Rushing to the Underdark

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I'm not sure there are many threads discussing this, I couldn't find any searching, at least!

Anyway, on my brand new runthrough (can't decide on a Skald or a Swashbuckler), I want to get Imoen as soon as possible *and* I want my average party XP to be around 400,000 so she's not too far behind.

I'm wondering, however, if my group will be able to tackle the Underdark being that low on level and equipment. Is that a bad move, gaming-wise or whatever?

 

I don't think the underdark will be more difficult than spellhold. The hardest parts, the beholder and mindflayer lair can be still completed in chapter 6.
Even if you don't use cheesy pickpocketing tricks you should be able to gain enough money to buy good equipment. You could bring a few filled scroll cases to Imoen so that you all can gain experience fast once she's in your party.

 

Going to Spellhold/Underdark ASAP is a fun challenge, IMO. Certainly - for my tastes at least - it's a more enjoyable tactical challenge than mods that artificially crank the difficulty of encounters up the wazoo. But, as long as you pick up a couple of solid weapons beforehand it's basically fine. Being at lower levels in itself isn't such a problem; rather, making do with lower-level spells and fewer spell slots is the tricky (or trickier) part, at least initially.

 

I think its doable. I usually go to rescue Immy early on, although perhaps not quite so early as you want to do it.

The thing I would make specific plans for is killing the Baalor in the Underdark. That can be tough at low levels, and without a sufficiency of +3 weapons.

 

^ Oh yeah, that too.

 

Thanks for the replies. It's nice to know it's a doable path.

Though if the Baalor you're talking about is the one that shows up on the drow ritual (right before you leave Ust Natha for good) - at least I can't remember about any other, I usually don't fight it, as there's a way out via the right dialogue options.

 

*spoiler*
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Nah, it'd be the one that you have to kill for the deep gnomes to get the light gem. The demon lord summoned by the Matron Mother isn't a Balor...and the fight is fairly avoidable, so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

@ Stu: of course! I had completely forgot about that one.

Guess I'll take my chances fighting it. With Lilarcor and maybe the Flail of Ages, of course.

 

Yeah, it shouldn't be too hard, just use your other characters to buff or act as decoys. You could also use scrolls like improved haste and enchant weapon, as you're unlikely to cast em at a higher level. Good luck with it and keep us posted on hoe you go!