This game is really quite hard

[Sononara]

I am level 2(nearly all, only one mage that isnt, and im about to delve into the undead thingy, at kuldhar, very annoying, im always reloading

[Ravager]

Try not to bite off more than you can chew. Lure enemies away from big groups and retreat often.

[Sononara]

Ok, thanks, ill try that

[Ravager]

Look out for the good spells that are hard to come by - e.g. fireball and stoneskin. Make sure a good caster memorises those.

Don't be afraid to use potions and magical ammo as the situation demands.

Divide and Conquer is probably the best tactic you can use though. Watch out for traps as well, some (especially in that tomb) summon enemies.

Good luck .

[Aerich]

I am surprised that you are only level 2, heading into the Vale of Shadows. By my calculations, a 6-member party should be all nearing level 3 by then - have you been clearing each map as you go? There are several NPCs who give minor quests for easy experience before the Vale. If necessary, I can provide you a list.

If you tell us your party composition and some of the fights that gave you trouble, we can come up with more specific combat techniques for you.

Your formation is important - I tend to move forward with only one or two party members, to avoid having to fight in mid-move, when my party may be vulnerable. Luring aggressive monsters with one character into the combined might of your party is a winning tactic. It also makes it easier for you to use area of effect spells (Web, Fireball, Entangle, etc) without hitting/capturing your own characters.

[Sononara]

the situation is under control. im about level four, and just about to head into level two. so yeah.

[Aerich]

Good. I recall the Vale as being pretty tense the first time through. Feel free to shout out if you get stuck - there's a couple of tricky areas there, more for the puzzle/graphics than the difficulty of fights.

[Ravager]

Originally Posted by Sononara

the situation is under control. im about level four, and just about to head into level two. so yeah.

Watch out for traps there and that area is probably one of the best examples for using the lure tactic.

[Sononara]

yeah....but its difficult luring the mage without his wights and what not...

[Aerich]

You can't, really. It's more important to hammer the skeleton mage ASAP than it is to draw it away from the wights. Put on Shield, if you have it, to take the Magic Missiles, and focus fire on the mage before going after the wights.

[Sononara]

thanks. i tried one thing, where i just get my party to spread out accross the steps, and shoot him with missile weapons and magic missile...it works a bit, cause he can on stinking cloud one or two at a time

[Ravager]

I generally lure as many other nearby creatures out as possible, ignore the mage for a time and eventually rush him with the party.

[Aerich]

I haven't had good luck with ignoring the mage - it does have some nasty spells for that point of the game (Lightning Bolt etc), whereas the imbued wights just MM and charge. It is possible to take the mage out with archers, and that's the easier way; it shouldn't be able to get many spells off because the arrows will disrupt it, even though they only do half damage.

[Ravager]

I think my normal tactic was to approach the pillar in front of the mage, attracting any other creatures nearby, without the mage's attention, maybe lure off some with the mage's attention and continual retreat to the level above to rest and heal .

But I haven't tried that battle in Normal mode for a while, just in HoF which changes the dynamic of it.

If he casts Magic Missile at you, then the Shield spell is an excellent counter that gives you complete immunity

[Aerich]

I actually found this battle easier in HoF mode - magic resistance on an undead-turning paladin took care of the imbued wights and skeleton fodder, while the rest hammered the mage down with single-target spells and arrows.