Soloing possible?

[Squee]

I just borrowed Arcanum from a friend and I've never played it before. I've played many rpgs before so I think I won't have any problems getting into the game. However I was wondering if it's possible to finish the game only using your protagonist. I've heard that the AI is more or less terrible in this game, is that true? What are the benefits of having companions? Do they add much to the rpg-feeling or are they just there to help out in battles?

I was also thinking about creating a mage/thief kind of character, so if someone could just give me some tips I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[Darkstone]

Soloing is possible, fun, and maybe even desirable. Like with most RPGs the NPCs always rush in and tend to get killed. They're main use is for carrying all your treasure. (But really, by midgame I tend to have all the money I could ever need.) Most NPCs do say things that add color to the game, and some have little character arcs.

Be careful with a magical thief. Lockpicking is technological skill and you can either be good with technology or magic, but not both. Luckily there's a magic spell that can unlock things. Get your Magical Aptitude up to max ASAP so all your spells will be at their most powerful. There are some nice magical objects that add to thieving abilities. Like spells, they work best when your Magical Aptitude is maxed. If you're playing a thief NPCs are going to be a liability. Luckily if you do have them along you can always tell them to wait somewhere for you while you go off and sneak around. But don't leave them too long or they'll wander back to where you first found them.

[galraen]

It's no problem at all to solo, in fact that's effectively the only way I've played it. Sure I usually have a follower or two tagging along as walking back-packs, but when the action starts the first thing I do is hit F5 (Back off). I don't want those NPCs stealing my experience points!

If you make the mistake of allowing your henchmen/women actually take part in fights, then the AI really is poor, but not as bad as in Morrowind or Oblivion.

The easiest way to go through the game is being magic oriented, in fact if you're an experienced RPGer then maybe too easy.