstab again 30 damage. A fourth blow is enough for Tazok to absorb.


I become more experienced not levelling up, and decide to melee Semaj as his mirror images have refreshed.


Semaj has dropped a fireball scroll, it does 2 damage to Sarevok. He's unable to get close to me so I try a wand of paralyzation/ He saves six times so instead I hit him with arrows of detonation to clear the bats out.

I switch to arrows of piercing. They do slightly more damage so I backstab him instead. Whenever I fail to hide often I shoot him and then try to hide again.

Three more backstabs have him at near death but my oil of speed wears off. I glug another, fail to hide and fire more arrows. Then I realise I'd intended to DUHM for Sarevok and forgotten.


No doubt Belt has another job for me, but I fancy a vacation along the sword coast first Not confident about werewolf island solo on insane but will give it a go.

Stats etc.

Modifié par Gate70, 30 novembre 2011 - 01:10 .

[Grimwald the Wise]

Well done Gate!

Diary of Æthelflæd continued.
Day 177
I finished the library at Nashkel for Finch.
Day 202
Returned the Stone of Askavar to Aranor. The only difficult thing about this quest was the final battle to get the stone. If I had been content with just the stone it would have been easy, but I was greedy for experience and equipment.
After that I rescued Duke Eltan, whilst his supposed heler didn't know anything about it.
Day 203
We got Sarevok's Diary from his girlfriend and then killed Slythe and Kristen. Again, it was only greed that made the battles difficult. I already had the diary, but opted to clear the Iron Throne of enemies. The only problem with them was that Holy Avenger got "confused". I was afraid that he might attack some innocent and that we would lose our reputation. Fortunately, that did not happen. I then discovered that I have already found the Great Book of Unknowing, I think!
Day 208
We rescued Belt from the attack by Doppelgangers, but sadly failed to save his fellow duke.
My attempt at healing her came too late. The doppelgangers themselves were quite easy to kill once Indira had cast "Remove magic" and "Web".
Day 210
We are now trying to stop the Grey Clan. Apparently they are at the Friendly Arms Inn, so that is our next stop.


(The Stone of Askavar quest was much easier this time through, probably because I now know what to expect. The first time it was quite hard)

Modifié par Grimwald the Wise, 30 novembre 2011 - 04:26 .

[corey_russell]

Picenon the gnomish level 7 fighter/level 8 thief continues his adventures...

As I mentioned in my last post, I made a go to try to get the pirate treasure guarded by sirenes and flesh golems. During this part of the game I truly see the power of arrows of biting vs. casters - I was able to sneak up on the first 3 sirenes one at a time - the arrows of biting hit, and they never got a spell off.

The next 3 were too close together, but I made sure to re-charge the greenstone amulet and used it before engaging. They did get a few spells off but they were all saved against.

Next up the flesh golems (this is where the last iteration of Picenon died). i tried Grond0's tactic using arrows of biting (though I did have a potion of aborption up just in case). Suprisingly 3 arrows each finished the golems, they couldn't even get into melee range! The poison makes them hesitate, which allowed an extra shot.

The loot filled me up, so booked it out of there. Found another potion of absorption in the loot - think it's time to pay Khosann Tausgauz a visit. I hit the bandit camp and defeat all enemies, including Khosann on the outside. The full plate will now replace my Ankheg armor. I am full inventory now so have to leave and come back.

I had to decide what to do about Tazok's tent. I could try to backstab the mage, BUT if I get a critical miss I'm in bad shape. So instead I stand by the door and fire 2 arrows of biting at the mage - they miss and the mage gets his mirror image up. Rats. So I leave the tent, stealth and try a few more shots, the arrows are all useless. So instead I got outside and stealth and smack the melees by the door by going in and out the door. When the last melee dies, the mage's mirror image drops now I can hit him with an arrow of biting and smooth sailing after that. The bow was an upgrade for Picenon. Picenon talks and frees a prisoner and gets important documents from a chest. Looting was a big problem, so I put the documents back in the chest, since I no longer needed as now I am in the next chapter.

First Cloakwood area, I went straight to the middle to help the nobleman. I tried arrows of biting again, but the druid saved vs. death 3 times in a row! Fortunately he was hit though, and it interrupted his call lighting. After the leader was dead used Picenon's staff to finish off the rest of the druids. Aldeth was pleased.

I went to the spider area next. There were a few traps I needed to set off, I explored while stealthed, backed off and waited out the traps. I only killed the first 2 spiders, 5 ettercaps (via necklace of missiles), sword spider (melee) and a giant spider.

Centeol and her spiders were tough, tough, tough. For one I used up all my heal potions (I had 10). I tried to fireball my position since I had a fire resistance ring, but it wasn't very effective, mainly as the spiders/ettercaps often saved so didn't take full damage. Eventually I had to try a well tried method by now - go outside, stealth, take a hit, go outside, etc. until they were all dead. I was too weak to carry Chelak and the spider's bane. So I put my armor in the storage area and the spider's bane and even THEN I was overburdened and walked slowly to his brother. Came back for my stuff after collecting the reward.

I checked my experience, 4000 experience and will get my last level of the game. I had to go back to town to identify, sell and get more heal potions. I got the stuff I wanted for Drassus and got to the Cloakwood Mines surface area. I put up a strength potion (in case I needed to melee), potion of invulnerability, greenstone amulet. I sneaked up to see where Drassus and friends were, backed of a bit, and fired multiple shots from my necklace of missiles. The enemies were clueless, all but one was killed by the fireballs. I then just walked up and finished the survivor with my bow. The necklace of missiles poofed, but that should be OK, since the boots of speed should keep me pretty safe now. I have to sell again. I also get all the equipment I will use against Davaeorn. I am at my level cap at this point.

I return and stealth throughout most of the Mine. I do talk to the slave by the plug and also to Rill. I stealth all the way to Davaeorn and kill his guard. I then use my invisibility ring and detrap what I can, the last trap I can't get rid of, bummer. I buff up with potion of invulnerability, potion of cold resistance, lightining and fire resistance scrolls, greenstone amulet and frost giant strength. I stealth and try to hit Daveorn with arrows of biting. It doesn't connect. I chase Davaeorn everywhere and the arrows of biting never hits, so use normal +1 arrows instead. After popping everywhere he tried a half-hearted dire charm and hold person and dire wolves and then went into melee. I knew I had him then. Took a while to burn through his mirror images and then his dire wolves but success was achieved.

I then stealthed, hit the mustard jelly nearby, ran away, stealthed, hit it, and repeat until it died. Looting was tough (no containers in my BG 1), but naturally tried to keep the most valuable items. I went upstairs and pulled the plug on the mine.

I decided now was a good time to get the Durlag wisdom tome. I got the potion of clarity from my base in Beregost (the barrel outside the southern inn) - this is from Candlekeep in fact. I head to Durlag's and stealth up to the floor with the tome. I see two chests to the right and detect traps and find one but can't detrap it -- hmm, will definitely need potions of perception both in Candlekeep and also in the thieve's maze. Unfortunately Riggilo sees me and stops right in the doorway and won't move! I can't get to the tome. I kill him, hoping there's no reputation hit - there isn't, whew. I get my detect traps to 105% and it CAN'T detect the trap on the chest with the tome - what the heck? Thanks to Grond0 I know what it is, however and drink my potion of clarity and get my wisdom tome. Since my detect traps is now high, I also looted the 3 nearby chests. Filled up, so well worth it to pick up this tome.

I snuck out the way I came, saying hi to the Battle Horrors. I talk to the merchant and find out he has both potions of thievery and perception - I buy all the potions of perception that he has and also enough potions of thievery so I have 6 of them.

I head to FAI to identify and sell, rest and then to Ulgoth's Beard. I drink 3 potions fo thievery and take Dushai's ring of free action. I head to Baldur's Gate and also pick up the dexterity tome in the thieve's guild. I identify my stuff at Sorcerous Sundries and ponder my next moves.

My stay in the city is going to be pretty short. I only want to get the Helm of Balduran, Cloak of Balduran, tome of wisdom, +2 ring, tome of intelligence, necklace of missiles, gauntlets of ogre power and that's it, then will do the main story line.

Picenon is a level 7 fighter/level 8 thief, 68 HP

Modifié par corey_russell, 30 novembre 2011 - 05:29 .

[Grond0]

Gate70 wrote...
No doubt Belt has another job for me, but I fancy a vacation along the sword coast first Not confident about werewolf island solo on insane but will give it a go.

Nice job Gate. Good luck with the doggies.

[SpiffyKeen]

The 5-member party was on a roll early.  Gyan was very pleased with himself, though still cautious to keep his companions from getting exposed to lower thac0 enemies.  They took on all comers:  gibberlings, dire wolves, and an ogre.  Khalid and Ajantis kept the Ogre busy running around while the others took ranged shots. 

In Beregost, Imoen purchased that +1 short bow she always wanted.  Gyan suggested an alternate route to Nashkel, where they easily took on half ogres, an ettercap, xvarts, and wolves.  At the Nashkel store, the shopkeeper informed them of their magical spoils:  girdle of piercing and a two-handed sword +1.  They sold and bought a potion case. 

Jaheira's connections with the mayor got the mines quest going.  Volo in the local tavern gave some interesting info, among other citizens engaged in conversation.  Then they headed to the carnival, where they did some more shopping:  necklace of missiles and shield amulet for Gyan (he is really just too weak for physical armor).  Finally, they hit the mines. 

Kobolds weren't much of a problem against Khalid in the lead with plate, +1 ring, and piercing girdle.  However, on a couple of occasions, Imoen used the necklace of missiles on kobold ambushes while searching for traps and scouting around.  Also, 2 ghouls and 2 spiders were removed from the depths of the mines.  In the very bowels of the mines, the group stumbled upon a strange sight. 



With kobolds at their back and the half-orc trying to get past them, Khalid rushed to tank the hoard, while Ajantis, Jaheira, and Imoen blocked Mulahey's escape route until Gyan could Hold him.  Mulahey went down faster than his minions, and then they looted the place!  Gyan and Imoen were ecstatic at their success.  Khalid, on the other hand, was not so happy about what this success revealed.  They freed a captured elf named Xan, left the mines, reported their success to Emerson and the guards, and returned through the carnival. 

They sent Xan on his own miserable way with a few scrolls (the wise choice, thought Gyan), but then ran into a warrior priestess named Branwen.  What a coincidence.  She has a date with Tranzig as well!  So, they all healed, sold their loot, and IDed a holy ring (perfect for Gyan) and some protective boots.  They also went shopping for Branwen's basic adventuring needs.  Then they returned to Nashkel proper to report their deeds and findings.  At this point, Imoen starting kidding with Gyan that they had truly achieved heroic status, and that Gyan had earned his title as sidekick to Imoen the Magnificent.  While he blushed in the company of his companions, he was actually happy and hopeful about the future thanks to his survival so far in this whole leaving-Candlekeep ordeal.  He actually forget about his limitations for a moment, thinking of what he was now capable of. 

Quickly enough Gyan's carefree world was ripped from him twice in quick succession.  Just when the group's kidding and high morale had put him at ease, Gyan was again a scared target in the wide world.  First Nimbul, and then Neira.  They both fell rather easily (Hold for Nimbul and round after round of hits for Neira), so it was another set of successes in Nashkel, but Gyan was no longer at ease.  Ajantis did have interesting words of wisdom:  "An evil enemy wants your dead, so ... we are on the right path..."  At that point, Gyan needed a few meads and a good rest, but the good rest was not to be, as he was pursued even in his dreams. 

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

An interesting note:  During the Neira fight, Khalid was affected by rigid thinking, but the party just loaded him up with armor, and he just stood there! 



I stopped here.  Gyan was at 15k experience (still level 5). 

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

Congrats Demivel! 

Valhyron and Picenon, keep it going!  I have played Cleric-Mage and Fighter-Thief combinations of slightly different construction, and I am curious to see your solo runs.  @Corey - I think charisma could be part of the Basillius conversation.  Do you remember past character's charisma (vs. 16 now)?  Also, glad to hear your approach with sirens worked.  I always freak when planning such encounters unless I have skeleton summons.  Oh, and what was the issue with the trap on the altar in Durlag's?  

[corey_russell]

The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party. We know charisma is NOT the factor, as we discussed this at length much earlier in this thread. Someone made a dwarf with 3 CHA and using the right dialog the undead died - it appears to be a proximity thing so if you sees you while you are too far away, then lots of the undead live.

[Vaclavc]

Serg BlackStrider wrote...
Good luck with them! I had exactly the same character (Cleric 7=> Mage) and I love him. Sometimes, I think, even more than my gnomish cleric/illusionist, especially in a party of six...
Keep it up! :happy: And so all other No-Reloaders!

Thanks. Cleric7/Mage dual is indeed very nice combo.  Reactivating powers of the first class feels like an achievement.
Gnomish Cleric/Illusionist must be great, too. Short races CON bonuses + wizard specialization in multiclass package look really nice.

The Fred wrote...
The Duchal Palace will be tough enough for a
soloer even without SCS I think, at least on Insane. Still, if I had to
do it, a Cleric->Mage wouldn't be a bad choice. If nothing else you
should be able to fill the area with summoned creatures, which might
make a body wall between the dukes and the doppelgangers.

You are right. Cleric/Mage has access to insane amount of summons, so that the tactics you propose should be fairly safe.

@Easymask: congrats both to you and Icharius. That last run was really superfast
@Gate70: congrats on finishing Sarevok in very efficient and clean (non-cheese) way. Werewolf island may be done with f/m/t easily, even on Insane. In the ship, there are many places you can run into and hide after successful backstab. You may walk around invisible prior to fight to learn about those places. If you drink Oil of Speed, you may also easily run away from stairs, should the situation require it. Karoug can be backstabbed, and I find Greater Malison - Wand of Paralyzation quite effective against him. He has not many hitpoints, but he regenerates very fast. I strongly recommend equipping Golden girdle when fighting werebeasts.

SpiffyKeen wrote...
Oh, and what was the issue with the trap on the altar in Durlag's?  

corey_russell wrote...
The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party.

IIRC, this trap cannot be removed even at Disarm 100. Protection from Evil, Potion of Clarity or Greenstone Amulet work nice for a soloer.

V

Modifié par Vaclavc, 30 novembre 2011 - 08:44 .

[Grimwald the Wise]

corey_russell wrote...

The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party. We know charisma is NOT the factor, as we discussed this at length much earlier in this thread. Someone made a dwarf with 3 CHA and using the right dialog the undead died - it appears to be a proximity thing so if you sees you while you are too far away, then lots of the undead live.

I have investigated this, and in vanilla what happens is that any undead who are in the dark (i.e. the area that they are in hasn't been seen by the player) they live. I therefore walk round the area keeping out of sight of Bassilus so that they are all killed when the conversation comes up. This is particularly easy if you have a ranger or thief who can hide, or a mage who can cast invisibility. (Or many similar methods e.g. potion of invisibility)

[Easymask]

Well done indeed Gate, you really did an excellent job with your character - and the last battle with Sarevok really showed your skill with the F/T/M! Looking forward to seeing you in ToSC content - good luck out there!

As for me, I met my match again in Baldurs Gate 2 - it's quite the beast when you know little of what SCS is capable of. At least I am learning more with each death, just as the Tormented One I guess.

Entering the challenge with the same mods as before and adding a Bag of Holding to my main character.

Allow me to introduce:

Eliphas the Barbarian!


Eliphas is tall, muscular with short black hair and sporting radiating blue eyes, sometimes sparking with his keen intellect. He is perhaps not much of a leader, but does not step down if such is required from him. His most powerful attribute is his strength and resilience, though he is inexperienced. He values Tempus above all other deities, but he is not a very religious man.

Backstory:

Eliphas grew up in Candlekeep as the foster son of Gorion. He held his foster father in high regard, though he did not see eye to eye with him on many matters. Eliphas respected not those of word, nor promise - but rather those of skill and experience. He knew Gorion was more powerful than what he looked like - and hoped that one day he would become an adventurer just as Gorion had been.

Life was well within the walls of Candlekeep, but Eliphas tired of it. He practiced as much as he could with the Guards and whomever was willing to share either their skill or their tales with him, and he soon proved to be quite skilled with the Greatsword. Some frowned upon the young man, as his rage would often get the better of him in combat, once even severely injuring Hull as they sparred.

Eliphas tried to control himself during these sessions, but he could feel something terribly powerful burning within his body - something more powerful than he could even imagine. Gorion would not give him any answers however, and instead tried to aid his foster son in controling his anger.

One day Gorion approached the young man, giving him gold to purchase equipment, for they had to make haste and leave the keep. Eliphas quickly did as he was told, for the thought of adventure was more than enough to convince him of leaving.

Eliphas will travel with whomever he sees fit, as long as they can hold their own in battle. He has no taste for boasting nor chasing after justice just for the good of it. Honing his skills and searching for artifacts of power is more valued to him than other things, though he does not approve of slavery, deciet and lies.

[The Fred]

Vaclavc wrote...

corey_russell wrote...
The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party.

IIRC, this trap cannot be removed even at Disarm 100. Protection from Evil, Potion of Clarity or Greenstone Amulet work nice for a soloer.

I'm pretty sure that this only matters with the SCS dominated party tweak (or possibly other mods). IIRC, in vanilla, you just get Charmed for a while, then it wears off, so it's actually especially safe for a solo character.

[Easymask]

Update on Eliphas' journey through the Sword Coast.

After the death of Gorion, Eliphas was struck with both sadness and rage. The armored fiend had taken from him his mentor, his traveling companion and foster father. Gorion had told him to flee when he needed Eliphas the most, a thought that stayed with him for quite some time. Imoen attempted to approach the disheartened warrior, but was quickly brushed aside. He would not have her follow him, as all she did was remind him how much he really cared for Gorion and Candlekeep. "I will find my own path." he said, before wandering off by himself.

He did not get far before he was attacked by Gibberlings, but the creatures did naught but wet the Barbarian's blade. Shortly thereafter he was approached by two men he had not seen before, offering him the aid of a potion to heal his fresh wounds. Eliphas accepted, but claimed that he owed them something in return for their help. An offer that was quickly agreed upon. Xzar and Montaron where their names, and Eliphas quickly found much laughter in the mad mage's rantings. 

Before long the three adventurers found themselves at the Friendly Arm Inn - the place Gorion had told Eliphas to go. Swiftly the group disposed off a would-be assassin, before they entered the Inn and approached Gorion's old friends. Though Eliphas wished to follow his own path, the two friendly faces calmed him, and said that they would not stand in the way of him finding his own path. Shortly thereafter they aided a woman by returning her ring from a band of Hobgoblins, before heading south to Beregost.

They strayed a bit off their course, having recieved a task to slay an Ogre on behalf of a gnome - a task they easily accomplished. Thus they reached Beregost and decided to spend the night at the Feldpost Inn. Inside, while Eliphas talked his way out of a bar brawl, Montaron had his own agenda. He had heard about a person in possession of a magical cloak within the tavern, and killed the poor fellow without the rest knowing. Khalid had walked upstaires and seen the crime, but Montaron threatened him enough to keep him silent.

The next day the party helped out some of the locals, killing spiders and doing some mercenary work. Looking for more to do in the local inns, Khalid was slain outright by an(actually two, weird bug!) assassin named Karlat. Jaheira was heartbroken, but the only sad thing Xzar felt on the matter was that he did not care. They paid for his burial before heading out to aid Kagain with some mercenary work. "It will make your mind occupied Jaheira, there is little else we can do."

The adventurers soon found work across the Coast, earning themselves a fierce reputation - as they completed many tasks none other would take. Word had also reached the Red Wizard Edwin of their prowess, and they accompanied him to end the life of Dynaheir. Though Edwin and Xzar where bound to bicker ever so often, the party soon got stronger and more experienced in their company.

Adventurers, Winter Wolves, Gnolls, Murderers, Half Ogres, Bandits and Clerics soon found themselves at the sharp end of Eliphas sword.

Some time had passed, and the party found themselves outside the Nashkel Mines. Hired to find what dangers lurked within, they would soon find out..

Modifié par Easymask, 30 novembre 2011 - 03:23 .

[corey_russell]

Picenon the gnomish fighter/thief's stay in the City of Baldur's Gate:

As I stated in my last post:
"My stay in the city is going to be pretty short. I only want to get the
Helm of Balduran, Cloak of Balduran, tome of wisdom, +2 ring, tome of
intelligence, necklace of missiles, gauntlets of ogre power and that's
it, then will do the main story line."

So an update on what happened. Getting the Helm of Balduran was pretty easy. Of course Picenon could not disarm the trap so ate a fireball. The helm is now his though...

Picenon went to the Blushing Mermaid and talked the ogre Larze from attacking him. I went into the Undercellar and using 3 potions of thievery he got Balduran's Cloak from Quenash. While the thieving potions were still active, he also went to the Temple area of the city and picked up a book of wisdom. He then talked to the cleric, and the priest was nice enough to identify this tome I picked up - he didn't recognize it as his own book...

I next talked to Razamith. I told him I get his nymph for him but he didn't notice my fingers were crossed. I then went into his house and backstabbed him into oblivion. The +2 protection ring is now mine...I also went upstairs (while in stealth) and picked the loot at the top of the tower including the intelligence tome.

I found a lady who wanted me to run a necklace for her boy. I did so, and then I got necklace of missiles for my trouble. Works for me...

Next up encountered Vayya and Deserta. I wondered if I could pick-pocket her gauntlets - nope, I can't says no valid items. So instead I smack Deserta I think with a few arrows. She charges me then I go upstairs. I then stealth, and fire an arrow again. She panicks and one more arrow finishes her. Thanks for these gauntlets... (post mortem: this was almost a waste of time, as my strength became 19 in Candlekeep, they were only used for a single fight, Iron Throne 5th floor)

Short term goals accomplished. Time to deal with the Iron Throne. Before entering the building, I got fire resistance potion, acide arrows, arrows of detonation and a haste potion. On the 4th floor I used all these plus a greenstone charge. What Picenon did next wasn't brave but worked - he fired a few arrows of detonation and when someone got close he would go downstairs, run to the other side and repeat until they were all dead. I got the notes. Took like 3 runs to sell everything. I went to Beregost to only take what I really need for the Candlkeep Crypts and then talked to Duke Eltan, who sent me to Candlkeep.

With no bags of holding/gems or what not, there was no reason to go after any loot. That is, the two trapped crypts plus the initial room with spells will fill me up, so there's no reason to look for more. I did not kill the iron throne leaders. I did rest and get DUHM ability, however.  I was framed for the deaths of the Iron Throne leaders, but Tethoril sent me to the Candlekeep Crypts. I obtained the wisdom and strength tomes. This put me full inventory. I stealthed into the next area, backstabbing a doppleganger into oblivion, just because I could. I then activated my ring of invisibility and ran though the rest of the crypt, ignoring everything, saying hi to Prat and Basilisks on my way out.

I went to Beregost Temple to identify then Beregost to sell and get what equipment I will want for my next fight (Cythrandria). Using stealth, I went to the headquarters of the Iron Throne. I used similar tactics that I did against the Sarevok Acolytes (up and down stairs as needed). This took down the Ogre Berserkers. Cythranria was still alive, but had to leave her that way for now, as I ran out of time to play.

[After5CST]

UPDATE: Toil L5 H M Berserker (Dagger of Venom / Dagger +2 dual wield )

Success was easy to come by.  Moving on, Toil had only one minor setback, with the foolish Melicamp reaping the rewards of his own stupidity : death during the recovery process.  He gathered Bassilus' reward from the temple at Beregost, and cleared the area of all foes, including two Vampiric Wolves who fell quickly to the party with the aid of Viconia's skeletal summons.

Moving South, his party again cleared the area around and in Ulcaster with no issues.  Icharyd provided a modest challenge, but at no party was he or his party in any significant danger.  Even a mistakenly triggered Fireball trap was handled with an almost casual demeanor.

Working South again, it dawned on Toil that his Ankheg armor could be the solution to Viconia's high armor class.  Giving his armor to her (after some refitting), he then converted to regular plate mail with a Ring of Protection +1.  Doing so was a good thing for the party (she previously was wearing splint mail because she didn't have the requisite strength for plate mail), but apparently ended his run of good luck.

A large group of Ogre kin, supplemented by Hobgoblin Elite archers as ranged support, nearly ended the adventure for Toil.  He was poisoned and badly hurt before reaching the archers, just to force them to switch to melee weapons.  Using his only Elixir of Health, and supported by skeltons and spell slingers, he managed to win the day.  [At one point, Toil reached 6 HP, in melee, still poisoned, and was in dire straits.  I was a little too consumed with trying to keep him alive to remember to take screen shots... hopefully I'll keep my wits better if it happens again.]

Wanting to retreat to a more visible area before resting, the party moved back on their path, only to have another Ogre party -- this time led by an Ogre Mage and supported by a few kobold archers, attack them.  Shocked to find foes where there were none just a few minutes before, nearly out of healing potions, both Toil and Montaron heavily wounded, and with Viconia, Dynaheir and Xzar all running out of spells, things looked bad...

...until Xzar pulled the Wand of Monster Summoning out of his pack.  Using one of its precious few charges, a swarm of summoned Ogres appeared to save the day, smashing down both the Ogre Mage and his bodyguards.  Toil noted the irony, but was quite frankly just too thankful to be alive to appreciate it fully.

[Vaclavc]

The Fred wrote...

Vaclavc wrote...

corey_russell wrote...
The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party.

IIRC, this trap cannot be removed even at Disarm 100. Protection from Evil, Potion of Clarity or Greenstone Amulet work nice for a soloer.

I'm pretty sure that this only matters with the SCS dominated party tweak (or possibly other mods). IIRC, in vanilla, you just get Charmed for a while, then it wears off, so it's actually especially safe for a solo character.

You are right that in Vanilla BG1 being dire charmed while soloing won't kill protagonist, but I still prefer some form of protection. I would consider neglecting a protection from charm on my characters a bad habit... and such bad habits may easily get them killed in SoA

After5CST wrote...
...until Xzar pulled the Wand of Monster Summoning out of his pack.  Using one of its precious few charges, a swarm of summoned Ogres appeared to save the day, smashing down both the Ogre Mage and his bodyguards.  Toil noted the irony, but was quite frankly just too thankful to be alive to appreciate it fully.

WoMS is real life saver in situations like yours. This is the reason I always try to obtain it ASAP when playing with characters which can use it.


Update on Valhyron, human cleric dualed at level 7 to mage.
Valhyron (level 7 Mage) confronted Mulahey and defeated him. One Skulltrap obliterated kobolds and skeletons, Mulahey was killed by Magic Missiles.


Back in Nashkel, Valhyron was attacked by Nimbul. Would be assassin was defeated with the help of guards.


In Beregost, Valhyron interrogated Tranzig and learned about location of Bandit camp. Hunting for Anhegs finally provided enough XP for mage level 8. With clerical powers activated, Valhyron stormed Bandit camp. Since he could use helmet and summon skeletons, he defeated bandits easily – common archers were eaten by skeletons, guards in Tazok’s tent were defeated using Resist Fear, Mirror Image, Skulltraps and Magic Missiles.
Valhyron passed through Cloakwood (he only helped Aldeth and found Ghurke’s cloak) and located Cloakwood mine. He killed mercenaries guarding the entrance (2xStinking cloud + Skeletons), Hareishan with her retinue and finally Davaeorn.

Valhyron is currently heading to Baldur’s Gate.
He is Cleric7/Mage8 dual class with 56 hp.
V

[Gate70]

Vaclavc wrote...

The Fred wrote...

Vaclavc wrote...

corey_russell wrote...
The trap is a dire charm trap -- bad for a solo player. Not too much problem in a party.

IIRC, this trap cannot be removed even at Disarm 100. Protection from Evil, Potion of Clarity or Greenstone Amulet work nice for a soloer.

I'm pretty sure that this only matters with the SCS dominated party tweak (or possibly other mods). IIRC, in vanilla, you just get Charmed for a while, then it wears off, so it's actually especially safe for a solo character.

You are right that in Vanilla BG1 being dire charmed while soloing won't kill protagonist, but I still prefer some form of protection. I would consider neglecting a protection from charm on my characters a bad habit... and such bad habits may easily get them killed in SoA

I thought it was survivable in vanilla, not in EasyTutu or BGT. It can be disabled though. I spent a fair amount of time comparing various effects in the three versions before realising other mods changed them further...

[corey_russell]

Hmm Vaclavc did I get some bad HP rolls? My Fighter thief has 68 HP. But he is wearing the HoB so really it's just 63 - I only have 6 more measly HP than you do? And I am using D10 (fighter) and D6 (thief) with 19 CON while you are only using Cleric (D8) and Mage (D4). Am I being gypped by the BG gods?

[Gate70]

Demivel, NG male elf F/M/T & pseudo dragon familiar.

Greater malison. I can't cast this spell but maybe I could use a scroll if I have enough room in my backpack.

Word reaches me of a golden girdle. I backstab the two doom guards in the maze and do the same to Kirian in the wilderness. I grab some bracers from Meilum too.

A mage called Shandalar suggests I warm up gently. He's not kidding, sending me to an ice island. I kill two winter wolves and merge into the icy shadows, returning to annoy Dezkiel. I run around a corner, hide again and backstab him.


Shandalar is astounded to see me back in less than 5 minutes and suggests I talk to someone called Mendas.

Sea charts? Pickpocketed on the second attempt I used to do this years ago but Grond0 has reminded me about it.

My preparation for the next task is as complete as my finances permit. I'm only half as skilled with this sword than I am with my quarterstaff, but without a shield I'll be ripped to shreds before I can blink.




Within moments of reaching land I am speaking to an elven mage called Dradeel no point hanging about.

Buffs. Mind focusing, heroism, cloud giant strength, power, mirror image, oil of speed should have been before mirrors, ghost armour, protection from evil, luck, duhm.


Into the shadows and up to Karoug. I use a greenstone amulet charge and switch to the wolfsbane charm. Then it gets painful so I glug a potion of regeneration and backstab him.


Then I use a potion of invisibility to backstab a second time and use the malison scroll.


He's healed between each hit, and saves against the wand. I can't retreat so things look grim.

I can only think of one thing to do, I must be mad.


Another hit and he is badly injured. Then another, but I take a hit.


I glug a blue potion only to get hit again. He's healing, I should run but if I do there is no second chance. I hit him twice more, but he is only injured now and one more blow will be the end of me.

I don't even see which one lands the fatal blow.

[Easymask]

Condolences Gate70, I can't even imagine what a beast that fight must be. You had one hell of a run though!

Myself, I found my latest run more of a chore than anything else. I forced myself to attempt a 6 man run, but in the end I just rushed to the finish line. There's no heart in a 6-man group, as by now I could just clear every encounter with haste, two skull traps and then just charging in. My reputation was at 3 in the end, having done evil acts all the way through to keep everyone happy - so I couldn't afford any arrows for when I faced Sarevok. On the way down though, Montaron stepped on a trap, so the no arrows problem was eliminated.

As for the final battle itself? Well, it went *bad*. I only had the one monster wand, and my skull traps only killed Semaj without hurting anyone else. Then Viconia and Kagain got eliminated before I could dispel Sarevok's haste so I had to pepper Tazok, Angelo and Sarevok with my Fireball wand. Eliphas killed both Angelo and Tazok rather quickly to my suprise - but Sarevok was left and still hasted. He almost eliminated the three of us, but using the Lightning Wand with Xzar, the spells Edwin had left and a good old fashioned Two-Handed Sword - they prevailed.



I'm not even sure if I will continue to Amn with Eliphas yet - as I found it absolutley tiresome playing 6-man, and as evil no doubt. I should probably get the banther pack for BG1 if I'm going with NPC's again - as they all bored me as they where.

At least I found out that my max group size is 4. There's not much of a challenge just casting haste and charging blindly in. A couple of my NPC's died every other encounter, but it didn't matter much in the battles fought.

Edit: Oh just realized Viconia must have been oblitorated that last fight, seeing as she's no longer in the party! I hadn't even noticed! 

Modifié par Easymask, 30 novembre 2011 - 09:44 .