Pondering of moose

[True_Moose]

I know this prolly belongs in the BG2 forum, but I am unable to post there @ all so....
Pondering this character: Extremely specialized in ranged fighting.
Since my f/m just beat Watcher's Keep, and I'm having it tough in Firkraag's lair as a lvl 6 cleric in my stalker/cleric game, I thought of another character concept. Something like this.
Really specialised in every kind of ranged combat. I was thinking archer, but maybe a plain ranger/stalker/paladin kit, because in order to specialize extensively, you don't need 5 slots. I was thinking axes (Azuredge), long and short bows, darts and throwing daggers, using different ones for different situations. I was thinking maybe a paladin cuz of their healing spells, or a ranger (ditto.)
What do you think? I wanted an archer maybe, but then I thought about it, and I don't really care too much about called shots or the five slots in missile weapons, and besides I don't think it'll let you put them in axe.
Any input would be welcome, but so far I'm strongly considering elf (bow bonus, dex bonus,) ranger (base, spells.)
Thx in advance.

[SixOfSpades]

For a long-range slaughter machine, the Archer is king--his THAC0 with a Bow is so good that at high levels, the ONLY way you can miss is a Critical Miss. Factor in some high-level abilities like Smite, and you're popping off 5 or 6 attacks per round, and knocking the enemy back with each hit, so that only enemies too big to be knocked back (Iron Golem & up) can even approach you.

However, you emphasized versatility as one of your goals--let's say you want to put at least 3 stars in each of the ranged-weapon types. Archers can put ***** in Long Bow, Short Bow, Crossbow, ** in Sling and Dart, * in Throwing Axe and Throwing Dagger, and they can't use the Throwing Hammer. So, if you want 3 stars in each of those weapons, you're left with either a Dwarven Fighter or a Dwarven Wizard Slayer--the DEX drawback can be easily overcome.

[Dundee Slaytern]

Can an Elf be a Barbarian? If so, make one and specialise in all the ranged weapons, including Darts and Daggers.

If not, then a Dwarf Barbarian.

[True_Moose]

Originally posted by Dundee Slaytern: Can an Elf be a Barbarian? If so, make one and specialise in all the ranged weapons, including Darts and Daggers. If not, then a Dwarf Barbarian.

I'm surprised you didn't know this Dundee, but any race that can create a fighter can create a barb.
An elf barb, that'd be cool. Thx for the info. I think I'll go dwarven though...hammer sounds 2 cool
BTW, where can I get the throwing hammer? Never found it b4.

[Lord Lothar]

One of the merchants in Trademeet sells the hammer.

[Mack_Attack]

A elf being a barbarian [img]graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img] They are just not hardy stock IMO. A dwarf would be better.

[True_Moose]

So this is what I'm thinking in conclusion:
Lvl 40 Dwarf Barbarian:
** Long Bow
** Short Bow
** Axe
** Hammer
** Dart
** Sling
** Dagger
** Sword and Shield Style
** Flail
** 2 Weapon Style
(I've got the flail and 2 wpn style so I can dualwiel CF/FoA in close combat, and sword and shield style so I can fight beholders or whatever with a shield and sling, axe, dagger, or hammer)
Whaddaya think? Any comments or suggestions welcome!

[ 10-04-2002, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: True_Moose ]

[Dundee Slaytern]

I say dump S&S Style and Two Weapon Style, and go for Single Weapon Style unless you enjoy switching weapons a lot. S&S Style will not help you against Beholders as all it does is grant bonus AC modifiers against missile attacks.

I assume you are not soloing? Assuming no, let your Barbarian handle all the ranged combat while your other party members handle the melee.

[True_Moose]

Actually, I was intending on soloing .
I thought of S&S style for the Shield of Balduran.

[Dundee Slaytern]

You do not need S&S Style to use the Shield of Balduran. As I said, the style does not help at all against Beholders.

Oh, and I just thought of a possibly better alternative. An Elf Fighter/Thief. With Use Any Item, you can use the Dwarven Thrower as well.