Party formation reflection & ideas (evil-ish)

CerebroDragon · 11-27-2003, 08:19 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm having some blissful dilemma's about my party formation this time around, more so than previous times. My essential questions for discussion aren't necessarily who is best who fits the role that I require, but also the logistics of when I should pick up another NPC and the positives and negatives about changing an already proven/couple of levelled up party.
Needless to say, I'm enjoying it all immensely...

The party roleplaying theme I'm aspiring for at the moment is a true neutral party with slight leanings towards neutral evil and so I'm going for a combination mostly of neutral and evil, since the first two times I played the game, I've essentially been good. The first two parties were:

1. Neutral Good Dwarven Fighter (me)
2. Ajantis
3. Kivan
4. Jaheira
5. Imoen
6. Branwen

I never did it with a mage the first time. Second time around was definitely more of a challenge and a thrill to roleplay. Installed ToTSC this time.

1. True Neutral Bard (me)
2. Jaheira
3. Coran
4. Faldorn
5. Kivan
6. Xan (I got very attached to this NPC despite his perceived weaknesses. His pessimism was just so infectious and a delight to listen to.)

Ok. So this time around, my main reasons for repeating the game is to experience some evil npc action, but not to the point that I thoroughly lack conscience. I'll be looking to keep reputation low, but not to the point where any good or neutral character snaps.

(although that could be fun to see, as I love the in party fights)

Thus, my party is in Nashkel at the moment (only just started) so this is what its looking like:

1. Kivan
2. Kagain
3. Montaron
4. True Neutral Druid (Vigamortis)
5. Imoen
6. Xzar

Now, already the alignment clashes has brought to the surface some hilarious arguments between Kivan and Xzar...with Kivan often telling him to shut up. So unfortunately, as much as I love Kivan, he's eventually going to have to go in favour of Shar Teel or Viconia. Its just a question of timing really...ok, so I'm envisioning the party will eventually look like this:

1. Shar Teel (definite)
2. Kagain (definite
3. Viconia (definite)
4. Vigamortis (me)
5. Imoen/Montaron/Safana? (decisions to make!!!)
6. Xzar/Edwin... (what a dilemma!)

I'm most likely going to go for Safana when I find her, as I've never really tried her out before and her alignment (chaotic neutral?) is probably more in line with my party theme. However, seeing both Montaron and Imoen go having used them for the first part of the game for a couple of levels will be hard...
and Montaron will add extra fighting power and there is always the potential for dual classing Imoen too!! Decisions, decisions!

So yes, if anyone would like to add some thoughts to help me make the two last critical decisions or just wishes to add something for me to think about, feel free. I'm particularly suffering on the mage question - I like them both enough to almost try using both at the expense of someone else!

Since I was attached so much to Edwin in Bg2, I'll probably end up picking him for his slaughter Dynaheir sidequest...but don't wish to miss out on any Xzar insane hilarity and dialogue too...*sigh* I love this game. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Well, better get going as I've already waffled a bit much! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Cheers,
Cerebrodragon

[ 11-27-2003, 08:24 PM: Message edited by: CerebroDragon ]

Calaethis Dragonsbane · 11-27-2003, 08:31 PM

Why not try something totally different and go for an "all magic" party, or an "all tank" party, just for a laugh.

. Xan, Xzar and Edwin could be quite amusing...

SixOfSpades · 11-27-2003, 09:08 PM

Hmmm.....no matter how cool the party banters will be, you're not going to enjoy them if you keep losing fights. Since BG1 is all about Tank + archers, and you've got 3 spellcasters (Vigamortis, Viconia and at least 1 Mage) who pretty much suck at actual combat, I would beef up the Warriors as much as possible: Kagain, Montaron, Shar-Teel. That leaves you with only half a Thief, though, which isn't going to be very convenient in BG1. You might consider Dualing Shar-Teel.

As far as which Wizard to take, Either flip a coin between Edwin and Xzar, or just take the one you're least familiar with. Alternatively, ignore both of them for the early game, and carry Imoen in that slot instead, to assist Montaron with the Thieving duties until Shar-Teel is ready to take over. Then dump Imoen, and go get your chosen Mage (who should be leveled up to Level 6 by now).

HolyWarrior · 11-28-2003, 04:57 PM

Edwin is a MUCH better spellcaster than Xzar. I would sack Xzar and Montaron and pick up Edwin and Safana.

Dar'tanian · 11-28-2003, 07:36 PM

Well....Edwin and Safana are the best for an evil party. The Evil party you have down there is the best one, but it is going to be hard playing with them because you will not be able to do pretty much anything that will give you a good Rep. and when you make a Good decision in a quest you usually get more experience. Also who is Faldron?

Azred · 11-29-2003, 04:01 AM

Always choose Safana over Imoen (apologies to Galadria). The only drawback to Safana is her associated quest; however, I fulfilled her quest with my cleric/mage who was only level 2/1--one potion of speed, one potion of invisibility, one spell of protection from evil, and one spell of sanctuary.

Since you are using Shar-Teel, don't forget to give her specialization in missile weapons and load her up with darts and the Bracers of Archery.

Midget Gems · 11-29-2003, 06:05 AM

It's been a while since I played but I do think roleplaying for 'just a bit evil' gives a nice game. I also like the suggestion that Six made - Shar-Teel is the best theif in the game when it comes to backstabbing and I have also used her as the principle tank on another occasion, so don't be put off by her low constitution. I never had a liking for Safana, I'd rather wait and use Tiax, but then again I'm biased in favour of small, idiotic characters!

Oh, and I normally take Edwin over Xzar, though Xzar is actually the better character, while Edwin is the better Mage.

HolyWarrior · 11-30-2003, 03:18 AM

Faldorn is the Shadow Druid in Cloakwood Forest. She does not get along with Jaheira. Her portrait is SCARY! :shudder:

CerebroDragon · 12-02-2003, 06:17 AM

Thanks for all of the ideas chaps,

My party formation still hasn't consolidated, in fact, the first of the party dynamics experiments are just happening now...

I stormed through the mines faster and at a lower level than I ever had before. With Kivan in leading the party, and Montaron and Kagain, the battles seemed easier than on earlier attempts.
I'm rested at Feldepost's Inn after picking up Shar-Teel and reaping the rewards from enduring the difficulties of the Basilisk area.
I then dropped both Imoen (at level 5) for Viconia and Montaron for Shar-Teel (4/4), and (not before taking all necessary items back of course!) headed down to Nashkel.

Thus, I'm about to grab Edwin and head to the Gnoll Stronghold area and the surrounding unexplored territories for some more xp before engaging the bandits camp in all earnesty. In previous efforts, I found the Stronghold a decent challenge through the sheer number and seemingly respawning scum. Somehow though, this time around I sense it might be slightly easier, with me having waited a bit longer to head down there.

So, at this stage my party comprises of:

Kivan
(I tend to question the validity of the 'chaotic good' alignment when he has so much bitterness and a desire for vengeance within him...this dark kind of anger makes him a very welcome member of the party. Shall be difficult to replace him and his skills, which is my only main party dilemma now...Safana looks like his replacement.
Shar-Teel
(I used Kagain to best her...I keep wondering if she will have a side-quest within Baldur's Gate or whether someone shall recognise her to illuminate her past...hint to me someone, but don't spoil!

Kagain
(I never found his caravan, but got his message about not really caring about it anymore, which was a relief and stopped me fearing that he'd get fed up and leave. His banter with Xzar was amusing.
Viconia
(She is fitting in just nicely...although is very quiet except for her pain for the sun. I remember on previous games when she wouldn't join my party and would head to Baldur's Gate instead, so I can't help but wonder what other encounters I shall have due to her being a Drow...)
Vigamortis
(Just hit level 5, so now have level 3 spells! Call Lightning! Oh Joyous day!)
Edwin
(Derisive but lovable bastard that he is! His comment about Elminster is thorougly hilarious.)

So yes, everything's looking great at the moment. Kivan is pretty much the central issue now, as far as change goes and how my party goes without a thief. Perhaps I'll think more on the idea of dualing Shar-Teel...but at what level is this ideal I wonder? [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cheers,
Cerebrodragon

SixOfSpades · 12-02-2003, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CerebroDragon:
Shar-Teel ...I keep wondering if she will have a side-quest within Baldur's Gate or whether someone shall recognise her to illuminate her past...hint to me someone, but don't spoil!

She does have a bit of background, but you won't see it until Chapter 7. She also has some nice interactions with another Evil character.

11-27-2003, 08:19 PM	#1
CerebroDragon Red Wizard of Thay Join Date: March 2, 2003 Location: Ballarat, Australia. Age: 46 Posts: 878	Hey everyone, I'm having some blissful dilemma's about my party formation this time around, more so than previous times. My essential questions for discussion aren't necessarily who is best who fits the role that I require, but also the logistics of when I should pick up another NPC and the positives and negatives about changing an already proven/couple of levelled up party. Needless to say, I'm enjoying it all immensely... The party roleplaying theme I'm aspiring for at the moment is a true neutral party with slight leanings towards neutral evil and so I'm going for a combination mostly of neutral and evil, since the first two times I played the game, I've essentially been good. The first two parties were: 1. Neutral Good Dwarven Fighter (me) 2. Ajantis 3. Kivan 4. Jaheira 5. Imoen 6. Branwen I never did it with a mage the first time. Second time around was definitely more of a challenge and a thrill to roleplay. Installed ToTSC this time. 1. True Neutral Bard (me) 2. Jaheira 3. Coran 4. Faldorn 5. Kivan 6. Xan (I got very attached to this NPC despite his perceived weaknesses. His pessimism was just so infectious and a delight to listen to.) Ok. So this time around, my main reasons for repeating the game is to experience some evil npc action, but not to the point that I thoroughly lack conscience. I'll be looking to keep reputation low, but not to the point where any good or neutral character snaps. (although that could be fun to see, as I love the in party fights) Thus, my party is in Nashkel at the moment (only just started) so this is what its looking like: 1. Kivan 2. Kagain 3. Montaron 4. True Neutral Druid (Vigamortis) 5. Imoen 6. Xzar Now, already the alignment clashes has brought to the surface some hilarious arguments between Kivan and Xzar...with Kivan often telling him to shut up. So unfortunately, as much as I love Kivan, he's eventually going to have to go in favour of Shar Teel or Viconia. Its just a question of timing really...ok, so I'm envisioning the party will eventually look like this: 1. Shar Teel (definite) 2. Kagain (definite 3. Viconia (definite) 4. Vigamortis (me) 5. Imoen/Montaron/Safana? (decisions to make!!!) 6. Xzar/Edwin... (what a dilemma!) I'm most likely going to go for Safana when I find her, as I've never really tried her out before and her alignment (chaotic neutral?) is probably more in line with my party theme. However, seeing both Montaron and Imoen go having used them for the first part of the game for a couple of levels will be hard... and Montaron will add extra fighting power and there is always the potential for dual classing Imoen too!! Decisions, decisions! So yes, if anyone would like to add some thoughts to help me make the two last critical decisions or just wishes to add something for me to think about, feel free. I'm particularly suffering on the mage question - I like them both enough to almost try using both at the expense of someone else! Since I was attached so much to Edwin in Bg2, I'll probably end up picking him for his slaughter Dynaheir sidequest...but don't wish to miss out on any Xzar insane hilarity and dialogue too...sigh I love this game. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] Well, better get going as I've already waffled a bit much! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Cheers, Cerebrodragon [ 11-27-2003, 08:24 PM: Message edited by: CerebroDragon ] __________________ Diddledy High, Diddledy Low, Come Brave Blood Sheep, You've a goodly way to go. - Brilhasti Ap Tarj

11-27-2003, 09:08 PM	#3
SixOfSpades Dracolisk Join Date: September 16, 2001 Location: Bellingham, WA, USA Age: 48 Posts: 6,901	Hmmm.....no matter how cool the party banters will be, you're not going to enjoy them if you keep losing fights. Since BG1 is all about Tank + archers, and you've got 3 spellcasters (Vigamortis, Viconia and at least 1 Mage) who pretty much suck at actual combat, I would beef up the Warriors as much as possible: Kagain, Montaron, Shar-Teel. That leaves you with only half a Thief, though, which isn't going to be very convenient in BG1. You might consider Dualing Shar-Teel. As far as which Wizard to take, Either flip a coin between Edwin and Xzar, or just take the one you're least familiar with. Alternatively, ignore both of them for the early game, and carry Imoen in that slot instead, to assist Montaron with the Thieving duties until Shar-Teel is ready to take over. Then dump Imoen, and go get your chosen Mage (who should be leveled up to Level 6 by now). __________________ Volothamp's Comeuppance Everything you ever needed to know about the entire Baldur's Gate series......except spoilers.

11-28-2003, 07:36 PM	#5
Dar'tanian Red Wizard of Thay Join Date: October 26, 2002 Location: USA Age: 35 Posts: 858	Well....Edwin and Safana are the best for an evil party. The Evil party you have down there is the best one, but it is going to be hard playing with them because you will not be able to do pretty much anything that will give you a good Rep. and when you make a Good decision in a quest you usually get more experience. Also who is Faldron? __________________ I\'m back boys...

11-29-2003, 04:01 AM	#6
Azred Drow Priestess Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: a hidden sanctorum high above the metroplex Age: 55 Posts: 4,037	Always choose Safana over Imoen (apologies to Galadria). The only drawback to Safana is her associated quest; however, I fulfilled her quest with my cleric/mage who was only level 2/1--one potion of speed, one potion of invisibility, one spell of protection from evil, and one spell of sanctuary. Since you are using Shar-Teel, don't forget to give her specialization in missile weapons and load her up with darts and the Bracers of Archery. __________________ Everything may be explained by a conspiracy theory. All conspiracy theories are true. No matter how thinly you slice it, it's still bologna.

11-29-2003, 06:05 AM	#7
Midget Gems Avatar Join Date: November 15, 2001 Location: London, England Age: 34 Posts: 568	It's been a while since I played but I do think roleplaying for 'just a bit evil' gives a nice game. I also like the suggestion that Six made - Shar-Teel is the best theif in the game when it comes to backstabbing and I have also used her as the principle tank on another occasion, so don't be put off by her low constitution. I never had a liking for Safana, I'd rather wait and use Tiax, but then again I'm biased in favour of small, idiotic characters! Oh, and I normally take Edwin over Xzar, though Xzar is actually the better character, while Edwin is the better Mage. __________________ Midget Gems - Heroes in their own lunch time and creator of the Suicidal Gnomes.

11-27-2003, 08:31 PM	#2
Calaethis Dragonsbane Legion Symbol Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Somewhere in between Age: 40 Posts: 7,029	Why not try something totally different and go for an "all magic" party, or an "all tank" party, just for a laugh. . Xan, Xzar and Edwin could be quite amusing...

11-28-2003, 04:57 PM	#4
HolyWarrior User Suspended for 2 weeks by Ziroc [Dec30] Join Date: July 7, 2002 Location: IL Age: 59 Posts: 472	Edwin is a MUCH better spellcaster than Xzar. I would sack Xzar and Montaron and pick up Edwin and Safana.

11-30-2003, 03:18 AM	#8
HolyWarrior User Suspended for 2 weeks by Ziroc [Dec30] Join Date: July 7, 2002 Location: IL Age: 59 Posts: 472	Faldorn is the Shadow Druid in Cloakwood Forest. She does not get along with Jaheira. Her portrait is SCARY! :shudder:

12-02-2003, 06:17 AM	#9
CerebroDragon Red Wizard of Thay Join Date: March 2, 2003 Location: Ballarat, Australia. Age: 46 Posts: 878	Thanks for all of the ideas chaps, My party formation still hasn't consolidated, in fact, the first of the party dynamics experiments are just happening now... I stormed through the mines faster and at a lower level than I ever had before. With Kivan in leading the party, and Montaron and Kagain, the battles seemed easier than on earlier attempts. I'm rested at Feldepost's Inn after picking up Shar-Teel and reaping the rewards from enduring the difficulties of the Basilisk area. I then dropped both Imoen (at level 5) for Viconia and Montaron for Shar-Teel (4/4), and (not before taking all necessary items back of course!) headed down to Nashkel. Thus, I'm about to grab Edwin and head to the Gnoll Stronghold area and the surrounding unexplored territories for some more xp before engaging the bandits camp in all earnesty. In previous efforts, I found the Stronghold a decent challenge through the sheer number and seemingly respawning scum. Somehow though, this time around I sense it might be slightly easier, with me having waited a bit longer to head down there. So, at this stage my party comprises of: Kivan (I tend to question the validity of the 'chaotic good' alignment when he has so much bitterness and a desire for vengeance within him...this dark kind of anger makes him a very welcome member of the party. Shall be difficult to replace him and his skills, which is my only main party dilemma now...Safana looks like his replacement. Shar-Teel (I used Kagain to best her...I keep wondering if she will have a side-quest within Baldur's Gate or whether someone shall recognise her to illuminate her past...hint to me someone, but don't spoil! Kagain (I never found his caravan, but got his message about not really caring about it anymore, which was a relief and stopped me fearing that he'd get fed up and leave. His banter with Xzar was amusing. Viconia (She is fitting in just nicely...although is very quiet except for her pain for the sun. I remember on previous games when she wouldn't join my party and would head to Baldur's Gate instead, so I can't help but wonder what other encounters I shall have due to her being a Drow...) Vigamortis (Just hit level 5, so now have level 3 spells! Call Lightning! Oh Joyous day!) Edwin (Derisive but lovable bastard that he is! His comment about Elminster is thorougly hilarious.) So yes, everything's looking great at the moment. Kivan is pretty much the central issue now, as far as change goes and how my party goes without a thief. Perhaps I'll think more on the idea of dualing Shar-Teel...but at what level is this ideal I wonder? [img]smile.gif[/img] Cheers, Cerebrodragon __________________ Diddledy High, Diddledy Low, Come Brave Blood Sheep, You've a goodly way to go. - Brilhasti Ap Tarj

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