Backstab weapons

SaintedLegion · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 02:38 AM

Hi. What weapons can I use to backstab with my Fighter/Thief? I have tried a few with these results:
Yes - Dagger, Short Sword, Long Sword, Quarterstaff
No - Bastard Sword, Two-Handed Sword

Was a bit surprised to find that you can 'backstab' with a quarterstaff. Anyone tried the other weapons (inc. projectile weapons)? Is it the case that you can only backstab with weapons that a single class Thief can use?

Stilgar · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 03:09 AM

Almost correct, you can only backstab with a melee weapon that is usable by a thief.

The staff of striking (quaterstaff that you find in Durlag's Tower) is the best backstabbing weapon of Baldur's Gate 1 (and I believe it's also the best of Baldur's Gate II).

Zlarm · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2005, 11:30 PM

yes, you can backstab (or backsmash) with a staff. In bg1, staff of striking is great for this. 1-6 + 9 damage, and the 9 is multiplied x4. it has limited charges though.

the dagger of venom is another great backstab weapon. doesnt do awesome damage, but the poison is great against mages.

in BG2, you can get staff of the ram, 1-6 + 12 + 1-4. Combine this with a belt of fire giant strength used by an assassin and a critical hit, and you're looking at over 250 damage!!

lompo · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2005, 02:04 AM

Yoa are able to backstab also with clubs and scimitars, thus making Dritz scimitar +3 Frostbrand (you can pickpocket it) a nice backstabbing weapon.

krunchyfrogg · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaintedLegion

Was a bit surprised to find that you can 'backstab' with a quarterstaff.

AD&D defines a backstab as a sneak attack. You can backstab by hitting any vital spots, which include the back of the head/neck with a staff.

Erenor · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 11:46 PM

Or a club. Just do lots of damage, people! Do you actually have to be behind someone in Baldur's Gate to "backstab" them? Or is it more like the "sneak attack" from any side?

Thrifalas · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2005, 02:41 AM

Not sure, but if memory serves that was something that became necessary in ToB. Those damn rune assassins can still backstabb me from any side though :/

krunchyfrogg · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2005, 09:40 AM

I'm pretty sure you need to be behind the person in BGI, but not in BGII to backstab successfully.

Thrifalas · #9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2005, 11:45 AM

Doesn't make much sense, why take away something that makes the game more realistic? Maybe cause it is known as a "sneak attack" ... or whatever. ^^