I was thinking about building a BG2 powergaming party, built and based on the IWD2 Powergaming Party, found at Gamefaqs.com and elsewhere. Rather than heavily slanted towards one side (ie 6 Sorcerers), I want a diverse range of abilities and equipment. My base party, as I thought of it:

Ranger (7)d/Cleric => Dual Wielding Crom and FOA. Dual immediately for quicker spell regaining along with quicker progression. Can cast both druid and cleric spells (unfortunately, not druid HLAs), and starts with 2 Xs in dual-wielding, as well as lots of proficiencies. Ultimately, will be a main tank.

Kensai (13)d/Thief => Dual Wielding DotS or SSoM with Angurvadal. Duals at 13 for max APR. Can quickly disable opponents with backstab, and will have no problems at all once he reaches ToB levels with Use Any Item. Secondary tank, though not too much tankage should be needed.

Kensai (13)d/Mage => I know, I know, I hear your groans. However, still one of the most powerful combos out there. Using halberds (Ravager) and two handed swords (GtsoG), so that he can stand behind others as he attacks, if necessary. Secondary mage, and main buff caster.

Cleric/Mage (Multi) => The walking encyclopedialmanactionaryography of magic. Knows all spells except for druid specific, but we already have those. Basically, turns himself into a tank (using Storm Star and the Darksteel Shield, after buffing), and wreaks all kinds of unholy havoc, as well as providing valuable extra cures, buffs, and cannonning.

Sorcerer => Bombardier. 'nuff said. He can solo, but his power is only enhanced, as he no longer needs as many summons as a normal sorcerer would, and can concentrate almost full-out on the damaging spells. This guy is killer.

The last character I am hung up on. I am undecided. A berserker/cleric would be nice as a secondary self-buffing tank, BUT we have the issue of running out of quality blunt weapons. An archer or inquisitor would fit nicely, your suggestions much appreciated.

And now, some ground rules:
1) Mods are all well and good, but I want this party to be able to be played unmodded. No FArchers or Anti-Paladins please.
2) No cheese. Powergaming-munchkinism is good, but don't be saying how powerful a character is because he can set X number of traps on spawn points, or can cloudkill from offscreen. These guys can win in a straight up fight.
3) This may eventually take FAQ form, so any rationale or strategies would be appreciated. I want to do this as an ongoing project, so your help would be greatly appreciated.
4) Please, no powergaming vs roleplaying debates. I respect both sides, but for this particular exercise, I am going the powergaming route. Please, don't turn this thread into an argument. [img]smile.gif[/img]

If you have any questions, e-mail me, it's in my profile.

A Barbarian? For when the need for anti-backstab is high?

Maybe a Monk? For when you need high MR against something?

The Archer would fit in nicely as well... What more... I can't think up of other classes. Maybe an Avenger?

<span style="color: lightblue">Replace the Kensage with a multiclassed Fighter/Mage, for the PI + IA + GWW + CS power. Give him Elven Chain Mail, and the Staff of the Ram.
Ranger -> Cleric - dual Crom and the upgraded Runehammer, wear the Armour of the Hart, later Blue Dragon Scale.
Cleric/Mage - dual FOA and Defender of Easthaven. Wear some Mage Robe.
Kensai-> Thief - I agree with your weapon choice, wear White Dragon Scale.
Sorc - SoTM, RoV, AoP. 'nuff said.

Final character - Monk.

[ 08-07-2003, 04:53 AM: Message edited by: LennonCook ]

A Ranger->Cleric will lose to a Ranger/Cleric.

Both can Specialise in their Weapon Type Proficiencies.

Both can cast Clerical and Druidic spells.

BUT, only the Cleric/Ranger can obtain Warrior HLAs. A C/R with Armour of Faith + Defender of Easthaven + Hardiness is a very, VERY tough nut to crack. Especially if you cast Regeneration beforehand. :eek:

A Cleric/Ranger can also what I like to call... summon the Divine Bazooka of Doom. Cast Fire Seeds and activate Greater Deathblow. Watch in amazement as you suddenly realise he holds in his hands... the ability to kill Beholders and Mind Flayers instantly( no Save, ignores MR) and it is AoE to boot!

1) Sorcerer
2) Kensai->Mage
3) Cleric/Ranger
4) Cleric/Mage
5) Kensai->Thief
6) Blade

F/M
R/C
F/T
Sorcerer
Archer
Monk


Aou have all the basics coverd and it`s quite a challenge,because they level up slowly.

I was thinking that a multi ranger/cleric would be good, but I was unsure. It's good though, because someone needs whirlwind attacks, and indeed, the AoF + DoE + Hardiness is deadly.

I seem to be getting the sense that a monk is being encouraged. I do love all the special abilities (Quivering Palm + Stunning Blow) as well as the perks, such as extra magic resistance. However, my single reservation is that at high level, a monk will do lots of "vanilla" damage, without all the perks (elemental damage, defensive bonuses) that you can get with high-level weapons. Is this an issue?

I like the Blade too, Dundee, but I am concerned about one thing. That leaves us with 3 characters who have to learn off scrolls. Granted, this isn't that big of a deal in ToB, what with Arcanus, but before that the spells are slightly stretched. I guess the thing is, that blades can hold there own before spells. Would the blade be preferable over a monk?

I'm leaning towards monk because that gives us an excellent anti-mager, and it gives us two characters that can quickly cause a lot of damage and stun an enemy before they can react (Kensai-Thief and Monk can both hide.)

Any more thoughts about classes, possible builds, weapon or equipment notes would be grand. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Might I suggest a Skald instead of a Blade? A Skald can give the party beautiful combat bonuses with Bard Song, and the high lore comes in handy, even with late-game parties. Plus, he/she can take advantage of the Heartseeker, or the Gesen bow, or the Mana bow, or even Firetooth.

Correct me if I'm wrong (seriously, I may very well be :D ) but isn't the Skald's song overridden in ToB with the Improved Bard Song HLA? Maybe I'm confused, but in that case, the advantage of the Skald is the extra lore, as opposed to Offensive and Defensive spin, which are simply amazing with a high-level bard. If I'm wrong, feel free to point it out. [img]smile.gif[/img]

"The Suldanesselites:"

Half-Elven R/C
Elven F/T
Elven F/M
Half-Elven C/M
Elven T/M
and Elven Sorcerer.

Remember True Moose... a Blade can pickpocket.

The are two very good scroll merchants in Waukeen's Promenade. They alone should provide you with most of the useful lower level spells. Also... remember that the Blade will be concentrating on combat protections and buffs while the spell-slingers will be more focused on offensive spells and countermeasures.

I mean... seriously, my Mages never use Blur, but my Blade does. When you obtain a scroll, give it to the person that uses it the most. A Mage can forgo Mislead when he gets the SotM, but to a Blade, it increases his combat skills countless times. A Blade will shake his head at the thought of memorising Chain Lightning, but a Mage will delight in using it.

Etc... ...