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[twillight]

Iona's lvl 2 is actualy easier, as it is not just skelies, so the manasteal works (hope you have too), so no worry about shrines. Mostof the times,as there are certain minibosses, and one type (steel lord) can HURT. So save before unlocking doors with levers.
Ok, Steel Guardians hurt too, but there justdon't melee them. But Steel Lords are friggin' summoners. I usualy have to drink a minor restoration per encounter.
Lvl 3 is actualy the very same as above.
lvl 4 has only the boss, but it fights well. Needed 2 minor restoration to win. the unique here has way less AC then the dwarf unique armor, but gains resistances and charm slots much more easily.

So, the Dark Forest, eh?
It might be mostly separated by quests to its own, but that doesn't mean life here would be easy.
First, I'd stick to my rule: if they didn't send you there, don't go there is they'll send you there.
Second: whatever you do, do NOT go near the Sword in the Stone unless you will get rid of it immediately (put it back I mean). It will kill everything in the forest otherwise. So leave this last.
Oh, and it is good I've waited coming here. there is some big spider here (mutated forest spider) whichhas ranged attack and hits hard. The whole thing is very similar to the Catacom's spider miniboss (if you remember).

Activate the teleporter near the Sword in Stone location, then look after the merchants who'll entrust you to enter the Burial Chambers. THIS HAVE NOTHING TO DO with the burialGrounds the elves and dwarves argue upon, so clear it. You'll get the 3rd holy item here too.
Funny thing is, 2 of the holy items are a certain weapon class. Given that swords are commonplace you likely don't want that, and the dagger specialists... Are not too common. This leaves the amulet the keeper. The place by the way is lackluster: small, barely any enemy, all the loot inaccessible.

You'll meet a talking boar. This quest is longer then you'd anticipate. First you need to get to the evil mage's house, then enter the dwarven capital to consult the local priest, who sends you gain a container (the Holy Grail no less!) for its holy water,which you should bring back to the other animals in the evilmage's house, then visit the boar, then get the finalreward (a unique bow) in the elven village.
By the way, as you are there already, get the brooch for Sir Dante's assistant,and get the quest to visit the dwarf relative in the dwarven village.

Nearthe boar is the Alchemist who wants something at the Talking Tree, where Corina sent us too. Pick this quest up. Near that is the Warrior Guild's portal, activate it. Close the Talking Tree from thenorth to find an elven scouting party for fun (has no actual consequence). Enter the Guild and do whatever they offer, and finaly get the Heart of the Dragon quest. Take a note on it and stash it for the moment.
There is an old hermit nearby, who is actualy a friggin' demon. Talk to him so it goes to its cave. I think that's a fight we only want to do later.

Oh, before completly forget: like 2/3rd of the forest is not filled with giant bugs and mutated toads. Oh no. It's filled with improved versions of lizardmen from Verdistis Sewer. And that's the good news. They are walking in HORDES. That's the bad news.
Oh,and avoid the Special Insane Skeleton(s) to melee. They can hit my 600 HP in one hit.

At the Warrior Guild's Instructor I'm not sure based on what you get the bonus. Others say you get Augment Damage, yet others say you get either. I got onlyAugment Defense, which I suspect happens no matter the conversation that it was my higher ability.
The fight is though, and for his defense level at least a bit random based, so heal your mana too before the fight, and save.
Fighting for the cylops eye involves insane skeletons, some summoners,and the boss is a summoner too. So head-first into battle against it, and use the warrior's special attack as long as it takes. Beware, the lastroom is practicaly empty, so don't try to goaround the walls. Just let your stamina fill up.

NOTE: if it wasn't obvious if you have a companion only that is under threat during a cutsceen, you never. This isa memory from that zombie-guy form the very beginning if you ask.

For the Talking Tree: ONLY go there if you have both quest telling you to. You can speak with it for lesser exp, or make it attack you for a bunch of new zombie-type appearing in the ground (must make them plant them out) and shoot slow projectiles at you, which blast up at arrival and damage indiscriminatly (thus can kill the zombies). Either way you can then use the tea barrel on it to destroy it.
Oh, and the stuff which the tree drops are NOT random. It'llalways be: 1 very large spirit resistance charm, 1 large strength charm, 1 beetle statue, 1 spider statue.

Now, I hoped to get the bloody dwarven counciler, but seems he'll only be in his place when 4 other member are found.
So for me that's #1 Zandalor (mage), #2 orc, #3 human (the Black Ring woman was punny after all, even punier than the whole Holy Grail chamber, where you can btw single out the opponents), #4 lizard. Because that leads to buying house in Verdistis, and it made sense in the roleplaying aspect, that's why. Oh,and it turns out we got false information, there be 5 recruits,and the dwarf will only be the 6th.
And if I went Verdistis, thought time to give up some quest items before I'd accidently sell them, so delivered the brooch and stuff for Corina.
So, if we're finishing quests, let's finish the morphed animals too. All things lead to the elven village it seems.

Clearing the forest... Then went in the elven village to get the unique bow. It is awesomly coded. It can only have a setof attributes (agility, charms, offensive, sight, speed, and its damage can go up to 48-139, although 38-129 is only realistic, and can be much lower too).
Now to Verdistis again for a reputation point. I know, I know, but hey, I'mreally preparing to leave,and thatmeans selling stuff,and that means gaining reputation, ok? And those trolls look big on the road.
Ye, doing the stupid romance too.
So, Leptin&Hugh's business is done.
Going to the ElvenBurial Groundsand taking the gloves, blaming whoever is responsible.
Well, some Black Ringer was, and she's though! Firsthace to destroy herdwarves, then she canstun-pushyou, and summon dreadknights, and xast those strong spikes. So basical she's like The Engineer, but with unlimited mana. Did cost me potions (maybe 3 minor restoration and 1 normal restoration -atapoint the game simply refused todrink more minor potion???)

[twillight]

Onto dwarves!
But before that, some minutes on unique items: seems each has a list of attributes to gain from, a general final quality, and a basic-item quality. The basic-item quality is what it says: if the thing is a leather armor, chain armor or plate armor, its AC will be similar to that (or damage. And each can get a bonus to it). The attributes it can have are taken from a set list, aka. not all item can get all attributes. Attribute-quality is either based on the item, or the character's level (I meanI don't know what determines if an itemcanhave +80 in vitality, or only +40 invitality or less). And it also seems to be fact that the overal quality of the item is limited by the sum of allor certain attributes, like if it'll have 300 AC instead of 20 then can't have much other attributes.
This out of the way, and talking your way through the dwarven village, let's hop to the king after the mayor. Here is a neat little trick, which is just coded into here: standing at the throneroom's door throw in the tp-pyramid on you, then use the fixed tp there to get to the other pyramid, and teleport in via your thrown-in pyramid. This way you can avoid your equipment getting jumbled. And don't forget: to get out use your tp-pyramid and get back through the waypoint!
Oh, and as 50K exp is not-much at this point, I went and checked out the Snakeskin Gloves in Verdistis (the Graham/Cirgon quest). Well, that thing is very low in quality.
Oh, as we're in Verdistis, let's get that dragon belt in our disappointment.
Ye, half of the things from now on will be alternating between gaining a unique and doing something else for the change. So into the mines now. We'll still have to do the sacrifice of the holy items (unique), get the dragon helm and armor (both unique), and the armor of lahrian (through the silver armor, which is a unique but as we'll change it aka. re-randomise it we won't care its stats).
Now the Sentry was put there by the bad guys or sg, and relates to a quest(!). But thatquest gives no exp. But there's no loss killing the Sentry. But you can attack the Sentry anyway. So I say give it the password and just whack it after that, attacking the otherwise neutral thingy this time
Have to mention: sometimes random enemies span inside walls. Don't fuss about it.
But I start to fuss about Big Bads always escaping the final blow!
Either way, this was the strongest member now (glad I came in the right order). He has 2 goons who shall be disposed ASAP, at least with a warrior. Then the guy will cast a crapload of what The Engineer cast (or that other Black Ringer). Hell Spikes they say, but the frig it cast 1 piece, it cast entire crapets of it! Anyway, just keep healing yourself. A lot. As your HP can drain fast, alternate between minor and stronger restoration potions as the situation demands. Do not hesitate to drink a minor if both your stats are around halfway! The battle is lasting for a bit! Better a potion to waste thanthe whole progress of the battle! It is alsofast-paced, so no save during the battle. Eventualy by the way the guy runs out of mana and turns healing himself. Bah, loser.
Don't forget to re-visit the dwarf king. Now you're officialy gathering the Dragon Set, not just as a hobby.
And right after gaining the dwarven counciler hop to the elven lover to finish that gullible romance. Almost. You need a couple of ingame days to pass, that's what we initiate with this by making a forgery at the dwarven jeweler.
Now, hop to Sir Patrick to get the (proto-version) of the dragon breastplate.
Oh, at a time you're at the dwarves report down to Strobur. Although I'm not sure if you gain either exp or gold as it is implicated in the conversation.
Now I went for my holy amulet. Inside if youtouch the tombs each summons up a lich, and breaks the quest, so don't. Also, doing the sacrifice seal the tombs. The amuletis friggin awesome. Properties are highchance for a lot of skills, hugh boosts in stats, and plethora of resistances.
Now get that Heart of the Dragon (and thus the breastplate). Inside the first "miniboss" (it has a name...) is a regular monster, although lightning resistance (50%+) helps. But the fight is entirely avoidable as it has almost no sight, so you can reach the lever it guards. But the Local Boss... It uses Freeze. Ye.You can see why this skill is marked "gamebreaking". Fortunately for the player, the AI don't often use it, so unless it does,you should be safe (with enough fire resistance)
Bringing the armor to the smith does not give instant result, but again have to spend ~an ingame day away. Darn. Ok, only HALF of a day is required! Cool! Oh, NONONONO! Reload, reload, reload! I forgot that blasted Warrior's Guild!

You know what? Let's talk about stats:
Strength: around 110 I could be in the heaviest stuff, AND carry around enugh loot to not get bored
Agility: 85+ and 5 point in weapon expertise makes me hit 90%+. Will tellif later need more.
Intelligence: who needs intelligence? Maybe mages, but mages are stupid.
Constitution: I have like 35 hard points in it, and I don't care to invest. An equipment with 40+ HP is waaay better.

Ok, so here is a tip: during the Imp Counciler you'll do the Bees vs Wasps thing. The difference is, the Bees offer a skillpoint in Aura of Command, while the Wasps offer an armor. Want to bet it is weaker then the one includs beating the strongest monster in the before-wasteland area (all the currently visited/visitable areas), an all-world looting quest, which can only be solved by likely Official Hintbook Information?
So, I say, make the Dragon Armor, but NEVER IDENTIFY it. Instead go and grab the Armor of Lahrian too, and identify them the same time. Whichever turns to be good sooner, is the keeper.

On identifying loot:
- if it is a random loot, it is determined when it falls from the monster
- if it is in a not-locked chest, it is determined when you bring the cursor over the container, or press Alt (so be caustious with Alt+Tab)
- if it is a unique drop, it is determined when you bring the cursor over it (or press Alt)
- if it is in a locked chest, it is determined when you bring the cursor over the item after opening the chest (dunno what pressing Alt would do here)
- if the item spawns inyour inventory, it is determined when you bring the cursor over it
- any identification only gets fixed, if you do something efter the identification. This can be picking up the item, wearing the item, or maybe even simply moving away a bit. don't forget this!

NOTE: never seen an enemy go invisible.

What remains is the Brothel-related quests, pulling out the sword from the stone (death to marriage, or something), and the imp council member. Inthis order I assume.
Would also be fun tosave and check whathappens if you get the loan from Sir P.

I'm clvl 39 melee warrior now.

Went to Leptine's Brothel. You know, thatguy does something wrong. He not only has a general store, which admittedly can be though to lead, but also a brothel to cover the wages? And he still has financial troubles?
Also, interesting side-story happened. I mean from reallife perspective. Firstand foremost, big cudos for Larian-studios for not walking the Baldur's Gate Way for the question of sex. This turned out the way I went down the place for the exp, naturaly. Remember, my characteris a male warrior because a) for Hard it has the most advantage at the start b) by the ingame cinematics, he is the definite protagonist. Despite the manual and such claiming profession/class being Survivor. Either way, as soon as I got down clicked. Ye, right on the male company. And you know this was in the Top 10 male homosexual encounter in videogames for me. And the female hostess is so professionaly presented (makes you buy drinks to spend more money because that's her job etc.), that I didn't even reload to avoid the gay sex!
Back on track: handed down the info to some visitors-in-town.
Then I was looking for the "special treatment"easter egg. They SAY you need to get lay down with someone else first, but that's actualy not true. To get the option first talk with Jacob twice (the conversation interests me if you play with a female prot), then Kherondar. This was also the point I realised there are more comfort-persons tochoose from, not just the twowhose name gets you in the place. Aside that, the Special Treatment does not provide you exp for the action, so lay down with someone else too. Oh,and ST results in you loosing 90% of HP (who cares), and your stamina starts running down (toaround 50%, then it comes back).
So, as it has no consequences, it is one of the few eastereggs of the game, like the Kaa Gent Scroll (it is in the bottom of the Warrior Guild, western side, only visitable once through the tomb there). Aside some manuscripts-of-cameos these are the two major easter eggs,aside that you canse with Wizards' Sight a skateboard-place on the roof of Stromfist Castle.

I have no idea what actualy happens if you take a loan from Sir Patrick. He promises soldiers and evenbounty hunters showing up. Problem is, I slept like 10 times, but only 1 ingame day passed. That's stupid,

The other thing is the Sword in the Stone. It canbe a pretty thingy, if it comes with acceptable damage too. Like, it can have allkinds of drain, deathblow, whatnot. +10 in offense and holymoly. But it is still a twohanded sword, and isn't THAT much improvement if you got a decent Singing Sword/Sword of Chaos.

And a way to kill butterflies: in the Dark Forest,westernsiide along the cliffs, at an entrance of a cave, I think the Stalker's Cave are a bunch of butterflies. They seem to be immun on ElementalHailand Poison Cloud (area damage spells), or I'm just bad at aiming, but there's another chance. The butterflies sense your reputation, so if you grind it low enough (by stealing, killing soldiers appearing to arrest you and similar actions) they should reach "initial reaction: hostile". That's when you should be able to hit them with a weapon.

Lacking anything to do, will numbing my fingers for shopkeepers to reset their shop to be able to sell my stuff.

[twillight]

Mostly sold stuff, then went tospend time to finish the imp quest.
The Thunderplate is really there if you helped the wasps (don't kill any wasp, only kill bees, kill all bees - leave the bee questor the last to kill, only use direct single target attacks - no missiles or area damage!)
But turned out first I need to fixa bug myself via hex-editor. No, I was not who came up with the solution. Search for "Evil Imps Bug" to find what code you have to hack.

Anyway. Inside as I told first come the Bees&Wasps,and you'll also find a lot of Golden Urns. Aside that I like these containers as you can't break them by accident making them good addition to your base wherever you make that, these have special thingies in them. I don't mean items. Here is what you find:
1 - rain? (and in theory hits you with a lightning. Once.)
2 - nothing
3 - teleports you a bit north. Not that you could not go there on foot in 2 seconds.
4 - nothing
5 - you get to the next level (do not open this untilyou just reached a new level)
6 - nothing
7 - can not be opened (yes, you find the key, and still. Probably bug. Probably nothing happens anyway.)
8 - angel of revenge attacks you. Letme mark here, that certain killed things are not listed in the "trophy" section - this is one of them. And Ibet most of the lightning-lizards are not counted either. And a lot of things. Sowhile the intention there was good,and it is nevertheless fun, but not a rleiable source unfortunately.
The items in the jugs seem to be fixed and minor, so don't bother reloading.

Here comes a "slight" "problem". By hitting the gong the exact thing happens like opening the exp-jar. This means I needed exp from somewhere, and fast. From places where no consequence will come from. Thus I just massacred the bees (who I sided with for the quest). But this was not enough. Went and killed the alchemist in the Dark Forest. Then the Archer Guild's leader. Killed the locer's father in the elf village. Then the elves around the firecamp talking. Then the elf bow-vendor. The dwaren halls: the priest, someone called myrthos, siomeone called Ansekhor. Otto in the Necros Garden (first hit him with a poison gas spell, otherwise he's not interactable).
I realy start to run out og NPCs who don't take my karma - pardon, reputation, and the same time also give expm but I stillneed like 100K exp...
Verdistis: Nimras, the wine-merchant, Leptin, Sehrissa, Diennoe, Mpenzak. I've ran out of things to kill with these. Summons don't give exp if you kill them (not targetable, but poisonous cloud can kill them). Oh, and you can't dupe the exp-urn
Have to resort to poison cloud. That works like overdosing people with superstimpack in Fallout. So Commander Kratus had to go. The thieves from their guild got eliminated. Hopped back to the warves. Random named dwarfs worthed almost 10K, so the train was on track finaly. When done with this nonsense opened the jar, sold the remaining stuff, packed up,and hit the gond. Ta-dah! I'm a complete psychopath.

NOTE: on the Wasteland at the start the two frinedly orc bugged out like the imps. But as they go their talk done (which is either way inconsequential) I did not go for the fix (also via hexing).

Ok, turned out need to fix the dragon NPC too, so fixed the orcs too.

There is a final orc vendor, whosells stuff considering your reputation, meaning it sellf Very Large charms for 50K gold. Problem is, it never has gold on it. Fortunately things here drop loot,and attimespretty pricey. Still, you better brought money. I have more then 1M. Actualy, given how many charms you'll want, and the stupid vendor rarely has any of the useful ones, I say just dupe your items (put down -1 of the item -> you have a second one).
Resistence is probably useful, I'm not sure. What I'msure though is, the game cancrash if too many things are attacking you, so save regularly and chip them away.
Oh, and if you brought a chest as container (the one opened weight 0) better pick out everything fast and put them in a localbarel or sg, 'cause that thing will glitch out from the game when you open/close it. Darn.

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Double darn, 'cause I have like 40 charm slots to fill up, but money is an issue for that. As well as reloading like no tomorrow before checking the shop toensure it has vitality charms.
Actualy I got 1 from every charm to duplicate if needed too.
Finding random charms are not really significant.
The Wasteland is big and dumb. First: watch out for 2 units: sand evils (you're pretty safe with 1,200+ HP) and imp chieftain who are #&@! as they hit that hard. Oh, and none heals you, so your only source of healing is restoration spell and sleep - I hope your weapon drains mana from the enemy to sustain yourself. 3-5 should work at that department.

The swamp around the Big Bad Fortress hurts you, the faster you go deeper. I feel here the Survival Instinct should be negating the effect to the point where the swamp is simply instant death. Yes, it is.
Passing it inghostform is cool, they even made you passive ghost form (will-o-whisp) when you hit pause. Reaching the other shore be prepared you'll be swarmed by spectre lords (more a nuisance than a threat) and multiply sand devils at once. Deal with it.

Inside the Evil Place is ... boring. I assume those things deal elemental damage - if they notice you at all.

Demona... I don't think she even hit me. A melee enemy of no significance. But at least I've learned destroying a boss don't make its maze empty, what's good.
Iona... at least she could hit me.
Cornelis... is dumb. He don't even try to freeze like he did before, and despite a source telling should use blind/hellspikes he is straight melee.
Moriendor: by the talking this is the 2nd strongest, so let's see what it can do.
Better, but hardly a challenge. I mean Ihave 2474 atthis point, so hellspikes I canstand if I must. The Blind he casts totally makes everything "invisible" (technicaly a difference, so seeing the invisible doesn1thelp here). He only has 2 gargoyle with it though. When all three was at the same spot, I whirlwinded there, lol. He doesn1t have that many HP either.
Josephina: now this is better. I can see for some build she'd pose a problem though. 'Cause she is constantly invisible because you're blind. So it is area-attack time, which warrior has (bring stamina potions!), and mage has (hellspikes and similar spells), but survivor has not! Oh, and her fortress is not gargoyle-packed. Not thatdeathknight would be a threat at this point, but Death Lords are hugh. Watch your HP. With 2500+ HP of course you should have no real problem.

Lord of Chaos: looks good. I mean the spectacle is good. But I only had to click on it, and got whacked to death. Didn't even need a potion.

[twillight]

Just another flashgame. As armorgames suck nowdays (I suspect the connection speed from their side is low as crap) went to kongragate for this.

A nice little "push the line" game withwitty dialogues at the start of levels.
I wouldn't call these/this strategy, as you just need to find the right unit to anti the enemy forces. But this concept is made well here. The enemy don't get all previously unlocked units, but you do. There always come some special obstacle against you. But these should be hints to you what you should produce over the level.
As I said mostly a single unit type is needed, but at occasion the enemy gets a good combination, so you need to bump out 2 type. Not really a fuss, or changing the basics, as you can relatively mass-produce them on the conveyor belt as 1-3-1-3 (or 1-2-1-2).

Resource management is simple: start to fill your quota of harvesters ASAP. I nvent the units you'll need tostart, but do not produce them yet. For the first levels the enemy won't come until you have maximum miners, then you can A-bomb the early enemy units, THEN you'llhave big units to push back the initial forces.

There is an upgrade-tree, but it should be pretty obvious. Don't neglect the golden upgrades either. Ye, they support the enemy the same time, but it fastens the gameplay, and with you having human mind should give a better advantage then for the AI.

Unless later levels screw up, this is a fine, polished casual game,

[twillight]

I mean vanilla game.

barbarian: strongest kit/class in the game, thank you

bard: did a bard. The kits don't differ too much, mostly the bard song which is not determining (I mostly consider solo play. With 6 characters you can have a bard doing nothing but singing and still be perfectly fine), and some minor bonuses to thac0, which you'll only use occasionly, mostly convenience at the start, and can be replaced by just casting Improved Haste or something.
It's bad, but passable. I did, so you can do too.

cleric: Viconia proved it is a heck strong class giving the character gear. All the kits further improves the class, so moving on.

druid: a though crack, but again with enough creativity passable. The kits mostly differ in shapeshifting, which none uses with their witts intact anyway, so Totemic Druid is the friggin strongest, especialy lowlevel.
Shapeshifter is unfortunately bugged, but so is half of the game, so I bet they do can use some armor. And as druids mostly live from their summons, in the end who cares.
Avengers get some pretty bad minus stats, but they were designed for BG2 without ToB, and again druids live through summons so STR and CON minus doesn't have THAT much effect. And they get some useful new abilities.

mage, mage/cleric/thief, sorcerer, wild mage: won't go there. Sure, especialy triple-class they have some sluggish thing running, but definitely not weakest.

monk: sure, it'll have a though start in BG 1. Get over it.

paladin: paladins are like fighters with an attitude. They are good. The kits don't loose anything considerable, but gain a lot. And the strongest kit is actualy Cavalier, because immunity to fear is almost nonexistent in the game from items. Inquisitor is also good, but NOT for its dispel (that's at best a party spell, like bard's song) but for the immunity to charm and hold (two instadeath condition since BG2). Undead Slayer which usualy refered as strongest is actualy WEAKEST of these kit, all undead being puny, negative plane protection being common.

ranger: again a fighter with an attitude.
archer: ranged weapons are fun (especialy in BG 1), and metal armors are not the best. Get yourself a dragon armor (and the BMU) and you'll be fine.
beastmaster: sure, lack of metal weapons is a disadvantage, but then again Quarterstaves are one of the strongest weapon class and they're made of wood.
stalker: sure, this is not Icewind Dale to bother with backstabbing, and armor limitation is though. But not that big of a deal. At least this is somewhat a real negative.

thief: the layer of traps. What's not to like? The kits further flavours this.

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So until now we only have real disadvantages at:
- beastmaster: no metal weapons
- stalker: maximum studded leather (and whatever fits on you due to malprogramming)
- shapeshifters: due to bad programming its shapeshifting is nonexistent, and cann ot wear armor at all (except when it can)
- avenger: - 4 stat

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fighter:
- plain fighter is plain, but strong
- kensai: no ranged weapons, no armor, no gauntlets/bracers. We start talking.
- berserker: if it uses its ability it becomes "winded". This means you have to sleep after 1 casting. Stupid ability. But if you don't use it you're still a fighter, got it?
- wizardslayer: "can not use magic equipment, only weapon and armor". For misprograming this actualy only means no rings, belts, gloves and necklace -actualy you can wear one necklace even (amulet of Seldarine).
They can wear above armor and weapon: shield, helm, boots. Can't use any potion except healing pootions and antidote.

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As any class/kit combination further strengthens the character (ye, not the worse negative counts), we must check pure classes/kits:
- druid is pretty ugh
- jester/bard also
- I actualy don't remember how a thief/mage deals with 1st form os Melissan, but if my blade could melee it, it can't be impossible and the rest of the game those classes are good
-shapeshifter can't wear armor
- kensai can't wear gloves and armor
- wizardslayer can't wear gloves and rings and necklace and belt. It neither supposed to be able to wear boots, helms, shields.

So in the end the Weakest Class title goes to either kensai, or wizardslayer, the difference being:
armor vs gloves, rings, belt, ~necklace, (potions). And boots, helms, shields.

If we take what the game allows this is:
-12-20 AC (12 is full plates, usualy with ability, -10 AC the BMU has) vs STR/50%magic dmg red (belts), 3 AC, 10% magic resist, 3 saves (from ring of Gaxx + ring of earth control). And situational drawback from the necklace if the amulet of seldarine do work.
This I feels somewhat balanced. Maybe even kensai has a slight drawback.

Now take into consideration all the other stuff. What if Wizardslayer would work as its description says?
Then it goes:
- shield: doesn't take account, because the second hand canstill be used (twohanded weapons, two weapon style)
- gloves: neither can wear
- armor: 12-20 AC from kensai
- belt: 12-20 AC from kensai vs 50% magic dmg red from wizardslayer
- rings: 9-17 AC from kensai vs 50% magic dmg red, 10% magic res, 3 saves from wizardslayer
- boots: no boots of speed, thus half your strategies go from wizardslayer, also 0.5 attack per round
- helmet: the sole winner is of Balduran here.
8-16 AC from kensai (compared to wizardslayer) vs 50% magic dmg red, 10% magic res, 3 saves, 0.5 attack, 1 thac0 from wizardslayer
- cloak: there aren't many cloak in the games,and aside the obvious Cloak of Balduran for BG 1 they don't worth much. So it is either 1 AC, or 2 saves, or immunity to magic missile from wizardslayer.
- necklace: again not much useful diversity, although at a point thatpoison immunity amulet can help. It'll likely be Amulet of Seldarine,whichmeans 1 save, 10 magic res from wizardslayer

So atthis point is is 10 AC vs 20 magic resistance, 4 saves, 0.5 attack, movement speed, 1 thac0, 50%magic dmg red. Feels we have a winner - or should say looser.

Can we compensate for it?
- Yes, we can, just pick a "shorty" class for resistance bonuses.
Here the kensai will be half-orc, because it gets useful bumps (higher max STR, CON), negligable loss (lower max INT), 0 in sum.
- Wizardslayers have to compromise from what they can get. They need the bump from the constitution shorty bonuses, so they have to choose from either gnome, halfling, or dwarf.
a) gnome is an obvious choicewith negligable changes (INT vs WIS), 0 sum. There is a trick though: they don't get bonuses to death saves.
b) halflings are good. They get all three saves, and even get a bonus on slings. Their problem is a loss of max STR, but that is highly compensated by an extra DEX. Yes, they loose a WIS too, annoying, but that's at least a dumpstat.
c) dwarf: they look ABYSMAL with -2 sum, loss of DEX, loss of TWO CHA which means no best rewards (like +1 dagger to start with) in BG 1. There is a trick though: they can have 19 CON at the start. Why is that important? Because without items providing regeneration you'll either have to sleep a LOT, AND spend a ton on healing (which is less ofa fuss when you realise you won't need many things 'cause you can't use them) if you have a healer nearby at all, or have 20 CON.

Remember, the statbonuses in the trilogy are: stat tomes, machine of lum, deck of many things, final dream (loss), tears of baal (wrath)
STR: 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 = +6
CON: 1 + 1 = +2
DEX: 1 + 1 = +2
INT: 1 + 1 = +2
WIS: 3 + 1 - 1 = +3
CHA: 1 + 1 = +2

When rolling stats, also remember these two items:
In Baldur's Gate 2, you can equip the NPC Keldorn's armor if you have at least 15 strength, 17 constitution, 12 intelligence and 18 charisma.
Valygar's armor in BG2 is usable by with 6 strength, 18 dexterity and 11 wisdom.

With a fighter class we don't have to consider thief bonuses.

EDIT: there's a mayor drawback relating to the issue: wizard slayer's lack of ability to use consumables.
This means no potions of giant STR, no potion of mirror gaze, no potion of heroism/power, no potion of haste, no wand of summoning...

Why those are important? Well, they seriously boost the fighting abilities to start with. And there's - I dunno - the part where you have to save Baldur's Gate's princes (at least one of them), or beat Sharevok.
And given that the major way Sharevok is faced is to summon a thick meatshield from Wand of Summoning, we have a serious problem.

[twillight]

Surprisingly good at the start. If the miscast saves you from another Magic Missle or sg, that's very noticable, thank you.

Being fighter has an adequate go before Cloakwood, just for its HP. And has plenty of money to throw atchurches for healing, lacking the options to fill slots. Even without playing as the description says.
Me playing as the descrptionsays, aka. literaly no magic items aside weapon and armor (non-magical helmsare good though, as well as non-magical shields, especialy in the Bandit Camp). This mostly prevent me from running away form melee in Boot of Speed anyway.

Potions the WS can use:
- healing potion
- elixir of health
- antidote

Before going to Cloackwood not visited:
- Durlag's Tower
- south of Larswood (4 mages!)
- east of temple (basilisks!)
Areas not finished yet:
- Naskel Mine Exit: a cave has 3 ghasts in it. Even reloading could not avoid being held.
- the archeological dig

Given the many hinderance of WS, I won't rush in the game, and will do every quest, kill every non-random monster I can find. If I can. (the exp cap is removed)

The troubles start at the Bandit Camp, where AoE ability missing shows definite lacking. I had to heal up 3 times at the Friendly Arms Inn to succeed, what is actualy not that bad.

Trouble 2 was in Cloakwood Forest 2, in the cave. Took me 10 healing potions just inside the thing. And crowling back with the body in no armor is no fun either.

I wonder what can be done to save the dukes, or fight Sharevok. No speed potion. No wands. This looks trouble.

------------------

Progress:
- ice island (TotSC): the first gorup is hard, but manageable if you hit the leader a couple of times to block his casting for start. The ankegh-guy is hard for the ankhegs - lure away the beasts. Had to rely on slep and baalspawn ability to regenerate HP. A lot.
- the 4 mage is even easier. They don't throw fireballs around, and with the miscast you can disable a lot. I dunno the duration of the miscast, but seems long enough (30 seconds at least?)
- for Cloakwood 3 did not mess with the wyverns. Those things hit hard, and poisonous. The babies in CW2 were enough for the moment.
- welcoming comitee at the mine was no problem, as could separate the fighters from the mages.
- mine lvl 2 used the back-passages to not step on the lightning traps.
- wyvern cave empty (these location I long used, they are surprisingly underwhelming)
- the tomb with the 3 ghasts cleared with the help of scroll of prot from undead
- the DoomSayer is dead. It required luck with the throws, clvl 10, and 1 cast of DUHM (and 5 healing potions). Used Longtooth in main hand, dagger of venom in offhand.
- basilisk area cleared. Used Korax to not turn to stone. Killed that neofeminist recruit, 'cause she annoyed me.

Stuff you should not be able to use, but can:
- Claw of Kazgaroth
- Horn of Kazgaroth
- magical helmets
- magical shields
- magical boots

Stuff you should be able to use but can't:
- Marek's antidote

Stuff you can not use (because the game does not let you, not because I say so):
- rings
- amulets
- belts
- gloves/bracers
- wands
- arcane scrolls
- cloaks

Quests you fail because of class*:
- 'cause you can't drink potions and not a thief, Joseph's Greenstone Ring**
- Algernon's Cloak for not being able to steal**
- Brevlik's telescope: the darn containers are locked. Could not bash 'em. ***
- anything to do involving Arkion (his door is locked, could not bash it) ***
(best course of actions: get bodyfor Arkion -> kill Arkion -> bring bloodstone amulet to Nemphre -> kill Nemphre -> bring bloodstone amulet + onyx ring to Ordulinian)
- Niklos and robbery of the OberanEstate: the target house was locked, could not bash it ***
- Larriaz the Sirine (door locked, could not bash) ***
- ogre mage assassination attemt (door locked, could not bash) ***
- anything to do with Ragefast's nymph (Ragefast's door is door locked) <b class="Bold">can't get INT tome</b> ***
(best option: kill Ragefast, bring nymph to rival wizard, free nymph, climb tower and kill rival wizard)
- Jardak's house is locked, couldn't bash ***
- Degrodel's house is also locked (Helm/Cloak of Balduran quest) ***
- Nadin's door is locked, and could not bash open ***
- in the SW district s the house robbed by thieves is locked too ***
- failed to bash open the lock for the evidence in the Merchant League ***
note: at this point no reward from Aldeth, even more if you talk with 'im 'e'll made you arrest. Communicate with the head guard only. When all done, kill Aldeth, then go and kill his borther too.
<b class="Bold">- can't get STR tome in Candlekeep**
- can't get WIS tome in Candlekeep**</b>

* I used a halfling Wizard Slayer with17 STR. Updating the list with 19 STR. Dwarven and gnome wizard slayers can gain 1 more STR.
*** can be done casting Draw Upon Holy Might baalspawn ability
* * no Wizard Slayer can get these


Notable amount of healing potions consumed:
- 10 dose in the Spider's Bane's Cavern (plus antidotes/elixir of healths along the road)
- 10+ dose stopping the coronation/saving the duke
- 12 dose in Iron Throne top level
- 12 dose when reporting finding Helm of Balduran (kill the sorcerer first, then run behind the bed. Also, only has 1 stalker this time)
- 15+ in Degrodel's house. Other conditions: no more than 4 enemy attack you the same time. Attack the helm-guard (invisible skeleton) first, then the doom guard, then deal with the 3 invisible stalker. During the last phase you better off pulling out your second DUHM (yes, despite the casting length). I was clvl 10 this point.

[twillight]

There are 3 things left in BG1-part:
- the main quest, obviously (saving the duke/s, fighting sharevok are the main plotlines)
- durlag's tower (the tome is obvious, and there's the plate mail +3, remember: every bit helps with this massive solo failure called Wizard Slayer)
- werewolf island

I actualy checked werewolf island, and given a single wolf costs half my HP, I decided to skip it. There's not a single shop on the island, but there's thatGreater Wolfvere and hordes of werewolves in the shipwreck... I don't think Wizard Slayer can do it. Ya tink wizzySs are best, yall go and do it, me not.

Durlag's Tower:
- above levels are ok, but remember, there are plenty of ghasts, so bring Spider's Bane
- I could only find 2 prot. from petrification scroll in the game, andI used them up,so no scimitar +2 for me. I'm into dagger anyway
- the plate +3 is on the 4 dwarf guardian level fortunately. It is an improvement from the Ankegh Plate (finaly), but it is trouble to get it: you practicaly cast a DUHM to fight a single monster, then another to go to sleep to heal back the HP. Remember: healing potions are LIMITED supply, no shop has it in infinite number, so there.
Oh, there's a skeletal warrior where you find the key. That is somehow stronger than the rest, cost me 5 healing potions. The tower by the way is pretty generous with those - I'd put away the big stashes for the final fight or something.
- either way, if you do want to fight the guardians have on you a crapton of potions, be fully healed, and "run" south ASAP and run FAR, so you separate that hasted guy first. The other on the south side is Love, a cleric-or-what, still isn't big of a fuss. My second DUHM still lasted when it died, and managed to sleep (these DUMH-sleeps heal like 50% of my max HP). The cloudkill-guy on the left is weak, only annoying. Fear on the other hand has a crapload of AC, so it's basicaly a "who gets more critical" crap. DUMH is a deciding factor here, heavily weighting for your favour.

This is how I (try to) enter Bhaal's Temple:

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/77U9y7R.jpg" alt="" />

This should be way enough, as I'mway over the exp-limit of BG1.
If still proves impossible, there's still the chance to further abuse the 8million exp limit and moving further in Durlagh's Tower reach clvl 11 (+1 thac0), and gain large shield +2. But as I'm already 2 clvl over where I'm supposed to be, this is very not attractive option.

--------------

UPDATE:
Ok, so I odn't actualy need to suffer for exp, as after dealing with the goonies, I already reached clvl 11, and I doubt there's enough to get clvl 12.
First pulled out the archer (left side). Annoying. A prot. from fire scroll would have been advisable.
Second heal up, cast DUHM, and pull out Tazok. He hits hard, don't forget to drink potions even during the battle.
Third go along the tombs and cross fingers to not wake any undead. This way I could pull out the mage. Unfortunately you have to suffer 2 of his casting, one of it being turn to stone, so prot. from magic is advisable.
All the goons cost me 25 dose of healing potions.

Let's see if can deal with sharevok...

Btw, you know, I don't get the hate Beastmaster gets as "worst class". That's practicaly a ranger, with extra early summons, restricted to use quarterstaves. And quarterstaves are a good weapon class: in BG1 you can hop and just buy yourself a +3 variant, in BG2 you just buy a +4 variant, get the Instant Invisibility variant, finaly get that of Ram +6 stuff. Sure, won't dualwield (although making one of such runswhere you only wield clubs would be awesome), but hey.
Similar bad reputation lingers (unfixed) Shapeshifter. So, its Greater W form don't get all the benefits. So what. I've yet to see druids to shapeshift anyway (outside pen&paper), so it is just like any other druid. Maybe they are actualy better than pure druid as they can shapeshift right from the start, their "weapon" can't break...
Time to time comes up bard, but even in its worst shape is only a thief without thief abilities...
Druids are also slow (until they get the serious stuff, and finaly Harm).
Now on the other hand WizardSlayer... Sure, is a fighter kit, but taking away the wands realy hurt. And they suffer from taking away equipment too. Ok, maybe not fall on the level in termsof thac0, but still. And they still can't use wands.

The ONLY way I could winagainst Sharevok was to put Prot From Magic on me. A good period remained from the wizard on me, so I tried to abuse the lightning traps. It is very unreliable, but could chunk away a slight portion from Sharevok (they hit 2-3 HP per hit). As he does not regenerate, this worth it, especialy you actualy desperatly need these hits on him.
The protection will run out, and you'll likely be hit by some lightning. Heal it backwith potions, unless you have superhuman sense of time to know when to stop.
The final step (as you can see I had 4 scrolls, only used 2 this time, you might want to use up all four, or more if the game has somewhere) is to walk into the middle of the room, on the big sigil. Lure Sharevok to the middle of the two eyes and the nose (I think those have traps). When going in you might be hit with arrow-traps the scroll does not protect you. Heal that backwith potions. Have 100% HP, this is important!
Now the plan is to run up-and-down the three Skull Trap traps and make those kill the Big Bad. Don't forget to consume even more healing potions (during this "fight" I took another 5, in the end I was left with 5 slot worth potions - did not touch the 10-packs). Don't bother with S, just run and run and run and hope the best.
It CAN be done.
Now when S falls, SAVE. Why? Because you must get out of the sigil, and those physical-damage traps are still there, that's why. Drink some more potions, and try to hurry through the thieves' maze using the protection to negate the magical traps (or just save even more).

[twillight]

Seems I'mgetting tired to not remember DUHM.

Otherwise:
- I just play as the game is supposed to be played. I'm simply not abusing bugs.
- even aside that, I DO USE shields and helmets. Only justthe non-magical ones.
- EVEN aside that, I neither loose too much. Boots of speed is good for 2 things: abusing ranged attack, and uhm-see-ya strategy which is again a kind of exploit, although a minor one. And to be honest, I did try to gimp my overlevelled character. I did put on it the Helm of Balduran, the large shield +1, AND EVEN the Claw of Kazgaroth which is a bloody ring for all sake thus shouldn't be available in the first place. And Sarevok washed the floor with me.

The main lack of WS in BG1 is the lack of wands. It is not terrible without them, even at times does nice things, and face it, none does certain quests aside a onetime completion event (werewolf island, durlagh's tower - seriously).
But face it: the sole working strategy against Sharevok himself is to bury 'im under meatshield and shoot the crap out of 'im. And Wizard Slayer LACKS this one-and-only solution (aside mobbing him with a party, where half your team end up dead of course).

Btw, not using shields aren't that much of a drawback. Sure, I'll miss on the beholder-quests (unless MR works there), but otherwise shield is not in hugh demand.
Helmets aren't a big deal either. Probably. The +1 AC/saves form Balduran is nice, but not the end of the world. Charm protection can come from everywhere. And elemental resist - how about I'll just buy all the protection scrolls this time? Sure, it's not a passive bonus, but oh well!
Lastly the boots: I'm sofed up with Boots of Speed, ok? I'm bored dead with that. And as that only gives walking speed (ok, 0.5 attack as well... Because of bug, I assume - is that fixed in EE?), it doesn't exactly breaking my combat potential. I think.

So the extra lacks are not even that big of a factor. Heck, when I started I thought it'll be balanced against a Kensai. Didn't notice how dependent you are from wands in BG1. And potions. Actualy, the fight against the doppelgangers in the palace was even easier than with a bard (probably thx for the massive amount of HP and fighter thac0,despite a bard drinking like 5 potions there to buff up).

---------

In case I made a miscalculation, pardon me a rant on weapon classes:
- won't mention some, no twohanded for starter, as want two weapon style as trademark (more hit -> more miscast magic stack).Also, something which can give occasional ability offhand like negative plane prot is not woirth point.
- bastard swords:the only interesting one is what makes you immun to poison, so not a long term stuff. EDIT: this sword is unavailable for Wizard Slayer.
- scimitar/wakizashi/ninja to: there's belm/scarlet ninja to for APR, and spectral brand for thac0. But maybe as a fighter I won't need thac0? Simple APR might be fine, but not indisposable, also not that "real" extra ability? Or I just don't hype this weapon class. I hope I won't regret it.Hey,with Greater Whirlwind this should be obsolate anyway.
- short sword: these look more interesting than thought. There is a +APR (kundane), an immunity to hold person (arbane), and avoreen (immun to stun and slow - this is halfling only!). But these are pretty conditional, and piercing dmg, which I already have. Would worth picking this weapon class at the start instead of daggers.
- axes: there is one which adds +1 to wisdom, in case you fancy enough Keldorn's armor. Axe of Unyielding is here too, gives AC and regeneration and vorpal effect - but I used this once with some character, and wasn't that satisfied.
- flails: of earthaven, although that's more barbarian stuff thananyone else's. of ages for slowing.
- long swords: there's an immunity to charm (adjatha), an immunity to fear (dragonslayer), a 10% magic resist (of Balduran), and The Answerer.

Maybe I'll regret this, but I'll go long sword main hand, flails offhand.

[twillight]

Quests you fail because of class*:
- Limited Wish Adventure
- The Imprisoned Mage
- not a quest, but worth mention: glasses of identification of course does not function, neither the summoning quick items (berserker warrior of the horn of valhalla, efreeti bottle, spider figurine, golem manual and obviously any other), book of infinite spells
**lich in the Gate District
**Kangaxx
**Rogue Stone Doorway
***the Unseeing Eye can only be done BEFORE leaving Athkatla, and ONLY IF the character has Heal Light Wound baalspawn ability.

*Most of these shouldn't matter, as the 8 million exp limit is not diminished if ToB is installed.
**quests behind locks of high STR to bash. These can only be done during the last act, where you can transform to the Slayer, or with high enough level Draw Upon Holy Might casting (baalspawn ability) and enough base strength. DUHM only gives maximum +6 to your stats, which means you need 18+ basic STR on your character. Halflings start with 17 STR, and can't acess the STR Tome, so their only chance is to pass the Chromatic Demon and get the bonus from the Machine of Lum or Deck of Many Things. But if the class description is followed hardcore, then you don't use helms, and you'd need access to Vhailor's Helm's simulacrum to have a chance. Crom Faeyr also works.

After doing fast quests, decided to start Nalia's Keep - but there's the problem of trolls. Ok, the captain there gives somefire arrows, and with fighter thac0 you have no problem using any bow for mercykilling, I'd still feel more comfortable with a melee fire/acid weapon. While the De'Arnise Keep provide one (that flail), didnot felt satisfying enough, so went to Trademeet instead.
Could outsmart Wilfred there with my 10 WIS, but first at arrival got Mrs Cragmore's goons. Thought somehow the random encounter followed me They massacred the guards, but who cares.

For the De'Arnise Hold: don't forget that whatever is not on you when you take over the keep (by talking to Nalia) is LOST FOR GOOD wether on the ground or in containers. The best stuff should be enough though. Still, do NOT PICK UP anything you don't take as essential I assume to circumgo this.

For Planar Sphere: I suggest bringing a scrll of fire prot, and if you didn't already, buy Sling ofEverard. Ranged attack is a must at a point, and this damages adamantite golems from safe distance.

For Umar Hills Temple Ruins: kill Mazzy and take her sword. As I found Stun being the bane of the place, it makes a good offhand weapon against liches and the shadow lord.
Also, don't forget you'll (likely) encounter greater mumies, which require +3 weapons to hit,while at this point your main weapon is likely the +2 Adjatha.
Note on Adjatha the drkiner: seems your own magic resist gets in its healing's way.
Note on Flame Tongue: depsite everything telling otherwise it does NOT deal (additional) fire damage.
Note on Dragonsalyer (as I list weapons here): it only regenerates you real time, not in-game time. So don't expect being regenerate by sleeping or traveling.

For the Unseeing Eye:
at clvl 26 managed to pass the beholders here. Adjata sword + of Balduran sword. Cast mirror image from sword. Cast DUHM. Cast speed from sword. Wait 3 tick so when reaching there immediately can cast GWW. Use 5 GWW, aim first the beholders, next the gauth, then anything else. Do NOT try to do anything else but whck until all "beholders" are down!
Also, do not forget this place is full of leveldrain traps and monsters, so stick to Mace of Disruption in the offhand.
Oh, and the lich here is pretty nasty. Seems it has 3 contignency on it, all casting prot from magic weapons. This is annoying. I suggest first running away to avoid its timestop, and not going back until its flame aura dissipates too.

For Shadow Dragon:
- precast DUHM, hardiness, protection from acid, speed. Run to the beast and start whacking. Wear Mace of Disruption + Dragonslayer Sword.
- it should wingflap, and cast protection from magic weapons. You can't do anything with this, and it'll even blind you, thus can't hit it. This time just drink potions (ca. 2 rounds).
- start whacking it with whirlwind. It'll probably wiingflap you again, exausting its wingflap memorizations. Continue with greater whirlwind.
- hope you won't be hit by chaos.
- profit.

Dealing with Firkraag: surprisingly easier. Get Dragonslayer in main hand, whatever offhand. Precast prot from fire, mirror image, haste, hardiness, DUHM, and it's done. Keep the papers and roleplay that you say the dragon killed the landlord, you killed the dragon, so you claim the land.

Some math for helaing:
- selling healing potion does not worth it
- basic healing potions don't heal you enough in battle. Use them in long quests instead.
- healing spells get more costly per HP healed, so stick to the smallest of the spell while at the beginning of the game where you want to buy stuff from shops. Get Heal (the palm icon it has) when you miss 120+ HP though, at that point thatgets cheapest per HP regained.
- as you'll get healed by spells, use DUHM whenever you feel like it, don't wait until sleep unless far from healers.

On Keldorn/Valygararmor: Wizard Slayer can't use them, even if meets the stat requirements.

On the Stronghold: as it has 8 bloody event, each happening ca. 1 per week, you have to spend bloody lot of time somehow. So don't hold back, and hop away selling your stuff, leaving the Shadow Dragon for later and so on.

[twillight]

See, you can write whatever you want. But people do factcheck on your claims at times, and then you get into trouble.

I found this link (oh howI have the beamdogs forum being filled witharrogant trolls, bulklies and cheaters!).
Let's go through the claims,shall we?

- The posts are NOT useful. Saying something like "Progress has been mainly standard - Shoal to get level 3, Beregost tasks level 4, basilisks level 5 & 6." is anything but informative.
And I doubt that amount of exp can come at that point, though basilisks do give hugh exp...Still would welcome DETAILS to measure.
- "He's [the character] just finished in the lighthouse area."- Ye? You weren't even in theNashkel Mines, and already doing the Syrens? Huh!
- And don1t forget this: "basilisks level 5 & 6. To get an extra scroll of magic protection compared to my last wizard slayer attempt Augur also killed Bentan" - the post is obviously entirely fictional,as Protection From Magic scrolls do NOT save you from basilisk gaze. Only Protection From Petrification does.
- "He's just finished in the lighthouse area. Once again there the first group managed to confuse him" - see, syrens don't confuse you. They CHARM you. And if that hits you, that's instant game over. And as this supposed to be a no-reload playthrough... I caught you pants down.
- "Before going to the Nashkel mine Augur bought some full plate." - why? Why not use the Ankegh Plate whatyou find in Nashkel? That's better in every aspect you know (AC of a full plate, weight is almost nothing). I tell you why: the guy never played the game, gathers his information from walkthroughs and wikis!
- Oh, and supposedly this character never drank asingle healing potion. My ass. That's pure and simple: impossible.
- "both of them managed to cast disabling spells despite being hit and Augur had to run off the map to avoid having to save" - that'snot how the game works. For starter, wizard slayer in the UNMODDED game can't cause its classspecific miscast magic with ranged weapons.
- "Augur was successful in pulling the guards away without alerting Hareishan and moved down to Daveorn. He stranded the battle horrors upstairs" - that's not how the game works. Also, doing so is unnecessary, those things can be delt with in melee one-by-one.
- "For once I didn't bother with wisdom. but wanted intelligence as something that could be given up in the dream sequence." - that's again stupid. Even if you have 3 WIS you should sacrifice THAT instead of anything, because WIS is only good if you're have divine magic, while intelligence is precious because of illithids.
- "After picking up the Helm of Balduran Augur attacked the Iron Throne." - I bet he used Claw/Horn of Kazgaroth too.
- " Inside, he triggered the lightning traps and then rested." - problem is, those traps remain there infinite despite being triggered. So what was the point?
- "He took just a couple of shots to dispel Sarevok". While this works, is definitely Abusing Lazy Programing. Sarevok's speed is implemented as infinite length haste is cast upon him, but is definitely intended as being feature, as the haste effect is never shown activated, thus dispeling it is abusing the engine.
-Also, please note we have no idea about the character's level, or equipment at this point.

So the story not just seems fictional, doesn't even give ideas aside how to abuse the engine to beat Sarevok.

BG2 part:
- "A couple of arrows of explosion found in a random drop" - but exploding arrows are not present as random loot!
- "Augur returned to Athkatla to sell some things a couple of times during that (I'm not allowing him the use of a bag of holding)" - pal, when yoou wrote this you didn't go to Spellhold!
- "Torgal's giant troll companions were also pulled away separately for easy disposal before Ras occupied Torgal" - sorry, but Torgal (De'arnise Keep boss)is further ahead of his troops, thus HE is the one who canbe pulled away!
- "There was another potentially fatal moment when Augur went through the FoD trap (I decided it was better to risk the 5% failure on this than use one of the 2 scrolls of magic protection)." - but the guy ALREADY USED UP against the Trademeet genies!:
"decided to go after the genies at Trademeet. However, despite his green scroll protection, Taquee proved a handful on his own (hitting with every attack) and Augur was forced to make a run for the edge of the map - Taquee's haste allowed him to get one more hit on the way to almost finish Augur off before he could exit. Back in Athkatla he bought the Fortress Shield (offering 2 better AC than the Reflection Shield he already had) and returned to Trademeet. With DUHM he got his AC down to -9 and this time Taquee luck was reversed - failing to hit at all. After another green scroll Augur went inside the tent"
- "he's just been stripped of his Bhaal powers and lost a point of intelligence" - this is just a dumb moment. No melee character chooses to loose intelligence. We loose wisdom.
- " However, although he couldn't get some tokens, he still had enough for the boots protecting against cold and lightning (which was all he wanted anyway)." - but why bother with the tokens? You can friggin buy Boots of Grounding (in theory not allowed, but this character did not bother tostick to the rules) from the Temple District (or Fighter Stronghold!).
- "Lonk died before he could buff " - but why attacked the character at all? Ina no-reload game you wouldn't take any risk. That's why the guy played total boring: cast simulacrum from Vhailor's Helm -> sleep -> repeat. So?
- " Augur moved on to confront Irenicus. An opening GWW with the throwing hammer effectively killed him, but his script kept him going until after Wanev's time stop" - you can't kill the Endboss in the middle of the game, moron! Everyone knows you just step back (after killing your clown) there and don't waste resources! (potentialy heal up by potions)
- "After giving the king the false heart he GWW'd him and his guards before the prince could arrive (level 33 - GWW). It was then the prince's turn before Augur took the rope and descended to the Underdark." - again, why do this in a no-reload game? Why take extra risks? As you have to clear the Prince's cohorts anyway nice and clean, why not just kill the prince?
- "After resting, Augur + simmy used GWWs on the balor threatening the svirfneblin village." - why bother with the balor, again? Just kill the dwarves. They are much easier opponents.
- "He then invaded the beholder nest just far enough to get an elder orb eyestalk." - now this is just moronic. Those things can imprison you. Go against the kuo-toas.
- "He reported to Adalon and she helped clear a path out of the Underdark. That was actually another error as I had intended to kill her and thought she would reappear in her cave. It seems that getting the Human Flesh Armour is no longer possible" - this is just dumbfuck on the square. He's doinga good-alignment character, thus can't use Human Flesh at all. Also plays Wizard Slayer (reportedly clvl 35 at this point), which has NO USE of this piece of equipment! In a no-reload game, wanting to fight a most dengerous enemy. Forno gain. Stupid, stupid, walkthrough-based fanfiction writer, not actual player!
- "Azuredge got another good workout at the vampire guild, although Augur did get drained once and had to use a scroll of restoration." - whathappened with Mace of Disruption +2, one must wonder.
- "With relatively poor AC and very limited regeneration Augur found Suldanesselar rather heavier going than most of my characters. " - strange, but I had no problem at all. Any human-size golems die from Crom Faeyr, raaksashas are mostly casters, you can climb stairs to avoid adamantite/iron golems... AC is not an issue there.
- "Augur got his 40th (and last) level there. Taking GWW gave him a total of 3 hardinesses" - sounds problematic. You're waaay better off with 5 hardiness: 1 for each phase of Melissan, and 1 extra against the Final Seal.
- "At the temple I couldn't resist fighting rather than just putting things on the altar. " - that's a VERY risky move right there. Even with bow specialisation and Boots of Speed (abusing content of course thatis), that place is crowded with enemies.
- "+10 MR (required to get 100% MR now that Human Flesh Armour has gone" - no its not, and would you please stop crying for that overrated armor?
- "+15 HPs (a close decision there, but I decided that having Blackrazor was more important than improved saving throws" - so he used a version where that sword worked. Strange, I thought "

Grond0, good luck with your Wizard Slayer, so far you've been doing fine Are you using the vanilla version?

Essentially yes, though I've got the Fixpack tweak that allows ranged as well as melee weapons to trigger spell failure." But in the vanilla game Blackrazor's abilities simply don't work!

- "+2 strength" - you mean +3 STR? Or you're that dumb for real?
- "Arriving in ToB Augur immediately found a big bonus in that he could equip the Amulet of Seldarine. I'm not sure if that was intended by developers or not, but will wear it anyway - that now gets MR above 100% without the need for equipping a weapon." - agan, is there a realdifference between 99% and 100%? Also, as he was into shields, why not just use the +5% MR shield when fighting spellcasters?
- "In Saradush, Augur didn't bother with any of the side quests, but just arranged a date in the prison with a bunch of vampires (as you do). " - why mess with those?
- "Using Blackrazor on some orcs and orogs got Augur a strength bonus - which allowed him to open the chest with F'lar's scabbard. In the palace, the first group of enemies were easily meleed; a first use of Crom Faeyr" - this guy was realy that forgetful? Or just wrote to get attention? Sure, STR-boost sounds cool from Blackrazor - BUT WHY BOTHER?
- "Augur improved Foebane and rested before coming back for Gromnir." - seriously, what are this guy's proficiencies? I think he had 5 points in bows, axes, hammers, and even a point in twohanded swords? But then later claimed he had no point there... Oh, what do we expect at this point?
- "Improved Foebane got a first workout against some soldiers on the way to Yaga-Shura's home - Augur getting up to 375 HPs there" - WTF? FOUR HUNDRED HPS? Look, I rolled maximum HP at levels, have 1 less CON, but am nowhere to this! This is 100-150 point more than possible (I have 225 max HP at top level)!
- "Moving on to the Fire Giant temple,... Augur just continued on his own - crushing and fire resistance over 100%" - HOW THE NINE HECK? Ok, I assume Fire Dragon Armor 50% + scroll 50%, 50% Roranach's Horn, 50% hardiness... Wait! I remember! I tried this with my barbarian! Turned out BECAUSE OF BAD CODING the giants actualy do piercing damage or shit, so you get hurt big time if you try this! This is what you get when someone writes fanfiction out of a walkthrough instead playing the game!
- "Augur hadn't brought along a normal weapon, so just pummeled the magic golem unconscious with his fists and left it." - yeah, sure.
- " Augur dug the Wave out of his backpack for the first time to use on Imix." - why bother with the fight? Nothing to gain from it!
- "switching to Blackrazor (for the level drain) made a nasty mess of Yaga-Shura" - not to mess with people, but the bosses in ToB, or otherwise are not coming with hardcoded stats/immun to leveldrain?
- "Having had a pretty easy time of it to here I underestimated Ogremoch and approached with no buffs or summons" - says the guy who sends simulacrum aganst goblins. Sure.
- "However, Augur managed to slam a door on him and waited for Blackrazor to regenerate his HPs." - look pal, your HP is regenerate even by CON. And wouldn't a sane person just hop to Pocket Plane for a sleep?
- "Then, with Roranach's Horn, hardiness, stoneskins, Defender of Easthaven and GWWs he" why not add Mirror Image to the equation? Even more safe.
- "After another rest, it was time to confront Sendai. His simmy helped kill the first 3 statues, but then died (largely as a result of banging against fire shields as I foolishly hadn't given him a ranged weapon option)." - who cares? Hop to the Ppocket Plane for a good sleep!
- "Balthazar once more failed to slow an opponent and he recovered from near death by stunning Augur and then healing himself." - and then the player died, because Stun-druration is 60 seconds or something, any attack during it is automatic success, and we're talking about Blathazar "trying" to hit you.
- " However, he was now down to 9 GWWs - and as I was checking that I mis-clicked and he was down to 8!" - oh, the tension! How the fuck did this actualy happen? Misclick my arse.
- "For the final combat with Mel he had earth elementals on his side (having used all the fire ones)" - the sheer impossibility here. You get 1 earth elemental per sleep in case you didn't know.


"and realising that perhaps he could have done with the Girdle of Frost Giant strength in order to make Crom Faeyr"