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Starting a new game

Discussion in 'Icewind Dale (Classic)' started by aerilon, Aug 15, 2002.

  1. aerilon Gems: 3/31
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    Alright, since it's been ages since I played IWD, and with the feedback from my last question, I've decided to start a new game with a 4 person party. I know what classes and races I'm going to go for, but I'm looking for advice on what proficiencies to choose from the start, and what minimum stats I might shoot for.

    Human Paladin

    Elf Fighter/Thief (considering going with half-elf instead, due to the CON penalty with pure elves)

    Human Bard

    Elf Druid(considering going with Half-elf fighter/druid)
     
  2. Keneth Gems: 29/31
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    For a paladin use longswords or two-handed swords (I think that is great swords or something, it's been along time since I played it) and perhaps a bow for a ranged weapon. Give him as much as you can on Str, Dex, and Con (you need a strong arm, good AC, and allot of hp if you wish to survive out there)

    For the f/t use daggers and longswords and crossbow for the ranged weapon. Stats should be the same as for your paladin.

    For your bard take slots for ranged weapons and for the stats use Dex, Con, and Int (you'll have more bonus on writing scrolls if you don't play on easy, if you do try Cha instead)

    As for the druid you should take scimitars (that's the same as for longswords I think) and slings for ranged weapon. Use the same stats as for the pal and f/t.

    Hope this helps.
     
  3. Rastor Gems: 30/31
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    I'd basically agree with Kenneth, but with a few revisions.

    For the paladin, two-handed swords and bastard swords.

    F/T-I'd say short bow instead of crossbow, but you won't find that many good ranged weapons in this game.

    Bard-Crossbow and short swords.

    Druid-Scimitars, sling, maybe quarterstaff.
     
  4. Dralend Gems: 2/31
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    I'd tend to agree, but think the Messenger of Sseth a great longbow and have hung on to it for the whole game (after Dragon's Eye). My Paladin has 5 shots per round! :) I would give your bard a proficiency in missile weapons and equip them with a decent crossbow - there are loads in the game, and one or two that also give a +2 armour class bonus as well.
     
  5. griffin1987 Gems: 4/31
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    It's always good to have a variety of weapons with your party. Some creaters might be resistent or immune to some weapons...
     
  6. nior Gems: 24/31
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    i'd suggest a half-elf for you bard for the pickpocket bonus and other racial advantages.

    your choice of having only 4 characters in your party means a lot of tough fights ahead. the absence of a mage made me conclude that your bard will be your main spell caster. and this would mean that he is not going to be wearing any armor (i'm not sure if there is an armor that would allow spell casting, i have yet to finish the game. and i think i've probably played about half of it already.) this would make me suggest that your bard should be equipped with one-handed weapons (be it range or melee) so he can use a shield or the "lyre of progression" (acts like a shield that's made specially for bards, and you can get it early in the game). if you would be heeding most of the earlier suggestions, i would recommend you consider a blunt weapon for your bard and give the shortsword to the F/T instead. that way you get more weapon diversity. your druid would be summoning a lot of monster, you better give your bard a couple of monster summoning spells too (or the horn you can buy from the merchant that sells the "lyre of progression", it summons 2-4 barbarians(?)).

    to make you better understand my suggestion i'll let you know something about my bard. a half-elven with weapon proficiencies in spear (there's a nice spear if you have HOW installed) and bow (messenger of sseth). she cast a lot of spell that i ended up selling the chainmail +1 she is wearing. her AC isn't that good, i have yet to find a good bracer. can't use the "lyre of progression" or shield because of two-handed weapon. it made me start switching to a one-handed weapons. the enemies can be overwhelmingly numerous, sometimes around 20 of them againsts my party of six (4 in your case)... this have hurt my bard a lot (my mage already have stoneskin, this spell is hard to find! so i don't worry much about him but my bard... that's something to think about).

    one last suggestion... have fun :D .
     
  7. aerilon Gems: 3/31
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    Unless I'm mistaken, you can cast while wearing Elven Chainmail, though the only place I know of to get elven chain is in The Severed Hand area.
     
  8. nior Gems: 24/31
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    i just finished the severed hand and just proceeded to dorn's deep but i didn't get the elven chainmail.

    it would be a great help to me if you or anyone can enlighten me as to the specific wereabouts of this armor.
     
  9. ejsmith Gems: 25/31
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    It's random only on a couple of people. I think Kaylessa and the priest, when you whack them.

    Which means, the only way to get it is to save/reload...
     
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