Is Rasaad actually any good?

[jle30303]

Under the original Baldurs Gate, you couldn't play a monk in BG1 at all. But you could play the "BG1TuTu" mod that let you play BG1 in the BG2 engine, and play a monk there. I did exactly that with a monk character.

I found it mighty weak - monks don't really come into their own till they get considerably higher level. I believe at BG1 levels he was largely useful for (a) carrying capacity and (b) using a sling since he wasn't that much cop in melee, with or without a weapon. Not until he got some considerable way through BG2 Shadows of Amn did my monk start pulling his weight - and then suddenly became a powerhouse with Greater Whirlwind in Throne of Bhaal.

So... Is Rasaad going to be any different? How do you use him effectively at low levels?

The rest of my party is: Paladin protagonist, plus Imoen (who I may end up keeping as a thief), Branwen (well I need a cleric who isn't encumbered by a partner, no room for Jaheira because she brings Khalid, I haven't found Viconia yet, and Yeslick doesn't even show till too late): and the other two newbies - Neera, for magecraft, and Dorn for more warrior ability. It'll be interesting trying to keep a paladin allied with a blackguard.

Last time I had Branwen and Imoen in the same party, I dual-classed *both* at level 7 - Branwen with the dexterity tome went up to 17 and could convert to thief just in time for Imoen to convert to mage...

[voehringer_nitron]

Yeah, I've never used Rasaad myself either, because monks are so weak at low levels. And since I've never done his questline in part one, I've never used him in part 2 either. I was considering taking him with me on the Wild Mage playthrough I started, but I haven't played that character in a while.

I know some people like to give him darts and just have stay in the back and toss them. Others have mentioned giving him the Cloak of the Wolf (Relair's Mistake) and have him shift into a wolf. IIRC that lets you attack twice per round at 17 STR. It's a ways off, but the Gauntlets of Ogre Power would give him some extra hitting power. Dorn's stronger than that on his own, and I assume you will have a high score as well.

Now, I'm not trying to dissuade you from taking Branwen if that's what you want. But, if Khalid were to die you could remove him from the party and Jaheira will stay. Or you could even just send him into a house or cave you don't plan on returning to and then remove him.

[jle30303]

Yeah, I know about metagaming so as to keep Jaheira without Khalid. But to be honest... I've played through the game with her multiple times, whereas I've only ever once played through with Branwen, and on that occasion I dual-classed her, so this time I'm keeping her as a cleric.

[abbyzero]

No.

[Damn_Monkey]

Is Rasaad good? Not really. BUT! Is he good enough? sure!

I've played through with im once and while he wasn't the superstar of my comp, he did well enough. I got him pretty early, so soon as I got his first pip I put it into darts and used him as a range character. The speed bonus he gets is useful for kiting, and now that he is a Sun Sole monk he can get a few decent abilites.

If you have a Skald in the group, sing a song to lower his THAC0, cast bless, and then have him use his Flaming Fists for some pretty decent fire damage.

I personally find his personallity to be annoying, so I rarely ever take him along with me. Did so once in BGEE just to see the side quests, but that was it. I've never bothered to do the same in BG2EE, which I probably should at least once. Esp since that is when he becomes a powerhouse at later levels. Maybe next time.

[Internet Cafe]

You will have to take him to the hospital often, but he adds spice.

[Black Sheep Inc]

No; the only thing he does that can't be done better by another character is desync his speed from the rest of the party after a few levels and get constantly chunked because you forget to go out of your way to keep him from rushing ten miles ahead of the party with his nonexistent AC and THAC0.