Yet another new guy at IA Options

[(Ø=M)^42]

Hello everyone.
I've finally managed to outsmart my evil email spamfilter, and thus completed my registration here. I'm very interested in IA, but I'm not sure I'm fit for it yet. I've never modded bg more than using tutu, so I don't have any experience of improved encounters. When I fight mages, I throw on some Breach and other similar spells, send fighters on and hope I kill them. From what I've read, IA mages will be just a tidbit harder to kill, using SI:abjuration and massive protections. I'm mostly wondering if there's any point in trying if I'm not sufficiently skilled in tactical bg fighting. Reloading a few times to polish a way to do a battle is of course ok, but really banging my head on a wall would drain the fun quite fast.

Due to that concern, I've also tried to get some ideas to help me out. I'd consider playing on a quite easy difficulty setting, and possibly using multiplayer, to get more powerful characters like kensai, ranger/cleric, swashbuckler, sorcerer and so on. I do view myself as a skilled gamer, but I'm just not fully attuned to bg. Hmm.. getting messy. Well, what I'm asking for is mostly tips for a newbie at IA, stuff like suggested group setup, anything similar to smart moves like having lots of Ruby Rays memorized. Maybe even a suggestion for good starting quests.

Big hugs and love goes out to everyone for helping me get into IA <3

Øystein

Edit: For what it's worth, I used Marvin^42 on SP, since that forum didn't allow for one or more of the characters in this name

This post has been edited by (Ø=M)^42: Jun 21 2007, 05:49 PM

[Clown]

To add to Leonidas advice I would say make sure you have a pure class mage or sorc as this guy is essential for early access to ruby ray, imp. haste and PfMW.
I think the ideal IA party for a first run through probably runs something like this:

1- PC Fighter/Mage or better Fighter/Illusionist- the best class.
2- Keldorn- dispel magic rocks
3- Valygar- some good new gear plus having three hard hitters really helps
4- Haer dalis- Excellent decoy and back up mage and scroll user, useful for when you want to get off 5 ruby rays as quick as possible
5- Nalia/Imoen/Kelsey- All good choices but nalia probably the strongest due to her item upgrade.
6- Anomen- Greater Command and his combat potential make him useful in early game by the end he will be demoted to standing in the corner casting greater restoration but someones got to do it so it may as well be him.

As for quests the graveyards always good for early game as are everything but the main umar hills quest.

Main advice would be study the battle text, will help you win battles and better, teach you some effective ways to buff your characters. Sure mages in IA are tough but there is no reason you cant use the exact same spell combos.