Starting advice

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Since I'm new to this forum, I'd like to open this first posting by saying "Hello everyone", and briefly tell you a little bit about myself.

I'm a long-time fan of paper-based RPGs (still have my original paperback D&D rules; in fact, though not a RPG, I still have my original Chainmail rule booklet!). I stopped playing quite some time ago though, when AD&D was still the current major game system.

I have recently finished playing BG/TotSC, and I'm now starting BG SoA.

I have read a number of postings and replies on this forum, and been impressed by many of the thoughtful and helpful responses. So, on beginning SoA I found myself in a bit of a quandary, and thought I'd turn to you all for thoughtful advice.

I have searched previous messages for similar queries and found some very much (and even exactly) like mine, but haven't found the responses adequate in helping me with my dilemma.

I am simply wondering whether to import my BG/TotSC Paladin character, or start with a new character for SoA. So far I've done both, but of course, playing two parallel games isn't much of a solution. I like my old BG/TotSC character, but SoA offers more variety of character choice, and the Sorcerer character that I managed to generate (in surprisingly few re-rolls), has some pretty great stats, and the character class has definite appeal.

I realize, of course, that the choice is ultimately mine to make, but your reasoned input would be appreciated. So my question is simply to ask all you experienced players, which choice is likely to provide a more enjoyable experience, continue with the imported familiar character, or continue with the new character. Most of all, I would like to hear WHY you would suggest one over the other (but please, if possible, no spoilers).

Seb

 

I have enjoyed importing old characters, simply because it is satisfying to play the whole series, start to end, with the same person.

 

I agree completely with Andyr.
Try one of the Kits with your Paladin.
I took Undead Hunter but all 3 are great (so I hear).



Edit:
Make sure you have TOB installed!!!
You won't be able to take your saved game over to the final chapter unless you do.

 

To spin the question, what are the benefits of NOT continuing a character from BG1? In your case, I can only think of two reasons to do so--you don't have BG1 or you want to play a class not in BG1. If you want to play a paladin, then I would definitely use your TotSC character in SoA.

The only other reason would be because you don't want to take the time to play through the first game just to play the second. But since you've already done that and have a character ready to go, that doesn't apply here.

 

I would take my BG character if I was you. Paladins are great in BGII and there are things that happen in the game that are unique to Paladins. It's cool to have the same character that you slogged through the original game with because some of the dialogue that occurs in the game doesn't make sense for a new character.

Also, I think a melee character is a better one for taking through this game first time as it is a bit easier than trying to make sure you pick and use the right spells for your sorcerer when you don't know what sort of situations he/she is going to find themselves in.

 

Chances are, Seb, this is not the only time you'll be playing through this game when you see what it offers. So, sure, go ahead and play your paladin; you can always come back for more.

 

not sure if this is assumed, but don't make the mistake my brother made.

Import your character into BG2, don't just start a new game and make him all over again. That way you keep the same stats and such... again, maybe this is assumed but he actually tried making the same character again and was really frustrated hehe.

 

Go with your paladin, the Undead Hunter kick rocks.

 

Sorcerers require good knowledge of almost all spells in the game, and a good idea of what your strategy in the game will be, in order to pick the spells that fit your playing style. Paladins, especially the new kit, are much more easy to manage, and since you'll be picking up NPCs you can use your first play-through to "prepare" for your next run with the Sorcerer

IMO, BG2 is even more replayable than BG1.

 

Consenus on these boards has been that the Inquisitor is the most powerful of the paladin kits (if you do a search of the boards, you'll find plenty of discussions of this). However, you can find an Inquisitor joinable NPC (if you don't mind having two paladins in your party), and really, any of the paladin options, including the vanilla paladin, are more than capable of finishing BG2.

 

And if you use the tutu mod you could play a kit or class all the way through the entire BG saga. Personally I would play through BG2 with a character imported from BG1, since I like the continuity. If I start a new game I always use shadowkeeper to give him-her upgraded stats as if he-she has used all of the tomes, just like I´ve played through BG1.

Have fun with your paladin your first time through, maybe give him a kit (recommended) and definetly give him pips in two handed swords!

 

Thanks to all who provided feedback.

I've decided to continue playing my BG/TotSC Paladin. I'll save the Sorcerer for a subsequent game.

 

You can actually give an imported vanilla Pally a kit? Wow, I would have supposed that an imported character stays the same. I have never played BG1 though, thus my assumption is probably spurious.

 

Yes, you can, and not only with Paladins. Depending on what your class in BG1 was, you get a choice of any kit for that class (as well as the vanilla).