Offense Vs Defense

Gruntboy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 04:50 AM

This is similar to the question I asked about clerics. How do you play your mage(s)? I only have one who is loaded with protection piercing spells. Then my fighters hack the cr*p out of 'em. I know some of you are mage-heavy and rely also on their attack spells.

Big difference with clerics is that their spells are mainly defensive. So come on, are your mages a tool that enables the fighters to do their job, or are they weapons in their own right? http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Rail · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 04:54 AM

*You* have mages?!? Really?!?

Okay, this is going to be another long topic, I can tell.

I have a few Breaches and other magic disabling spells, but I also have a few mages, so if you only have one, you *do* need to just make it possible to let the fighters do their dirty work.

Remember, though. Thieves don't need either. Backstabs are quicker than contingincies.

Gruntboy · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:00 AM

Well, they have their (albeit limited) uses. http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif There are times when your thief isn't sneaky enough, your fighters aren't quick enough or the enemy is too damn well prepared. http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif But one is enough. Lousy magic users, I should have been a wizard-slayer. http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/wink.gif

Karembeu · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:06 AM

Tricky question for me as my party only consists of two characters me (mage/thief) and Jaheira.....

I guess I usually go for defensive spells (protections of different kinds) and let Jaheira do the killing......

Rail · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:11 AM

If it's any comfort, Grunt, I do think of you as a wizard-slayer.

I like a variety of spells, and have 2 spellcasters, most of the time. With one, I have to stock up on too many breach spells, and I like the freedom of choosing lots of others. 3 mages is best. 4's a crowd, though.

Gruntboy · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:19 AM

3 or 4 mages?! Phew, I'm gonna have my work cut out.... http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Rail · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:19 AM

You'll have something cut out.

Omar · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:20 AM

The major role of my mages is to summon hordes of beasts to take the brunt of an enemy's attack. Especially:to let ennemy spellcasters waste their high level spells on
dire wolves...

Thomas · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:21 AM

I usually have a lot of mages in my party, either they where spellcasters from start or I edited them to be such (Minsc is a groovy fighter/mage and Boo is his familiar http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/wink.gif).

Belive it or not but I only rarely memorize direct damage spells for my mages but quite often for my clerics. My most often used spell would be Chaos, closely followed by Slow, since these spells gives me time to prepare, disrupts the enemy and gives me the edge. I never really use "refined" tactics but prefer to pelt the enemy with whatever spells I have memorized for the moment. REcently found out just how powerful the Polymorph Other spell is when I turned the entire band of fallen paladins into squirrels after a Greater Malison hit home.

So there you have it. I use the mage spells mostly to incapacipate the opposition and then use melee to take them out permanently.

Gruntboy · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:28 AM

With 2 fighter you'll find it difficult to cut anything out Rail.

Rail · #11 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:32 AM

If you could ever figure out where I was attacking from.

Besides, I like 3 fighter types. A cleric and a thief dualled somewhere in there. 2 fighters are okay, though. Hardly ever have to reload with 2. Just have to rest more to get spells back.

Still have more fun with fighters and thieves. I hate resting.

Dangerman · #12 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:34 AM

kill kill kill

magic is the best way to kill people - why bother with supporting fighters if you can blast the pants off the enemy with magic?

and then, when the going gets tough, transform into a fighter or summon some hideous beasts to fight

defensive spells arent that good really, so i just aim for quick

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Gruntboy · #13 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:35 AM

That's how I get by. 1 full or multi cleric/druid. 1 dualled thief. 1 mage.

That gives 4 or 4 1/2 fighters. Really counts when you have to bash those "+3 or more" creatures. Of which there are many. Cleric and mage are support only.

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Rail · #14 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:38 AM

Just for fun, you should try some balance in your party. (*groan* now I'm starting to sound like Jaheira) 2 fighters, 2 mages, a cleric and a thief. All single classed. It'd drive you nuts!

Gruntboy · #15 (**permalink**) 01-17-2001, 05:41 AM

Argh! No! Must... make... optimal... use... of... all... characters!

It goes against the very fibre of my being. The drive for efficiency. Limitation of waste. Oh god! I've been at work for too long.

LOL http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif That would drive me nuts!

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