Derrin is problematic

[zdupydomordozaur]

Okey, I know that he's just a simple farmer boi, but then he should rather avoid the fight. Not engage in every possible conflict and also going to the front row, even with his bare hands, to not only get every blow from enemy but also block any possibilities to help him. As for me getting him alive to the level 2 seems almost impossible.

Even tho I'm giving him all the best pieces of armor I can only find, and getting my ♥♥♥ wear 2nd hand best things :p

[Torch, the Snorch]

Derrin is really good if you intend on killing pretty much anything you come across (he becomes a great asset once he's in full plate), but if you want to try avoiding conflict with the non-aggressive undead then it's a choice between doing that or taking Derrin, because he has a tendency to really piss them off no matter how hard you try to keep them calm.

[zdupydomordozaur]

Yeah, but sometimes you need to get a bit back to get a better position for a fight or anything and then there is Derrin coming, dressed all in white, rushing towards the enemy like he's all times best fighter. And sadly sometimes one lucky blow of the enemy knocks him out.

Be4 I can get him to the full plate set he will be probably dead... like 3 times.

[Torch, the Snorch]

I personally find that my Derrin tends to stay back, waiting for the enemy to be sandwiched between us before he starts swinging away (in the case of 2v1s), or in a group fight he'll do his best to not get surrounded while poking at the enemy. Perhaps his tactics in combat depend on what weapons you give him? I always give him a shield and whatever the best 1h weapon I can find is, but he can do wonders with a spear.

[zdupydomordozaur]

Yeah, always giving him the shield (buckler from lvl 1) and some sort of 1h. Machete or anything better I can find in chests. Guess gotta keep trying and kill all the enemies fast, be4 he can even get close, haha

[Tempered]

I find that Derrin works best if you give him a 2 hand weapon and make sure you get agro first from any enemies. That way he can hit them in the back with a good solid 2 hand hit. It also makes him slower to swing and close on an enemy which gives you time to maneuver the enemies back toward Derrin. I've only ever had problems with him when he chases a fleeing enemy or when I failed to hit the enemy first. I give him the first 2 hand axe I come across, then I give him a 2 hand sword. I was able to take him all the way through the new area after the portal at which point I started a new game due to the game disappearing all my inventory.
I don't like giving him a shield because he spends too much of his experience getting the shield skills. Also, shields are just a liablity in this game due to how they work. You are better off just parrying.
I only had to heal him one time with the smaller healing potion.

[zdupydomordozaur]

Yay, finally made it with Derrin to the 2nd floor. I had to use the blue jar on him tho.

[Sire Loser]

I gave my Darrin torch and sword and he never get hit. He tends to stay away from enemy until we sandwitch him between us like Torch said. He obtained first damage when we fought Sire. And in full plate with shield he is great tank drawing enemies attention so you can hit them hard in the back (works wonders against blue double sword warriors in Crossroads)

[Erro]

Derrin secretly is a trouble guy, now that he is not at his home, he can unleash his inner demon and start the fights!!! Watch out for this guy

[Gozer]

I think for some players, Derrin is a griefer at heart.

I bet it depends on the initial conversation and how it differs from his actual observations.

Trolololol

[Cake for Mumm-Ra]

I've had some good luck with Derrin so far. He doesn't seem overly aggressive in the early stages at least. I've seen some complaints from players that he gets in the way, but I think the better approach is to try to flank your enemy with Derrin's help.

I've seen more recommendations to equip him with a shield (which is what I've done), but I might try out Tempered's suggestion to give him a 2hander.