[Tancred]

The title says it all. I'm playing the BG saga right the way through (they only went and rewrote the end, didn't they?) again with my original cast of NPCs; Tancred the Paladin and his motley crew. Back when I first played the game, I was admittedly a bit hesitant to try things - the party was geared to fight in combat. Imoen and Dynaheir would offer support while Minsc, Khalid and Jahiera went in weapons flailing. Anything we couldn't handle with brute force we left alone until we COULD handle it with brute force. Imoen was our scout and trapspotter. Dynaheir used the same spells over and over.

Well, now, after smashing my way through the saga once already I've become more proficient in the skills of BG - thieving especially. Once you get to the city of Baldur's Gate the uses for a Thief become more and more apparent. I've gained a newfound respect for anyone who plays a thief, and although combat is exhilirating, there's nothing like the smug feeling of completing a thievery-style quest with no bloodshed but heaps of skill - hiding in corners, skipping from area to area, making sure the coast is clear etc. There are so many things you can do that other people can't as a Thief, and that is all part of the attraction.

Fantastic stuff. Next up, I think, I'll play as a Thief. Fantastic fun. For anyone who hasn't perfected the art of stealth and cunning, give it a try - one small purple-clad girl can accomplish what four heavily-armed warriors cannot. As for anyone revelling in the challenge of thievery, good on you!