Preparing another run-through

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Hi all,

So I'm preparing another run through the game, but I'm not quite sure which direction to take.

I've spent plenty of time doing solos, 4-mans, evil parties, Tutu-to-ToB, but I haven't done a right and proper "good" play through lately.

While browsing through the various new mods, I came across Sarah, who looks quite fun. So after deciding to use her, adding Auren for her extra dialogue was only natural. And with Auren comes Nalia.

That's 3 NPC's selected, but I'm not sure what else to take.

Classwise I'm looking at either a swashbuckler dualing daggers, a swashbuckler/mage doing the exact same thing but with more magic or maybe a paladin.

Since there's 4 girls in the party already, I thought maybe go for a full chick party. I like my clerics though and Aerie doesn't appeal right now. I'm not sure how playable this game is using a druid as support instead.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, some questions:

• How useful is using a straight swashbuckler, are the extra skill points going to be redundant?
• What's the best level to dual a swashie over to mage?
• Are druids viable as only healing class? The loss of restoration spells might be a bit though.
• Are there any good cleric (or druid) NPC mods out there? I don't really like the Bioware selection anymore, they feel over-used for me now.
• Any further character recommendations? I was thinking of adding Mazzy as well.

Mods I have installed already:

• Rogue Rebalancing
• Item Rebalancing (looks slightly overpowered, but wanted to check it out)
• Sarah and Auren Aseph

Thanks in advance for any hints and tips

 

I find them very usefull both as fighters and thief.

Indeed they are, it's just a bit more convenient with Restoration. You still have temples.

See that's the real problem. Until some of the inprogress cleric reaches (Gavin & Jelina) the surface you are doomed to Bioware, homemade or a silent Branwen (from BG1)

Item & Spell revision mods made by Demigvrgus & Mike1072 are really well done and IMO actually nerfs the game overall.

SCSII is mandatory and so are the BG2Fixpack and BG2Tweakpack.

BTW you could also add Ninafer mod NPC (female F/M) she's fun.

For my part I'm waiting for Item Revision v2 to get released so I could enjoy both that and RR v4

Cheers

 

Thanks Shaitan!

Looks like I'm stuck with the Bioware team then. I think I'll change Mazzy over to Fighter/Cleric. That won't be a huge change for her and gives me a chance to use her differently for once.

About mods: Fixpack and tweakpack are already installed, I didn't bother listing them as they should be mandatory for everyone by now. SCS, hmmz... might consider that one. It's been a while since I've played BGII, but an extra challenge might be worth it.

Where can I find Ninafer?

Cheers mate.

 

Hi!

You can get Ninafer at the Chosen of Mystra site

I owe to tell you about Wikaede NPC (Male Cleric of Helm made by MoongazeII) but I can't find his home. I've version 4,2 anyway if you somehow want it.

Cheers

 

Thanks, I check her out. She looks pretty decent and (almost) bugfree. The lack of crossmod content is a shame though, as half my party would be silenced by it. I might take her along some other time.

 

Yes I do really mis the crossmod stuff, I can't get enough of that crispy stuff

 

Which is exactly why I wanted Auren as well this run. Both are made by the same author, so their interaction should be flawless.

I have decided to install at least some components from SCSII, just to spice it up. Am I able to install it just on top of everything or do I have to do a fresh install?

WeiDU log:

Spoiler

// Log of Currently Installed WeiDU Mods
// The top of the file is the 'oldest' mod
// ~TP2_File~ #language_number #component_number // [Subcomponent Name -> ] Component Name [ : Version]
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // BG2 Fixpack - Core Fixes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #1 // BG2 Fixpack - Game Text Update
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #100 // Party Gets XP for Sending Keldorn to Reconcile With Maria
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #101 // Improved Spell Animations
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #102 // Cromwell's Forging Actually Takes a Day
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #104 // Ghreyfain's Holy Symbol Fixes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #106 // Giants Receive Penalties When Attacking Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #107 // Remove Dual-Classing Restriction from Archers and Stalkers
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #109 // Corrected Summoned Demon Behavior
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #110 // Additional Script Fixes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #111 // Bard Song Fixes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #112 // Wizard Slayers Cause Miscast Magic on Ranged Attacks
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #113 // Additional Alignment Fixes
~BG2FIXPACK/SETUP-BG2FIXPACK.TP2~ #0 #114 // Change Free Action to Protect Against Stun
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #0 // Item Revisions by Demivrgvs: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #1 // Masterwork Weapons: v1
~SETUP-DUNGEONBEGONE.TP2~ #0 #0 // Dungeon Be Gone V1.6
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #0 // Proper dual-wielding implementation for Thieves and Bards: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #1 // Thief kit revisions: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #2 // Thief High Level Ability revisions: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #3 // Proper racial adjustments for thieving skills: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #4 // Bard kit revisions: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #5 // Bard High Level Ability revisions: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #6 // Proper spell progression for Bards: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #7 // Additional equipment for Thieves and Bards: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #8 // Upgradeable Equipment: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #10 // Revised Thievery -> Retain default thievery potions and prevent their effects from stacking: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #11 // Chosen of Cyric encounter: v4.01
~RR/SETUP-RR.TP2~ #0 #12 // Shadow Thief Improvements: v4.01
~AURENASEPH/SETUP-AURENASEPH.TP2~ #0 #0 // Auren Aseph V6.2 for BG2:ToB
~SARAHSOA/SETUP-SARAHSOA.TP2~ #0 #0 // Sarah NPC Romance Mod for BG2:SoA: v1.3
~BG1NPC_PORTRAIT_PACK/BG1NPC_PORTRAIT_PACK.TP2~ #0 #0 // Copy all portraits for use by player characters: v2
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #40 // Change Viconia's Skin Color to Dark Blue
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #50 // Avatar Morphing Script
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #60 // Weapon Animation Tweaks
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #70 // Icewind Dale Casting Graphics (Andyr)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #100 // Commoners Use Drab Colors
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #110 // Icon Improvements
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #120 // Change Avatar When Wearing Robes or Armor (Galactygon)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #130 // Force All Dialogue to Pause Game
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1010 // More Interjections
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1020 // Alter HP Triggers for NPC Wounded Dialogues
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1080 // Add Bags of Holding
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1120 // Stores Sell Higher Stacks of Items
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1161 // Multiple Strongholds (Baldurdash) -> Keep Class Restrictions
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1170 // Bonus Merchants (Baldurdash)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1180 // Female Edwina
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #1220 // Allow Cromwell to Upgrade Watcher's Keep Items
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2090 // Change Experience Point Cap -> Remove Experience Cap
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2140 // Expanded Dual-Class Options
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #2300 // Triple-Class HLA Tables
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3001 // Higher HP on Level Up -> NWN Style
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3030 // Easy Spell Learning -> 100% Learn Spells
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3040 // Make Bags of Holding Bottomless
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3050 // Remove fatigue from restoration spells
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3060 // Remove "You Must Gather Your Party..." Sound (Weimer)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3080 // Unlimited Ammo Stacking
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3090 // Unlimited Gem and Jewelry Stacking
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3100 // Unlimited Potion Stacking
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3110 // Unlimited Scroll Stacking
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3121 // Happy Patch (Party NPCs do not fight or complain about reputation) -> NPCs can be angry about reputation but never leave (Salk)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3125 // Neutral Characters Make Happy Comments at Mid-Range Reputation
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3160 // Keep Drizzt's Loot, Disable Malchor Harpell
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #3200 // Sellable Items (Icelus)
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4010 // Improved Fate Spirit Summoning
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4020 // ToB-Style NPCs
~BG2_TWEAKS/SETUP-BG2_TWEAKS.TP2~ #0 #4100 // Change Korgan to Neutral Evil
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #10 // Revised Shield Bonuses: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #11 // Dual Wielding Changes for Light and Heavy Weapons: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #13 // Halberds Can Slash, Too: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #14 // Remove Cleric Weapon Restrictions from Multi-classed Clerics: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #15 // Prevent Druids from Wearing Helmets: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #16 // Restrict Fighter/Druids to Armor that Druids Can Wear: v1
~ITEM_REV/ITEM_REV.TP2~ #0 #17 // Weapon Changes: v1
~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #0 // Nythrun's Level 1 NPCs: List party-joinable NPCs (required to install any other components): v1.1
~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1 // Tweak weapon proficiencies for some classes (a la Ashes of Embers and aVENGER's Rogue Rebalancing?: v1.1
~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1206 // Imoen: v1.1
~LEVEL1NPCS/LEVEL1NPCS.TP2~ #0 #1211 // Mazzy Fenton: v1.1

 

You should install SCS2 on top of everything

If you can wait some hours there's a new version of Item Revision released.

And since we're on it why don't you install the banterpack (from PPG) and IEPBanters (from SHS)?

If you're going to install the whole shebang again, then remember the hotfix for the fixpack which Nythrun released at G3

Cheers

 

So I ended up installed most of SCSII and I'm kinda stuck now.

I'm getting my behind handed to me everytime I try to tackle Tor'Gal. His improved version spawns with 2 yuan-ti mages, an "elder" umberhulk and his regular 2 giant trolls. Plus he's able to cast some spells as well!

Can anyone give me some good tactics?

My current party consists of:
PC swashbuckler dual wielding Trollmelter and Arbane (trollmelter is from RR, +4 vs trolls and deals extra acid damage). She has no points in stealth or traps, so no luck there.
Nalia, with quite a spell selection. (spent some time stealing scrolls)
Auren Aseph, pure fighter dual wielding a masterwork longsword and her own sword. She should be able to beat down the PfMW mages.
Anomen, with the FoA.

This is my first large quest, so I'm pretty low level.
PC: 11
Nalia: 10
Auren: 8
Anomen: 12 (I think this is a bug, he has a huge amount of xp...)

I'm still 2 party members short, but I plan on picking them up during the Umar Hills quest (Mazzy and Sarah). I'd rather not abandon the keep now to pick them up, but I'm kind of at a loss.

So, any help, please?

 

From my experience, yuanti mages are the biggest trouble here. They cast so many spells and are nigh untouchable for a time.

Retreat your party and send in summons to absorb the yuanti mage's spells. A chaos or two not casted into your party saves a lot ot trouble. Keep the low level fodder summons up and going and ready as they are killed so yuantis will waste most of their heavy spells on them. Animate Dead (from Anomen) Monster summoning spells, scrolls and wands help a lot. You can help the fight with ranged weapons with your party. Have Anomen cast Proteciton from Evil 10' radius, and True Sight...cast a lot of Chaotic Commands if your members fail their saves and become uncouncious, or confused a lot.

If your swashie is trained in detecting illusions, you can dispel yuanti mage's illusions (mirror image, invisibility) but this requires dangerous proximity to them. You need to be close to them and start searching for traps. You have a base chance of % (your skill here) to dispel illusions per round spent.

Cast greater malison, and then chaos from a safe distance after sending in the summons. This has a good chance to confuse some of the enemies. Add slow, which will hinder melee enemies greatly, and will reduce troll's regeneration rate considerably. Both spells have -4 to save, are area-effect and with greater malison they demand a save vs spells at -8, very tough saves to make!

Potions! Have your fighters drink potions of invulnerability (+5 to saves help a lot against spells), heroism, giant strength etc. Protection from magic potions are very useful against yuanti mages as well, BUT do not let your buffed fighters to be targeted by enemy's dispel magic!

Try too breach youan-ti mages after (stripping their illusions and spell protections) and once they are, have all of your party attack them. A summon or NPC can distract Torgal and make him go a merry-go-round dance by this time, if you are lucky.

 

Thanks for that detailed advice mate!

I'll try it out next time I'm playing. Though I'm already considering rerolling... The horror of BGII has always been the ability to start a new game too easily .