We had polls about alignment, favorite classes...how about what sex do you mostly/always choose for your BG character?
↧
What sex do you play in BG?
↧
Battle of the Mages
So, the general population is pretty much decided that when it's cleric on mage, the mage is going to win.
So what about Mage on Mage?
Who in your mind is the one true victor of magery? Is it dual-class Kensai -> Mage? Pure Sorcerer? Wild Mage -> Thief? Bard? Illusionist/Cleric?
Stage 1:
Create your contender.
Rules:
All participants are at the 8,000,000 Exp cap.
Assume all participants share the following stats before equipment and racial modifiers before equipment:
Strength: 20, Dexterity: 20, Constitution: 20, Intelligence: 20, Wisdom: 22, Charisma: 20. Elves get +1 Dex, -1 Con and so on.
No permanent bonuses beyond those granted by Race, Class or Kit (No DoMT permanent mind shield, no Hell Trials MR, no Slayer form ability and so on).
Your choice of proficiencies.
Your choice of thief skills.
Your choice of spells known (if you're a non-sorcerer, I assume "all of them").
Your choice of HLAs.
Your choice of equipment from BG2 to ToB, with mild constraints:
- Unless it's in a quickslot or equipped, it's unusable during a confrontation.
- If quickslot items are abused, then I'll suggest limitations for how many scrolls/potions etc may be added, since scroll-wars isn't really indicative of any particular class ability.
- Feel free to use Drow Equipment if you want.
A few mild "no cheese" limitations
- Your mislead clone is always close enough to target to be seen.
- You may equip your Staff of the Magi once at the beginning of combat, not alternate it to instantly disappear, - Thieves can hide at the beginning, and may only re-hide if they have some way of eluding their enemy, or if they're Shadowdancers.
- You probably know when you're trying something cheesy.
- No Quantum Spell-lists, if you're not a Sorcerer, then you pick your spells ahead of time and they have to apply to all the conflicts. If you're a sorcerer, your spells known is a defined quantity.
- To eliminate Random, Wild Mages may not use Nahal's. In return they are assumed not to surge.
- No Wishing. Limited Wish is fine for repeatable uses only.
The contenders you make can be faced off against all other contenders.
Stage 2:
Duel!
Combat occurs in an arena area. There is a single, sight obscuring pillar in the centre of the arena.
Both participants are fully rested before being transported to the arena.
Both participants have the chance to cast one spell before being transported to the arena.
Assume both are controlled by equally intelligent, experienced players.
There is no time limit, and no escape.
Your goal is to demonstrate that your contender can reliably handle their opponents.
If it comes down to "whoever casts Timestop first", "whoever fails their save first", or anything particularly random, it's a draw.
Likewise, any situation where you have a questionable advantage over your opponent (i.e. Fighter/Mage getting into melee against a Kensai -> Mage) is assumed to be a draw.
If there's a trick your equipment/class/spell choice can bring up that is demonstrably pretty well uncounterable by your opponent, that's considered a flawless victory.
Being able to reliably place yourself into a situation where you have a significant advantage over the opponent (a Kensai -> Mage getting into Improved Hasted melee combat with a pure Mage, a significantly high MR mage getting into a spell vs spell match against a low MR mage, a Gnome getting into a Save or Die battle with a non-Gnome, a Pure Mage getting into a Dispel battle with a Multiclass mage) is considered a victory.
If someone can demonstrate something you've overlooked or neglected to account for, it's your responsibility to account for it.
Stage 3:
Daily life.
For bonus points, how does your character choice perform in a party role? Can they handle the rigours of day-to-day adventuring in a balanced party? Do they even need a party?
The overall winner over the most possible opponents gets to ascend to be the new "God(dess) of Murder Magic", the losers get to weep and wail and presumably plan to change to whichever class/loadout the winner used.
So what about Mage on Mage?
Who in your mind is the one true victor of magery? Is it dual-class Kensai -> Mage? Pure Sorcerer? Wild Mage -> Thief? Bard? Illusionist/Cleric?
Stage 1:
Create your contender.
Rules:
All participants are at the 8,000,000 Exp cap.
Assume all participants share the following stats before equipment and racial modifiers before equipment:
Strength: 20, Dexterity: 20, Constitution: 20, Intelligence: 20, Wisdom: 22, Charisma: 20. Elves get +1 Dex, -1 Con and so on.
No permanent bonuses beyond those granted by Race, Class or Kit (No DoMT permanent mind shield, no Hell Trials MR, no Slayer form ability and so on).
Your choice of proficiencies.
Your choice of thief skills.
Your choice of spells known (if you're a non-sorcerer, I assume "all of them").
Your choice of HLAs.
Your choice of equipment from BG2 to ToB, with mild constraints:
- Unless it's in a quickslot or equipped, it's unusable during a confrontation.
- If quickslot items are abused, then I'll suggest limitations for how many scrolls/potions etc may be added, since scroll-wars isn't really indicative of any particular class ability.
- Feel free to use Drow Equipment if you want.
A few mild "no cheese" limitations
- Your mislead clone is always close enough to target to be seen.
- You may equip your Staff of the Magi once at the beginning of combat, not alternate it to instantly disappear, - Thieves can hide at the beginning, and may only re-hide if they have some way of eluding their enemy, or if they're Shadowdancers.
- You probably know when you're trying something cheesy.
- No Quantum Spell-lists, if you're not a Sorcerer, then you pick your spells ahead of time and they have to apply to all the conflicts. If you're a sorcerer, your spells known is a defined quantity.
- To eliminate Random, Wild Mages may not use Nahal's. In return they are assumed not to surge.
- No Wishing. Limited Wish is fine for repeatable uses only.
The contenders you make can be faced off against all other contenders.
Stage 2:
Duel!
Combat occurs in an arena area. There is a single, sight obscuring pillar in the centre of the arena.
Both participants are fully rested before being transported to the arena.
Both participants have the chance to cast one spell before being transported to the arena.
Assume both are controlled by equally intelligent, experienced players.
There is no time limit, and no escape.
Your goal is to demonstrate that your contender can reliably handle their opponents.
If it comes down to "whoever casts Timestop first", "whoever fails their save first", or anything particularly random, it's a draw.
Likewise, any situation where you have a questionable advantage over your opponent (i.e. Fighter/Mage getting into melee against a Kensai -> Mage) is assumed to be a draw.
If there's a trick your equipment/class/spell choice can bring up that is demonstrably pretty well uncounterable by your opponent, that's considered a flawless victory.
Being able to reliably place yourself into a situation where you have a significant advantage over the opponent (a Kensai -> Mage getting into Improved Hasted melee combat with a pure Mage, a significantly high MR mage getting into a spell vs spell match against a low MR mage, a Gnome getting into a Save or Die battle with a non-Gnome, a Pure Mage getting into a Dispel battle with a Multiclass mage) is considered a victory.
If someone can demonstrate something you've overlooked or neglected to account for, it's your responsibility to account for it.
Stage 3:
Daily life.
For bonus points, how does your character choice perform in a party role? Can they handle the rigours of day-to-day adventuring in a balanced party? Do they even need a party?
The overall winner over the most possible opponents gets to ascend to be the new "God(dess) of Murder Magic", the losers get to weep and wail and presumably plan to change to whichever class/loadout the winner used.
↧
↧
Dispel/Remove magic on high level casters
Is there any reliable way to remove magical buffs from high level casters except for Inquisitor's dispel magic/dispel-on-hit weapons and Protection from Magic scrolls?
↧
Just rolled a 97 on a ... Jester. What do?
For BG:EE
STR 18
DEX 18
CON 15?
INT 18
WIS 10?
CHA 18?
Should I lower WIS to 7, raise CON to 18, get the Claw & bump WIS later with books? Or lower CHA to 15 & do it that way? Or leave as is?
Also, with a starting CON of 18, will this character eventually be able to get 20 CON & a small regen? Is that worth going for?
STR 18
DEX 18
CON 15?
INT 18
WIS 10?
CHA 18?
Should I lower WIS to 7, raise CON to 18, get the Claw & bump WIS later with books? Or lower CHA to 15 & do it that way? Or leave as is?
Also, with a starting CON of 18, will this character eventually be able to get 20 CON & a small regen? Is that worth going for?
↧
Where is Hexxats employer? *BGII:EE SPOILERS*
shes mentioned i need to meet up with her employer, I thought she mentioned the copper coronet but alas i cannot find anyone to continue her quest in there, shes recently reminded me i need to get to them, where are they? thanks
↧
↧
Black Pits 1&2 *Spoilers*
It appears BP2 is a direct continuation of BP1, storywise. At what experience or level do I end up in BP1 again? More particularly, is the experience points I have in BP2 more or less the experience points I end up in BP1? I uninstalled BG1EE some time ago along with my saves, unfortunately, so I was thinking of restarting the BP so I can feel the sense of continuity better.
Moreover, I can't seem to zoom-in in BP2 first scene. Bug or no?
Moreover, I can't seem to zoom-in in BP2 first scene. Bug or no?
↧
Question Regarding NPC Project
Hey all, I'm going to start a fresh run-through of the Baldur's Gate Saga; I have all the mods that I want installed correctly for Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition, however I'm not sure which mods can be used for Baldur's Gate 1: Enhanced Edition? Can the Baldur's Gate 2 Tweak Pack be used in BG1EE? And most importantly, can Baldur's Gate 1 Unfinished Business & Baldur's Gate 1 NPC Project be used with BG1 EE? I really truly hope so, I just need to know before I attempt an install and full playthrough.
So, in summarize, can the Unfinished Business for BG1 mod and the NPC Project for BG1 mod be used with Baldur's Gate 1 Enhanced Edition? I checked the BG2 EE Compatible Mod list, but that only showed mods for BG2 and I can't seem to find a list for BG1 EE. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So, in summarize, can the Unfinished Business for BG1 mod and the NPC Project for BG1 mod be used with Baldur's Gate 1 Enhanced Edition? I checked the BG2 EE Compatible Mod list, but that only showed mods for BG2 and I can't seem to find a list for BG1 EE. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
↧
Sorc solo. BG1 any problem?
Ive done most of BG2 solo as sorc long long ago. Such a fun class to play so gonna make a new one soon, and this time do the whole saga.
Is there any issues running a lone mage in the first game and being weak like a kitten? Or is it just a matter about using invisibility and sleep alot?
Also, best race? Should be Elf?
Is there any issues running a lone mage in the first game and being weak like a kitten? Or is it just a matter about using invisibility and sleep alot?
Also, best race? Should be Elf?
↧
IWD bard + ranger spell progression via EEKeeper?
Those of you who have played IWD with the HoW expansion know that bards, rangers, and paladins have spell progression charts that are somewhat more generous than those found in the BG games.
Bards eventually get access to level 7 spells (at class level 24) and level 8 spells (at class level 29).
Rangers get level 4 spells (class level 15), level 5 spells (class level 22), and level 6 spells (class level 29). (Similar benefits are given to paladins.)
Would any problems emerge in the game if I were to assign these additional spell slots to characters via EEKeeper? That is, if I were to do this, would it mess anything up, in terms of the game's playability?
I realize that there may be mods that implement these changes, but I'd rather not install them, as I do not want to restart my current game. (And, frankly, I'm too lazy to figure out how to install mods right now.)
Bards eventually get access to level 7 spells (at class level 24) and level 8 spells (at class level 29).
Rangers get level 4 spells (class level 15), level 5 spells (class level 22), and level 6 spells (class level 29). (Similar benefits are given to paladins.)
Would any problems emerge in the game if I were to assign these additional spell slots to characters via EEKeeper? That is, if I were to do this, would it mess anything up, in terms of the game's playability?
I realize that there may be mods that implement these changes, but I'd rather not install them, as I do not want to restart my current game. (And, frankly, I'm too lazy to figure out how to install mods right now.)
↧
↧
The Black Pits 2: Gladiators of Thay
I've seen a lot of speculations on many of the BG2:EE's new content, but none on the new Black Pits adventure!
What does everyone think about it?
Do you think it is related to the end cinnematic of the Black Pits, when Najim sends you somewhere and it says you arrive to an unfamiliar scenery or something along the lines.
I think we might have NPCs in the The Black Pits 2: Gladiators of Thay, the devs might take the opportunity to create new NPC's with the new fits (dwarven defender, dragon disciple etc.) with cool voice sets and portraits.
What does everyone think about it?
Do you think it is related to the end cinnematic of the Black Pits, when Najim sends you somewhere and it says you arrive to an unfamiliar scenery or something along the lines.
I think we might have NPCs in the The Black Pits 2: Gladiators of Thay, the devs might take the opportunity to create new NPC's with the new fits (dwarven defender, dragon disciple etc.) with cool voice sets and portraits.
↧
The Tales of Sima Jin - A Noober's Journey in BG 2 (Let's Play Series)
Hey guys,
This is my first playthrough of BG 2, inspired by the master storyteller, 'Tord' of the Youtube Channel, 'mynameisnotlilly'. As a complete noobie to Let's Plays and BG 2, my first few sessions were pretty shaky, but I feel like I am learning and improving in both regards, and will now try to share/publicise my efforts a bit more. Hopefully a few of you will find it interesting/entertaining, perhaps reminiscing about your own 'first time' with BG 2 ;)
My Let's Play is the complete opposite to the only other active Let's Play on this forum (that I am aware of). Whereas 'zur312' is obviously a veteran powergaming silently through a heavily modded game that jacks up the difficulty, I am a BG 2 noobie roleplaying blindly (and not silently) through the Vanilla experience at 'Core-rules' difficulty. Whereas he only uploads the highlights from his journey, I am uploading every minute of mine to retain a complete record of my first adventure.
Anyways enough fluff, more details can be found in my original post below, and also on my youtube channel. Here's some handy links :)
My Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/IamnotJin
CHAPTER 1
1) Introducing Jin
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 2
2) Gaelen Bayle
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
3) Slavers
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
4) D'Arnise Hold
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
5) Planar Sphere
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
6) The Guarded Compound
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
7) A Rumble in the Sewers
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
8) The Planar Prison
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
9) Cult of the Unseeing Eye
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
10) Pit of the Faithless
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 3
11) The Lesser of Two Evils
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
12) Spiders spiders everywhere!
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 4
13) Setting Sail for Spellhold
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
14) Perth the Adept
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
15) Lost Souls
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
16) Battle of the Asylum
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 5
17) Into the Underdark
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
18) My First Lich!
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
19) A Balor Problem
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
20) The Children of Demogorgon
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
21) Jin Hates Beholders!
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
22) The Illithid Master Brain
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
23) An Unexpected Battle
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
24) Deirex's Tower
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
25) Return to the Beholder Lair
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
26) The Dark Ritual
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 6
27) The Shadow Dragon
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
28) The Red Dragon
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
29) The Twisted Rune
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
30) The Sewer Mindflayers
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
31) The Battle of Crypts
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 7
32) The Temple of Rillifane
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
33) The Black Dragon of Irenicus
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
34) Irenicus and the Tree of Life
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
35) The Final Reckoning
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 8
36) Throne of Bhaal Intro and Party Progress Review
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
37) Gromnir Il-Khan
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
38) Trials of the Portal Maze
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
39) Demon Wraith
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
40) A Calamitous Encounter
[spoiler]
![image]()
[/spoiler]
---
My original post:
[spoiler]
This is my first full playthrough of BG 2, and also my first attempt to record a Let's Play of any game, inspired by the master storyteller, 'Tord' of the Youtube Channel, 'mynameisnotlilly'.
Sadly I do not share his talent for roleplay or his radio-ready voice, so I do not promise any quality or level of expertise, either with regards to gaming or narration. In periods, it basically becomes 'Let's watch this noob play BG 2 whilst thinking out loud.'
I am now recording primarily for my own enjoyment, so that I will be better motivated to remain faithful to roleplay and so that I can look back on what I am sure will be an epic journey through the great city of Athkatla and Empire of Amn beyond. If anyone else might be interested in following my trials and tribulations, then I will steadily upload my adventures onto Youtube.
Oh yeah, I am playing BG 2 Vanilla, with the only installed mod being the BG 2 Fixpack (Corefixes only) from http://www.gibberlings3.net/
I would regard my run as 'semi-blind'. With the exception of the very beginning of the game, I have no idea what to expect. I have avoided all walkthroughs/guides, but I have read the Manual that comes with the download from GOG, and I also use the following resources to help me in my journeys:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/258273-baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn/faqs/11334
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/258273-baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn/faqs/13870
http://www.dotd.com/mm/MM00000.htm
Oh and of course I've sought guidance on this forum. But always in a non-spoiler-ish and specific way.
[/spoiler]
This is my first playthrough of BG 2, inspired by the master storyteller, 'Tord' of the Youtube Channel, 'mynameisnotlilly'. As a complete noobie to Let's Plays and BG 2, my first few sessions were pretty shaky, but I feel like I am learning and improving in both regards, and will now try to share/publicise my efforts a bit more. Hopefully a few of you will find it interesting/entertaining, perhaps reminiscing about your own 'first time' with BG 2 ;)
My Let's Play is the complete opposite to the only other active Let's Play on this forum (that I am aware of). Whereas 'zur312' is obviously a veteran powergaming silently through a heavily modded game that jacks up the difficulty, I am a BG 2 noobie roleplaying blindly (and not silently) through the Vanilla experience at 'Core-rules' difficulty. Whereas he only uploads the highlights from his journey, I am uploading every minute of mine to retain a complete record of my first adventure.
Anyways enough fluff, more details can be found in my original post below, and also on my youtube channel. Here's some handy links :)
My Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/IamnotJin
CHAPTER 1
1) Introducing Jin
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 2
2) Gaelen Bayle
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
3) Slavers
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
4) D'Arnise Hold
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
5) Planar Sphere
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
6) The Guarded Compound
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
7) A Rumble in the Sewers
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
8) The Planar Prison
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
9) Cult of the Unseeing Eye
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
10) Pit of the Faithless
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 3
11) The Lesser of Two Evils
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
12) Spiders spiders everywhere!
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 4
13) Setting Sail for Spellhold
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
14) Perth the Adept
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
15) Lost Souls
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
16) Battle of the Asylum
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 5
17) Into the Underdark
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
18) My First Lich!
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
19) A Balor Problem
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
20) The Children of Demogorgon
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
21) Jin Hates Beholders!
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
22) The Illithid Master Brain
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
23) An Unexpected Battle
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
24) Deirex's Tower
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
25) Return to the Beholder Lair
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
26) The Dark Ritual
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 6
27) The Shadow Dragon
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
28) The Red Dragon
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
29) The Twisted Rune
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
30) The Sewer Mindflayers
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
31) The Battle of Crypts
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 7
32) The Temple of Rillifane
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
33) The Black Dragon of Irenicus
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
34) Irenicus and the Tree of Life
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
35) The Final Reckoning
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
CHAPTER 8
36) Throne of Bhaal Intro and Party Progress Review
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
37) Gromnir Il-Khan
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
38) Trials of the Portal Maze
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
39) Demon Wraith
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
40) A Calamitous Encounter
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
---
My original post:
[spoiler]
This is my first full playthrough of BG 2, and also my first attempt to record a Let's Play of any game, inspired by the master storyteller, 'Tord' of the Youtube Channel, 'mynameisnotlilly'.
Sadly I do not share his talent for roleplay or his radio-ready voice, so I do not promise any quality or level of expertise, either with regards to gaming or narration. In periods, it basically becomes 'Let's watch this noob play BG 2 whilst thinking out loud.'
I am now recording primarily for my own enjoyment, so that I will be better motivated to remain faithful to roleplay and so that I can look back on what I am sure will be an epic journey through the great city of Athkatla and Empire of Amn beyond. If anyone else might be interested in following my trials and tribulations, then I will steadily upload my adventures onto Youtube.
Oh yeah, I am playing BG 2 Vanilla, with the only installed mod being the BG 2 Fixpack (Corefixes only) from http://www.gibberlings3.net/
I would regard my run as 'semi-blind'. With the exception of the very beginning of the game, I have no idea what to expect. I have avoided all walkthroughs/guides, but I have read the Manual that comes with the download from GOG, and I also use the following resources to help me in my journeys:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/258273-baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn/faqs/11334
http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/258273-baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn/faqs/13870
http://www.dotd.com/mm/MM00000.htm
Oh and of course I've sought guidance on this forum. But always in a non-spoiler-ish and specific way.
[/spoiler]
↧
Are any of you chronically unable to finish the game?
Don't get me wrong: I have finished both BG1 and BG2+ToB. But not many times. The thing is though, that I played the second (since it's by far my most favorite) countless of times without finishing it.
Now, it's like a disease. I cannot finish it - chapters 2 and 3 of SoA is my favorites and I absolutely hate endings. Going to Suldanesselar is a clear sign of ending approaching because ToB is so short. So I have my blade at level 31 in Watcher's Keep and I'm already thinking about my next character. Then I leave the character and start a new one. I'm right next to Balthazar's monastery and I'm constantly thinking about other combinations of characters, mods, party organization. I just can't stop thinking.
I started yet again with some other mods to spice things up but I fear that I won't be able to finish it.
And the funny thing? I don't regret it in the slightest.
Do any of you have a similar pattern? :)
Now, it's like a disease. I cannot finish it - chapters 2 and 3 of SoA is my favorites and I absolutely hate endings. Going to Suldanesselar is a clear sign of ending approaching because ToB is so short. So I have my blade at level 31 in Watcher's Keep and I'm already thinking about my next character. Then I leave the character and start a new one. I'm right next to Balthazar's monastery and I'm constantly thinking about other combinations of characters, mods, party organization. I just can't stop thinking.
I started yet again with some other mods to spice things up but I fear that I won't be able to finish it.
And the funny thing? I don't regret it in the slightest.
Do any of you have a similar pattern? :)
↧
Cleric/Ranger Multiclass or Ranger-->Cleric Dual Class? (BGIIEE playthrough only)
I've been hearing about this cleric/ranger build for a long time, and I'm very eager to try it out. I'm not certain, however, which way to go.
Can anyone help a brother out with some advice? What are the trade-offs and advantages of one method over the other?
Also, if I do the dual class option what level should I go from Ranger-->Cleric
ONLY THE SECOND GAME! :)
Can anyone help a brother out with some advice? What are the trade-offs and advantages of one method over the other?
Also, if I do the dual class option what level should I go from Ranger-->Cleric
ONLY THE SECOND GAME! :)
↧
↧
Assassin or shadowdancer?
Hey guys. I just got bgee. I've tried bg a long time ago but never got to beat it. I did so with bg2 and had a blast with the assassin, I just loved stabbing people to chunks.
Now, I wanted to know how good does the shadow dancer come in terms of gameplay? In bg2, I could only later do multiple stabs per target by abusing the boots of speed or rings/potions. Is this class trade off worth the lower stab multiplier? Does the shadowdancer stealth mechanically work differently than chugging an invis potion? What about his progression into bg2ee? Do we get the option to go on with the same class as it wasn't available in the original?
Ultimately, I want to know from those that loved the assassin and tried the shadowdancer their impressions!
Now, I wanted to know how good does the shadow dancer come in terms of gameplay? In bg2, I could only later do multiple stabs per target by abusing the boots of speed or rings/potions. Is this class trade off worth the lower stab multiplier? Does the shadowdancer stealth mechanically work differently than chugging an invis potion? What about his progression into bg2ee? Do we get the option to go on with the same class as it wasn't available in the original?
Ultimately, I want to know from those that loved the assassin and tried the shadowdancer their impressions!
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Dual Class question
I was wondering if, after one dual classes from, say a thief to fighter, if they can still get thief HLA after the class has become active again?
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Serendipitous moment during Trademeet quest with Edwina *spoilers*
I totally wasn't planning it but I completed the Trademeet quest and they made statues of us... And it was during my first ever Edwin playthrough and now there's a statue of him as a female!! I bet it drives him nuts :D
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Multiplayer to singleplay portrait problem
I created 2 pcs to play with via multiplayer game, (selecting tc/ip protocol) and started bg2:ee. After Irenicus cut scene Imoen came, I saved and transferred my save game to save folder from mpsave folder. I've used this trick for bg1&2 and bg:ee with no problems.
However, now when I load up the save from single player game, the portraits of all of my party (except my protagonist) are changed to default man1m portrait (the knight-like looking one, the one used for Abdel) and in a very bad resolution too, very blurry. I can fix this by choosing my created 2nd pc and customising his appearance to choose my own portrait, but I can't change Imoen's and she is stuck with a blurry Abdel portrait. If I save after changing portrait manually, upon loading it is changed back into Abdel portrait. This makes me sad. There is no such problem in multiplayer mode, but it is a chore to load a game via multiplayer (clicking and accepting all party members each time) and you can't pause as fluently as in single player.
Any solutions/ideas?
However, now when I load up the save from single player game, the portraits of all of my party (except my protagonist) are changed to default man1m portrait (the knight-like looking one, the one used for Abdel) and in a very bad resolution too, very blurry. I can fix this by choosing my created 2nd pc and customising his appearance to choose my own portrait, but I can't change Imoen's and she is stuck with a blurry Abdel portrait. If I save after changing portrait manually, upon loading it is changed back into Abdel portrait. This makes me sad. There is no such problem in multiplayer mode, but it is a chore to load a game via multiplayer (clicking and accepting all party members each time) and you can't pause as fluently as in single player.
Any solutions/ideas?
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Dragon Disciple in BG2:EE
Ok, so in BG:EE, Sorcerers got a kit.
And it was cool. Dragon Disciple trades one casting of your level 1/2/3/4 spells per day in return for -2AC, 50% Fire Resistance, +1 con (which isn't really a big deal on mages), better hit dice, and the breath. Basically, a slightly less capable Sorcerer that compensates with slightly better natural defenses and a nifty ability. All in all, this is a fairly even trade in BG:EE, maybe even slightly in the favor of the Kit over the vanilla Sorcerer.
But with BG2:EE on the horizon, a lot of things change. In mid-late SoA and especially in ToB, AC becomes less and less important defensively - enemies with very low, even negative THAC0 and decent APR start to become common. The extra HP from those early levels might save you - from about one additional attack when enemies regularly hit for 20+ damage. And now you're not giving up just low-level spell slots, you're giving up an extra Time Stop or Improved Alacrity, Horrid Wilting or Power Word: Blind, etc.
In short - what is the Dragon Disciple going to get to compensate for the loss of those oh-so-incredible high-level spell slots? I hope it's something beyond further Fire Resistance/AC/Breath Weapon progression!
And it was cool. Dragon Disciple trades one casting of your level 1/2/3/4 spells per day in return for -2AC, 50% Fire Resistance, +1 con (which isn't really a big deal on mages), better hit dice, and the breath. Basically, a slightly less capable Sorcerer that compensates with slightly better natural defenses and a nifty ability. All in all, this is a fairly even trade in BG:EE, maybe even slightly in the favor of the Kit over the vanilla Sorcerer.
But with BG2:EE on the horizon, a lot of things change. In mid-late SoA and especially in ToB, AC becomes less and less important defensively - enemies with very low, even negative THAC0 and decent APR start to become common. The extra HP from those early levels might save you - from about one additional attack when enemies regularly hit for 20+ damage. And now you're not giving up just low-level spell slots, you're giving up an extra Time Stop or Improved Alacrity, Horrid Wilting or Power Word: Blind, etc.
In short - what is the Dragon Disciple going to get to compensate for the loss of those oh-so-incredible high-level spell slots? I hope it's something beyond further Fire Resistance/AC/Breath Weapon progression!
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Enhanced? Nope. Baldur's Gate I & II: Tweaked Edition is what we actually got.
First off this isnt a hate thread. I actually like what been done here,, but in no way are they deserving of the title "Enhanced". They are in no way bad. Far from it in fact, but both stand as prime examples of wasted opportunity.
- The UI is still clunky and absolutely no effort was put in to make it more functional and user friendly.
- The Graphics have seen very little work (actually did a side by side with my GOG editions, and the so called improvements are either so subtle as to be virtually unnoticeable, or actually non existent).
- Sound is virtually untouched (although env effects do seem slightly better)
- New NPCs are ok, but add no value and certainly dont improve the game in any way.
- The Black Pits are insulting. Vapid pointless garbage that was nothing but a waste of time, money, and effort. their inclusion is an embarrassment, and not worthy of anyone's time (either developer or player). The time wasted on these pieces of dross would be better spent on enhancing, bug fixing, and polishing the core game.
The things that should have been done have not even been attempted, and before anyone replies with "they couldnt", ALL of these things could be done.
1: New UI. Modular, and enhanced with a cleaner interface and improved functionality (e.g expanding widows, improved hover interaction, moveable segements, and resizable). Maybe animated portraits, or some other visual polish.
2: Improved sprites. While making them 3D meshes to work in game would be asking a bit much, someone actually redesigning and polishing the sprites should have been a no brainer. The omission is frankly unacceptable. Some new animations at LEAST should have been included.
3: Improved spell effects. See above.
4: Improved backgrounds. While the original artwork is still amazing, there could have been some additional work in adding some flair to the animated sections, again though nothing was done.
5: Improved FMV's. The utterly appalling low rent motion comics in BG1 were a real low point, and the untouched movies from BGII is just lazy (or maybe erring on the side of caution after the response to the first game). Having the team create new fully animated hi rez versions of the original movies should have been a priority.
5: Player Character assets. many more portrait and voice options should have been included.
I am extremely grateful that the game works "out of the box" on my Win8 machine, and the native widescreen support and the Zoom ability are fantastic. The new kits are great, and all the rule fixes and refinements are also hugely appreciated.
There are other minor things I would have loved to see, but they're a personal preference thing, and not things I would expect to see, despite being things I would have liked to see.
I reviewed BGIIEE for GP and gave it 9/10. 8.75 of that is because Baldur's Gate II is still an amazing game, the other .25 is for the tweaks made. This could have been more though, and no one should be looking at this as how to enhance a classic game. Failing to do the minimum should not be rewarded.
I understand that a lot of hard work and real effort went in to these games, and I sincerely appreciate it, for the most part what was included is exceptional. Its what isnt here that I take issue with. You had an opportunity to REALLY make an impact, and you didnt. Mine like many other positive reviews highlight that the majority of that positive score is due to the core game and not the "enhancements". In fact many share my opinion that there isnt actually enough in here to earn the title Enhanced Edition. This is just one man's opinion though, and many people love everything you've done, I only wish I could feel the same way. When you're charging over twice the asking price of the vanilla editions, you better be backing that up with something worth that extra cash... that sadly isnt the case at this time.
What we have here is a strong base, now build some enhancements on that base and deliver the Enhanced experience that the game deserves, and I know you're capable of.
- The UI is still clunky and absolutely no effort was put in to make it more functional and user friendly.
- The Graphics have seen very little work (actually did a side by side with my GOG editions, and the so called improvements are either so subtle as to be virtually unnoticeable, or actually non existent).
- Sound is virtually untouched (although env effects do seem slightly better)
- New NPCs are ok, but add no value and certainly dont improve the game in any way.
- The Black Pits are insulting. Vapid pointless garbage that was nothing but a waste of time, money, and effort. their inclusion is an embarrassment, and not worthy of anyone's time (either developer or player). The time wasted on these pieces of dross would be better spent on enhancing, bug fixing, and polishing the core game.
The things that should have been done have not even been attempted, and before anyone replies with "they couldnt", ALL of these things could be done.
1: New UI. Modular, and enhanced with a cleaner interface and improved functionality (e.g expanding widows, improved hover interaction, moveable segements, and resizable). Maybe animated portraits, or some other visual polish.
2: Improved sprites. While making them 3D meshes to work in game would be asking a bit much, someone actually redesigning and polishing the sprites should have been a no brainer. The omission is frankly unacceptable. Some new animations at LEAST should have been included.
3: Improved spell effects. See above.
4: Improved backgrounds. While the original artwork is still amazing, there could have been some additional work in adding some flair to the animated sections, again though nothing was done.
5: Improved FMV's. The utterly appalling low rent motion comics in BG1 were a real low point, and the untouched movies from BGII is just lazy (or maybe erring on the side of caution after the response to the first game). Having the team create new fully animated hi rez versions of the original movies should have been a priority.
5: Player Character assets. many more portrait and voice options should have been included.
I am extremely grateful that the game works "out of the box" on my Win8 machine, and the native widescreen support and the Zoom ability are fantastic. The new kits are great, and all the rule fixes and refinements are also hugely appreciated.
There are other minor things I would have loved to see, but they're a personal preference thing, and not things I would expect to see, despite being things I would have liked to see.
I reviewed BGIIEE for GP and gave it 9/10. 8.75 of that is because Baldur's Gate II is still an amazing game, the other .25 is for the tweaks made. This could have been more though, and no one should be looking at this as how to enhance a classic game. Failing to do the minimum should not be rewarded.
I understand that a lot of hard work and real effort went in to these games, and I sincerely appreciate it, for the most part what was included is exceptional. Its what isnt here that I take issue with. You had an opportunity to REALLY make an impact, and you didnt. Mine like many other positive reviews highlight that the majority of that positive score is due to the core game and not the "enhancements". In fact many share my opinion that there isnt actually enough in here to earn the title Enhanced Edition. This is just one man's opinion though, and many people love everything you've done, I only wish I could feel the same way. When you're charging over twice the asking price of the vanilla editions, you better be backing that up with something worth that extra cash... that sadly isnt the case at this time.
What we have here is a strong base, now build some enhancements on that base and deliver the Enhanced experience that the game deserves, and I know you're capable of.
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SCS advice
So I just finished a playthrough of BG1 with SCS installed using a minimal party (my PC F/M/C plus Dorn) and loved it. Im just starting BG2 using the same party (including Hexxat this time) and could use sone advice from people that have done solo or small party run. Im having trouble dealing with mages and am worried that once I start fighting Mind Flayers and Beholders it will be a littlw too tough for me. Any advice is appreciated.
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