First time...

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I've played my way through BG2 more times than I can remember, and so I decided to give NWN a shot as well. As a veteran BG2-player, I'm wondering a bit about companions. Do you use them? Are there several NPCs, and do you keep them all (and so on)?

I wanted to play a Fighter/Mage (Wizard), though I'm a bit confused by the rules. I reckon there ain't no multi-classing as in BG2, only very "free" dualing. If I wanted to play a F/W, what class should I begin with and when do I dual (etc.)?

Well, I just need some general tips and info!

 

A NWN Fighter / Wizard is completely different from a BG2 one - it's nowhere near as overpowered. So you need to decide if you're going to be a wizard who fights a bit or a fighter who can buff up a bit.

 

There are multi-classing and dual-classing in NWN but dual-classing works like multi-classing of BG2. Meaning, your the skills/feats/bonuses of your first class is not locked when your second class is lower than your first class. So you basically level up in anyway you plan/prefer. Same as Icewind Dale 2.

There are a number of NPC but not as many as BG2, and you can only take one at a time. Other expansions allows 2 henchmen.

Start as a Mage (Wizard). You get more skill points to distribute.

 

The henchmen in NWN (the Original Campaign) are not noted for their overwhelming usefulness or intelligence. It is generally accepted that the warriors are reasonably useful (because it doesn't take much brains to charge in and hack people up) and the thief is OK (saves you having to deal with traps and locks) but the spellcasters are hard work (because they don't use the right tactics with casting spells at the right time).

If you want a spellcasting character then best to make that your PC and have one of the non spellcasters as your henchman.

 

Hm ok, I think I get it. Any general idea on what typ of character to play the first time around? Or rather, is there something that I should avoid?

 

I would play some sort of cleric for your first time through. That should provide you some good combat buffs so you can engage in melee (there are lots and lots of minor enemies to deal with in this game so you don't want to have use spells on all of them because it would take forever). Cleric can also summon help if required and turn undead if surrounded by annoying zombies. Plus you get the fun of choosing cleric domains.

Take the thief as your henchman and you're done.

The other reasonable option is some sort of Fighter (or Ranger) / Rogue. That way you can handle all the traps and locks and you can also hide and sneak around to avoid trouble. Plus it means you don't have to take the thief henchman and can have one of the meatshield warriors instead.

 

It is advisable to take a melee orientated character the first time through, as they are good in the OC and watching an entire series of misses while fighting gets very boring after a while. Cleric is a good bet as an alternative, as is Paladin.

I'd avoid monks and thieves until you understand the game better.

The campaign is reasonable easy with all the damage reduction items around, so you shouldn't have a big problem regardless of what class you pick. Just don't take spell casting henchmen. *shudder*

 

This is a very important consideration. A reasonable attack roll is vital for your sanity.

 

A Druid would have been a nice experience if only he can hit better than he can miss his enemies. But the animal companion together with a henchman might be fun and/or helpful. Or you can take a Ranger instead but the animal companion will only be available at level 6.

 

A druid does have a tough time in melee but remember that he can use Bull's Strength (that lasts all day) and he can hide behind an Animal Companion, a Summoned Animal, and a Henchman. Later on, he can also shift into more powerful meleeing forms.

 

A Druid with an Animal Companion has a very easy time against all the minor enemies you may encounter. With its low AC your animal companion will get hit lots, but you can talk to it and feed it to restore it to full health. I've found it a very relaxed way of playing. It does have problems with boss characters, but that's where your buffs come into play. To yourself or you animal companion, you choose.

 

Try a Bard.

Unlike BG, Bards in NWN can sing and fight and cast at the same time without losing the benefits of their song. They fight well and have some cool spells. Plus they get lots of skills and skill points. The Charisma boost will help with conversations. A good all-around class to solo NWN with.

Yeah, the henchmen have poor AI and are often more trouble than they are worth, but I'd say take Tomi if only for his funny stories.

 

Tomi can be useful in the early goings, especially when your hit points are still low to trigger traps and still having to miss a stationary locked chest.

 

Tomi's story is funny? I myself is much more inclined towards Linu's. Hehe. The part on how why she have to change from her dirty clothings when you first arrived in Chapter 2 is funny.

As well as how her husband(before they married anyway) sneaked into her room and how everything goes.

 

Not many couples end up with one seriously injured on thier first romantic night together...

 

Yeah. Haha. I literally burst out laughing when I read what she said. Even though I do not take her out often as I do not need a Cleric as much as a Trap/Lock Monkey. Maybe if I create a Rogue next time, I might take her out as my partner.