Viable party compositions, Topic split by Sikret Options

[rbeverjr]

I see that the wildmage is ending in the next version? Too bad. I am playing Xan as a wildmage (no hand of undoing, just improved chaos shield). He seems to be very effective. I'm really not interested in the rationale for just dumping the class; I don't agree. Even in IA, I think that the wildmage probably becomes the most powerful mage. Even so, he's not the most powerful class in IA, unlike the vanilla game. Furthermore, the wildsurges can be disasterous in the tough battles; so, you have advantages and disadvantages. While I am disappointed, I could and may just play a second sorcerer or perhaps a wizard in IA 5.1+. (Any chance of editing out "For the Needy" from Nalia?)

I agree that without PfMW the bard class may as well be dumped too. (At least, I consider there are better alternative classes in my game.) I further agree that the IA teams that each player uses will become more similar as valid alternative classes are eliminated.

Once 5.1 is done, I will have to carefully consider all the changes before I elect to play the new mod rather than sticking to 5.0.

[rbeverjr]

Thanks for your kind words, Sikret. I also appreciate your advice; however, it is my own schedule that is the biggest hindrance to me excelling at this game.

>The following is my recipe for really slow progress in Improved Anvil:

Unfortunately, my schedule does not allow me to play when I am at my sharpest (and most likely able to win a chess match). Often my day consists of 8 hours composing and editing scientific reports on pesticide toxicity. Then, I work out at the gym until physically exhausted. After cleaning up and eating. I work for another few hours performing statistical analysis of bioaquatic assay data. I also try to give my family a little attention too. (Both the wife and 4 year old each have their particular ways of demanding that!) Finally after the family has gone to bed and after I am thoroughly exhausted mentally and physically, I load up my game of Improved Anvil. Whooo-hoo!

Now IA5 differs in several places from IA4.2; so, my metagaming ability is not in full swing. I sometimes find myself in a more difficult battle than anticipated and wish I had not horded some of my potions, extra scrolls, and buffs prior to the battle. Usually, I quit playing for the night/early morning after being thoroughly trounced in a battle. Then, while I should be sleeping soundly, my mind is racing for the solution to the battle. This cycle repeats itself until I am barely functional by Friday. I do doubt my sanity at times…

>End of comic (or tragic) relief

I love Saturdays. That’s usually the only time when I can *sometimes* play while not exhausted.

I have already learned that if you pause a lot, read the combat dialogue, and consider, then you will be more successful in battle. I also know about the walkthrough that you, Sikret, have provided (and much appreciate it!); however, I only want to recreate your battles if I can not win on my own.