HoW and TotLM (2 questions)

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I really want to get my hands on some of the stuff in these expansions, but I've never played them before. Around what level is recommended to be able to handle these expansions?

I hate importing/exporting games, and want to have a fluid transition between all of the games as well. When (in game) is a good time to start each one. I don't want to be spoiled too much, but I also don't want to go past the point of no return and get angry.

 

Unfortunately, if you really want to play the games in their "logical" order, you will need to export. The best order is to finish IWD, then play HoW, for plot reasons that are revealed in HoW. It's not such a problem if you finish the HoW portion from within IWD (by using the "mysterious door" in Kuldahar) but it makes more sense to finish IWD completely, then import your party into a HoW-only game.

As for TotL, I'd play it as soon as you start HoW, before doing anything else (leaving it for later will interfere with the HoW plot by sending you off on a completely unrelated quest just when things start getting interesting). Once you get to Lonelywood, immediately go to the inn and talk to the halfling, and you're off on the TotL quest.

 

I always make sure that I have the 2 expansions installed before beginning a party.

I play all of IWD up to the end of chapter 6 and collect the 6 badges and place them.

Then I go back to Kuldahar and talk to Hjollder to go and begin HOW.

I complete all of HOW right up to the point of going to the final island in the Sea of Ice then go back to Lonelywood and speak to Hobart in the tavern to begin the one way ticket of trials.

This ensures for me that I am powerful enough to live the trials.

Once trials is over I finish the island in HOW and then sprint back to walk past the 6 badges in IWD for the final stages.

Walk in the park though.

You can go with Hjollder at around level 9 to Lonelywood and you could start Trials with Hobart immediately upon arrival, but it would be insanely difficult I think if you didn't have lovely equipment to help you journey along. That's why I always wait, however it just occured to me that I've never done the hard version, so I will.

Great Idea! Thanks.

 

I agree with Ziad about the logical order.
In HoW you can even get a sword improved which you wouldn't have with you if you went to Lonelywood during the normal game.

But I think you'll have (solveable) problems in TotL if you start it so early, HoW is much easier.

Most players want to start the add-ons as late as possible, since the difficulty is increasing.

Last chance to start HoW: after you've found and placed the 6 badges in chapter6.

Last chance to start TotL: Before you leave for the "Sea of Moving Ice" in HoW. Regarding the plot the time fits as well as the one suggested by Ziad IMHO.