Hopefully this time.

[Target]

I want to finally finish this great game, I’ve started it many many times, but I’ve only got as far as the Rapax Castle before something happens.

So I’ve been thinking of a new party and have so many thought running through my head, to either go with a 4 or 6 person party, then what classes, tempted to go with the 4 wizard classes with 2 tanks, or pick some hybrids.
So many thing to go for.
Can I have your thoughts and suggestions please.

[Loudhy]

From my experience I say : Create the party you like.

I know, that sounds not helpful, but it is the best I can say. I won the game about seven times now and every time I created a different party.

I once had a party without magic-users (Bard, Gadgy, Rogue, Fighter). Then I won wit a pure magic party ( no fighters or hybrids )

I am currenty playing a new party ( second try on expert difficulty ). The party contains a Gadgy, Bard, Ninja, Lord, Alchemist and Bishop. They had no problems up to Arnika and if not one of the "Big Guys" are too tough on expert, I,m sure they'll win.
My first "Standard" contained two fighters, gadgy, valk, alchemist, bishop with Vi and RFS-81.

I don't know what problems you have at Rapax Castle. I always thought that a party that made it to that point cannot lose the game. Maybe I can give you a better hint if you wrote a little bit more about your problems there .

[img]graemlins/monster5.gif[/img]

[Target]

Not really problem, just either wiped the hard drive, or somehow uninstalled the game, really daft thing. Or just lost interest with the party.
I've nearly finished NWN's at the mo, then I want to have a bash at finishing wis 8.

Thinking with are magic party, with maybe a ranger for an Alchemist, and a Rogue and maybe Monk up front, how does that sound?

[Loudhy]

As you may remember, you can hire a Monk (RFS-81) later (without magic). I suggest you take a Gadgy or a Bard with you. Gadgets or instruments helped my party later ( full heal and the like ) and both have access to good melee weapons. The gadgys omnigun was always a great weapon . And IIRC the bard can use the cursed Bloodlust early (if you don't want him to use ranged weapons).
For me I prefer a pure alchemist in my party because I want to earn tons of money [img]smile.gif[/img] . And I get Portal spell and Summon Elemental early.
A ranger could be a good addition with his ranged criticals but I never played one. So I can't help you with that.
A good member could be a Lord,too. Bonus on dual weapons, heals himself, can use best armor and dual wielding sword/mace or mace/mace can deliver huge damage to the foes.

But, of course, there is no party in the game, that can survive game weariness.

[img]graemlins/monster5.gif[/img]

[ 06-21-2004, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: Loudhy ]

[Target]

A lord, that could be a good idea, something else to thing about. I do like Bards, and they do have the lock pick and pickpocket...oooooh tough one.
What class is the best ‘tank’ at the start of the game, middle and end?

[Nightwing]

A lizardman rogue makes a great front line fighter or any rogue for that matter. The only time I ever got frustrated with a Party was when I couldn't cast soul shield so I would reccomend a bard, or a spell caster who can cast it. My most enjoyable party always consist of a bard and gadgeteer there are just too many items in the game for them. Also, figure out befor hand what weapons you want to use and work your party towards that. The game can be fun if you create a group with diversity. I created a cleric/fighter dwarf who duel wilded the beastslayer axe and diomond eyes and it was great fun. i didn't want to play a lord so I started with 3 levels of fighter and changed at 12th level back to the fighter. It's been a great combo.

[Nightowl2]

For a pure tank, either a lizard or dracon fighter.

Pickpocket is fun, but I got bored with it after awhile. Then again, you can pick up some nice things using it, and if this is your last fling with the game, it might be worthwhile.

Bards have several really useful instruments to go along with picking pockets. On the other hand, pure rogues up front with backstab and a good weapon can do some serious damage.

Nightowl2

[Scatter]

@ Loudhy; i don't consider a party with a Gad or Bard to be non-magic-using. Try this one, which i finished on Normal, with only one reload due to deaths: 2 Rawulf Fighters and a Faerie Rogue.

@Target; Four Hybrids is a nice party. Because it's only 4, you get levels fast enough that your magic will be there when you need it, especially if you can take a little (boring) practising. Lord dualling Maces, Sam dualling Swords, Monk, and either a Ranger or a Ninja. The most exchangable of these, skillwise, is the Monk. The party can do just as well with a Fighter or Bishop instead, and your formation is easy if you give that one extended weapons (Staff is good for either, because you can get a really nice one as early as L10 if you're bold and stealthy; and Polearm is good for the Fighter--there are some very nice spears available)

[Loudhy]

@Scatter : I know. But they can only create magic with gadgets and instruments, not by pure magic. In my definition a magic-user uses no technical help.

I don't think, you call the use of f.e. a violin (like Viola d'Amore) in a concert magic only because it "charms" the listeners

[img]graemlins/monster5.gif[/img]

[Target]

Dam so many things to think about...
What is everyone’s thoughts on using either a alchemist or ranger?
And is a Lord, Monk or Sam a better tank.
Also what races are best for the magic classes.
I'm thinking traditionally a dwarf for preist
Not sure about alchemist,
For mage either Elf or feairy right,
And the psi one not sure what best for that.
So who do you use and why?
Cheers