Do I need to start over?

[ttomm46]

Hi
I created a thread called am I backed into a corner..I got an answer but the post got deleted accidentally before i could read it so here goes...I have a level 8 Paladin......STR20 DEX14 END23 SPEED9 To HIT8 Max DAMAGE13.......INT12 WIS14 PER12 CON6...

I'm getting stomped all the time now...I'm an old gamer(62) Maybe it's my age but I think i have a lousy character build....where did I go wrong...?

Can He be Salvaged?...Should I start over?

Thanks guys in advance

[Dragonlady]

Your speed is TOO low. Next several levels, put all your points into it, get potions to boost it, Or do a do-over. I just turned 63, and have been playing it over and over with different character types, so it isn't your age going against you. (also, to wave my own 'yippee sign', I was a beta tester for the Mac version and if this ol' female can handle that, then you can too. )

[BasiliskWrangler]

Sorry about that ttomm46.

Dragonlady is right, however boosting your DEX may have a more immediate effect on your natural armor rating than SPD.

What other skills do you have? How skilled are you in the weapon of your choice? What kind of armor are you wearing?

Are you a spellcaster? What kind of spells do you have?

[flushfire]

Your other stats are also a little low. IMO a beginning of 14 in your "primary" stats (based on the way you play) is essential. As a Paladin Id say those should be STR, DEX, END and PER. 14 or better starting SPD and WIS will also help, but not really essential. Based on my experience with long bladed weapons I am able to fight decently even with only 12 Speed and without buffs. Also based on my experience with Divine Magic my Wisdom does not matter much besides being a requirement for spells (I only use heal and haste), it's Perception that really matters.

Your skill choices may also have something to do with your problem, as BW mentioned. My Barrean Mercenary currently has 15 Alchemy (courtesy of trainer, books and rings), High Dodge (40s), some Bow, Swords at 20s and Low Light and Heavy Armor and I haven't really stumbled into anything I can't handle yet, despite my inability to Bless myself. (I seldom use magic)

And last, equipment also plays a big part in getting you through the game. Where are you now? You can try doing some sidequests or just exploring maps until you find better equipment or loot to sell.

[ttomm46]

also my alchemy is 3...light and heavy armor is 6......sword is 9.....cartography is 7

[flushfire]

I see you've spread your skills a bit there. Choose 1 armor type and stick with that. You can survive easily until Crakamir with only 1 point in an armor type (I did til I got a book for Light Armor. now I have 3 points in it). I recommend heavy as that suits your character.

Cartography is good, but you can get to 7 fairly early in the game without spending a point in it. Theres a trainer early on and the book for it appears when you're around level 3 or 4.

With the weapon skills I started with 6 in swords and put 1 point in as I leveled. More if I feel like my to hit is too low. You can also hold off on alchemy until you get to the trainer. There is also a book for it, so you can get to 7 without spending a point in it.

I'd recommend starting over since level 8 is still fairly early, then concentrate on a weapon skill and divine, then some heavy armor here and there. You will be able to learn the other skills as you progress through the game, just be patient.

[ttomm46]

hey thanks i will

[ttomm46]

What about shields?

[realmzmaster]

A shield is not a neccessity.Depends on your weapon choice. If you plan on using two handed weapons or archery then forget about the shield skill. If you get your dexterity and speed up your armor rating will climb. Also there are some nifty items that can improve armor class. Also look for Brewers Rings to increase your alchemy. You can enhance armor and weapons that are not already enhanced.