Betrayal in the Asylum -- POSSIBLE SPOILERS

[Stonewarrior]

I decided not to go back because as you mentioned it would be a long way back. I didn't get to play much last night as I worked late. I just defeated the hand guy and saved right before the statue to go to the next level.

In retrospect I wish I had not let Stone talk me into going to the asylum so soon. The only outer areas I went to were the Windsper Hills (didn't take on the dragon...didn't think I was strong enough yet) and the D'Arneise Stronghold. I hope not going to the other areas doesn't hurt me from an XP standpoint the rest of the way.

If, after I return to Athkatla will I be able to do those quests? The reason I ask is that after going into Candlekeep and losing a part of my "soul" I stumbled and Imoen mentioned that I will get weaker. Speaking of Imoen, I have also added her to the party so I have her theiving and mage abilities...though her theiving abilities leave a lot to be desired. LOL The 85 in detect traps is annoying.

As for packing for a long trip...knowing there are no temples is nice. I have the Rod of Resurrection and a Rod of Curing and a few Restoration Scrolls. Sure wish I had more potions of healing though...only 4 of the good ones. I have been lucky so far in that I have not had to reload in the Asylum. I have been reading some of the older posts and have read about some sweet spell combonations that have worked for people

When you mention both sides of the Priest Scroll what do you mean?

[shamrock_uk]

I was wondering the same thing [img]smile.gif[/img] I would guess either druidic & clerical or good/evil.

Yes, you'll be able to do all the quests when you get back and no - whilst you may have made it more difficult - it's perfectly possible to go straight to the asylum and make it through alive.

It's probably what a 'good' character would do anyway, rushing to save his childhood companion as soon as he had the means.

[Feral]

Don't worry - the early parts of the game are really open-ended and still quite accessible after you get back to Athkatla (assuming that's where your travels take you ). You didn't really give up any significant adventures by going to the Asylum.

As for priest spells - not all divine spells are open to all divine casters. For instance, druids and rangers cast from a pool of priest spells which is only partly available to clerics (and vice versa). For example, ironskins (a great protection spell) is not available to clerics, while (un)holy smite (an attack spell that keep on givin') is unavailable to druids/rangers.

By the way, great to hear I'm not the only old guy playing this game! Still remember how much fun Ultima II and Questron were...

EDIT: shamrock_uk beat me to it. Dang those slow typing fingers.

[ 02-04-2005, 04:13 PM: Message edited by: Feral ]

[Stonewarrior]

I was kind of thinking along those lines, yet I know it will be a tough fight..especially on the next two levels. That said, from the moment Imoen was wisked away by the Coweled Wizards Stone has wanted to go and find her.

One other note about my party structure, Minsc and my PC have primarily been tanks (except when ranged works best) while the other 4 have been using slings, arrows and/or spells. I have found Jaheira's Fire Elemental to be far and away my favorite summoning so I will at times have a third "tank" of sorts.

[shamrock_uk]

Lol, sorry Feral! Do you actually find holy smite useful?? I'm very unconvinced myself...

Both Anomen and Jaheira will make superb tanks as well Stonewarrior, especially later in the game if you find yourself running a bit short of muscle.

[Stonewarrior]

My problem thus far with Anomen and Jaheira as tanks is finding suitable weapons for them to use. My PC has a sweet Long Sword with which I can disrupt spells and cast silence so when I am able to get in close quick enough I have been successful, I also am fond of the Wyvern's Tail (hmm...haven't check to see if Jaheira can use this). I have Minsc using Sarevok's Sword of Choas or one of many Battle Axes.

One other thing I have read about and need to look into is Spell Sequencers or Chain Contingency.

[Feral]

I quite like holy smite in certain situations: IF your party is "good", it's like being able to set off a fireball in the middle of a battle without hurting your people. It's certainly not ADHW, but it's not too shabby.

Stonewarrior: I used to love the elemental too, but (I think?) the Baldurdash Fixpack did something funny to it and I had to move on to other summons - do you have skeleton warriors yet? Do you have the Fixpack installed?

[Stonewarrior]

Actually, with as many times as I have read on hear about how the patches and fixpacks help bugs you would think I would have them, but I don't. I don't have skeleton warriors yet...at least I have not notcied them...just the puny little guys who make nice fodder.

[Feral]

No worries - all in good time. Have fun trying out the different summons - they get very interesting later in the game.

But you should seriously consider installing at least the patch. You will almost definitely run into annoying bugs (some more serious than others) without it. The Fixpack is also very good. Links to both are in the forum FAQ.

[Jerr Conner]

I used to play a lot of PC games with my dad when I was younger. We went through Space Quest 3-6 and King's Quest 4-6. I could never get him into Quest for Glory though...