Jaheira or single class druid in a full party of 6?

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I'm still kinda exploring my options how to start BGT Since I'm a chronic restarter I need to be atleast 99% happy about my party... So another question

How does Jaheira progress in a party of six in BGT walkthrough(assuming she will be in the party for 90% of time and I'll do around 85-90% of the quests), will she get HLAS and 7th level spells reasonable fast??

I'm kinda tempted to take Avenger druid single class as my PC character
and generally I have this idea of party of six with all single/dual classes.. So I'm thinking of taking Avenger if I won't take Jaheira
But i'm concerned that if don't take her I'm going to miss a lot on interactions in the game.

 

Well, it depends on what you consider reasonably fast. Obviously, just like all multi-classes, it will take you twice as much experience to gain the ability to cast 7th level spells as compared to single class counterparts.

You'll start getting access to seventh level spells in late SoA, assuming you're completing most of the optional quests. As for HLAs, she's just like everyone else - you get them every time you level upon hitting 3 million XPs, for both classes combined. So the HLAs aren't an issue at all. While you have that long slog from levels 13 through 15, after that the druid levels start coming quite quickly - I think they're only 150,000 XPs apart.

IMO, you're better off with the multi-class, if for no other reason than gaining access to HLAs from both classes (especially considering you can pick druid HLAs with your fighter level ups - it's not like you won't be getting any of the high level druid spells for a long time!). I find Jaheira to be an incredibly useful character in just about any party. Although part of the answer lies in the rest of your party composition. If you already have 2 or 3 other front line fighters, then perhaps an Avenger, who will be much more a spell caster, will better serve your needs. Also keep in mind that there are some serious armor restrictions for pure druids that the multi-class avoids. For me, it's no contest, but that's because I typically use Jaheira as one of my tanks.

My next run through I'm including Jaheira - and she is definitely a front liner. The party is:

PC elven F/T
Jaheria
Anomen
Valygar
Haer Dalis
Imoen

So there you go - I'm comfortable with using Jaheira as one of my front line fighters.

 

I know they can use leather only but it's a no biggie since they should be able to use animal armor as well- though I'm not whether it is implemented properly... I heard Avengers can use dragon scale but dunno if they can use ankheg armor and well FD using all kinds of armor and getting ** is a big deal

 

I do not think it is implemented properly. After making the armor from animal shells/scales, they assign an armor type to it. For ankhegs and red dragon scales (and later in ToB white dragon scales), it produces plate mail armor, and if you're a regular druid, you're hosed. However, shadow dragon scales produce a leather armor, which the druid can use.

 

Single-class druids SUCK in BG2, and in 2nd ed in general. Jahiera is a good character, and she'll only ever be a level - maybe two - behind your main character for the bulk of the game. She has some of the best dialogue, too. I find her indispensable.

 

dunno Avenger seems pretty decent; obviously it is inferior to powerhouses like all mage classes but in a party of six it can be good I guess... lots of spells, great summons.

also I installed shapeshifter rebalancing which could make him more worthwhile- installed bonus that were implemented but should have been;
the first table when you scroll down
http://www.gibberlings3.net/readmes/readme-bg2tweaks.html

 

I thought Avenger would be worthwhile, too - until I played one. The extra spells are nice, but not great. There are very few leather armors available in the game (that aren't Studded), and the summons are just ok. Overall I was disappointed. The upgraded Shapeshifter is much better, imo, but kind of overpowered.

It depends on what you're going for I guess. If you're going more of a roleplaying route then Avenger is a very cool character concept. For straight up fun purposes, I'd perfer a cleric/mage or something. But I almost always play a dual-wielding melee type in BG2 anyway.

Just play the damn game and have fun.

 

Make sure that none of the mods that you installed limit the armor allowance for F/D. 2nd edition rules don't allow F/D to use armors that single classed Druids can't use. Some fo the mods have that option. I use that option myself and still use Jaheira with the Leather/Hide armors. She still kicks arse.

 

Yeah, the leather armor thing isn't too big of a deal, considering you get +5 leather armor for doing the Umar Hills quest. The armor is obviously intended for a ranger (or a thief) but there's no such restriction on it, so a druid would be able to wear it - (s)he just wouldn't gain any benefit of the stealth-enhancing attributes.

 

Since we're talking about Jaheira - how do you use Jaheira as a front line fighter? In terms of equipment, spells and weapons. I've always used her as caster only.

 

I thought you were more interested in her spanking abilities.

 

Helm of Balduran, Belm or Blackblood plus Fortress Shield or Saving Grace does nicely early on. Armor-wise is whatever you like as she will have a nasty AC no matter what. Either buff with Strength spell or give her a Girdle of Hill Giant Strength early on as well. But that goes for almost and warrior-type or multi warrior type was well. If any warrior has a weak Dex attribute, just give them the Gauntlets of Dex and you are all set AC-wise.

 

I disagree with Beren in how to equip Jaheira. She's awesome with a spear -- especially the Impaler (and later Ixil's). Give her good armor, have her cast stoneskins, give her a belt to improve her strength and she can do more damage than Korgan over the long haul (no one does more damage than Sarevok -- and he's absolutely awesome with Ravager).

There will come a time when her spell casting ability becomes a significant threat and so you shift tactics for her -- have her cast to weaken the enemy and then she can move in the help mop up what's left.