Berserker-Mage solo insane run, a test run Options

[Krell]

So I've decided to try and devise no-reload tactics for such a character. Moreover, I've picked a game where Robe of Vecna isn't easily found (not on Kaol or Alhoon's unnamed Mage).

Feel free to dislike certain tactics, but keep in mind that I made no external modifications whatsoever to this game. Used a lot of in-game exploits to make it work though.
Will continue using in-game exploits, in an attempt to see how far can such a character go.
Keep in mind that a F/M protagonist of any kind is subject to many changes in the script, triggering nasty abilities from certain powerful enemies, losing a lot of items due to the sole fact that he's soloing and/or a F/M.
A B-M doesn't have the Wish-Rest option as well, neither gets the Expanded Mage Stronghold quests.
Also, with the Robe of Vecna being a late-game item, many enemies are extremely hard to beat.



How to create a powerful enough B-M:

Exit Chateau Irenicus, apply an endless gold/xp exploit, level up the B-M up to level 21 (to maximize THAC0). Picked up Power Attack + Critical Strike HLAs.

Used scroll drinking exploit (sorry about that) to beat Suna Seni with ease. Then again, running away from her is just as good, since PC needs neither the gold nor the xp or items she has.

Defeated Pai-Na (again, scroll drinking, probably could've done it another way too but on Insane it's risky). While PC hasn't dualclassed yet, there IS a Spell Immunity scroll in Pai-Na's treasure trove. That was the sole reason of why PC had to engage her prior to dualclassing. After that the scroll miraculously disappears (anti-F/M scripting).

Roamed a bit around the city, left some free xp untouched, in Umar Hills too. Dualclassed at Berserker level 21, collected the free xp, leveled mage to 11. Back to the city, applied the endless xp/gold exploit up to mage level 25.

Proficiencies: ***** WarHammer, **Flail, **Bastard Sword, **Short Sword, ***Two-Weapon style, and two wasted *Quarterstaff *Dagger.

Numerous battles in the right correct order supplied PC with needed spell scrolls like Improved Mantle, RRR, Spell Turning, Remove Magic, Improved Haste, GoI, etc.

Did the Windspear Dungeon lvl 2 with three token party members to avoid losing Robe of Vecna (if in possession of Kaol). No robe though.

Chapter 3 was uneventful, although had some trouble vs Alhoon and his Greater Elemental golem. Without Critical strikes, he just wouldn't fall quickly enough. The only sound strategy was multiple Noble Spiders.

Max mage level is 28, which leaves PC with -2 spell slots spell levels 1-7 and -1 spell slot lvl 8 and 9 compared to a 31 or 36 lvl mage. All in all, the spell slots for all levels are just too few. We'll see how it goes.



Currently in chapter 4, the Asylum. Interesting info so far:

Amber golems can be petrified (many players probably know that already). However, I didn't know that the Mithril Golem can also be petrified. An easy victory over an otherwise very tough opponent.

By switching main- and offhand weapon, and preserving the total APR by doing that, it is possible to score hits with the offhand as well. Example:

PC has Phosphorous main, Belm off, 9 APR (under Improved Haste), attacking a Skeleton Grandlord. 1-st half round 3 hits main hand 1 hit off-hand 1 hit main-hand. 2nd half-round 3 hits main-hand, 1 hit off-had.
1st half-round: Wait for the first 3 hits, pause game, put a warhammer main-hand and move Phosphorous off-hand. Total APR preserved (9) due to GM with Warhammers, and after unpausing, PC will score a hit with the off-hand, now holding Phosphorous. After the hit, exchange weapons again. A bit tedious, but effective.

Spell Immunity Evocation offers no protection vs Amber golems, unfortunately.

On the Library level in Spellhold, if staking Dace right away and killing his Vampire Lord, PC (or the party, in other cases) can afterwards run away to the safety of the upper level during any battle (Improved Kobolds, Cat'o'Nine'Lives) and enemies won't follow. Nice for resting and replenishing spells.

This post has been edited by Krell: Jun 9 2015, 05:18 PM

[Krell]

Abazigal:

Entered, killed all Frost Salamanders inside, while refreshing Spell Turning 3 times to counteract enemy's RRoR. Used True Sight scroll (too few 6th level slots) when enemy's SI:Div was about to expire. Refreshed IHaste from Amulet of Cheetah Speed(again, few 6th level slots). Used one Alacrity to catch up with enemy's refreshed combat protections (a couple Breaches under Alacrity) and finished Azi's human form in a couple of rounds.

Azi transforms, pushes away PC. No enemies in sight. Strangely enough, Azi doesn't activate any buffs, nor does he Purge, nor does he summon his 2 golems until he sees PC or a summon, otherwise he just stands there. Excellent.

First round summon Greater Djinni, Djinni Hastes. Second round cast Foreknowledge, equip Gloves from the Four mod. Third round, cast Alacrity, followed by 2 Farsights, Djinni approaches dragon from the west, PC from the south.

Azi buffs trigger, he Purges and also gates in his 2 golems. Golems and Azi occupied for a bit by Djinni (Azi starts Lower Res casting) since they cannot see PC. PC casts Improved Invisibility and PFMW under still running alacrity, shoots Spellstrike, runs away from Azi's vision again, but only for a moment, returns to cast five Pierce Magicks and a Breach, again backs away for a moment, returns to shower the dragon with 14 Flame Arrows, 11 Acid Arrows, 7 Magic Missiles and 3 Comets (+Djinni one Flame Arrow if successful), big blue gives speech and dies.

Only thing left is EDE, hopefully I can develop some sort of winning strategy when one-on-one with the Prince.