Need party advice

The Chosen One · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 12:04 AM

Hi I restarting BG again and want to try something new.
My main character has always been a fighter/mage but now I'm pretty tire of it. Which class would you suggest and which members should I have in my party to make game most enjoyable?
Chosen

Stilgar · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 03:05 AM

Well for BG1, i can realy recommand a (fighter)/cleric.
The game realy lacks a good cleric/druid, so why not fill that space yourself!

CFM · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 10:48 AM

Agreed. My one time through the game was with a NG Cleric. With a low AC (can wear any armor), priest spells and abilities (Turn Undead is very underrated), and lots of HP (I'm a reroll cheeser)... he was interestingly versatile, but still could rumble with the best.

(Or at least stay alive till Minsc and Khalid could come by and finish them off.)

You've gone though the game as a Fighter/Mage: a rumbler with wizard spells. Now see how the other half lives as a Cleric: a rumbler with priest spells. Then you'll have experienced the core classes. My next time through will be with a Fighter/Mage just for this reason.

I also plan on being evil, and seeing how the other half lives with SharTeel, Kagain, Viconia, and that weirdo duo of Montaron and Xzar.

"Stop touching me!!!"

Coot · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 10:53 AM

How about a thief?

Thrifalas · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2005, 05:10 PM

Or a Fighter/Thief... As there's no auto-casting of True Sight-meanies, and anything goes down from a nice one-hit backstabb, it is by far the fastest (and very interesting) way of playing through the game.

It also gives you a change from the usual game-play styles.

VonDondu · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2005, 01:56 AM

I once played all the way through the series with a Cleric/Ranger and Imoen (Thief dualled to Conjurer). I recruited other NPCs for specific quests (for example, I had Coran help with Durlag's Tower when Imoen's thieving skills were inactive, and I recruited Nalia and Keldorn temporarily in Chapter Two of Shadows of Amn).

If I play BG1 again, I'd like to try a Fighter/Thief and a Cleric/Illusionist. The alternatives are Quayle (who appears very late in the game but who can be accessed early in the game with mods or cheat codes) or a gnomish "Aerie" (I've imported her soundset). With a two-member party and an experience cap remover, they would become very powerful.

Coot · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2005, 08:59 AM

A cleric/thief is very interesting too, except that it's very annoying that the thieving button is hidden behind the special abilities button.

Erenor · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2005, 10:43 PM

If you've been trying the fighter/mage I would definately go with a cleric or a thief. Druids just seem to be a pain and all the other classes are similar to what you've already tried. I'm against the cleric/thief due to weapon restrictions. I'd also recommend another race if you've been sticking to elves or half-elves or have been dualling human PCs. Just my two cents...

Coot · #9 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 02:52 AM

Nothing beats a Halfling thief.
Druids may be adequate in BG2, but in BG they're quite underpowered. Except for the Call Lighting spell there's no reason to choose one over a cleric. I tried soloing a druid once and I remember duking it out with a Hobgoblin. We were just standing there for five full minutes swinging our weapons at each other without either one of us actually hitting the other guy.

Erenor · #10 (**permalink**) 06-06-2005, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coot

I tried soloing a druid once and I remember duking it out with a Hobgoblin. We were just standing there for five full minutes swinging our weapons at each other without either one of us actually hitting the other guy.

I've been in this boat before. Unless you want to try a fighter/druid then don't even bother. It might be a challenge, but missing a weak enemy for five minutes will really get you frustrated and you'll get bored. I didn't even make it to chapter 3 before giving up on my small party with a druid. I think my party members averaged 250+ kills and my PC was sitting on less than 50. Think before using a plain druid.

The Chosen One · #11 (**permalink**) 06-07-2005, 03:29 AM

Well, guys, I started the game as a fighter/cleric (IT RULES!!!). Now - the only thing that I wnatr to adviced: which NPC:s should I have to make the game most enjoing?
Chosen

VonDondu · #12 (**permalink**) 06-07-2005, 05:33 AM

A Cleric/Ranger is even better than a Fighter/Cleric IMO because you get stealth and Druid spells, but otherwise they are pretty much the same (except for the alignment restriction). A Fighter/Cleric is certainly a good choice. The first couple of times I played BG1, I relied heavily on ranged weapons, but a Fighter/Cleric is a very good melee warrior, and all you really need is some support.

I wouldn't play the game without a Thief in my party. I also enjoy using Mage spells. Imoen is a pretty good backstabber in BG1 at higher levels if she's buffed up (that's how I beat two of the most dangerous opponents in the game, including the one in Ulgoth's Beard and the big "boss" at the end of the game). A 9th or 10th Level Mage can also rule the place in BG1. So I think you should keep your party small so that your characters will advance quickly, and limit your companions to a Thief and a Mage or a Mage/Thief. That should be a lot of fun.

As an alternative, you could bring an army of archers with you (Minsc, Coran, Khalid, Kivan). That was fun the first couple of times I did it. But if you've already done it, I'd try something new if I were you.

Erenor · #13 (**permalink**) 06-07-2005, 02:28 PM

Well, if you've already got a fighter/cleric then I would pick a thief and another fighter or two to join you in your adventures. Imoen works well and always sticks with you. The other options are effected by party alignment, so is your party good, neutral, or evil?

The Chosen One · #14 (**permalink**) 06-07-2005, 11:58 PM

@Erenor:
I don't usually care of allgiment of my members, I only look at their skills. Kivan is CG and Edwin is LE but I keep them both for Kivans bow skill and Edwins great spellcasting. But I know that can create problems...so...my party is good for the most of time (accept Edwin ofcause

)

Erenor · #15 (**permalink**) 06-08-2005, 09:17 AM

Well, just remember to keep your reputation under 18 or Edwin will decide to leave after a short time. I've tried playing with all the "best" NPCs before and maintaining a more neutral alignment can be hard sometimes. My "best" party included Imoen dualled to a specialist mage, Kagain, Kivan, Coran, Edwin, and my PC as a Fighter/Cleric. The grumbled a lot, but it did work. Enjoy your game!