03-11-2003, 03:18 AM
I'm not gonna lie to you, soloing IWD2 on normal is tough. Perhaps the only truly guaranteed solid solo class is the Sorceror... and soloing a Sor is easier on HOF than normal (summoned monsters + more XP).
The problem with soloing in IWD2 is that, unlike in 2E, 3E has a CR (Challenge Rating) for every monster that determines how much XP you get for killing it. If you're too high for the monster, you get much less and may even get none (the converse is true if you're lower than the monster).
[Note: The game, technically, also calculates CR incorrectly since it does it on a monster by monster basis instead of on a per encounter basis as in 3E. In 3E, a lvl 10 Fighter would get decent XP for fighting and killing 100 Kobolds just because there were so many of them, but in IWD2 he would get zilch for the entire battle since individually Kobolds are much, much weaker than him and it doesn't take into account the other 99.]
What does this mean?
A solo character will never be much higher up on the level scale then a full party of six because, since he is higher level, he is also getting less XP per kill. Solo characters are fighting tougher monsters (the game uses average party level, not a sum of the levels in your party, to determine encounter strength) and getting less XP for it. IWD2 already has some very tough fights for a full party of six... a single character is suicide without some very, very creative "strategery" :)
That said... Solo characters that might make it? Sorcerors. Stormlords of Talos. Morninglords of Lathander. Possibly Silverstars just because they get interesting summons. Druids would be doable.
Fighters and Barbs would just get eaten up. Wizards wouldn't be able to keep their spellbooks at pace with their spell progression. Monks would be viable at high levels but just start off to weak. And so on.
I really recommend taking 6 characters (or at least 4) with IWD2 - there are just too many cool party combinations, spells, items, skills, and feats to try out to restrict yourself to just a single character on your first run through.
The problem with soloing in IWD2 is that, unlike in 2E, 3E has a CR (Challenge Rating) for every monster that determines how much XP you get for killing it. If you're too high for the monster, you get much less and may even get none (the converse is true if you're lower than the monster).
[Note: The game, technically, also calculates CR incorrectly since it does it on a monster by monster basis instead of on a per encounter basis as in 3E. In 3E, a lvl 10 Fighter would get decent XP for fighting and killing 100 Kobolds just because there were so many of them, but in IWD2 he would get zilch for the entire battle since individually Kobolds are much, much weaker than him and it doesn't take into account the other 99.]
What does this mean?
A solo character will never be much higher up on the level scale then a full party of six because, since he is higher level, he is also getting less XP per kill. Solo characters are fighting tougher monsters (the game uses average party level, not a sum of the levels in your party, to determine encounter strength) and getting less XP for it. IWD2 already has some very tough fights for a full party of six... a single character is suicide without some very, very creative "strategery" :)
That said... Solo characters that might make it? Sorcerors. Stormlords of Talos. Morninglords of Lathander. Possibly Silverstars just because they get interesting summons. Druids would be doable.
Fighters and Barbs would just get eaten up. Wizards wouldn't be able to keep their spellbooks at pace with their spell progression. Monks would be viable at high levels but just start off to weak. And so on.
I really recommend taking 6 characters (or at least 4) with IWD2 - there are just too many cool party combinations, spells, items, skills, and feats to try out to restrict yourself to just a single character on your first run through.
--Mith
I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Jack London
I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Jack London