The protagonist will be a Paladin, although I'm not sure which kit I lan on using. I'll be bringing along:

Jaheira
Minsc
Imoen (these guys were with me through the first game)

Aerie: Romantic interest. I'd also like another divine spellcaster as well as a backup Mage to Imoen.

I'm thinking of adding Sarevok in ToB, and using the other NPCs in SoA for their individual quests (more XP, more adventures!). Adding Sarevok will add to the "BGI" theme, and adding the best tank in the game never hurt!

Will the 5 person party (Paladin, Minsc, Jaheira, Imoen, Aerie) be able to handle the challenges of SoA alone?

I'd add a spell caster/thief. I.e Jan Jansen. Imoen isnt a top notch thief, and aerie isnt a top notch anything. So another spell caster wont go amiss.

Actually, you've got enough power to make it through SOA easily. There are plenty of threads where people attest to the ability of Imoen to take you through the whole game as the sole party thief (I assume you'll have Yoshimo until you reclaim Imoen).

Aerie is much maligned, but is just fine with the volume turned off. Plus, you can set contingencies and triggers with divine spells, which is quite a bonus.

You have enough beef with the paladin, Minsc and Jaheira, so that shouldn't be a problem.

If you want to make sure that you get the most out of the party experience-wise, get Imoen ASAP and avoid having a sixth member except when absolutely necessary for that person's quest (so don't carry anyone else with you to the circus, for example). This will put you ahead of the curve for the game, which you'll need for the multi-class characters (who level up awfully slowly, especially Jaheira and the druid 14th and 15th level barriers -- ugh).

Well, in ToB, I used as many evil people as possible and then added Imoen just cause she is my sister. But I usually create my own party. I always re-roll until the die add up to over 82! Evil is gOOd!

I'm not worried about the thieving abilities (I've played with Imoen, and think she's enough).

I do plan on using a combination of Jan and Yoshimo in chapter 2/3. I also know that Yoshimo particularly enjoys sailing, so I'll make sure he doesn't miss the ride to Spellhold. ;)

With the smaller party (and therefore more XP per character) I'm hoping to minimize the multi-class XP problems presented with Aerie and Jaheira. Imoen is always a little bit behind as well, and she'll catch up faster.

Thanks for all the good input (especially yours, Aldur :rolleyes: ), and please keep it coming!

BTW, will Sarevok fit in nicely with this party? I am looking forward to adding this powerhouse in!

I have actually played with that party, except for the Sarevok part. It does work out quite well, and I found that there was no problem with having that party combination.

The variety gives a good spread of weapon proficiencies, so you can use all of the best weapons. Plus there is no real lack of magic there, especially when Jaheria hits level 14.

Thanks, Jaguar. If I may ask, how did you distribute your proficiencies to best take advantage of each character?

Here's my rough draft:

Paladin: Two Handed Sword, Two Handed Weapon Style. Either Axe (missile weapon if I go Cavaleir), X-Bow or LongBow. Probably Quarterstaves next, for a blunt weapon (or hammers or mace for Neg Plane Protection if I do not make an Undead Hunter).

Jaheira: Scimitar & Dagger

Minsc: Flails and Axes (dual weild) (maybe hammers for Crom Faeyr, but I might not construct it in this game)

Imoen: katana or short sword, single weapon style

Aerie: Quarterstaff (Staff of Magi), Sling, Two handed weapon style

aerie isnt a top notch anything Gasp! :eek:

Aerie ... is just fine with the volume turned off. Double gasp! :(

Aerie is the sweetest NPC in the game, not to mention the fact that she could easily solo the whole campaign.

Regarding party makeup, I think that's a pretty standard line up for Paladins. You get Minsc, Jaheira and Immie right off, and Aerie in what is likely your first quest. The your initial companions match your alignment well enough, plus they have history with you. Aerie's a perfect fit in alignment for a paladin. Honestly, I don't see how a paladin could justify romancing anyone else in this game, from a role-playing perspective.

The party is solid, and you don't *need* any thieving that you can't get from Immie. Early on you might want Yoshimo, Jan or Nalia for locks and traps, but you can live without them. Heck, you can live without anything in this game, as long as you have something. The game is pretty versatile that way.

Front line: Cavalier Sarevok
Minsc
Middle Line: Viconia
Last line: Imoen Nalia

The same configuration as the guy before me, but chuck Nalia out and get Edwin in, unless you HAVE to have an all good party.

Edwin kicks Nalia's ass any time of the day/week/month/year... :D

Well, I don't know whether it was perfect or not, but I went with:

Paladin (who was a Cavalier):Have to go with two handed swords and two handed weapon just to use everyones favorite pally sword, but also axes so that he can have a throw and return axe, if the need arises.

Jaheira: I went with staves, because I found that there weren't as many scimitars in the game that made it worthwild. With staves and two handed weapons, she was quite strong.

Minsc: Go with the Flails and Axes, but maybe mix a little mace in there so he can use the mace of disruption.

Imoen: Katana, single weapon style and bows, so you can keep her in the back with Gesans bow.

Aerie: Quarterstaff (Staff of Magi), Sling, Two handed weapon style works well, so you can keep her in the back lines.


A possible change for if you construct the Crom is to give Aerie the FoM (a waste I know) and give Minsc the Crom and that hammer that smites the undead. Whatever you do, just make sure that one of your frontliners can use either the Mace of Disruption, or the hammer of the same sort. Someone in the front who is immune to level drain is a blessing.

/me looks at what he wrote

Sorry about the length. :heh:

Thanks Bombur and Jaguar.

Elan and Faraaz: I can't see a Paladin ever taking along evil NPCs as allies. Besides which, I'm trying to keep the party to 5 members until I reach ToB, where I'll add an extra tank. :)