Wonder if you'd like to rate my party. Currently going through the Black Pits and may take these guys through the entire saga (when it all comes out...)
Hawke - Level 8 Shadowstep
Human, single weapon style specialising in Scimitars, single weapon style and short bows
Thought I'd try out the shadowstep as I've played most classes to death (Being an owner of a version of Baldurs gate since the original came out). I like it - I'm finding the special ability (7 seconds of timestop) to be a great diversion tactic - hitting it as soon as a big fight kicks off and running behind the enemy - as he's at the front, most foes end up trying to go for him, which gives the actual big hitters time to get stuck in. He's got the str and con to back up the others in a fight, and enough bow skill to support from afar if the enemy is too much. BG2 will have him dual to a Mage. The only mistake I've made is as he's my only Thief, I've had to put points into open locks and find traps - leaving hide in shadows untouched. Luckilly it's not too vital in BG1 and he can live without.
Davoth - Level 6 Ranger, dualled to Cleric (level 7)
Human, Dual wielder specialising in Flails, Maces and Warhammers (currently using 2 Flails)
I initially thought about having Davoth as my CHARNAME, but wanted to try being a thief for once ( I've always gone for the fighty types as my CHARNAME). He's good - really good, in fact. I use him as my frontline Cleric, healing anyone in melee while dealing enough damage of his own. I like having at least a couple of guys with blunt weapons as their weapon of choice (having had problems with golems in BG2) and the flail of ages is the obvious goal for this guy.
Kolgrim - Level 7 Barbarian
Dwarf, Dual Wielder specialising in Warhammers and Axes (Currently using one of each)
I've always loved the idea of a Monk or Barb in a party, but been put off by their higher move rate - what if he goes too far ahead and gets caught fighting a Dragon by himself - or a squad of Beholders? This ruled out the Monk - packed full of skills as he is, the way I play means he'd be miles ahead of the party all the time. a Barb moves fast, but enough that the others wouldn't be too far behind. Always liked the idea of a Dwarf dual wielder using 'classic' Dwarf weapons too, so he fits the bill perfectly. Goal is Crom Fayer and some equally powerful axe. I like being forced to wear scale mail too - I like the party having different equipment instead of all being in plate.
Ghorek - Level 7 Beserker
Half Orc, Sword and Shield specialising in Long Swords
I wanted a classic 'Tank' in the team, and didn't want the dual classing and special classes to make the party too varied and have trouble when it came down to the nitty gritty fighting. Hence why Ghorek is around. I tend to just point him in the direction of the strongest Melee foe and leave him to it. Not much else to him really, but I like that about him.
Lanche - Level 8 Avenger
Human, Two handed weapon style specialising in Spears, Quaterstaffs and Clubs. Currently using a spear.
Never used a druid before, and never used spears. Since Davoth Dual classed, Lanche's role has changed a lot. Initially he was the sole healer, and was quite busy (Having 4 of the 6 party members fighting up close). I've also never had an 'offensive casting' Healer. With Lanche I have that. I generally have him cast any debuffs I fancy, then shift into the (ridiculously amazing in BG1) Sword Spider and let him fight whoever he wants, going for human fighters and mages when possible. I really like this character, and having him means I get a character who has lovely spells and shifting, but can wear leather armour (which I NEVER choose to wear) so I get to try that range of armour for the first time and see what BG2 and TOB have to offer in the way of spears (I have literally never used a spear in all the time I've played. Silly thing to look forward to, I know)
Zalamel - Level 7 Dragon Disciple
Half Elf, Dagger and Dart (Currently a dagger)
Zalamel was literaly born from the fact there was a new class, and I wanted to play it. Was concerned about the casting restrictions, especially when I move to BG2, but currently he's enough for BG1 (hence the decision to have Hawke Dual class in the next game to a mage). He's fun, though I don't use the dragon breath much. I'ts reassuring having so many hitpoints (for a mage) - especially since he has a tendancy to get targeted by enemies either through ambushes or ranged attacks. Currently he is purely offensive and has very little 'Blue' spells in his book - I have had an amazing success rate with the spell 'sleep' - to the point I didn't even pick Magic Missile until the next level up where you get to add another spell (started with sleep and identify)
So, there it is, my sort of RPG/Powergame party, with choices based off having a strong team coupled with a few picks based off experimentation. Currently the party has 3 fighters, 2 healers, one mage and one rogue. In BG2 there will be another mage added. I think it's the most balanced party I've ever put together, and covers all possible armour types (Leather, Scale and Plate), weapon styles (single, dual, two hand and ranged) Weapon types (blades and blunt) and has enough magic support that we can have an offensive and defensive caster from the healer and wizard classes.
The plan is to play the Black pits to completion, strip them of all items, export and import them into a solo multiplayer game of BG1. Then carry them through the saga. With that in mind, what do you think of the party? how do you think I'll do in the real game? any strengths/weaknesses? how do you think I'll do in the later games?
Oh, and first post. Hi guys :)
