Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post

Leafy · 03-21-2002, 01:45 PM

I've played IWD through more times than I'd like to admit. Thus, i am quite skeptical when people say they have managed HOF mode with a new party with no cheats. I sat down and tried to attack this challenge a few times and found it impossible to kill all of the Orcs in the cave outside of Easthaven. One or two orcs are doable with much team work; but the first large room invites a group too numerous to defeat. Since HOW seems to make creatures smarter, the typical "lure tactic" doesn't work here.
With a small party of adventurers, the advantage in increased level does not seem to help. Summoned creatures are quickly and easily killed by the Orcs. The only effective strategy seemed to be using "chromatic orb" to paralyze a foe, then target him with Bow specialists. But Cromatic orb is not 100% reliable, and the duration is short; not a reliable strategy for 4 or more Orcs.
I challange anyone who truly created a party from scratch, with no imported or created items; to describe their party makeup and the strategy they used to defeat the Orc cave. Please be detailed; i want to be convinced. (and to try it for myself)

A thought just occured, now. I'll have to assume no one is actually clearing the Orc cave, merely entering then running back to Easthaven to report; missing out on a spell and a random magic item and the Caravan Note. I suppose that's one way through i never thought to try.

[ 03-21-2002, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: Leafy ]

03-21-2002, 01:45 PM	#5
Leafy Zhentarim Guard Join Date: March 5, 2001 Location: The leafy, green forests of Wisconsin Posts: 315	I've played IWD through more times than I'd like to admit. Thus, i am quite skeptical when people say they have managed HOF mode with a new party with no cheats. I sat down and tried to attack this challenge a few times and found it impossible to kill all of the Orcs in the cave outside of Easthaven. One or two orcs are doable with much team work; but the first large room invites a group too numerous to defeat. Since HOW seems to make creatures smarter, the typical "lure tactic" doesn't work here. With a small party of adventurers, the advantage in increased level does not seem to help. Summoned creatures are quickly and easily killed by the Orcs. The only effective strategy seemed to be using "chromatic orb" to paralyze a foe, then target him with Bow specialists. But Cromatic orb is not 100% reliable, and the duration is short; not a reliable strategy for 4 or more Orcs. I challange anyone who truly created a party from scratch, with no imported or created items; to describe their party makeup and the strategy they used to defeat the Orc cave. Please be detailed; i want to be convinced. (and to try it for myself) A thought just occured, now. I'll have to assume no one is actually clearing the Orc cave, merely entering then running back to Easthaven to report; missing out on a spell and a random magic item and the Caravan Note. I suppose that's one way through i never thought to try. [ 03-21-2002, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: Leafy ]