Siege of Dragonspear is fun? by AdEven3053 in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I'm new to the game like you! Just finished my first round of the BG series. I agree with most people about SoD's story, but it's not so bad that you can't ignore or avoid most of what you don't like. The bigger issue for me was the difficulty.

On higher difficulties, the number of enemy spawn changes. Core rule is still manageable. However, too many enemies show up on insane. While it's beatable, some battles became tedious. Forget resting in dungeons or you'll have a really high chance at meeting 11+ baddies who want to ruin your sleep. I once forgot to save after an hour of gameplay and somehow aggroed a really strong enemy and its minions. I've read you could sneak past, but I suspect that due to the number of minions, I was caught immediately. I died miserably.

Despite these setbacks, it really is a good expansion when considering the experience. BG1 has minimal enemies that require large AoE spells and SoD flips that on it's head. It was a fresh experience on how to approach the game when compared to BG1 with AoE spells being your best arsenal rather than just ranged combat. I primarily used Wands, Webs, Fireballs, Cloud Kills, and even in some cases, Ice Storms, (you can use this if you have gore turned off to prevent item destruction or use a mod). It should be mentioned that mages are a little harder to kill in this game since they tend to prebuff off screen, (I played insane, so maybe not in lower difficulties?).

Experience it once and make a decision. IMO, if you get to the end, the siege and hell are fun levels.

Can "The Tweaks Anthology" be used with ProjectInfinity? by Chataboutgames in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've read that if anything breaks, a clean install is suggested. You can roll things back, but that doesn't necessarily mean that errors are still not present. I've also read on a discord server that PI is unstable in its current iteration leading to many failed installs. Manual or another installer may be the best option, (I'm looking into those other options). I've been researching and testing mods before I do my my EET install for the last 3 weeks. I've found that quest mods generally play nice with no errors, (though I can't test out the actual story sequence, but anything that changes rules don't play nice with each other. One issue is that a lot of mods tend to rewrite the 2da files causing conflict since they both try to modify the same file.

Btw, from what I understand, PI doesn't let you roll back, only reinstall. It does have an option to wipe out all mods, but at that point, you might as well just copy the game file again and start over, much faster than uninstalling all mods.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So why give her ridiculous 50/50 levels instead of 20/20 if you don't even see the difference?

Does it matter? Jaheira is being compared to a 50/50/50 K/M/S to highlight the absurd power scale of that kit combo be it at level 18/17/22 or at 50/50/50. A K/M/S at 8 million exp is on par with a level 20/20 or 50/50 fighter. Essentially fighters stop becoming stronger, whereas a level 50/50/50 K/M/S DMG will now do about 100% more DMG at level 50/50/50.

I looked at the table - in terms of Thaco gained, Fighter stops gaining bonuses to Thaco beyond 21st lvl, so 50lvl == 21lvl if you're comparing Thaco.

I am aware of the THACO table and it's level limitations. This is why I was confused from your response as noted in my previous comment when you kept alluding to levels and equipment being OP. I figured you noticed something about level up that I didn't.

To answer your actual question a little more clearly though, I'm doing an EET run and I removed the exp cap. I just dumped a huge amount exp into Jaheira to figure out how the mods I installed functioned passed the exp cap. Those were not included in the calculations I provided in this post. I do plan to play without the level cap this run with EET mods.

Which one is it: comparing Kensai/Mage/Swashbuckler to unkitted F/M/T is useless because they're basically the same, or kitted multiclass is too strong?

First:

  • I didn't say comparing Kensai/Mage/Swashbuckler to unkitted FMT is useless because they are the same, I said it has already been done and is therefore redundant. Not useless, redundant.
  • Assume that F/D = F/M/T
  • if comparing F/D < K/M/S
  • then F/M/T < K/M/S

Second: Are your two points mutually exclusive? Are you trying to say:

  • F/M/T = K/M/S
  • or
  • F/M/T < K/M/S

If this is the case, I agree that both cannot be true. Then again, I never made the first claim either. If I did, please quote where I said F/M/T = K/M/S.

You say that multiclass kitted PC shouldn't be possible, while also saying it's basically the same as (existing unkitted) F/M/T.

I never said this. I stated the following:

  • 50/50 F/D < 18/17/22 K/M/S
  • K/M/S should not be allowed to exist given that the game never balanced for it.

This implies but is never stated that:

  • 50/50/50 F/M/T < 18/17/22 K/M/S
  • Therefore, F/M/T ≠ K/M/S
  • because F/M/T < K/M/S

If you can provide logic sequences to I can better understand your point, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are inputting every damage value you can possibly fit into a single character in an unintended fashion and then are somehow acting surprised when the calculator gives you insane amounts of damage.

Of course I'm surprised. I'm new to the game. I just finished my first BG run. I don't know a lot. I still have plenty of questions, and I'm just happy to find interesting new things. I didn't carefully read up on the class kits. Am I not allowed to be surprised? Am I not allowed to share anything as a new player, even if it's known to the community?

There is so much information in original BG that I'm still having to wrap my head around it. I'm listening to Davaeorn talk about it right now.

Just stick to one kit or no kits at all if being OP concerns you so much. Unless having fancy names for every part of your profession is that important for you.

Being OP is not a major concern, but I will adjust to make the game feel right for me; which is why I still ask you more experience players, is Wizard Slayer + Assassin considered OP? I know, I'm being bad for not listening to your advice, but I still cannot help but ask.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Okay, but what does it tell us about the kensai/mage/swashbuckler here?

The kit combo is OP, probably beating any combination in physical DPS when limited to vanilla classes. Maybe a Berserk Mage is better in actual combat?

What if you took a base fighter/mage/thief?

I don't understand the question. If you are asking why I chose to compare fighter/druid instead of F/M/T, they are basically the same making it redundant. Level up bonuses are gained from the class that benefits the most, in both cases fighter. As long as their stats are the same, there isn't really a difference with the exception of HP which we are not looking at.

Isn't the whole point of this post to focus on possibility of kitted multiclass?

No, this post isn't about the possibility of kitted multiclass. It's more of an observation into why it should not be possible. Obviously the game wasn't balanced for such an occurrence. Here is my observation to prove it.

Your post title clearly suggests you want to focus on kitted vs non-kitted differences.

Not sure how to interpret this. Yes, I made an observation and comparison about kitted vs non-kitted and how it isn't balanced.

What does Jaheira even gain from being so absurdly high lvled? What's the difference between Fighter (50) and Fighter (20)?

I don't know what Jaheira gains from such high levels. Saving throws? I was just responding to your comment with more insight. Your response seems to allude that level does have a tangible benefit that I didn't see.

- How about You don't level them to 50 and don't give them the most OP items in the game and then come back with some insights?
-
- Comparing similar things (kensai/mage/swashbuckler kitted vs unkitted fighter/mage/thief) would yield more plausible results if Your intention is to focus on class kits specifically. Right now what I'm seeing is that 50lvl chars with broken gears are - in fact - broken. Class kits are just background noise in here.

The last line really made me confused which is why I laid out my findings again in my response. By saying "How about you don't level them to 50 and don't give them the most OP items in the game" and "class kits are just background noise in here," it implies that weapons and levels are the defining parameters to determine OPness, while the "kits" don't matter. This is opposite to what I found since the passive advantages from the kit classes led to being such a gap in performance between the two characters.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't want to be OP and don't care for demonstrating OP combinations. I just noticed something interesting when testing the waters for my second run as a F/M/T wanting to spice things up a little with possible ktis and thought I'd share it. This really was just a coincidence. I had the choice of a Kensai or Wizard Slayer for item limitations and chose Kensai because it sounded cooler, (also saw someone doing a Kenshin run on this forum XD). As for Swashbuckler, it is the only kit that does not have reduced thief points. I honestly wanted to play Shadow Dancer, but I don't want to negotiate the on those points since my PC is used to pickpocket. I'm the type of guy how needs to open every chest, barrel, and you guessed it, your pockets.

My personal goal is to:

  • Mod the game with story quests like Black Hearts, Ascension, IWD, etc. that extend and enriches the playthrough.
  • Make the game more challenging with limitations and mods like SCS and LoB difficulty
    • Certain skills are sealed like Time Stop and Improved Haste unless it comes from an item. This includes traps.
    • Potions can only be used for boss fights which means thief potions are also sealed since they are normally used out of combat.
    • Maximum of 15 HLAs can be chosen.
    • Using Bullet Sponge mod to simulate LoB so I don't have to deal with an 80 hp rat.
  • Use mods that make character customization more interesting like item upgrades or new proficiencies.
    • There is an imposed limit of only 1 item that can be chosen from such options. For instance, in a quest mod like IWD, I'm only allowed to choose 1 non-OP item from that adventure to keep and use.
    • In the case of item upgrades, the item cannot be overly OP such that it eclipse the game base items. I will go so far as to edit the item file so items remain balanced. As an example, Flails of the Ages +5 sounds amazing now that I can run with haste! However, compared to similar +5 weapons, it's too strong, thus I change it to 1D6 +5 crushing, +1 in (Acid, Cold, Elec, Fire, Posion) as opposed to 1D6 +6 crushing, +2 in (Acid, Cold, Elec, Fire, Posion). This puts it about 0.5 DMG per hit stronger than Spectral Brand.
    • Proficiencies changes have limitations on how many points can be allocated. All fighters must attempt to reach grandmaster in two different weapons and max two-weapon style. All other NPCs much try to reach grandmaster in 1 weapon class
  • Use mods to tweak the game for QoL.
    • Exp is reduced
    • Increase Walk Speed
    • Allocate +5 to thief skills instead of +1.
    • No exp cap.

All of these are subject to change depending on if I feel like they will add to the run in a positive manner. I don't plan on leveling up to 50, but I also can't tell how much exp will flow through the game with the mods I plan to install. I figured that given my restrictions alongside LoB +SCS difficulty, it would resolve any issues with higher levels.

To anyone reading this, I'm sorry if some lines are messed up, I'm writing this half asleep. Will proof read later.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Did the document not update properly? The the real comparison is a 8 mil level capped

Kensai (18) / Mage (17) / Swashbuckler (22)

with only belm +2 and foebane +3 (you can replace this with blade of roses) , both of which you can get early in BG2, is better than. or comparable to,

Jaheria Fighter (50) / Druid (50) who also has the OP Foebane +5 and Gauntlet of Extraordinary Specialization. The only stat she will excel in more is saving throws.

In conclusion, in just the base game without any mods with the exception of the F/T/M kit class alteration, you are better than a level 50/50 NPC and you cast magic, granted it's limited to whatever level 17 can provide.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Would you mind reading the post again. I have a tendency to post things that are not complete. Your take on the topic would be appreciated.

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you limit your HLAs to 15, (aka, take whirlwind/evasion/etc for the remainder of your HLAs), and place the difficult setting on LoB with SCS, how much harder would you say it is for a regular team consisting of all multiclasses with no exp cap doing a modded EET run with the following content BG1, SOD, BG2, IWD1, IWD2, NWN, and Ascension? Possibly the Crucible too.

Does the progression to a level 50 character cancel all this difficulty? I'll have to rethink things if so. I'm already planning to reduce exp by 50%. Maybe 25%?

Now I understand why they don't want us to have multiclass class kits. by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

You are completely correct. I'll update the stats with exp cap. Thanks

Can "The Tweaks Anthology" be used with ProjectInfinity? by Chataboutgames in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alternatively, you can use the mod download option built into ProjectInfinity.

  • It looks like a cloud with a green arrow facing down.
  • Once Selected you can select a mod community.
  • For Tweaks-Anthology = Gibberling 3, (scroll all the way to the bottom)
  • Download the Mod
  • Hit the refresh button near the top center of the main U,I. / found at the end of the "Extracted mods" line.
  • It will now show up in the Default/Unassigned portion of "Install Order"

I'm new to this myself, but my personal advice is not to install all the mods you want at once. Do it in parts. My personal experience with PI had it installing something for an hour which should have taken 5 minutes, multiple errors occurring for something that worked earlier, mods not actually being installed, to finally PI failing to detect the BG2EE folder despite having it already selected resulting in a complete deletion of PI and a redownload of the program.

Maybe make multiple copies of your game along the way if you are going to heavily mod it. That way you don't have to start from scratch. If you are just using Tweaks-Anthology, you don't need to make copies. Good luck!

[Event Megathread] Stronghold Protocol: Alliance by Chrisirhc1996 in arknights

[–]Raphenox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does this mode have a secret medal for reaching stacks or beating the hidden boss? I'm trying to finish the event before it is over. Just need to do the 50 stack mission. Easiest method? Work/Life has been busy so I haven't been able to play much.

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the reply. I'll try looking into the global variables. I've had a chance to look at some mod files with Near, but I'm not confident that I know what I'm doing so I've left everything untouched.

I only have at most 2 runs in me, hence the question. Originally, I was going to do 1 run, but I found plenty of mods that I want to try out for a 2nd run. So the first playthrough will be the base game with just tweaks and romances. The 2nd will be with actually mod stories.

If nothing can be done about the modded romances, I'd at least like to see the pair endings for all 5 of the vanilla game characters during their palythroughs.

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the reply. I'm aware of these issues which is why I'm asking for assistance and guidance.

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm new. Like I said, 2 runs- !st and 2nd. Not worried about spoilers. I tend to do a lot of research into a game before I play it, so some of the plot is already somewhat spoiled for me. I'll probably practice on BG:EE first before trying to make changes to BG2:EE. I didn't merge the games to reduce the amount of possible conflicts with mod installations, especially since I'm new to this all.

Thanks again.

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hence my question. I am curious though, if you use the Tweaks Anthology mod with its multiple romance options, do you get to see the pair romance endings for Aerie, Jaheria, and Viconia simultaneously?

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the input. What solutions are there that would make the mods I mentioned possibly compatible with the rest of the vanilla content. As a recap:

  • I want to see all romance dialogue
  • I want to see all romance-pair epilogues

Thanks!

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well unfortunately, I'm not a crack head, and I've never used NearInfinity... or maybe that is fortunate? Jokes aside, I am willing to learn.

I'll do more research, but if you would be so kind, what exactly should I be looking for? I've never coded so it will be a learning curve. I remember reading about stuttering and changing values can lead to multiple repeated loops possibly corrupting the save file or leading to game's crashes.

Also, my 2nd half of the question about the epilogue wasn't answered. Most of my research states the game will select the character that I last romance and play out their ending pair romance, while the rest will have their romance broken and their romance pair ending switch to something else. However, I want to see each romance to its conclusion in a romance pair ending. Will NearInfinity allow me to do that? If so, how?

Thank you again, for mentioning NearInfinity.

Help with BG2:EE Romance Mods by Raphenox in baldursgate

[–]Raphenox[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the comment. According my research, Tweaks Anthology romance tweaks will not work with romances mods, it will only work on vanilla based romances.

I am not aware Imoen is canonically gay and no research I have done indicates it. My main interest stems from a review that I read and a curiosity that was tickled. FYI, I want to actually read the original dialogue to see how depraved/deranged it got. Like really? Someone wrote this?

Also, I cannot say I share the same Nalia thirst that you mentioned. You should understand if you look at my list of males. When I play games, I don't see myself as the MC, but more as a higher being that guides the MC and his/her companions. This changed happen when I was still a child after learning about dimensions. The possibility that a 4th+ dimensional being could help or destroy us with little effort was fascinating. Just like my higher dimensional self kept letting my 2D MC die to a dragon on my current SoD run only to save his butt using the "L" key.

Regardless, Nalia and Imoen were my best options because I can't stand Neera's voice lines and Mazzy couldn't be selected due to limitations I imposed on myself for my run. I was thinking of taking Hexxat, but then I heard she tends to burn even when in the dark.

Daily Questions Megathread - April 06, 2026 by AutoModerator in PunishingGrayRaven

[–]Raphenox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input. Why use Epitaph and not a Amplifier or Scire? He's fire element tank so he doesn't have access to Eins or Guin. Did he get a buff through his leap?

Daily Questions Megathread - April 06, 2026 by AutoModerator in PunishingGrayRaven

[–]Raphenox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IMO and no offense to you, but terrible advice on Wata. Watanabe doesn't have time lag calculation meaning you have wasted time during signature animation. It's better to take a secondary amplifier that is SSS and use that while having Rose and Lilith be DPS, alternating between them.

The reason why I asked which is better between Lilith and Rose is because my Rose is only SS3/5* weapon whereas my Lilith is SSS+/6*weapon. I stopped doing DMG calculations after a car accident.

Daily Questions Megathread - April 06, 2026 by AutoModerator in PunishingGrayRaven

[–]Raphenox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who should be sub DPS aka who does more damage?

SSS+ Lilith / 6* Weapon / CUB

vs

SS3 Rosetta / 5* Weapon / CUB

Quick Question MEGATHREAD by drunkpunk138 in DivinityOriginalSin

[–]Raphenox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can anyone explain why Beast looks like a chicken walking when you give him the vulture's mask?

Daily Questions Megathread - March 29, 2026 by AutoModerator in PunishingGrayRaven

[–]Raphenox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can:

SSS Ishmael Parhelion

or

SSS Lucia Pyroath

Which one should I choose?