quote:
Originally posted by SixOfSpades:
Nope, it's pretty straightforward:
1) Go Invisible or Stealth (make sure it says "Hide in Shadows Succeeded")
2) Don't let your character attack or talk to anyone (this will make them visible)
3) Get behind Mr. or Ms. I'd-like-to-have-a-dagger-stuck-between-my-kidneys
4) Grin like a maniac and go for blood
5) Run away and, if possible, repeat.
There are some enemies that are completely immune to backstab--chances are, you haven't met them yet. There is also a Thief that cannot Backstab: The Swashbuckler. But you say you're using Jan, and Jan isn't a Swashbuckler, so that's not your problem. I'd say that you either have a bug, or you think that Jan is Hidden when he really isn't--as I recall, Jan's Hide in Shadows and Move Silently skills aren't that high. Jan's Strength is pretty weak, too--that makes his Backstab less likely to hit the target. Not that I'm saying Jan is a bad Thief, heavens no, he's just not made for Backstabbing--that's what Yoshimo's for.
Also,
Page 156 of the BGII SOA manual :
Strength bonuses
With low strength, one would get a penalty
Low str of 7 and under gives the player a penalty for THACO and DMG
str of 8 - 15 gives no bonus nor a penalty to either THACO or DMG
16str: THACO 0 , DMG +1
17str: THACO +1 , DMG +1
18str: THACO +1 , DMG +2
18/01-50: THACO +1 , DMG +3
18/51-75: THACO +2 , DMG +3
18/76-90: THACO +2 , DMG +4
18/91-99: THACO +2 , DMG +5
18/00: THACO +3 , DMG +6
19str: THACO +3 , DMG +7
Hide in shadows around 100 works great for me. I have two options. I normally either let the thief script1 do it, or I do it manually. Yes, clicking on your weapon will make you leave shadows, but it doesn't make you become visible right away(unless it's just plain crappy abilities he has). I -without the script on- hide in shadows, walk to the guy I'ma bout to whack and get right up to him. Don't leave any space. As soon as I'm planted, pause, click weapon and select target. Unpause(by now you have left shadows). Most of the time it works. Too slow in my opinion however. I can watch as my guy swings his sword for 3 or more times before he is detected.
I've also noticed I can backstab from the side while invisible(bug?).
For those who have problems doing it manually, set the thief to script1, it works wonders. Seems to give a higher chance to hit/backstab.
Also, put a girdle of strength on that guy to increase his initial odds of landing that backstab. Equip any + THACO gear and further those chances. If ya got the girdle on, already you will be seeing some nice dmg, especially on a critical hit.
If his hide in shadows is weak, find some gear that changes thieving stats. I barely use potions for any of this so I can't tell you right off if they help( I don't consider this a fix since potions are expendable). I do currently have a ring and vest that helps...when I want to break the monotony of group rushing or using Aerie and her staff of the magi.