[PeeWee]

Thanks guys for all the lengthy replies back. I'm beginning to see how traps can be the huge advantage. I don't have TOB so I don't have the HLA nor special traps. I really don't use the set trap/rest method, but I appreciate all the information given. I still have tons of questions, but being new, I'll just have to wait until I beat the game to answer some of them on my own.

The mentioned areas were tough but I can see how they can be soloed...with the "right" stuff as you guys have pointed out( I don't have TOB nor know where some of the items are yet). The hide in shadows is another huge advantage if done properly(this takes time to "perfect" - I don't know if this compensates for not having better ac. I also use Aegars armor for some areas with the "drinker" sword - it's still new to me so I forget names.

I'm trying Minsc out right now while in the later parts of chapter two. He's lvl 13 and has an ac of -12. He actually can solo against 6-8 regular humnaoid npcs quite well. I use him now to test things out. The ring of Gaxx helps out TREMENDOUSLY. For those who have two of em, I'm sure solo experience seems fun. I opted not to get two. Aerie can solo...so no doubt mage/priest do it well. Minsc can berserk and after a certain time of sweating thru certain areas, I'm sure he can level up enough to go linear to beat the game...still testing. This doesn't mean he will beat every named boss npc out there. I see the same for the thieves.

I'm skeptical about some areas as they do involve cheese, but this isn't really the main concern. It's really about knowing what to kill for the items to beat the story - not really EVERYTHING...though it may appear everything can be beaten by any class. If I have any more questions, I'll figure out the answers in the time to come.

I'm also believeing that it's smart to have played thru the game a few times to solo easier - just to know where the needed items are. Unfortunately, I haven't done this yet so I'm on the opposite end, the end where I'm going to be asking questions and wondering.

Thanks again for all the great responses and playing with the shape shifter - indeed, HARD.