Trying to figure out a party w/ NPCs I've hardly used before:

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Help me complete a balanced party here:

So far, I've got:

Viconia
Haer'Dalis
Cernd

In my "standard setup" that works for my style of play, I'd like to have 1 primary spellchucker, and 2 more tanks. I also need somebody to handle locks and traps. Another requirement is that I'd really like to romance Viccy (I've started that once, but never completed it), and I need the party to stay together (without mods), so inparty killing is OUT.

I figure Imoen fits in pretty well for the main mage and traps/locks person, which leaves me needing 2 tanks.

I could use any of the following to fit that role:

Minsc
Korgan
Valygar
Mazzy (unconventional, but she works well in the role!)
Protagonist

I've never played a Wizard Slayer before, nor a Beastmaster. But I think a WS makes a better tank. I'm not dead-set on this though (as I love Berserkers). It's been a long time since I tried a single-classed Kensai too. Another interesting option is to try a Monk out.

Any and all suggestions here are welcome.
TIA

 

i'd go with mazzy and valygar, these two are often underused

as for protagonist, monk starts out pretty weak, but improves considerably as the game goes on - it would be a pretty good choice overall

wizard slayers are rather poor tanks, since they are prohibited from using most magical equipment,so if you want to make one, get bow proficiency instead and snipe those mages from afar

 

Yeh I think I've only ever used Mazzy once or twice, only used Valygar to open the planar sphere.



Minsc is a very good tank, Bioware seems to love that guy as the made him so top heavy stats wise, he goes virtually unrivaled until Sarevok in TOB. And he has some killer banter with Viconia.

Korgan is diffinitely fun to have around if you don't mind having a fairly average Reputation, he will leave if it gets above 18 (So will Viconia) and if you love berserkers, Korgan's your man.

Never really tried Valygar. "Silence is the virtue of fools" but if you have him and Mazzy in the same party she will pick him to be her squire. every paladin needs a squire.

Never really had Mazzy for very long, but she has some pretty awesome banter with Korgan, he takes a fond interest in the young halfling lass.

And there is always Keldorn, you deck him out with Carsomyr and he can pack a fairly decent sized punch. Though he will not like to be in the party with Viconia for very long.

Never really tried the beastmaster kit, I've only ever done pure class ranger (well Minsc) and the archer class.

Wizard Slayer sounds cool andyou get some nifty bonuses, but I like the "RRRAAGGHHH feel my unholy rage" aspect of Berserkers!

Jaheira, with full plate+STR belt+Belm in the off hand can be a pretty effective tank as well.

For spellcasters;

Edwin is pretty good as the only pure class mage in the game, (save if you make yourself one), so he gets his HLAs a little earlier than Aerie, Nalia, or Jan will.

Aerie can be pretty effective with access to both cleric and mage spells, though she does have low HP so she will need some buffing. She does have a few banters with Minsc if she becomes his witch and all that goes with that. I.e. Minsc going into a berserk rage if she dies. Though as she is romancable, there will be a conflict with Viconia. and You + romancing Aerie + Hear Dalis means trouble.

Never really used Jan, his stories are often just long and boring.

Nalia, again, never really used her. I tend to either go with Edwin or Aerie. I forget if she is eligable to be Minsc's witch in the unmodded game, some websites say yes some say no, I haven't played a game with her and Minsc in my party in like 6 years. So I can't remember.

 

I'd suggest making a Berserker for your PC, and taking Minsc, as your tanks. Less conflicts, plus you can get the maximum 20 reputation.

I've taken Viconia before, but was never really impressed with Cernd or Haer'Dalis.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but perhaps my intended party mix would give you some ideas as well.

My PC is a Berserker/Mage, and right now I'm planning to take the following characters:

1. Minsc - what can I say, he's Minsc.
2. Keldorn - never took him before, might replace him with Sarevok so he can go home.
3. Jaheira - tank, druid spells, romance.
4. Anomen - tank, cleric spells, never taken him before so figured I would this time.
5. Jan - thief and extra caster, to be replaced by Imoen.

I figure that will give me a good mix of tanking and spells, and no party conflicts as well.

 

If Anomen fails his Knighthood test and you have Keldorn in your party, by the time you get to Brynlaw, expect sparks to fly.

If he passes his test, your party seems sound.

 

Valygar and Mazzy make a good team. They have interesting banter together -- but then so do Mazzy and Korgan.

Valygar and Viconia do have issues, but it's very location specific and you can easily avoid it.