Use Any Item (HLA) - what's the big deal??

[RPG Guy (sorta)]

I'm playing my second-ever SoA/ToB game...just starting Chapter 6 and I'm starting to get my HLA's.

My current party includes Jan and Haer Dalis so I'm getting the UAI HLA option for the first time.

I've read some threads which suggest that UAI is over-powered or total cheese but I just don't see it.

I thought the most obvious benefit would be allowing these rogues to wear uber-armor but, despite the UAI HLA, their wizard spells still become disabled so screw that.

I then thought, okay, Jan/HD can use some insane weaponry but their proficiencies are limited to one slot (no penalties but no bonuses either)

So what's the big deal with UAI then? So far, the only thing I've been able to do with it is give Jan a warrior-only helmet (big whoopdy doo!)

Need some ideas here folks.

[Xandax]

Don't see overpowered? - Have an assassin running with the Carosmyr (or how you spell it).

[RPG Guy (sorta)]

Originally Posted by Xandax

Don't see overpowered? - Have an assassin running with the Carosmyr (or how you spell it).

Why would I put Carsomyr with Jan? Jan has like 40-50 HPs and no proficiency for the sword. Jan currently has about 3.2 million XP (multiclass) at this point in my game but STILL has a base THAC0 of 12...Carsomyr will bring that down to about 7 which is pretty useless against most ToB foes, especially with a -2 AC.

[mr_sir]

What Xandax meant was think about how over powered an assassin would be equipped with carsomyr coupled with the assassin abilities etc. With the right thief builds, Use Any Item is extremely overpowered.

Also, imagine a mage/thief in something like Elven Chain Mail +1 (IIRC you can cast spells in that)

[RPG Guy (sorta)]

Originally Posted by mr_sir

What Xandax meant was think about how over powered an assassin would be equipped with carsomyr coupled with the assassin abilities etc.

You mean, using Carsomyr as a back-stabbing weapon? I thought you could only back-stab with a dagger or short sword.

Does UAI have any other popular applications beyond giving a rogue-class either Carsomyr or Crom Faeyr?

[galraen]

Carsomyr can't be used as a back-stabbing weapon, and the thought of Jan running round with a sword that's bigger than he is is rather amusing. However, it would give him 50% magic resistance. UAI becomes uber when a fighter/thief has it rather than a Thief/Illusionist. It does enable Jan to wear helmets though. As to the Elven Chain, can't Jan wear that even without UAI?

[Xandax]

Originally Posted by RPG Guy (sorta)

Why would I put Carsomyr with Jan? Jan has like 40-50 HPs and no proficiency for the sword. Jan currently has about 3.2 million XP (multiclass) at this point in my game but STILL has a base THAC0 of 12...Carsomyr will bring that down to about 7 which is pretty useless against most ToB foes, especially with a -2 AC.

Jan is not the best "advocate" of the UAI to begin with which might be why you think UAI is not overpowered.
Try imagine Wizardslayer/Thief with UAI, Kensai/Thief and so on.... the possibilities are endless and it is truely one of the most powered abilities in the game.

[Onkel Bob]

The Scarlet Ninja-to is a really nice off-hand weapon and slightly better than Belm or Kundane. It's +3 instead of +2 and I think that means it will hit most enemies in the game. However it's only usable by monks. Not much point in having a monk use it. A really nice weapon for Haer'Dalis though.

Then there's a nice pair of gauntlets only usable by warrior: Gauntlets of Extraordinary Specialization. An extra half attack from that one. Also an item that I'd suggest Haer'Dalis would make good use of. He can be a good tank but he needs more attacks than the two he will get from dual-wielding. His specialization in short swords isn't that useful either since he does not get the extra half attack.

Then there's Jaheira's Harper Pin. Although I'm not sure if it has stat requirements. A quite nice amulet that of course only Jaheira can use.

And how about a clone of Haer'Dalis as well. With Vhailor's Helm you can have one.

And if you don't have a paladin then the Purifier might be a fun weapon for Haer'Dalis to use in his main hand every now and again.

If you want Haer'Dalis to be the best he can be then UAI is a must. But where it really gets fun is with a thief.

[RPG Guy (sorta)]

Originally Posted by Onkel Bob

The Scarlet Ninja-to is a really nice off-hand weapon and slightly better than Belm or Kundane. It's +3 instead of +2 and I think that means it will hit most enemies in the game. However it's only usable by monks. Not much point in having a monk use it. A really nice weapon for Haer'Dalis though.

Then there's a nice pair of gauntlets only usable by warrior: Gauntlets of Extraordinary Specialization. An extra half attack from that one. Also an item that I'd suggest Haer'Dalis would make good use of. He can be a good tank but he needs more attacks than the two he will get from dual-wielding. His specialization in short swords isn't that useful either since he does not get the extra half attack.

Then there's Jaheira's Harper Pin. Although I'm not sure if it has stat requirements. A quite nice amulet that of course only Jaheira can use.

And how about a clone of Haer'Dalis as well. With Vhailor's Helm you can have one.

And if you don't have a paladin then the Purifier might be a fun weapon for Haer'Dalis to use in his main hand every now and again.

If you want Haer'Dalis to be the best he can be then UAI is a must. But where it really gets fun is with a thief.

Okay, now THAT's what I'm talking about!

BTW, I just got Improved Bard Song W-O-W!

AC +10, Mag. Resistance +10%

...allies get +4 to hit, +4 damage, AC +4, Magic Res. + 5%, Immunity to fear/stun/confusion??? LOL

All these great suggestions re: Haer Dalis but the number one priority is tons of Mislead to keep that battle song going all day long!! With that turned on, HD has an AC of -12 (holy crap!) while Keldorn, Valygar and Anoment are cruising at around -9 IN CHAPTER 6!!! It's almost too overpowered.

Keldorn wielding Corsymr, Ring of Gaxx, Amulet of Magic Res. (10%) is now strolling around with 75% MR. Insane.

I have Valygar up to 4.5 BASE attacks per round. That's without Improved Haste or any other buff (AND letting HD keep Belm + 2).

Seriously, I'm pretty sure I could finish Chapter 7 and all of ToB with just Valygar (or Keldorn), HD and my LVL 19 Sorc who's equipped with improved alacrity and all those planatars, chain contigency spewing 3 projected images.

I'm *starting* to understand why people opt to solo this game...a concept I just could grasp during my last (first) run thru of the game.