This thread has been prompted as a result of the new screenshots posted by @Icallhimlecobra (thank you!), although the idea has been churning in my head for a long time.
Arcane battles often prove to be the most challenging ones (particularly in BG2). But after a certain number of playthroughs there is a predictability in the patterns of most Mages. They generally have similar spell triggers; a similar casting order; similar summons; similar protections and offensive spells. This is most poignant - I feel - with Liches.
Don't get me wrong - they're still not simple battles!
But in one new screenshot we see a Sharran Monk cast 'Chill Touch'. This made my ears perk up.
Maybe Mages might forfeit the use of some of the more powerful spells, but would it not cause the players to take a step back if some of the new Mage encounters incorporated spells that the player had not anticipated? Things like 'Stinking Cloud'; 'Slow'; 'Contagion'; 'Sphere of Chaos'; perhaps a naughty spell trigger 'Mass Invisibility' at the start of combat in order to allow the Mage to buff up, while giving his foot soldiers time to advance without fear of archers (ie.Mazzy!)?
Albeit this discussion may be more relevant for BG:SoA, a much more magically-charged world. Sooner rather than later, I figured!
Is this 'Chill Touch' screenshot the first of many unexpected arcane applications for our new foes? :D
Arcane battles often prove to be the most challenging ones (particularly in BG2). But after a certain number of playthroughs there is a predictability in the patterns of most Mages. They generally have similar spell triggers; a similar casting order; similar summons; similar protections and offensive spells. This is most poignant - I feel - with Liches.
Don't get me wrong - they're still not simple battles!
But in one new screenshot we see a Sharran Monk cast 'Chill Touch'. This made my ears perk up.
Maybe Mages might forfeit the use of some of the more powerful spells, but would it not cause the players to take a step back if some of the new Mage encounters incorporated spells that the player had not anticipated? Things like 'Stinking Cloud'; 'Slow'; 'Contagion'; 'Sphere of Chaos'; perhaps a naughty spell trigger 'Mass Invisibility' at the start of combat in order to allow the Mage to buff up, while giving his foot soldiers time to advance without fear of archers (ie.Mazzy!)?
Albeit this discussion may be more relevant for BG:SoA, a much more magically-charged world. Sooner rather than later, I figured!
Is this 'Chill Touch' screenshot the first of many unexpected arcane applications for our new foes? :D