Specialization vs. Grand Mastery

whodoyouthinkyouare · 08-25-2002, 04:52 PM

What's up with everyone thinking Grand Mastery is SO much better than Specialization. I've seen countless people trash Paladins for only being able to specialize compared to their fighters' Grand Mastery. But, reading straight from page 237 of the Baldur's Gate 2 manual, it says the only difference between the two proficencies is a +1 to damage and hit. That's all. Now, I know that those bonuses may come in handy, but it's not something you can't live without. What are your thoughts on this?

[ 08-25-2002, 04:54 PM: Message edited by: whodoyouthinkyouare ]

Firestormalpha · 08-25-2002, 05:07 PM

whodoyouthinkyouare, If you were a girl I'd kiss you, but you aren't, so I'll just keep my lips to myself.

[ 08-25-2002, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: Firestormalpha ]

Zarr · 08-25-2002, 05:24 PM

You are correct whodoyouthinkyouare, what more can I add to that?

Sazerac · 08-25-2002, 05:44 PM

I think there's an added speed bonus in using the "Grand Mastery" weapon; in that you get more times to hit per round. That's about all you get other than the +1 bonus.

-Saz

SecretMaster · 08-25-2002, 05:46 PM

I couldn't place it better. Well said.

andrewas · 08-25-2002, 06:29 PM

There is the baldurdash tweak the fixed grand mastery back to what it should be according to ad&d rules. Which is another +1 to hit/+1 damage. Makes it worth using at least.

The Ozzman · 08-25-2002, 07:25 PM

do you mean another +1 to hit and +1 to damage for every added proficiency above ++?

whodoyouthinkyouare · 08-25-2002, 09:14 PM

Thanks Saz... forgot about the speed factor. As for Andrewas, I was unaware of this, and while I never use anything but Official Patches (I've had bad experiences with The Sims), I'm sure these people know what they're doing and this is good info. And Ozzman, I THINK that he just means that you get a +2 to damage and hit with Grand Mastery compared specialization, not an extra + every proficenticy point after 2.

whodoyouthinkyouare · 08-25-2002, 09:30 PM

P.S.- Is it safe to assume that all who replied prefer Paladins over Fighters? If so, I would like to find a fighter's position on the subject, if anyone knows one who would be willing to share.

The.Relic · 08-25-2002, 11:29 PM

I usually play as a Kensai and dual him to mage later on. I can't speak for the other fighter kits as I don't play them. But due to his inability to wear armor and bracers, he gets incredible THACO and damage bonuses as he levels up. At least in the Kensai's case, The Grand Mastery bonuses are pure "Icing" on an already incredible THACO+damage cake! With a good 2Handed sword, it is not uncommon for him to 60+ damage per hit and with the speed bonuses and that incredible THACO, you don't even worry about the fact that he can't wear armor and bracers anymore.

08-25-2002, 04:52 PM	#1
whodoyouthinkyouare The Magister Join Date: August 3, 2002 Location: home Age: 37 Posts: 127	What's up with everyone thinking Grand Mastery is SO much better than Specialization. I've seen countless people trash Paladins for only being able to specialize compared to their fighters' Grand Mastery. But, reading straight from page 237 of the Baldur's Gate 2 manual, it says the only difference between the two proficencies is a +1 to damage and hit. That's all. Now, I know that those bonuses may come in handy, but it's not something you can't live without. What are your thoughts on this? [ 08-25-2002, 04:54 PM: Message edited by: whodoyouthinkyouare ] __________________ One thought becomes dominant over all...<br />DEMOGORGON IS FREE. DEATH MY SCEPTER AND PAIN MY CROWN. THE PRINCE OF DEMONS WILL LOOSE SWEET DESTRUCTION!

08-25-2002, 05:07 PM	#2
Firestormalpha Knight of the Rose Join Date: July 11, 2002 Location: Coral Springs, Fl USA Age: 40 Posts: 4,454	whodoyouthinkyouare, If you were a girl I'd kiss you, but you aren't, so I'll just keep my lips to myself. [ 08-25-2002, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: Firestormalpha ] __________________ "When you start with a presupposition, it's hard to arrive at any other conclusion." "We are never to judge a philosophy by its abuse." - Augustine "If you're wondering if God has a sense of humor, consider the platypus." http://www.greaterthings.cbglades.com

08-25-2002, 05:24 PM	#3
Zarr Symbol of Cyric Join Date: June 19, 2002 Location: Northern Ireland Age: 40 Posts: 1,330	You are correct whodoyouthinkyouare, what more can I add to that? __________________ Minsc - \"Don\'t ask questions better left to aged sages\"<br /><br />\"You must gather your party before venturing forth\". BANG shoots him dead

08-25-2002, 05:44 PM	#4
Sazerac Ironworks Moderator Join Date: January 7, 2001 Location: Monroe, LA Age: 60 Posts: 7,387	I think there's an added speed bonus in using the "Grand Mastery" weapon; in that you get more times to hit per round. That's about all you get other than the +1 bonus. -Saz __________________ "And all my days are trances, and all my nightly dreams, Are where thy grey eye glances, and where thy footstep gleams, In what ethereal dances, by what eternal streams..."

08-25-2002, 06:29 PM	#6
andrewas Harper Join Date: October 2, 2001 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Age: 42 Posts: 4,774	There is the baldurdash tweak the fixed grand mastery back to what it should be according to ad&d rules. Which is another +1 to hit/+1 damage. Makes it worth using at least. __________________ [img]\"http://www.sighost.us/members/Zvijer/andrewas.gif\" alt=\" - \" />

08-25-2002, 05:46 PM	#5
SecretMaster Apophis Join Date: October 19, 2001 Location: New York Age: 37 Posts: 4,666	I couldn't place it better. Well said.

08-25-2002, 07:25 PM	#7
The Ozzman Zhentarim Guard Join Date: June 27, 2001 Location: inland empire, ca Age: 48 Posts: 316	do you mean another +1 to hit and +1 to damage for every added proficiency above ++? __________________ I\'ll talk BG anytime, AIM is: GreaterMalison

08-25-2002, 09:14 PM	#8
whodoyouthinkyouare The Magister Join Date: August 3, 2002 Location: home Age: 37 Posts: 127	Thanks Saz... forgot about the speed factor. As for Andrewas, I was unaware of this, and while I never use anything but Official Patches (I've had bad experiences with The Sims), I'm sure these people know what they're doing and this is good info. And Ozzman, I THINK that he just means that you get a +2 to damage and hit with Grand Mastery compared specialization, not an extra + every proficenticy point after 2. __________________ One thought becomes dominant over all...<br />DEMOGORGON IS FREE. DEATH MY SCEPTER AND PAIN MY CROWN. THE PRINCE OF DEMONS WILL LOOSE SWEET DESTRUCTION!

08-25-2002, 09:30 PM	#9
whodoyouthinkyouare The Magister Join Date: August 3, 2002 Location: home Age: 37 Posts: 127	P.S.- Is it safe to assume that all who replied prefer Paladins over Fighters? If so, I would like to find a fighter's position on the subject, if anyone knows one who would be willing to share. __________________ One thought becomes dominant over all...<br />DEMOGORGON IS FREE. DEATH MY SCEPTER AND PAIN MY CROWN. THE PRINCE OF DEMONS WILL LOOSE SWEET DESTRUCTION!

08-25-2002, 11:29 PM	#10
The.Relic Red Dragon Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Long Beach, CA. USA Age: 67 Posts: 1,589	I usually play as a Kensai and dual him to mage later on. I can't speak for the other fighter kits as I don't play them. But due to his inability to wear armor and bracers, he gets incredible THACO and damage bonuses as he levels up. At least in the Kensai's case, The Grand Mastery bonuses are pure "Icing" on an already incredible THACO+damage cake! With a good 2Handed sword, it is not uncommon for him to 60+ damage per hit and with the speed bonuses and that incredible THACO, you don't even worry about the fact that he can't wear armor and bracers anymore.

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