Whats your faveorite party combo? Everyone differs.
I never go for the conventional, and prefer their personalities to their abilities. As currently replaying the whole saga, this is my personal fave party.

Haer Dallis, jocular and just generally fun with a great voice script, and an opinion on almost everything.

Minsc and Jan, for Jans constant attempts to steal boo.

Mazzy and Anomen, for the "Squire" dialogue.

In SoA, Keldorn, Minsc, Edwin, Viconia, and Jan. And a main char of some sort. Power...

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Lord of the RaBid Fruit Trees. ChAos rules all! Bwahahahaha...
:1drgat1:

This is from the encounters I had earlier with different NPC interactions:

Minsc, Jan, Mazzy, Anomen

1) Minsc and Jan fighting for Boo's affections is really funny.

2) The only time (which is quite a pity) when Mazzy lost her temper was because Jan was rambling on and on; she told him to shut up and I could imagine her face crinkling with frustration.

3) Jan insulting Anomen was hilarious.

The rest of the NPCs aren't all that interesting, for the sake of having a 5th member, I would pick Jaheira since her loyalty is touching.

Just a question - Is the party above sustainable (doesn't Keldorn attack Viconia, that's what I gathered from almost everyone's comments)?

Try not to mix good and evil alignments in your party - they often fight each other in the end (and in at least one case, they fight to the DEATH!).

Also, remember that the better your reputation the likely it is that your evil charactors will cause a punch up in the group...

The Heroes(Goodie Goodie Boys)

Minsc (Keldorn)
Anomen
Aerie (Jaheira)
Nalia
Jan

The Villains (Evil guys!)

Korgan
Edwin
Viconia
Jan
Jaheira

Keldorn
Minsc
Jaheira
Nalia (Imoen later)
Mazzy
My Skald

Decent spell casting, good power up front and 3 bow users with two of the bow users able to grab a sword and rough it up front. Just a versatile group IMO.

Baron Nocturna

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Anyone care to see my Rod of Lordly Might?

Good party Baron. But I advice you a cleric. And also Nalia is a much better mage than Imoen in my opinion.

Nalia is only better because she has more XP and that nice ring. Keep both.
I have:

me (paladin)
Aerie
Imoen
Nalia
Minsc
Jaheira


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http://www.asnsoup.com/a.jpg

No, no, no Nalia is only better because she's got a sexy skirt http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

Oh yeah I know Imoen got sexy legs ok, ok..

"Tum kiz'lari magiler kapar"

i've been trying for an interesting party mix this time through.

i just removed mazzy to try something... i put korgan in her place. so ive got

korgan
minsc
me - chaotic good cleric
haer'dalis
aeire
jan.

i am hoping for some sparks to fly or interesting conversation between Jan, Haer'dalis, and korgan. after i finish korgans quest, i'm putting mazzy back in.


dulouz.

Try to mix Jan, Anomen, Minsc, Aerie
That´s what i´m trying, to became more fun, i´m a fighter<chaotic evil>

Me, I prefer Edwin, Viconia, Korgan, and me a druid (just found out in school in deep thought that I in fact was a druid person!

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All your base are belong to us! How Are you gentlemen?

The Spaminyte Emperor
Fish?
***********************
Welcome to your doom!!!
***********************
Official villain/demon of IW!

Me- Fighter

I agree that I am suffering a bit of "cleric-envy". I could do Viconia instead of Jaheira but she'll just fight with keldorn. Jaheira is as good as a standard Cleric IMO because of Harpers Call which gives her a raise dead spell basically. That combined with the healing spells and the AWESOME summon Fire Elemental more than make up for not having a cleric. In fact, I think the Harpers Call is a bit over the top as it really does kill the need for a cleric and makes Jaheira too valuable. Just my thoughts.

BTW, I think Imoen is MUCH better than Nalia because she is a better theif. She is a tad behind the curve on magely things but not by much and improves quickly in the underdark.

I also found that taking a main character as a fighter (with grand mastery in bow) and dualing to a mage is VERY effective but I like the Skald better. The bard song and identify abilities are pretty useful. Plus his quest is more fun.

Baron Nocturna

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Anyone care to see my Rod of Lordly Might?

Baron, your party managed to ward off the undead/vampires without a cleric to cast sunray/false dawn? I'm really impressed!

I feel like i'm missing out on something here http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

I still didn't free Imoen, but i will as soon as i get home http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif I completed a lot of subquests in the first? city, and i did the keep-quest (the one with trolls). I can't figure out how to get into the sphere though?

Ok my party consists of: (i'm really bad with names http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/frown.gif)

Minsc
The Bounty Hunter (thief/fighter) you get in the first dungeon - chapter one.
Nalia? (Mage/Thief from the keep-quest)
My guy Hojou (a Mage)
Aerie
Jaheira

Minsc and the bounty hunter is always upfront in battle - doing good damage. The bounty hunter also has some really nice disable traps and open locks skills.
Nalia is wielding a bow and a nice sword of some kind.
Hojou's spellbook is booming with wierd spells - i forgot from ad&d rules that you can fill a level, making it impossible to learn more spells of that level http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/frown.gif
Aerie is working out fine, priest and mage spells combo is nice.
Jaheira is not working out too well - she isn't doing a lot of damage, and the only thing i seem to use her for is healing and a few protective spells, but i guess that is good enough.

I forgot what the bounty hunters name is, but why didn't anyone pick him?
Do you think i should diss any of these guys? And what alternatives would be good? Keep in mind i'm still in the city (been to all parts of it, but didn't solve all the quests yet).

Well, in my party I prefer the following

Myself (thief, no subclass)
Minsc
Jaheira
Viconia
Jan
Edwin

Has a good combination. Two tanks, two priest classes, and two casters (I consider Edwin a must because of his amazing number of spell slots.)

Minsc (funny and was in my group in BG1)
Jaheira (IMO the best npc)
Aerie (useful + romance)
Imoen (going ASAP)
Me (thief/mage imported from BG1)
XXXXX (Haer'daelis just argued over aerie - and lost 8-) )

probably going to get Vic and Keldorn when i get back from the underdark

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none shall pass...

I think Imoen's skirt is better!



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http://www.asnsoup.com/a.jpg

Oh Gedd great party very funny and enjoying specially Aerie & Haer Dalis. I really hate this tiefling guy Haer Dalis, get your hands off my girl you stupid jester!

http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

HOjou, Dont worry you can increase your INT if you use potion of genius and memorize other spells. Feel free to memorize any 7,8,9 level spells you can memorize them all with 25 int. But for 1,2,3,4,5,6 you have to make some choices. There's 24 or 25 spells per level and even with 25 int, you can memorize max 21 spells. Got these spells, forget the rest (but of course memorize them for only to gain xp)

Level 1: Magic Missile, CHROMATIC ORB, Identify, Charm Person, Color spray

Level 2: Resist Fear, Aganazar's Scorcher, MIRROR IMAGE, Detect Invisibility, Web, Stinking Cloud

Level 3: FireBall, Dispel Magic*, Remove Magic, Spell Thrust, Lightning Bolt, MELF MINUTE METEORS, Flame Arrow, Hold Undead, Skull trap, Haste

Level 4: Minor Sequencer, Improved Invisibility, Secret Word, Monster Summoning II, STONESKIN, Greater Malison*, Otulike's Resilent Sphere, Wizard eye

Level 5: Breach*, Hold Monster, Oracle, Lower Resistance*, Monster Summoning III, CLOUDKILL, Sunfire, Spell Shield

Level 6: Pierce Magic*, Contingency, True Seeing*, Disintegrate, Wyvern Call, Protection From Magic Weapons, Death Fog, Invisible Stalker, Flesh to stone, Tenser's Transformation, IMPROVED HASTE, Chain Lightning, Protection from Magic

Is it possible to play and beat the game without cleric??

I never thinked about it and I played all my FRP games with a cleric. But I noticed that druids also got cool spells, they also heal so why not? Is it possible? What do you say

Is it possible to play and beat the game without cleric??

I never thinked about it and I played all my FRP games with a cleric. But I noticed that druids also got cool spells, they also heal so why not? Is it possible? What do you say a party without CLERIC, mage druid and paladin.


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"A silent blade does not cut always best..
A tender touch from the heart may heal the wounds of my friends..
Or a song from the heart..
A duet with nymphs..
Forget 'bout nymphs, let's play KISS!!"

-Yngwie J. Amadeus Zoltan

"Not for your eyes only, also for your beautiful ears my wingless bird.."

From Heart
To Aerie

Thanks for all your ideas and replies, It's always interesting to hear other peoples opinions on characters and party make-ups.

One question raised regularly here was the DO I NEED A CLERIC?!?!? one, and i must say that i know a few online gamers who absolutely detest clerics and druids in all their forms!! One in particular (I'll call him bob, just in case he reads this, or someone here knows him) set about trying to kill all the NPC clerics from the start of SOA!!! In my opinion, the game can be completed without this sub-class in your party if you can acquire the necessary undead killing weapons (Mace of Disruption +2 etc), and you have at lest one GOOD spellcaster in your party (recommend Edwin, coz he is the only single Mage class npc). Bob has assured me that he completed the game with the following party:

Minsc
Mazzy
Edwin
Nalia (Imoen later)
Yoshimo (dualled to fighter, later replaced by Valygar)

Although even he will admit that killing Jaihera straight off in Irenicus Dungeon was a bit of a mistake http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif , and not taking aerie early on meant a serious struggle with the earlier undead quests and having to take on the harder NPC quests too early. HOWEVER, bob has just started TOB with this saved party, and is (apparently) gettin his ar5e kicked up and down http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

I advised him to try adding Viconia, he said he'll think about it.

I love Haer'Dalis and Jan - good personality and chat-lines, as well as useful skills!

I find Aerie a bit trying in some ways, but despite her timid personality she is courageous and is a healer as well as a mage.

Jaheira is irritating, but loyal. Not a bad figher, and a reasonably good healer as well.

Khalid would be my chice of fighter if he were still alive http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/frown.gif MUCH the best fighter, even if he appears timid. But since we can't have him....

It's a toss-up whether I take Minsc or Keldorn. I prefer Minsc for personality, though.

My created character varies. I PREFER Mage types, but there are enough mages in the game anyway, so, since I do not want Viconia, (she's BAD!) I generally go for a pure Cleric or dual a fighter to Cleric, so that I have the hit points and good (cleric) weapons skills once she has surpassed the fighter level.

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http://www.ranchoweb.com/images/bg2guy/bitchingcopy.gif

http://www.ranchoweb.com/images/bg2guy/fljotsdale.gif

I think this answer depends on what class & alignment your main character is. I'm currently using a Neutral Good Sorcerer with Minsc, Anomen (having passed his test, he's becoming more powerful and may be worthwhile keeping), Jahiera, Jan and Viconia. Will be swapping out Viconia with Nalia and then other NPCs go to through the quests before deciding on who to keep in that 6th slot permanently. Thinking of adding another tank and Mazzy, Valyar or Keldorn may win out.

1. If using a mage, I think you need at least 2 tanks in there: Minsc, Anomen, Mazzy, Valygar and/or Keldorn would all work. If an evil alignment, substitute Korgan of course. If your character is a fighter type, you may only need 1 tank and can keep that other spot open.

2. Unless your protaganist is a thief, I would recommend at least 1 of them: preferably Jan or Yoshi. Nalia has SOME thieving skills (I think she dual-classed to mage at level 4), as does Imoen. Personally I think Jan is the most balanced of the bunch for SoA (and the most interesting from a personality perspective) Jan, Nalia and Imoen give you mage skills as well, while Yoshi's main benefit (from what I can gather) is his ability to set traps and snares.

3. This leaves you two or three open slots for magic use. I think at least 1 cleric is called for, although Jahiera may suffice as a druid. I'm not as high on Aerie as some (although I admit she IS adorable) as her mediocre intelligence and wisdom limits the # of spells she can learn, but she IS a very versatile character. I've never used Edwin but his high # of spells is well known and he would seem to be a great match if your character is a Neutral or Evil Fighter or Thief subclass.

Between the 6 characters I think its best if you have 3 who have spell capabilities, 2 who can be used as tanks and 2 who are skilled at ranged weapons. Note that some of them (Jan for instance) may cover more than one of these areas.

My next run through the game will probably be played as a Paladin, meaning that spell capability will be a premium. Aerie, Jan and Nalia will probably be in the party. Anomen may also make the grade. Jahiera, Mazzy, Valygar and Minsc will battle it out for that last spot.

Sorry for the length here, but this post is one that I am constantly thinking about myself. The various combinations (and how the NPCs interact) is very intriguing, and although I am nowhere near the end of the game I am already looking forward to my 2nd (and 3rd - with an evil party) try. Hope this helps!

There is a spoiler involved with this answer, I used him though. And for the sphere, that is part of a quest you get from the cowled wizards and you'll need Valgr.

on yoshimo
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. He betrays you later so you want to have him at first in chapt one, after that its up to you and there is a subqiest later with his heart. Plus I like his interaction

Oh, I forgot my party:

fighter/magic-user/thief (me) I like covering my bases, plus this is my bg1 character

Minsc ( too cool, Boo rules!)
Jaheria
Aerie
Anomen
Imoen (been with me since bg1, cant leave her behind.)

I haven't needed a Cleric. Jaheira handles most functions and all I need to do is use the Amulet of power on my Skald (with Azuredge) and the have Jaheria cast Neg Plane protect on Minsc with the mace O' Disruption and I have a two pronged wrecking crew of the undead. Use an undead hunter all you have to do is send him in a room alone http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif. If I used a cleric, it would have to be a created character. The clerics in this game are either lame or dual classed and thus raise in levels too slowly. Viconia may be ok, but you have to lose Keldorn to keep her and I am just not willing to do that UNLESS I have user created Paladin (AWESOME in the BG series).

baron Nocturna

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Anyone care to see my Rod of Lordly Might?

...I'm in agreement w/ Zoltan for good and evil alignments... I'm currently switching between two different games; the evil-aligned one is the same as his:

Korgan
Viconia
Edwin
Jaheira
Jan
[Mahlennacht - LE Kensai7//Thief]

[btw that's my habitual nomenclature for dual-class (double slash); Lawful Evil Kensai dualed @ lvl 7 to a thief... multiclass would be, say "CG fighter7/thief8" (single slash)]

Korgan is a riot - he hates EVERYONE (except the PC)... Viconia is a great sexy bitch-queen type... Edwin's sarcasm--plus his scroll quest gave me the biggest laugh I've had in months... Jan is so annoying with his anecdotes it's hilarious... and they're all powerful NPC's as well.

My neutral party seems to be very effective overall, at least the way I play; if I alter the makeup of this party, I feel something's missing:

Mahlennacht - Bard
Valygar
Edwin
Anomen
Jan/Imoen
Jaheira

So I have four fighters (one a 5x backstabber), three mages, two priests (a godlike cleric and a druid), a lockpicker/trapfinder, a compulsive pickpocket, and a brainiac who can ID ANYTHING ANYTIME and thus permit more lvl 1 attack spells. And they won't bitch at each other to the point of fisticuffs.

The only drawback is that I don't get as many interesting interactions, compared to those of the parties previously mentioned by others - but I'm just trying to finish the game for the first time, dammit - I've been at this since March '01 and 170+ days game-time, and I'm still only halfway thru Chapter 5. Never did I imagine that I would be playing the same game for over six months and STILL feel like replaying it when I was done. What an awesome game this is.

i have my main character as an elven fighter/mage. i also have another personaly made character, that is a fighter/thief. i also like to have minsc,
anomen, keldorn, and nalia in my party. seems to work out rather well.


http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...les/aniGif.gif

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Morgan Corbesant, Elven BladeSinger, Captain of the army of the Seldarine

1st game:
Laennec (straight fighter)
Jaheira
Anomen
Nalia
Yoshimo / Imoen
Mazzy

2nd game:
Ryan (Undead Hunter)
Minsc
Jaheira
Anomen
Nalia
Imoen

3rd game:
Namara (Berserker)
Aerie
Jan
Nalia
Anomen
Keldorn

I tried Cernd, Haer'Dalis, Korgan, Viconia and Valygar, but for short periods (of those aforementioned, Valygar had the longest stay - 21 out of 103 days). I'm planning to play a mage or a cleric im my next game, but I'm really out of time. http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/frown.gif

Me Caviler
Minsc
Jahiera
Yoshimo
Aerie

My first party... I was planning on adding Imoen to make it a 6 person group however... well we all know what happens. I ended up taking Anomen to fill up room but these are the 4 that hold a special place in my heart ^_^

efficiency party:
Minsc(and Boo, although he´s not that effective at all)
Korgan
Yoshimo
Nalia
Viconia

story party(what actually matters):
Minsc
Jaheira
Haer´Dalis
Aerie
Jan
...but you need a tank main char for this one

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Calvin the bold - the malt beer lord is in!
http://home.nikocity.de/calvinundhob.../anigif030.gif

I've to admit I'm still having a headache trying to decide who to retain in the party. Ideally, I'd pick this party:

Minsc, Keldorn, Mazzy, Jan, Jaheira, my kensai-mage.

This is because in the previous game I only had 2 fighters and I want to see how much difference an additional fighter will make. But somehow, I get worried thinking that each time Jaheira (or some other single priest) casts protection spells, it takes way too long to buff up even just the fighters, ie danger of spell duration running out.

Just a question for those who do not have Jaheira in the party -- did you have her right up to Harper's quest and then dump her (at that point, ring of wizardry would be obtained) Though I don't really like her and would prefer Anomen (especially to try out the romance), I would feel really guilty (well, at least for a while http://www.ironworksforum.com/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif )abandoning her after all she has done for me.

Does anyone have any comments on this? I'm really interested to hear what you have to say.

Your party is well-balanced. You have 3 powerful fighters (Minsc and Keldorn as frontliners, Mazzy as a sniper and ALSO as a frontliner when equipped with some strenght enhancing item)and 2 support fighters (Jaheira and you).
I'd stay with those characters you currently have! But if you really want Anomen, remove either Minsc or Keldorn depending on your choice of fighting styles; keep Minsc if you like to dual-wield, or Keldorn if you like 2 handed weapon style (because of Carsomyr).
Keep in mind that no NPCs can have grandmastery in bow, so unless your Kensai-Mage has a good shot or you're not a fan of ranged combat, keep Mazzy.

This is my favorite party in SoA:

Myself (fighter)
Minsc (stands beside me in the heat of battle)
Yoshimo (my little "picklock-findtraps-backstap" party member)
Jaheira (use her both as fighter and wizard)
Aerie (use her as wizard)
Nalia (use her as wizard aswell)

Myself (fighter):
Favorite weapon: Flail of ages (it was hard to collect the last flail-head from those pesky golems!)

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...and he walked the earth for centuries, slaying creaturs of the underworld...
-Charlander

[This message has been edited by Charlander (edited 09-14-2001).]