16377 réponses à ce sujet

[Alesia_BH]

Alesia, Golden, Grond0: thanks for thinking along. I realize now that made a huge blunder: Euphonia had barely reached level 8 (which means no protection from Confusion effect yet).

 

Noted. No worries.

 

 

Either way Euphonia is alive and well in the city of Baldur's Gate. 

 

Congrats!

 

 

 And although the (arguably cheesy) Wand of Paralyzation as well as good luck in the Drasus fight have played a role

 

Understood. The Wand of Paralyzation is overpowered in BG1: the save is too tough to make for many enemies. Wands, in general, are an issue in BG1. I, personally, don't allow wands to be recharged and reserve the Wand of Paralyzation for the end game, when the save is more likely to be made. Still, I'm not always comfortable with my wand use.

 

The wands are part of the game though and I don't think there's any shame in using them. What matters is whether you are satisfied with your use of them and whether they enhances your enjoyment of the game.

 

Best,

 

A.

[Blackraven]

Understood. The Wand of Paralyzation is overpowered in BG1: the save is too tough to make for many enemies. Wands, in general, are an issue in BG1. I, personally, don't allow wands to be recharged and reserve the Wand of Paralyzation for the end game, when the save is more likely to be made. Still, I'm not always comfortable with my wand use.

 

The wands are part of the game though and I don't think there's any shame in using them. What matters is whether you are satisfied with your use of them and whether they enhances your enjoyment of the game.

I'm not much of wand man myself normally. But with a full party, XP doesn't come fast, so I find myself doing a lot of extra quests for XP (and to a lesser extent for items). The paralyzation wand helps speed things up a bit and it replaces strategies I'd normally use for a solo Skald, such as Invisibility, or use of protective potions.

[Alesia_BH]

I'm not much of wand man myself normally. But with a full party, XP doesn't come fast, so I find myself doing a lot of extra quests for XP (and to a lesser extent for items). The paralyzation wand helps speed things up a bit and it replaces strategies I'd normally use for a solo Skald, such as Invisibility, or use of protective potions.

 

Makes sense. And that seems like a perfectly sensible way to use it.

 

Best,

 

A.

[Grond0]

I was so angry about myself that I closed BG, turned the computer off wanting to smash something. 

That's entirely understandable, but one great thing about BG is that it's filled with things to smash ...

[Grond0]

Gate70/Grond0 multiplayer attempt 75 - (update 1)

Ruff, gnome cleric/thief (Grond0) & Justice, human inquisitor (Gate70)

 

We managed to pinch a bit of time yesterday to get this latest pairing underway.  They basically made a standard start by taking on Shoal, journeying down to Nashkel and then on to the basilisk area.  There was though a slight detour to pick up Arghain's 2-handed sword (or as it will be known in future, the "Sword of Justice"), while they also managed to save Arabelle despite alerting more of the xvarts at once than was really wise.

 

Justice cut his way through the basilisks with minimal help from Ruff.  Mutamin was then shot up before he could talk.  It wasn't really needed, but Ruff contributed a command to die - which Mutamin obeyed.  Ruff had a more significant role when the duo took on Kirian without any help from Korax.  The whole group were initially silenced and then, when it looked like Kirian was about to cast, she was held along with Baerin.

 

Heading towards the Cloudpeaks the intention was to see off Greywolf, but they failed even to see him when I mis-clicked on Prism's conversation options .  They also had a bit of a struggle in the Cloudpeaks when trying to rest, but getting 5 ambushes in a row - eventually Ruff just ran away to the Carnival to find a safe place to rest.  They're back in the mountains now on the edge of the Gnoll Stronghold.

 

 

Stats:

Ruff cleric 4 / thief 5, 31 HPs, 19 kills

Justice, inquisitor 5, 50 HPs, 62 kills, 0 deaths

[corey_russell]

@Grond0, Gate70 - I like this pairing - I hope this pairing makes it far.

[Alesia_BH]

 

@Alesia: But nevertheless if you like to upload the video, might be interesting to see not just for me but anybody.

 

Ok. The video I mentioned appears below. It's one in a series featuring my rebellious paladin, Alessandra. There are videos on each major section of BG1.

 

This video covers a frontal assault on the SCS Bandit Camp. Alessandra was seriously outnumbered here -and it will look like she was just recklessly charging her enemies- but each threat was carefully managed. Alessandra's key equipped items were the Boots of Avoidance, the Cloak of Displacement, the Girdle of Piercing, Plate Armor and a Large Shield + 1. Her key buffs were Oil of Speed, Potion of Regeneration, Potion of Cloud Giant Strength, Potion of Stone Form, Potion of Mind Focusing, Potion of Fire Resistance, Protection from Fire, Shield and -when needed- a Greenstone Amulet charge.

 

Her items and buffs essentially negated the ranged weapon threat, leaving the mage, Venkt, and the blunt weapon wielding Taugosz as the only real dangers. Take note of how Alessandra managed both of those risks.

 

(NW: You may want to turn down the volume on your computer. All of Alessandra's videos were loud and punky. )

 

Best,

 

A.

[Golden28]

Eren the Kryomancer     CREATION

 

 

Ok, guys, after the sad demise of Eren the Unbroken, who never got to live up to his full potential, I need some advice and some input with the new Eren, who's build will be heavily roleplayed and limited, as to counter the raw might of the arcane school..

 

Here's the plan:

Eren's forced to do some fighting after Gorion is killed (fighterclass), but will be taught the ways of death and kryo (ice and lightning) magic by Edwin, who takes a liking to him. He's believes in the ending of all things, so for example Talos (although not THAT evil) , or the doomguard would befit him well. I'd rather play a non-human character but BG1 tweaks doesnt make you able to dualclass other races I believe, at least I couldnt read that in the discription.. So I either wait till BG2 with, for example, a half elf, or I go human and dual class rather early. Basically I need to know from you guys:

 

-Q1: Is it smart, does it give anything extra, to dualclass from fighter to mage earlier than say, level 7, with the whole trilogy in mind?, Or is 7 or 9 always better?

 

-Q2: I want to roleplay a lawful neutral or evil necromancer, death/frost mage kind of Eren. That means he can ONLY USE CERTAIN SPELLS (or weapons) and will refuse to use others (!!!). For example, he wont ever use spells like identify and magic missle, as he feels he's above those and it doesnt fit his faith. He will NEVER use fire, because he favors frost and lightning. He will use poison and for originality will especially use touch spells like shocking grasp and chill touch and stuff, which should work well because he has some fighter levels. So I'd like to ask you all, considering this build I have in mind, what kind of spells do you want Eren absolutely not casting?/ or what spells especially?  . Does the necromancer kit befit him you think? Then I'll probably ee-keeper him into a fighter/necromancer.

 

-Q3: Otherwise you guys like a kensai or a berserker better?

 

-Q4: Finally, any weapons you guys 'd prefer for this build?

 

I like to involve you guys, because I like this community. If you'd like to minimize input thats fine also then ill just make my own decisions. Thanks so much anyway

 

 

Cheers!

[Dyara]

@Alesia: thanks for the video, very impressive. But also the camp is very different from my installations (much less bandits in my installation).

[Alesia_BH]

@Alesia: thanks for the video, very impressive. But also the camp is very different from my installations (much less bandits in my installation).

 

That's kind of you to say.

 

 

 But also the camp is very different from my installations (much less bandits in my installation).

 

 

Yes. That's the SCS version. In the SCS version there are more bandits. Also, the leaders within the tent will come out and join the fight if the alarm is sounded.

 

The fights are different, but similar principles apply.

 

Best,

 

A.

[Alesia_BH]

 

I like to involve you guys, because I like this community. If you'd like to minimize input thats fine also then ill just make my own decisions. Thanks so much anyway

 

I'm guessing someone will share a few words. I, personally, tend to avoid giving character build advice, since I prefer to see what others come up with. I'm sure someone will have something to say, though.

 

The only thing I'll say is that I wouldn't use the necromancer kit. I don't think you need the kit to realize your vision of your character and I don't think sacrificing illusion spells is worth the extra spell slots. I'll also note that the norm here is to avoid adding kits via Shadowkeeper to builds that typically couldn't have them. It's a flexible norm -and we're happy to accommodate the needs of players-  but it's something to keep in mind.

 

Anyhoo. Have fun deciding!

 

A.

[Blackraven]

Q1: in the long run dualing at 7 (or 9) would be better. Level 13 probably ideal for the late game (full extra APR, still able to get all the mage spell slots and HLAs). But imo that doesn't matter. You'll have a powerful character anyway. Dualing at level 3 or 6 could be an option for the extra weapon proficiencies. You'd have a Mage with more HPs, more weapon proficiencies, and the possibility to become a grandmaster in one weapon.

Q2: the problem here is that Comet and Dragon's Breath would become unavailable to you. Invocation would the ideal specialist scool imo because that's where most if not all of these elemental spells are from. Also, Enchantment/Charm doesn't sound lie Eren's thing, so would be a good opposition school.

Q3: I prefer a shadowkeepered Specialist Mage. Fits the narrative better.

Q4: I'd start with darts (for the poison you mentioned you'll use) and a blade of some sort: Scimitar, Long Sword, or Bastard Sword. You'll be able to use shields (initially), and you can always invest two pips along the way in dualwielding. Ashideena and (with Rogue Rebalancing installed) the Returning Frost Dart sound ideal. For BG2 the FoA without the fire head souns pretty cool. You could try and fetch the poison head in WK in earlyish SoA to make it a +3 weapon, and upgrade in ToB to +4. 

[Blackraven]

I'm playing with a party and with a variety of mods that make this a very entertaining playthrough - if I allow it to be so. Yesterday I did the Cloakwood Mines while I was getting sleepy and with a certain rush and recklessness (for example with Natasha, and what to think of my miscalculation as to the Skald song's progress; it's not like I had never read the kit description). I think my behavior was caused by my desire to go to sleep, and also by the idea that the 'real' challenge for me lies in BG2. However this is not the way for me to have fun, so I've decided to not play when I'm tired and to stop rushing and enjoy the fact that I'm playing not solo but with a full party with great NPCs and lots of amazing banter, some nice extra gear, extra encounters, etc. 
Ajantis deserves special mentioning. He has become a very influential member of the party and has changed Euphonia's ways somewhat. To give an example: in the Elfsong she refused to steal the telescope from the Hall of Wonders for Brevlik, something that she would have probably tried with Imoen before they met Ajantis. His romance is extremely well-written in my opinion. He's such an gentlemanly, honorable, affable and disarmingly goofy character that Euphonia had no choice but to fall in love with him. (She didn't show him this though, forcing him to take the initiative, something that wasn't easy for him). Poor Xan, who had also been courting her, never stood a chance. I don't have much experience with the BG romances, except for Coran treating my Beast Master like garbage, so this is a very welcome change. There are still quite a couple of love talks, which is another reason not to rush this run.

Euphonia, Half-Elven Skald (5th update)

There was much for the party to do in the big city. The companions were invited into a Thieves Guild but although they bartered with Black Lily (Manual of Quickness of Action, Safeguard buckler for Euphonia), they decided not to work for this criminal organization. They released a captive Nymph, slew an evil Mage by the name of Ramazith, and an Ogre bounty hunter named Larze. Two Iron Throne employees had poisoned the sextet, but with with the aid of one of the two (a victim of a geas) the companions found the antidotes on the other Iron Throne lackey after killing him.

Spoiler

(I was surprised to see Marek use darts of stunning rather than his short bow. After Marek stunned Kivan, Euphonia stunned Marek with her wand. The Eagle bow went to Imoen.) The latter quest also enabled the party to reunite Tremain Belde'ar with his son, earning them an enchanted Large Shield for Ajantis. At Ordulinian's suggestion Imoen pickpocketed a ring and a necklace from Nemphre and Arkion to put an end to their quarrel, and she also turned up with what Euphonia indentified as the Cloak of Balduran (Imoen was very vague in her descriptions of where she had found it). In the Docks District Euphonia protected Ajantis from Petrifcation, allowing him to slay a loose Basilisk in a warehouse,

Spoiler

and in the Low Lantern Inn they slew two evil female entropists

Spoiler

as well as the mage Yago for his book of curses for a woman named Brielbara whose child had been cursed by that wizard.

Spoiler

With Larze's Gauntlets of Weapon Skill (Xan) and Vay-Ya's Gauntlets of Ogre Power (Branwen), the Bracers of Archery (Imoen), Gauntlets of Dexterity (Ajantis) and two sets of Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise (Kivan and Euphonia), the party is well-equipped in the gauntlets/bracers department.

One night, when the party were relaxing at the sumptuous Helm & Cloak Inn, Ajantis proposed to Euphonia. It took the Bard by surprise, because the two had only met a few months earlier and they had only gradually grown closer together. Nevertheless, she accepted Ajantis' proposal because she did feel she knew him (after spending day after day by his side) and that she loved him. Ajantis was honest, virtuous, compassionate and fun.

Spoiler

The Cavalier gave her a non-enchanted engagement ring which he placed on his fiancee's ring finger that had held Lord Foreshadow's Ring of Human Influence. The next day Imoen showed the party the Helm of Balduran. She said that someone must have inadvertently left it in her room. They inquired with the inkeep but he had no idea whose helmet it could have been. The companions agreed with him that if no one came for it in a tenday, they could keep it.

In South-West Baldur's Gate the party dealt with Doppelgangers in their friend Aldeth Sashenstar's Merchants League (earning them the enchanted blade Kondar), and also in the Seven Suns, another company.

Spoiler

The latter operation was carried out on the behest of the Flaming Fist; apparently they had been aware of strange goings-on. Another job the band did for the Fist was to investigate the sewers for missing people. They entered in the most inconvenient place, right in the middle of the culprit, an Ogre Mage, and its Carrion Crawler pets.

Spoiler

The party quickly returned to the surface, and entered the sewers at another point. Kivan with Spiders' Bane, Xan and Imoen with ranged attacks, and Euphonia with her song then dispatched most if not all of the Carrion Crawlers, approaching from different corridors.

Spoiler

The Ogre Mage had no answer to Branwen's Dispel Magic followed by the party's onslaught.

Spoiler

Ajantis gave Euphonia an enchanted necklace (cast PfEvil 1/day) with a flower-shaped pendant. It wasn't the most romantic of settings for him to give her the necklace, Euphonia reckoned, but she accepted the gift with gratitude anyway.

The party offered their services in some of the residences in uptown Baldur's Gate, but they weren't always equally well-received. A wizard called Sunin for example, summoned two warriors out of thin air, and attacked. Euphonia, in a reflex, summoned a pack of Gnolls using her Wand of Monster Summoning. Kivan dispelled Sunin's protections with an arrow of dispelling. One of the Gnolls slew a guard, but Sunin Malisoned the companions. However, stripped of his protections, he had no time to cast another spell before the party struck him down. Xan took an enchanted ring from Sunin that doubles the wearer's number of 1st level spells.

Spoiler

Another violent encounter was with Drelik (spell-casting butler) and a warrior named Jardak.

Spoiler

(Note in the second screenshot how Euphonia killed Jardak with her dart while the Skald song was still in effect. I often don't bother because it's not necessary, but 'song twisting' as it's called, i.e. attacking with the Bard and resuming the song without ever breaking the effect of the song, does seem to be doable, especially with low speed factor weapons I reckon.)

Jardak dropped the Helm of Glory, which reminded Euphonia of Thalantyr. She proposed to her companions to leave the city for a while for a trip into the wilds. The proposal was hailed by Kivan and Branwen (two no-so-urban types) as a welcome change, and Xan suggested they visit the Ulcaster School hoping for arcane knowledge to be found there. 
At the High Hedge Thalantyr magically fused the Helm of Defense and the Helm of Glory, with the Magnificent Helm as a result (+1 CHA, +1 AC, +1 Saves, +20% Fire/Cold/Electricity resistance). Euphonia gave it to Ajantis as a gift. The Paladin received the both practical and visually splendid helm with gratefulness.

At the Ulcaster School the helmet came in very handy when an undead creature called Icharyd called lightning to come down upon Ajantis. The Cavalier got struck various times, causing him to quaff a potion of absorption, but that proved unnecessary because once he had downed the potion, the party's incessant attacks overwhelmed Icharyd preventing it from calling more lighting strikes.

Spoiler

Ghasts and Kobolds hung around the entrance to the Ulcaster School ruins, until Xan's Wand of Fire and Kivan's Spiders' Bane intervened.

Spoiler

Inside the school the company dealt with other threats: Jellies and Dread Wolves.

Spoiler

And then there was the Wolf of Ulcaster whose Howl of Terror failed to scare the companions thanks to Euphonia's song (and to a Remove Fear 'metagamily' cast by Branwen, just in case Euphonia's song would be discontinued at some point).

Spoiler

More threatening were the Ghouls the Wolf somehow summoned, because Kivan with Spiders' Bane was the only party member that was immune to their paralyzing attacks.

Spoiler

Thankfully, all the company had good AC, in the range of -4 (Imoen) to -10 (Ajantis). None of them got paralyzed, and they slew the different undead creatures without even incurring any noteworthy injuries. Imoen scouted the premises further (I expected her to run into a Skeletal Mage but no). She found four more Dread Wolves, and she disarmed a trapped 'treasure hoard' (containing little loot of worth, and only one book, which they delivered to a spectre of Ulcaster.

Spoiler

I wonder what I'll do with Imoen if I make it to SoA with this party. I like her as a Swashbuckler, and I think BGT imports her into Amn the way she was in BG1 if you keep her in the party till the end. Maybe I'll give her an innate Magic Missile as a Bhaalpower, and then keep her as a Swashy, only to find her in Spellhold dualed (as of lvl 15) into Mage.

PS Nice vid Alesia! Rock on! 

[Alesia_BH]

 

I'm playing with a party and with a variety of mods that make this a very entertaining playthrough - if I allow it to be so.

PS Nice vid Alesia! Rock on! 

 

 

I'm glad you're enjoying your game, Blackraven. Don't rush: Have fun!

 

I often find myself racing through BG1 and even SoA, reasoning that the challenge lies further down the road. But what CKT's run helped me understand is that challenge and enjoyment can be discovered at any stage of the adventure. It's all a function of the approach the player takes. Going forward, I'd like to install Hard Times and take a more deliberate, immersive approach to BG1- kind of like what you're doing with Euphonia.

 

Anyhoo. Good hunting!

 

Best,

 

A.

 

 

PS Nice vid Alesia! Rock on! 

 

 

Thanks. Making the videos was one of the most enjoyable parts of Alessandra's run. There are videos from Candlekeep through Illasera.

[Blackraven]

Yes, I'm glad I returned to that approach even after straying from it for a bit in the Cloakwood Mines. 
Would be great to see a more immersive BG1 playthrough by you. Hard Times is a nice mod (although it hurts some classes more than others).

Do you have a website with those Alessandra vids?

[Nishiki]

We returned to Beregost after our visit to High Hedge, in order to find more work to do.  We ran into a paladin in the Jovial Juggler who wanted some half ogres done in, so we set out to do them.  In the process, we were jumped by a Amnish mercenary by the name of Sendai, (she and her lackeys were smacked), ran afoul of a couple of odd bandits who called themselves Vax and Zal, (they were smacked), helped a driad save her tree from some yokels (yep, smacked), and then we found ourselves on a bridge facing a rather large compound.  A couple of ogrillons guarding the place informed us that we'd best meet their demands or we'd loose out heads.  We refused, of course (which resulted in more smacking).

The stronghold turned out to be overrun by gnolls and snotlings xvarts.  Vanja cut a path through them while Imoen, Shea, and I enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea.  After the festivities, we found a cave containing a tome... The manual was a dense read but eventually I felt quite a bit more charismatic.

Up on top of the stronghold we encountered a veritable army of gnolls.  Imoen, Shea, and I decided to help her our with some ranged cover fire since Vanja seemed to be having a little trouble dicing her way through the crowd.  After the smelly beasts were more or less chunky, we heard a call for help.

In one of the pits was a mage calling herself Dynaheir.  She asked for some assistance getting back to her bodyguard slash beefcake, Minsc.  Being the fine young women we were, we decided to allow the good woman to join us for a while, at least until Minsc was found.  And found he was.  We bid the happy (and rather odd) couple a fond farewell and went back to work.

We were on our way past the temple of Lathander when we encountered this.  Vanja told Imoen to go tank since Imoen was the only one of us to have a magic weapon.  Imoen happily ran the other friggin direction.  The rest of us figured she had the right idea and followed in her wake.

Once on the other side of the temple, we found a young woman who had been statue-ified.  Luckily we had grabbed a few stone to flesh scrolls back at the temple and were able to un-statue-ify her.  She told us to beware the basilisks who lived to the east.  We took that to mean 'go slay the basilisks'.

While scouting the area, Imoen found some punk kids hanging (and apparently smoking some mind altering substance); when we approached they were fairly miffed that we'd crashed their party and challenged us to a four on four duel.  We mopped the floor with them and went back to basilisk hunting.

A somewhat unusual ghoul offered to help in that endeavor; we were more than happy to let him tank the overgrown lizards while we rained arrows, bullets, and darts down on their hides.

The caretaker of the basilisks was a crazed gnome.  Vanja took him over her knee.  (Waah, I didn't get a screenshot?)

Next we visited the town of Nashkel.  We'd been hearing rumors that their mine was in some sort of trouble and figured that they'd be willing to pay big to have that trouble sorted out for them.  But first, Vanja had to spank Greywolf for not wanting to play nicely with the sculptor guy.

Then, instead of clearing out the mines, we decided to have a bikini party at the beach, but this stupid beach bunny, Sil, said the beach was hers.  Vanja set her and her pair of lackeys straight.

After having some sun and fun at the coast, we decided to go spelunking.  The cave we found was a little odd, what with it being filled with flesh golems.  Turned out they were guarding another book... after plowing my way through it I felt a good deal healthier.

Then it was off to the mines to clean out what turned out to be a kobold infestation.  Vanja played exterminator while the rest of us gathered loot.  In the basement, a half orc calling himself Mullet-head (or something like that) spilled his guts before being taken down by Shea's backstab. (again no screenshot?  Sorry folks...)

Then we paid a visit to Tranzig, who cried like a little girl when Vanja cuffed him over the head.  He pleaded for us to let him live, but instead of running off he decided to attack Imoen.  Vanja did him for that.

Next it was off the the bandit's hideout.  We decided that Vanja needed a rest and threw rocks at Taugosz until he didn't want to play anymore.

We slew the bandit's supposed leaders only to find out that their base was in another forest.  One full of spiders.  That was a deal breaker for Vanja.  Fortunately.  Shea found this nice pair of "Spider-b-gone' gloves, and gave them to our resident arachnophobe (Don't tell her that their actually just gauntlets of Dexterity).

We fought our way through the spider infested woods, Vanja as happy as a clam with her new gauntlets.  We made the mining headquarters of the bandit leader in no time flat, smacked their hired goons around, and made our way to the bottom floor.  Then this happened after Shea told Vanja that we were out of coffee.  Fortunately we found some more in the mines kitchen and the crisis was averted.

Vanja, having had her cup of joe, was in good spirits when she went forth to confront the master of the mines.  He tried his best to charm her, lightening bolt her, and fireball her, but to no effect.  With a sublime smile on the face, Vanja spitted Davearon.

Our finial stop before going to Baldur's Gate was the town of Ulgoth's Beard.  There we did some shopping (A cloak of displacement and greenstone amulet for Vanja and a ring of invisibility for Shea.  Unfortunately, Imoen got caught trying to pickpocket a ring from some smelly old gnome.  That got us into a lot of hot water with the people (when we murdered the gnome that is).  So it was then back to the Temple of Wisdom to make a hefty donation to get out names out of the mud.

Next stop: Baldur's Gate!

 

[Dyara]

 

Ajantis deserves special mentioning. He has become a very influential member of the party and has changed Euphonia's ways somewhat. To give an example: in the Elfsong she refused to steal the telescope from the Hall of Wonders for Brevlik, something that she would have probably tried with Imoen before they met Ajantis. His romance is extremely well-written in my opinion. He's such an gentlemanly, honorable, affable and disarmingly goofy character that Euphonia had no choice but to fall in love with him. (She didn't show him this though, forcing him to take the initiative, something that wasn't easy for him). Poor Xan, who had also been courting her, never stood a chance.

 

 

I have to admit I didn't really liked the Adjantis romance (for my Dyara, not because it's badly written). I had Adjantis, Xan and Coran (rushed through the game to get him early) in my party for some nice conflicts perhaps but nothing. Unfortunately only the Adjantis romance kicked in.

Because of him being a paladin Adjantis is so rigid in his thinking and there's no way to influence him or really change him (that's why I like the Anomen romance so much). I also had Kivan and Viconia (in my installation evil NPCs don't leave on high reputation) in my party (for some more conflicts ). Adjantis was the one who required most healing from Viconia but still he was threatening her all the time - more than once Dyara was about to kick out Adjantis (but then again I wanted to see how the romance continues).

I guess there were just too many conflicts (Helm vs. Mystra, lawful vs. chaotic,  paladin vs. thief, marriage vs. have some fun, ...) for the romance to really work. In the end perhaps they both were too fixed in their views. But of course for another character the romance might work really well .
 

... except for Coran treating my Beast Master like garbage...

Dyara will (if she ever got there) take in Coran (for the quest anyway but also with the romance in mind) but that doesn't sound good. Seems she has to be up to a disappointment but I also read that the Coran romance is a little bit complicated, so perhaps there are other endings(?).

[Blackraven]

@Nishiki, witty writing and fine progress there. Keep it up!
@Dyara, I understand your sentiment regarding the Anjantis' romance: his rigidity of character, the impossibility to change him. I often play characters of suspect morals who'd mock for Ajantis for his principles, and who would need him to change in order for them to ever entertain the thought of romancing him. In my current playthrough, which contains elements of chivalric romance and nordic legend, it works really well though as it's Ajantis that has changed Euphonia (no need for her to change him).

The Coran romance is indeed complicated. I went through it blindly (as I tend to do with romances, with the result being that I pretty much always mess them up). I'm wshing Dyara good luck with Coran, that her fate may be a more pleasant one than my Beastt Master's.

[Nishiki]

Confident. Cocky. Lazy. Dead. — Tad Williams, Otherland: City of Golden Shadow

 

Couldn't have put it better myself, Tad.

 

.

 

I did, thankfully, have the sense to blind Larze at the beginning of the fight, so he didn't get a chance to kill Isa.  Still, two deaths here is a huge error, one due to pure overconfidence.

 

@Blackraven: Thanks.  I hope to keep things rolling along, just so long as I don't pull another boneheaded stunt like this one; like say in the middle of a dungeon with no access to a convenient temple....

[corey_russell]

 

Eren the Kryomancer     CREATION

 

 

Ok, guys, after the sad demise of Eren the Unbroken, who never got to live up to his full potential, I need some advice and some input with the new Eren, who's build will be heavily roleplayed and limited, as to counter the raw might of the arcane school..

 

Here's the plan:

Eren's forced to do some fighting after Gorion is killed (fighterclass), but will be taught the ways of death and kryo (ice and lightning) magic by Edwin, who takes a liking to him. He's believes in the ending of all things, so for example Talos (although not THAT evil) , or the doomguard would befit him well. I'd rather play a non-human character but BG1 tweaks doesnt make you able to dualclass other races I believe, at least I couldnt read that in the discription.. So I either wait till BG2 with, for example, a half elf, or I go human and dual class rather early. Basically I need to know from you guys:

 

-Q1: Is it smart, does it give anything extra, to dualclass from fighter to mage earlier than say, level 7, with the whole trilogy in mind?, Or is 7 or 9 always better?

 

-Q2: I want to roleplay a lawful neutral or evil necromancer, death/frost mage kind of Eren. That means he can ONLY USE CERTAIN SPELLS (or weapons) and will refuse to use others (!!!). For example, he wont ever use spells like identify and magic missle, as he feels he's above those and it doesnt fit his faith. He will NEVER use fire, because he favors frost and lightning. He will use poison and for originality will especially use touch spells like shocking grasp and chill touch and stuff, which should work well because he has some fighter levels. So I'd like to ask you all, considering this build I have in mind, what kind of spells do you want Eren absolutely not casting?/ or what spells especially?  . Does the necromancer kit befit him you think? Then I'll probably ee-keeper him into a fighter/necromancer.

 

-Q3: Otherwise you guys like a kensai or a berserker better?

 

-Q4: Finally, any weapons you guys 'd prefer for this build?

 

I like to involve you guys, because I like this community. If you'd like to minimize input thats fine also then ill just make my own decisions. Thanks so much anyway

 

 

Cheers!

 

Q1: Even dual classing at level 2 gives you various advantages (can use helms/shields, fighter potions, armor) - Dualing at level 7 gives an extra 1/2 attack which is quite useful - you can do 9 to get the max HP - but if you are going to be a mage you have defensive spells so HP is less of an issue - I think 7 is good time for most builds.

 

Q2: I don't have much opinion on this - evoker might work well, since it's opposition school (divinination spells) are ones you said you won't be using anyways.

 

Q3: In my opinion, berserker IS the best fighter kit - if you are solo, very few things protect against imprisonment, but berserker rage is one of them. Note that if you want lots of enrages you should dual at level 9 (3 enrages then).

 

Q4: I have no opinion on this question - use whatever weapon you want.

[Blackraven]

Euphonia, Half-Elven Skald (6th update)

At long last the party suffered their first casualty: Xan. He actually died three times. As some of you readers know I'm not fond of the concept of Raise Dead / Resurrection. The enemy doesn't do it (except with Tazok), and it kind of takes takes away the meaning of death for me in the game.
Xan's first death was in the Bear River area, where he ignored Euphonia's instruction to run from three attacking Ogres instead of lunging at them with his dagger (AI was active). The party raised him at Beregost's Temple of Lathander, but he didn't last long. During an encounter with four Red Wizards of Thay he tried to help his comrades with a Skull Trap, and indeed inflicted some nice damage, but the Red Wizards immediately directed their attention toward the Elf. He got Slowed and before he could get away, Melf's Minute Meteors did him in.

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The others didn't falter though. Repeated dispelling (Kivan's arrows, Branwen's magic) allowed them to finish off the vulnerable wizards even though the latter managed to scare Imoen and blind some of the others.

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Back in the city the companions got Xan raised again, at the Helm Temple, and Laola Axehand summoned the party to the Flaming Fist HQ for an audience with Duke Eltan. He commissioned them to investigate the Iron Throne.

On the top floor they ran into six Iron Throne elite killers. The companions ran downstairs but five of their enemies followed them: Alai, Diyab, Zhalimar, Aasim and Naaman. A Dispel Magic by Branwen removed what protections those five had, and Xan used a charge of his wand of fire to disrupt on one of the casters who had been outside the range of the Dispel Magic. Xan's action killed the bartender and merchant (lowering the party's rep from 20 to 10, which greatly upset Ajantis).

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The party slew Zhalimar and then returned upstairs to see an Unholy Blight severely injure Kivan and Imoen.

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They quaffed potions of extra healing and thus found their aura clouded when a Emotion: Hopelessness came their way. Imoen and Xan saved, but Kivan fell down on the ground. Ajantis, Branwen and Euphonia timely quaffed potions of magic blocking so they were unaffected by the spell.

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Xan had difficulty getting away past Kivan and two enemies surrounding him: a Doppelhanger and Gardush. He was slain by the latter; Euphonia retalliated by felling Naaman.

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A collective assault made Euphonia, Imoen, Branwen and Ajantis prevail over the Doppelganger and Gardush.

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Imoen then scouted two more of their foes downstairs, the casters Alai and Aasim.

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The companions healed and buffed (Mirror Image, PfEvil, Rages by Kivan and Branwen), and then finished off their last two opponents with Branwen getting the killing blow on both occasions.

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The companions discovered that any evidence against the Iron Throne would be found at Candlekeep. They reported this to Duke Eltan, who gave them a book with which they could enter Candlekeep to continue their investigations. First however they buried Xan and held a plain ceremony in his memory in the woods outside Baldur's Gate.

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At the Temple of Helm they donated most of their gold to atone for the killing of the bartender and the merchant in the Iron Throne building. (In my setup it costs about 12,000 GP to raise rep from 10 to 17.) They also did a number of good deeds for the smallfolk of Badur's Gate (Ghorak, Nadine, Nester's dagger) which saw their heroic reputation fully restored.

Upon their arrival at the gates of Candlekeep the companions were attacked by Ogre Mages. Kivan expended various of his arrows of dispelling, allowing the party to make short work of their enemies.

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Inside the library the party did not attack Iron Throne leader Rieltar and his associates, but were framed for killing them anyway. Euphonia also discovered that her biological father was the dead God of Murder Bhaal, something that caused tensions in her relationship with Ajantis. With the help of Tethtoril the band escaped their death sentence via catacombs below Candlekeep. They contained miscellaneous loot, most importantly a Cloak of Protection +2, and tomes of insight and manual exercise for Euphonia. There were also plenty of Doppelgangers, but aided by Deder, the party had no difficulty dealing with them.

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Deder scouted a band of menacing-looking Iron Throne mercenaries in the catacombs,

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reason for the companions to buff themselves thoroughly. They didn't want to see another member taken from their midst. Ajantis used a green scroll of PfMagic on himself after protecting his comrades from evil. Kivan quaffed a potion of magic protection, and Euphonia cast Minor Spell Deflection on herself.

Branwen summoned a Woodland Being that would entangle some of their foes, but they were nevertheless hard to deal with due to a Teleport Field.

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Note in the above screenshot that Prat didn't like Euphonia's MSD, and Sakul was equally annoyed with Ajantis.

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Kivan succesfully dispelled Prat's protections with an arrow, leaving him vulnerable to Tam, who had been charmed by the Nymph, and Branwen.

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Sakul, who had dimension doored to Imoen, underwent a Remove Magic from Euphonia.

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Kivan slew Bor with ranged attacks,

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and Sakul as well, after the others had weakened him with a Flamestrike (Branwen's wand) among other things.

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Euphonia dispatched Prat with a nice critical,

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and Tam was thanked for his services to the party with a full-on collective charge.

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Protected from Petrification, Kivan then slew two Grater Basilisks, paving the way for his companions toward freedom. They were well-aware that they were wanted by the Baldur's Gate authorities, so they decided to postpone their return to that city.

[corey_russell]

@Blackraven - your new format works real good! You aren't slowing down the load times of the page, but with the way you did it, users don't have to go to photobucket to see a picture either. I may have start doing that, it works well.

[Aasim]

@ Blackraven - I'm glad to see you traveling with a party.   GL.

[Dyara]

So now it's Dyara, elven Fighter/Mage/Thief - take 14

BG Enhanced Edition (installed mods: unfinished business, rogue rebalancing, romantic encounters, npc project, also evil NPCs don't leave on high reputation and Dyara starts with bag of holding and amno belt)

I do not really remember but I think I never rolled a 100 for any of my characters. Perhaps this is a good sign, perhaps this Dyara really is the one or perhaps she dies even earlier as the last one did... we'll see.

 

Actually I don't like my (female) chars with strength 18/xx but I guess you have to make some compromises to win this noreload challenge. - the original BG2 Dyara from 15 years ago had strength 15 or 16 only.

I raised 'Open Lock' to 60 and will leave it there. On the next level-ups I will raise 'Hide in Shadows'/'Move Silently' up to 60, also starting to raise 'Find Traps' up to 70 (should be 55 when I enter Nashkell mines - plus 10 from masterbelt). The remaining points will go into 'Detect Illusions'. No points will go into 'Pick Pocket' and 'Set Traps'.

I won't go very much into the details until bandit camp since I will do most exactly the same way I did the last time.

Day 0 (1 Mirtul)

Within an hour (game time) everything was done in Candlekeep (I usualy go counterclockwise, saves some time I think).

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After selling her loot and buying a composite longbow and eight healing potions Dyara was ready to leave.

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Day 1 (2 Mirtul)

As always Gorion got murdered, Dyara got joined by Imoen, they burried Gorion and they decided to go to Friendly Arm Inn. They got some help from Xzar and Montaron, found the diamond and the ring.

On the road the two girls got waylaid by TEN bandits... *eek*



Poor Imoen died right away and Dyara was about to run for her life (but not before taking Imoens things) when a voice deep within her head told her she had to take revenge on bandits - especially archer bandits. And so Dyara shot them dead one by one (while moving around - so some of the archers lost her as their target - and drinking a healing potion every now and then).

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Day 2 (3 Mirtul)

With 10 bandit scalps and the dead Imoen Dyara arrived at Friendly Arm Inn where Imoen got resurrected at the temple. Then poor Tarnesh died the usual way...

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In the inn they met Khalid and Jaheira, after short salutations and the exchange of presents (Dyara got presented with a potion of healing, a potion of invisiblity and Khalid's splint mail while Khalid got a nice leather armor - he looks really good in that suit) Dyara left Khalid, Jaheira and Imoen, sold her loot and went out for a walk around Friendly Arm Inn. In doing so she found some hobgoblins, Joia's ring and another ring. After a well deserved rest Dyara went south.

Day 3 (4 Mirtul)

At midnight Dyara arrived at Beregost. She calmed Marl, Firebead got his book, Dyara got a scroll case and the 300 gold, Kagain got Khalid's splint mail and some help to find his caravan.

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Kagain then was killed by the ogre, Dyara became cornered and hat to escape to Beregost. At the temple Kagain got resurrected. They helped Neera and then Neera and Kagain helped Dyara to fight Karlat.

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Dyara gained her first level-up.

Dyara: 1765 XP, 31 kills, Thayan Wizard, F(1)/M(1)/T(2) (all points went into HiS/MS), 18/18 HP.

Day 4 (5 Mirtul)

Dyara then went to High Hedge to buy some spells when she ran into a group of gnolls first, then they all ran into Kivan and then Kivan ran into a gnoll halberd unfortunately (Gorion, Imoen, Kagain, Kivan... Dyara causes death whereever she goes... a true child of Bhaal I think).

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Once the gnolls were dead Dyara bought some spells from Thalantyr (Blindness, Friends, Protection from Petrification, Shield, Mirror Image, Resist Fear) and with the help from a potion of genius they all got learned. South of Beregost Dyara found Mellicamp but (as usual) he was killed by the antichickenator spell.

Day 5 (6 Mirtul)

Back in Beregost Kivan got resurrected, also Beregost got ransacked by a ruthless thief. After resting at the Red Sheaf Dyara went south.

There the two Ogrillons were killed, the letter was found and Dyara met Left.

Spoiler

With the letter Dyara returned to Mirianne in Beregost and gained her next level-up.

Dyara: 2905 XP, 48 kills, Thayan Wizard, F(2)/M(1)/T(2), 22/22 HP (for the second time max HP).

Day 7 (8 Mirtul)

Dyara  had forgotten to buy a potion of freedom so she asked Rasaad for help fighting Neira. Dyara got held but Rasaad and the Amnian soldiers killed the assassin.

Spoiler

Dyara went to the mines then but got ambushed by Senjak and Dorotea. In the following fight the weather became an important factor. Four times someone got struck by lightning...

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Dyara gained her next two level-ups.

Dyara: 3827 XP, 61 kills, Senjak (actually it was the lightning), F(2)/M(2)/T(3), 27/27 HP (still on max HP, 5 points went into Find Traps, the rest into HiS&MS).

Day 8 (9 Mirtul)

Greywolf was backstabed to death.

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Kryll died easily.

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Dyara agreed to take Samual to the Friendly Arm Inn.

Day 9 (10 Mirtul)

On their way there they took Rasaad in (because he still had the ring of the princes). The three went north then. At the ruined house Dyara talked to Left again.

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Day 10 (11 Mirtul)

Since they were going to Friendly Arm Inn Dyara killed the spiders and took the spider body, the wine and the boots. Also the ogre got killed finally.

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After resting at the Friendly Arm Inn Dorn talked about betrayel so Dyara decided to be on her own again.

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This time Dyara kept the belt but Landrin got her items and Dyara got another level-up.

Dyara: 7908 XP, 83 kills, Greywolf, F(3)/M(2)/T(3), 29/31 HP (weapon point went into longbow - never really know where to put it: 2nd longbow or 2nd single-weapon. 2x long sword, 2x longbow, 1x single weapon style is it now).

From Gellana Mirrorshade Dyara bought a bottle of curse-removing soap (10x remove curse). Dyara went south then.

Day 11 (12 Mirtul)

At the ruined house Dyara was looking for Left but he wasn't there. While waiting she killed some hobgoblins and a ghast. But Left didn't showed up. Somewhat concerend Dyara turned west to Red Canyon.

Day 12 (13 Mirtul)

Zargal and his two buddies were killed, also Basillus.
 

Spoiler

The death of Basillus gained Dyara another two level-ups.

Dyara: 11108 XP, 101 kills, Greywolf, F(3)/M(3)/T(4), 33/36 (15 into FT, 5+5 into HiS/MS)

Still worried about her friend Left she returned to the ruined house.

Day 13 (14 Mirtul)

This time Left was there.

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Dyara went to Beregost then, sold her loot, rested in the Jovial Juggler, memorised 'shield', 'sleep' and 2x 'protection from petrification'. Then she went to the temple to get the 5,000 gold for killing Basillus. While there she bought some healing potions, an antidote and two 'stone to flesh' scrolls. The first scroll she used on Corianna to get a potion of mirrored eyes.

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Then she killed Cattack and his hobgoblins and the two vampiric wolves.

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Then she went further east for some basilisk hunting.

[Blackraven]

Thanks @Aasim! It's an interesting change of pace for me with a party.
@Corey, I agree that reducing page load times is an advantage, especially if you post various screenshots in a post (as I tend to). And it's easier to simply click on the spoiler button than to check each image in photobucket.
@Dyara, nice to see you Dyara on the road again. Best of luck!