NPC choice (NWN2)

[wellard]

I am working my way through my first game and playing a thief I need some beef up front, the dwarf fighter does a good job but the trio of ladies - druid - thief - sorcerer leave the group a bit weak especially as i have not got the spell thing worked out fully.

So is there any more fighter type NPC out there?

[Gabrielles blades]

youll get a ranger and a paladin later on, i think they both kind of are weak compared to the dwarf.
You might consider getting 3 levels of swashbuckler for the int dmg bonus as well as 1 shadowdancer level.

[CerebroDragon]

G'day Wellard

Where abouts are you up to? Sounds like you're deep into act I. Are you playing with the AI on or off?

I played a Wizard in my first playthrough but didn't have too many issues with tank power - Khelgar should serve you well providing you look after him and keep him outfitted with the best possible equipment. Some buffs from Elanee and the haste spell when in doubt for the harder battles.

Taking advantage of Qara's firepower is important as well. Rest alot to keep her fully powered as much as possible. My main party from my first playthrough varied according to whichever character was forced at the time, but was mainly spell-based:

Khelgar (Fighter - I didn't bother going for the monk levels)
Neeshka (Rogue)
Qara (Sorceror)
Sand (Wizard)
PC (Wizard - Evocation specialist)

Yep - I loved obliterating things with magic.

Gabrielles is correct though - you'll soon be able to get Casavir the paladin and Bishop the chaotic evil Ranger. Either or both should fill the hole you need, depending on your playstyle.

I'm replaying it at the moment as an evil, crazy crusty dwarven fighter - just hit level 11 and let me tell you, Khelgar and he are a sight to behold tearing things apart with a fiery greataxe each.

Cheers,
CD

[wellard]

G'day CerebroDragon

Long time no see, hope you are doing well.

I have just cleared up the docks area and am finding a way through the mountains, I ignored the Bard because of his terrible voice. At least I have a decent weapon now (+3 rapier)

Though i am a rogue i took one level of fighter to beef him up, Any suggestions?

Where do i find the ranger or the paladin you mentioned?

[wellard]

I see you have Sand chosen, I never knew he was a choice, I might go back for him later. Does each character have a quest?

[Kezardin]

G'day Wellard,

re NPCs

Paladin - traipsing around a lovely little holiday location known as Old Owl Well

Ranger - available late in chapter 1

Sand - very early in chapter 2

Bard - may come in handy later in the game if you decide you like you like 'em big, dumb and metallic

Four fighter levels will give you a total of three extra feats.

[wellard]

G'day Kezardin

It's an OZ fest!

Hope you are doing OK, good to see you on the forum again. Thanks for the info I think i will go back to the well to pick up the paladin.

Any other NPC out there?

[CerebroDragon]

Hello again...

I tend to lurk more than anything else these days, but sometimes when I'm playing an rpg, I'll jump on and see if there's any active topics. The boards definitely seem quieter these days compared to the earlier periods when I first joined...

Without trying to spoil too much NPC wise, a little later on you'll also get a kind of 'free' fighter for a while which may help the melee department somewhat...

If one doesn't want to go solo, NPC selections are fairly forced for the early part of the game. You'll also be forced to take certain NPCs at key moments in the story, which can be a little frustrating.

I can understand why you turned down Grobnar - he's quite annoying, though I've never taken him for too long to see if his personality warmed on me. But he could serve a purpose as a missile character and for bites of magic if you're desperate and have a spare character slot.

I'm guessing your party looks like:

Khelgar
Neeshka
Elanee
PC Rogue/Fighter?
Qara

If you're concentrating more on missile weapon damage for your thief, you should get more sneak attacks and follow a similar build, but if you're going for melee, you might as well follow Kezardin's idea of getting the extra fighter levels and feats.

Definitely grab Casavir for a short time though, he'll make a good meat shield and a hack buddy for Khelgar. Plus there's some fun interjections with Neeshka when he's around. In fact I think you have to have him for a short period of time during the Old Owl Well quests...

In my current game, my crazy dwarven maniac is knee deep into Act II and has this party following him around: I'm going for a more melee heavy experience this time and are finding it easier.

Velgaar Grimstone (fighter, though considering going for the bezerker prestige class)
Khelgar
+ mystery fighter
Neeshka
Zhaejve (A cleric...)

Time to play some more.
cheers,
CD

[Kezardin]

CD,

like you I tend to lurk.

I only use the bard sparingly - otherwise his name would quickly change to Grobnar Chokehold

My last party was

PC (human rogue/fighter/wizard/eldrich knight)
Khelgar
Elanee
Neeshka ------> later replaced by the cleric
Mystery fighter

Wellard

ta muchly. I'm good thanx - hope you are too.

Later in the game you'll find a warlock and (depending on whether Grobnar was in your party at certain times) another fighter

[wellard]

How do you stop Quara from using that annoying little rat companion?


How do you stop the NPC from following you when I want to 'hide and sneak' to backstab?