Strategy against Improved Lich in Maze?

[pook]

In particular, I'm having difficulty with the teleport field, I've a party of six, Me (sorc), Jan, Arie, Minsc, Anomen, & Keldorn. I can use spell immunity against it, so can Arie, and I think so can Jan, but the Lich repeatedly casts it, and of course Jan and Arie run out, meanwhile Minsc, Anomen, and Keldorn bite the big one.

And in the improved version, the Lich can teleport your entire party before you even open the door.

Also, Tattoo of Power? How long does that last, etc., I know it is a special spell for the Lich only, but how do I determine its weaknesses?

I did this once before with a party with the end result being I used a wand of resurection on my party, and I survived because of spell immunity and the staff of magi.

I may just as well have used crtl-y for all the thrill that sad strategy provided. pfft.

pook

[Dundee Slaytern]

The Tattoo of Power is actually an old tool used even in unmodded BG2. Consider them additional Spell Sequencers/Triggers for the enemy Mages/Clerics in the game.

As for that particular Lich, it likes to either cast Incendiary Cloud or Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting in its' Chain Contingency. You have a 50:50 chance of getting either one, so be prepared for it.

Boost Fire Resistance and Magic Damage Resistance to 100%+ or as close as possible.

If you cater for this event, the rest of the fight should be no problem. If you have trouble engaging the Lich in melee due to the Teleport Field, consider switching to ranged weapons.

[Alson]

Try to memorize a few Magic Missiles and/or Abi Dalzim's Horrid Wilting in case the Lich summons Mordie's Swords.

The Improved Mages also like to cast Protection from Magical Weapons. Keldorn's Dispel Magic innate ability can be your best friend in this battle.

Let us know how it went. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Jani]

I had that same fight few days ago and I discovered THE tactic for it. I used Keldorn equipped with Karsomyr, Belt of inertial(?) barrier and boots of speed. Now the lich will not cast that annoying teleport field as long as he can see one of your NPC:s so make Keldorn invisible and run to the sight of the lich. It´ll start casting spells on you but rest of those undeat are just standing there.

When all ADHW:s and other powerful spells are gone you can start luring those un-dead-meat to attack rest of your party. They don´t really make any threat cause you can what them with all your caracters. (except Keldorn)

Now when they are all dead that lich is already out of most hes spells it´s too easy to run him over with Keldorn. Or use breach and just whack hin down.

You just have to make sure that Keldorn does not attack anything while taking in all the spells. Just keep him moving back and fort to avoid beeing attacked by anyone. Have some potions of extra healing mix with vodka and enjoy.

[Alson]

Just a minor correction, Jani - Breach won't work.
Unless you're using a weapon-ability Breach (from a specific ToB wand), the Lich's immunity to level 1-5 spells will prevent it from working.

The Inquisitor's potent Dispel Magic innate ability would be a wiser pick.

And, of course, welcome to Ironworks Forums, Jani! [img]graemlins/wavey.gif[/img]

[Jani]

Then it must have been Karsomyr dispelling all protections. Or they just expired. Anyway as long as you keep the rest of your party hidden and Keldorn invisible he should be able to stand all the spells.

Should work with the other liches aswell. I think Keldorn with good equipment is actually kapable to take down most (if not all) the mages in the game without breaking a sweat.

[pook]

Well, after many retries, I made it through with only one death, Keldorn, and he was still revivable.

I did it once with cheese, two protections of undead scrolls, and Arie and Anomen turning undead, but went back many times after that.

I love the walkthrough where (I forget who) did with the solo mage, on SOA and TOB. That taught me a lot. I wish someone would do equally detailed walkthroughs on these improved mods, so I can see how they did it in detail.

And the minor avatar of fish city? What a nightmare! Swallowing whole, and all that. I did bring him down through segregation, and then a sudden turning of the entire party on him. I noticed he left a freedom scroll. Does that mean you can bring someone back after being swallowed? I didn't try it again to find out. Was tired and took my lucky kill and split.

After doing the lich though, the sad part is, I'm not sure exactly what worked and what didn't. Much like every time I kill the red dragon, I wonder why he doesn't go down, then suddenly he does and I'm always a little surprised and confused as to what did the most damage.

I do scroll backwards, but it is usually so long, it is difficult to ascertain what is happening.

Jan had a protection from magic damage in his book, so I used all the slots to spread it around a little on the lich thing. I think that helped considerably.

Oh yea, the lich did teleport the remaining party members when Keldorn was in there.

pook