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CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2 | CHAPTER 3 | CHAPTER 4 | CHAPTER 5 | CHAPTER 6 | CHAPTER 7 | CHAPTER 8 | CHAPTER 9 | CHAPTER 10 | |
Avastrian | Jaheira | Anomen | Keldorn | Minsc during Shadows of Amn | Sarevok during Throne of Bhaal | Imoen Asteroth | Korgan | Sarevok during Throne of Bhaal | Jan Jansen | Viconia | Edwin The Other NPCs |
JAN JANSEN, M CN GNOME ILLUSIONIST/THIEF
Attributes
| Strength | 9 |
| Dexterity | 17 |
| Constitution | 15 |
| Intelligence | 16 |
| Wisdom | 14 |
| Charisma | 10 |
Proficiencies
Shortsword *
Dagger *
Quarterstaff *
Crossbow *
Find Traps 105
Open Locks 95
Pick Pockets 80
Move Silently 20
Hide in Shadows 15
Detect Illusions 90
Why He's Included and How to Use Effectively
I used to be dismissive towards Jan, plus I hated his stories. But then I learned more about what Jan is capable of, and then I could tolerate his stories more or less. Jan of course can always improve his thieving skills on level ups, and can learn Mage spells as a secondary caster.
But after that he seemed pretty weak since he can only attack once a round. The gap in my knowledge was how to use his traps effectively. For anyone with wanting to know how to get the most out of Thieves in BG2, have a look at Christopher Lee's guide on how to play single-class Thieves. I'll candidly admit that my use of Jan's traps doesn't amount to anything more than the unsophisticated bombardment theme that Lee describes. But combining trap bombardment with other party tactics suffices to get the job done.
It may sound odd, but giving Jan a Girdle of Giant Strength is a worthwhile investment as he can score hideous damage on a backstab. This theme reaches his pinnacle when he can use a Spell Trigger that combines together Spell Immunity: Divination plus Mislead plus Improved Haste to become a veritable backstabbing little monster with his Staff of the Ram +6.
He can also play a role similar to Keldorn in that he can activate his Detect Illusions ability in order to get rid of the enemies' illusions, although this requires him to do nothing else in the meantime.
The other reason to include him is that of all the neutral-aligned characters, Jan will be the most tolerant towards an evil party. He'll only leave if reputation gets as low as 1.
Inventory in Shadows of Amn
Primary Weapon: Quietus +4
Missile Weapon: Flasher Launcher
Helmet: Jansen Spetroscopes
Amulet: Amulet of 5% Magic Resistance
Cloak: Cloak of Displacement
Armor: Bladesinger Chain +4
Gloves: Bracers of Archery
1st Ring: Ring of Air Control
1st Ring: Ring of Danger Sense
Belt: Girdle of Stone Giant Strength
Boots: Boots of Celeritous Stealth
Inventory in Throne of Bhaal
Primary Weapon: Staff of the Ram +6
Missile Weapon: Firetooth Crossbow +5
Helmet: Thieves Hood
Amulet: Amulet of the Master Harper
Cloak: Cloak of Displacement
Armor: Aslyferund Chain +5
Gloves: Bracers of Archery
1st Ring: Ring of Air Control
1st Ring: Ring of Danger Sense
Belt: Girdle of Stone Giant Strength
Boots: Boots of Celeritous Stealth
Personal Quest
For interest's sake, I've included the completion of his personal quest here. At some point, about 12 days after he first joins the party, somebody named Beeloo Jansen turns up and speaks to Jan. Apparently there's a problem with Jan's ex-flame, Lissa. Jan wants to return to his home in the Slums District. It's the cliched tale of the girl preferring the rich and abusive guy over the nice guy.
But anyway, Jan's home is on the east edge of the Slums District. I have my tiff with Cohrvale and Bregg on the way there. I rest up at the Copper Coronet afterwards.
I then enter the home and witness a family reunion of sorts. I get the Boots of Jansenkind (turn into a Gnome for 10 turns) in my inventory, but what use I could have for them I can't guess.
It turns out it isn't quite a domestic abuse problem. Lissa's child has taken sick. I then go down two stories while Jan remains with Lissa. I speak with Uncle Gerhardt who, after a lot of prodding, finally reveals that I need to speak with Jysstev in her estate in order to find the Hidden One.
I then relay the news to Jan, but he continues to stay behind and leaves it to me to seek Jysstev. I then see Lady Jysstev in her estate in the Government District. She, after prodding, informs me that the Hidden One can be found in the sewers beneath the Copper Coronet.
This also means I have to get Lehtinan's permission to access the back rooms of the Copper Coronet early, and before I get around to finishing that quest. The Hidden One can be found in the long gutter that runs through the center of the Sewers, near where the Carrion Crawler can be found. The Hidden One in turn wants me to deal with two creatures that have been pursuing him.
I then go to the Sea's Bounty Tavern in the Docks District and tell The Thumb "I am a Seeker" as per the Hidden One's instructions.
He in turn tells me to look into the second floor of the Five Flagons Inn. And sure enough I find a pair of Githyanki in one of the small rooms at the top floor. Asteroth catches them with an Insect Plague to prevent them from using any spells. I take down the one who isn't protected by Mirror Images first, and then the second one.
I return to the Hidden One, who informs me that Jaella has been cured. It turns out that the Hidden One is a Mind Flayer. The party gets 17,500xp.
I then go back to Jan's home where another cliche plays out. Vaelag talks Lissa into giving him another chance. But for me, the end result is that Jan is now a permanent member of the party. The party also gets another 15,500xp.
