No Death, No Reload 2: Electric Boogaloo - Page 2

Gwalchmai · #16 (**permalink**) 01-16-2003, 05:47 PM

This is a great chronicle! I played a Druid through the game (not solo, though), and I never even tried the rainstorm spell! I wonder why? It sounds very effective.

Maharlika · #17 (**permalink**) 01-16-2003, 07:37 PM

...no, make that GREAT read!

Just love the candor of your narration.

Good luck.

two · #18 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 01:54 PM

I'll post more tomorrow, absolutely no time now. First some quick gripes.

Druids don't get their shapechange feats at the levels specified. Yes, I'm using the latest patch. Yes, it sucks. Polar bear comes at level 10, not 9, and shambling mound at level 10 as well. A real waste of a feat, choosing shambling mound!

Enemy spellcasters can still target spells when BLIND. Nice trick.

The Polar Bear form does something strange to my AC. Meaning, if I'm not wearing armor (wis to AC), got barkskin up, got mage armor up from an item... my AC should be 5+4+4 = 23 without dexterity. But Polar Bear AC is 21 with these buffs up.

??

All other shapechange forms work fine. Why this glitch? I'm thinking the Polar Bear has natural armor of 1 or 2, and over-rides the barkskin bonus, which it should not do. Slightly annoying... the highest bonus in each category should apply...grr....

Anyway, tomorrow I'll discuss two lovely spells:

1) entangle, and
2) fire wall. Fire wall? Yes, fire wall. More to come.

And no, not that kind of firewall.

TemjinGold · #19 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 04:57 PM

Hey interesting story. I have a similar solo char and have just made it to Winter Wolf SC. It seems to be getting harder and not easier. My stats are more extreme than yours and, as such, I had a much more difficult time in the beginning (I am playing on insane).

Str: 8
Dex: 10
Con: 4
Int: 18
Wis: 18
Cha: 18

Due to my 18's, I got most of the diplomatic experience in the prologue and had Druid5/Monk1 a bit before the Palisade battle. The pig really helps but I also had my first death at the Palisade battle. I don't play with Max HP/level but I DO reload if leveling up drops my HPs (I leave it if my HPs stay the same or go up).

With the load of skill points and high INT, I plan on getting Scion of Storms for Call Light/Static.

Concerning your problem with AC when a Polar Bear. SC forms do not receive any AC benefits other than from Monk WIS. Even spells. Gamebanshee "Shapeshifting Tables" has more info on this.

TemjinGold

two · #20 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 09:18 PM

Ugh. Thanks for the info about shapechange stuff. That makes my decision to grab one Monk level... well, makes it OK. I was not sure for a long while, but I think it is a good move now. Gets me heavy crossbow, wis to AC, and evasion. Solid.

I am now currently Druid10/Monk1 .... wow. Let me just say, big power increase from Druid9 to Druid10. Polar Bear form, critical range 19-20, screen shake = death to whatever I had been facing.

I'm in a cave of goblins/orcs right now, have waded through a LOT of outdoor screens, and I'm still infiltrating some goblin fortress. More details tomorrow.

As for the prologue, I was an idiot. I didn't finish the weeping woman quest at first. I went back after saving the bridge/weakening the dam and talked to the bar guy, and realized the head man's wife was a sorceress that sold stuff -- nice stuff. Like, an uber head band that Monks can wear, gives +1 to hit and immunity to X, Y Z. Can you say yum? Thanks, one monk level! Gimme. Also grabbed the Ring of Mage Armor. Uh, yeah? AC woes just went away. Barkskin+MageArmor+Wisdom of 20 (after level 8) + any dex = mid 20's. As soon as I can afford that Amulet of Shield I am getting it (I hope it casts the level1 shield spell for +7 xtra AC, if so, double-yum).

Just for the record. Icewind Dale II does NOT play fair. I am having to do the following: cast that 4th level spell "freedom" that gives freedom from all restraining spells, then move on to the next screen, then if it places me in the middle of battle run like hell in a fast animal shape and hope to find a place safe enough to drop some e-bombs. A few times I have died before finding a safe spot; it's just impossible if you don't have access to invisiblity / know the game beforehand. That's too bad. Bad design, somewhat, I think. Anyway, no whining. At least the game is NOT TOO EASY!

no way.

TemjinGold · #21 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 09:42 PM

Hehe, cool. I'm Druid8/Monk1 now. The 4 con is really hurting cuz 1 good hit or 2 crappy ones kill me (32 HPs w/o SC). I know it's insane but when an orc warrior hits me for 24, I lose it sometimes...

Since we are both attempting similar things, I thought it might benefit us if we shared experience. So here's mine:

1) Call lightning (and later static charge) is awesome. Cast then SC, fight and, when you are low on health, just run away (with Winter Wolf, this is easy) and wait for the lightning to go off.

2) Spike stones do SO much damage! Cast between a group of guys and you and then cast Rainstorm in front of it to trigger them. When they walk towards you (and get slowed), finish with Thorn Spray. Nasty combo. Most groups I fought so far die to that alone.

3) Probably common knowledge but if you are say a pig and SC to pig again (or another shape), it heals you. I took the extra SC feat so, when I melee alongside my nature summon dudes, I use the extra SC charges as heals (kinda like Lay on hands).

Btw, that monk thing is a belt and not a headband...

Hope these help you. If you discover anything wacky, lemme know...

TemjinGold

TemjinGold · #22 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 09:52 PM

Hehe, cool. I'm Druid8/Monk1 now. The 4 con is really hurting cuz 1 good hit or 2 crappy ones kill me (32 HPs w/o SC). I know it's insane but when an orc warrior hits me for 24, I lose it sometimes...

Since we are both attempting similar things, I thought it might benefit us if we shared experience. So here's mine:

1) Call lightning (and later static charge) is awesome. Cast then SC, fight and, when you are low on health, just run away (with Winter Wolf, this is easy) and wait for the lightning to go off.

2) Spike stones do SO much damage! Cast between a group of guys and you and then cast Rainstorm in front of it to trigger them. When they walk towards you (and get slowed), finish with Thorn Spray. Nasty combo. Most groups I fought so far die to that alone.

3) Probably common knowledge but if you are say a pig and SC to pig again (or another shape), it heals you. I took the extra SC feat so, when I melee alongside my nature summon dudes, I use the extra SC charges as heals (kinda like Lay on hands).

Btw, that monk thing is a belt and not a headband...

Hope these help you. If you discover anything wacky, lemme know...

TemjinGold

Baldursgate Fan · #23 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 03:20 AM

Hey, good work guys! Keep it up.

I have given up on soloing right now, even though that was my second run through.

Quote:

Just for the record. Icewind Dale II does NOT play fair. I am having to do the following: cast that 4th level spell "freedom" that gives freedom from all restraining spells, then move on to the next screen, then if it places me in the middle of battle run like hell in a fast animal shape and hope to find a place safe enough to drop some e-bombs. A few times I have died before finding a safe spot; it's just impossible if you don't have access to invisiblity / know the game beforehand. That's too bad. Bad design, somewhat, I think. Anyway, no whining. At least the game is NOT TOO EASY!

All I can say is, wait till you try HOF mode. Monsters have 3 times the hp and after all the killing and massacre, you get very lousy xp for it. NOT TOO EASY is about right.

Skooter327 · #24 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by two
Just for the record. Icewind Dale II does NOT play fair.
...it places me in the middle of battle...
A few times I have died before finding a safe spot; it's just impossible if you don't have access to invisiblity / know the game beforehand. That's too bad. Bad design, somewhat, I think. Anyway, no whining. At least the game is NOT TOO EASY!

no way.

This happens to be one of my favorite traits of the IwD games. There are many instances in the game that place the player in the middle of a fight, as well as in other situations, be them adventageous or not. I think this forces the player to keep rethinking his tactics. Of course, this obviously does not make for easy soloing, as one character really is limited in his choices of tactics. I guess I just don't like seeing the game called a bad design because of this; its just the way it is, and I'm glad you appreciate the challenge. I hope it makes up for the lack of role-playing present! Now what is a really bad design is the EXP-balancing system...

You always provide a good read, @two! Good luck with the remainder of the game!

two · #25 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 12:49 PM

IDon’tWantToWorkRightNow Inc. presents:

Interview with a Spell.

I: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Mr. E (entangle).
E: No problem.
I: I hear you are a pretty busy guy…
E: Got that right.
I: Are you aware that some people think you are the best Druid spell given your level?
E: I have heard of such rumors.
I: And that, perhaps, you might even be… broken…
E: Impossible. I don’t even work indoors. OR do windows.
I: True. OK. Moving on. Is it a fact that you stack?
E: True. I stack with myself infinitely. As it were.
I: And that it is possible to throw down 2, 3, even 4 entangles in the same spot?
E: Verily.
I: And that creatures walking in this effected spot must thereafter makes 2, 3, or even 4 saves before trying to move?
E: Verily.
I: Quite… impressive. Makes a scaredy-cat Druid’s life much safer.
E: That’s what I’m here for.
I: Anything you would like to tell your fans?
E: Yes. Don’t forget to cast Freedom of Movement, or wear Entangle-immune boots, because otherwise…I might mess YOU up.
I: Thanks for the heads up. OK.

Interview with another Spell.

I: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Mr. WoF. (Wall of Fire).
WOF: No problem. Plenty of time on my hands.
I: Yes. Quite. You are a… 5th level Druid spell, correct?
WoF: Yes.
I: And you do…let’s see… 2d6 plus 1 per level of damage?
Wof: Er. Yes. But let me explain.
I: Doesn’t that suck major ju-ju beans?
WoF: Let me explain.
I: This is the same level as STATIC CHARGE?
WoF: Let me explain. I last 5 rounds. That’s pretty good, huh?
I: No. It sucks.
Wof: I mean, it’s not that bad is it?
I: Yes. In fact, why are you here, anyway?
WoF: Your people contacted my people and we…
I: Fine. OK thanks for your time, now…just go away, please?
WoF: No respect. Damn. I get NO respect.

Note: unlike BGII, IDII monsters swarm. You can’t pick them off one by one. This can be scary, but you can also use it to your advantage. See below. The key is to prepare for the swarm, and then draw ‘em into your web-o-death.

E-bomb combos.

An e-bomb is a mass of entangles (2-5 in number) followed up by a few other spells (1-4 in number) creating something I call an e-bomb.

Level 0 e-bomb: Two entangles, 1 rainstorm, one spike growth. Good for low-level grunts. If they make both entangle saves, they are at half movement because of spike growth (probably) and won’t make it out of the entangles in one turn. Plus the rainstorm range is big, catching spell casters hiding away behind the grunts, disrupting their spells.

Level 1 e-bomb: Two entangles, two spike growth, one rainstorm. See Level 0, but added damage for slightly more powerful grunts.

Level 2 e-bomb (safety first): Three entangles, spike growth, spike stones (owwwie). Wait. Will kill everything stuck in there, eventually. Summon a monster while waiting in case something survives.

Level 3 e-bomb (for bunches of bad baddies): Three entangles, 2 spike growth, 2 rainstorms. Constant damage from a number of sources. Really messes up enemy casters.

Level 4 e-bomb (surrounded, terrified, overwhelmed): Either wearing boots of entangle-resistance or cast Freedom of Movement on self prior: 5 entangles in a cone forward; 2 spike growths where you see the baddies; summon monsters and have them guard right outside the entangle zones; rainstorm your brains out… move up into the entangle to see where the enemy casters are and spike growth right on their feet.

Mix and Match as needed.

If you run outta spells. Duh. Rest. You knew that.

When inside, entangle is useless, but that’s when you can be really evil. This tactic worked great for clearing out part of the goblin fortress place.

In place of entangles, grab that level 1 searing light spell thing. In place of the spike stones and etc. grab the summon monster X spells, plus as many Wall of Fire’s as you can. Huh? It’s ok. It’s fun.

Scout out the bad guys. Find a mess of ‘em. Retreat to a place in the hallway that is about 3 bears wide. Summon Monster IV or III until you have 3 bears or some stuff. Have the summons GUARD a straight line across the hallway, using the oft-unused guard button. Then run beyond them towards the bad guys, alert them, have them attack you/swarm you, as your run back to your line-o-bears. Stand behind bears and cast Wall of Fire right on the first bad guy that hits the bears. The wall of fire appears, and the bad guys stand there waiting 2-3 deep to hit the wall and get fried while being mauled by summoned bears. In the meantime, while enjoying the burning, stand back and cast searing light or some other spell on any enemy spell casters lingering in the back. After 5 rounds the Wall of Fire will disappear, but so will 90% of the enemy. Works GREAT on those hardened ice troll things; they are so dumb, they just sit there and die.

So outside, use e-bombs. When inside, use your firewalls. You could also use wall of moonlight, I guess, but… moonlight? C’mon. That’s for lunatics.

Jaesha · #26 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 01:19 PM

Wowowowow... That was *quite* entertaining, two! I had no idea ent stacked...

However, I found wall of fire very useful, as I constantly lured the enemies into it, taking advantage of the AI.

Keep it coming! http://64.207.13.28/mysmilies/kao/otn/nyanp.gif

smass · #27 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 03:44 PM

Two - you and Waverly should get together for a combination strategy guide/walkthrough - your comic analysis of these games we take so seriosly is classic - keep it coming!

two · #28 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 07:54 PM

Ok. I was getting ****y.

Infiltrated the goblin fortress. Got the pass stone to get into the interior. Slept, then buffed up before going in. Freedom of Movement, Barkskin, etc. Hid. Then ran up, got hit by a trap but oh well.

I'm inside the fortress, and as I hoped it's inside but outside. So entangles work. I'm momentarily still hidden, thus invisible. For another 5 seconds. I run to the left, huddle under a tarp thing, see giant ogres to my left, archers to my right, ugly. I stop an entangle. Hell breaketh loose. Another entangle. I'm taking archer arrows. Another entangle, and another, and then I have to move I'm getting nailed by something that got through, plus shamans coming out of the woodwork! Run deeper into the entangles, drop ANOTHER entangle then pray. Yes. A spike spell goes off, doing damage, but the archers are killing me. I am almost ready to run. I cast a spike stones spell up at the archers -- yes. Goes off. They start to crumple. God it's ugly. Archers ease off somewhat, allowing 2 rainstorms. My comptuer is running like molasses in January. Even slower. Entangles (5), 2 rainstorms, 2 spikes, 2 spike stones. I'm doing hella damage and taking it too from magic missle things, occasional arrows, etc. I can't handle it much longer. Summon takes too long. Run run, run back to other level. Lots of stuff died but lots lots more still there.

So what? I sleep. Rebuff. Go back in, but I go in as a cat. I need speed, to run out from the centre there are about 100 monsters on my butt. I hide, go in invisible for 10 seconds. Run. I run away from the scary horde. Up a slope, around a corner. Archers. I run THROUGH them down the top of the passageway on the fortress top, then oh my. Oh my. I am alone. I re-invisible (rehide). Yes. I turn human, then rehide. Then get ready. Then drop some major e-bomb. First 3 entangles along the top of the fortress, to save my butt if stuff comes down. Then some spikes in there, and i start summoning monsters, sending them down into the interior of the fortress where lots of monsters are very very angry. Rainstorms. Spikes. Wall of Fire. Monsters. More summons. e-bombs everywhere. It's lovely. It's a massacre. Oh, the humanity! Er. Whatever.

Real smart huh? I felt pretty proud, took out the fortress (after MUCH mopping up) without a death. Then. Tried to get inside. Can't. Don't have some ward or stone or key to let me. Can't force the door.

Huh?

GO back re-check all the loot piles. Hit alt to see them all. Nothing. Go back again. and again. nothing. HOW CAN I GET INSIDE THE FORTRESS? Check again, all loot, go back to dungeon, look around. Killed EVERYTHING. NOthing moves. Can't get in. Go back to the pallisade. Everyone is waiting for the fortress to be taken. But i can't GET IN!

HOW THE HECK DO YOU GET IN? DID I MESS SOMETHING UP?

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

THis was so annoying that. Well.

I gave up.

Meaning, when I was playing my Monk/Druid I kept thinking what I would do if I was a pure Bard. So. Why not. I started a new game. Bard all the way. No death. No reload. Doing it right this time. Currently I'm Bard3, no deaths, and I WILL do it right this time (fortress, etc.). Yes, the challenge is less since I know part of the game but... oh well. Got my bard groove going.

Can't touch this.

Baldursgate Fan · #29 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 10:33 PM

Quote:

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

THis was so annoying that. Well.

I gave up.

Meaning, when I was playing my Monk/Druid I kept thinking what I would do if I was a pure Bard. So. Why not. I started a new game. Bard all the way. No death. No reload. Doing it right this time. Currently I'm Bard3, no deaths, and I WILL do it right this time (fortress, etc.). Yes, the challenge is less since I know part of the game but... oh well. Got my bard groove going.

Good effort, nonetheless.

You didn't mess up, it's just the way the game has been programmed. Monsters can jump and surround you real fast. And like you, they can also run away and summon for help. Which makes it more interesting, if you have a party...

Please tell us more about your bard's adventures.

Gruntboy · #30 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 02:08 AM

Really nice stuff from all involved here. I can almost feel the desparate struggle - its bad enough with a party of six!