The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay

The Black Pits II, officially called the Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay, is a follow-up to Baeloth's Black Pits I. The Black Pits II shows up in Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition. It is run by a powerful mage named Dennaton, enforced by a planetar called The Winged, and staffed by many volunteers and servants of Dennaton.

Overview
There are several differences between the two installments. The area in Black Pits II is much larger than in Black Pits I, the arena entrance is a non-weave zone which prevents magical energy from channeling so you can't pre-buff your party like in BP1 but there's a place for you to prepare sequence spells and you may ask others to help you in battles. Much more powerful monsters are in fight and you start at levels 9-11, depending on your class. If you’re importing high level characters, they will retain the status and all unlocked abilities, but their XP will be set to 2,950,000 total. As usual, you may not use Bhaalspawn abilities in BP2. New Reward system is introduced.

Reward system
The 5 dialogue options with Dennaton before each fight have their own purposes, 1st option is to address the crowd heroically, 2nd is to insult Dennaton, 3rd is to ask for rewards, 4th does nothing, 5th is to address villainously. The reward items come in two categories, good or great, you’ll only get one of the reward type after each fight, and only one copy of each item. You will never get any reward if you don't ask for it. The base chance to get a good item is 55%, great item starts at 30%. The chances are further modified by the first three addresses of each battle, either heroic or villainous, by 1% each time. The two routes are counterproductive, increasing one will decrease another by the same amount. For example, a party who start at 55% chance to get good items address heroically at tier 1 - 2 battle for the first time will increase the chance to 56%, do it again the chance becomes 57%, then on their third try they address villainously, the chance will drop to 56% and no further change can be made on tier 1 - 2 on the fourth try thereafter. For this very reason, it’s recommended to replay each battle three times while sticking to either 1st or 5th option to maximize your total reward chance, then keep using the 3rd option to hope for the best, keep trying to finally get all item rewards.

List below shows the experience and gold gain after each battle, however unlike BP1, repeating previously completed battles will not net you XP, only additional gold, battleground is listed because traps carry over to the next fights.

Store item lists
As you fight to advance in tiers, more items become available for you to purchase, the items unlocked will stay in store lists, all wands except the Wand of Spell Striking can be bought immediately, most Potions are also in stores from the beginning. The lists below show which items are added each tier, genetic non-magical, +1, +2 or +3 items are not listed.

Potions
Most Potions are available from Tier 1

Loot and containers
There're several creatures you can kill, the Winged will spawn once to warn you. Following time, she'll slay your party.

There're containers in the game, some are locked or need a key, some require you be at a certain story point.

Walkthrough
Dennaton considers you his guests, though you were taken by force. When you start out, you are in a tavern and a bard is telling the story of your escape from the Black Pits I. She will engage in dialogue, and, no matter what you say to her line, she and the other patrons in the tavern will turn into hostile people, complete with The Winged, an Iron or Adamantite Golem, and an Efreeti. Before this happens, Najim will arrive and warn you that you are in danger. He will be trapped by a magical sphere. Once your whole party is defeated, you will be transported to the Pits. In the unlikely and nearly impossible event (Unless you play with an already trained and well-equipped party) that you win this fight, a dialogue will initiate with Najim, and several options are possible. He will speak about a divination spell to give you a preview of what would have happened had you lost the fight. Agreeing to this will allow you to play the Black Pits II just as if you lost or let them take you by force, while refusing will simply get you back to title screen.

Links

 * The Black Pits II Items And Rewards Guide by Abel

Gameplay (community)
Gejadus' Walkthrough (Strategy)

You've been captured by evil powerful hunters led by The Winged'''! You find yourself in a huge prison with other prisoners and you have to be a gladiator in an arena. You are determined to survive and want to escape your prison. You want to be a free man/ a free woman again!'''

 Party members: Your goal is your freedom! In order to escape the prison you finally have to defeat an extremely powerful opponent: The Winged! Even worse she’s supported by other powerful creatures! From this perspective you have to choose and create your party members carefully! There are many options. You can have up to 6 party members or just choose one! High level Mages or Witches (Sorcerers) are very powerful so you want to have at least two in your party. You don’t really need a Thief in your party! In the Hunters' zone upstairs magic doesn't work. Doesn't matter! You have access to all rooms of the Hunters by force! Joker's room could only be opened by using Crom Faeyr! You can steal from The Winged her powerful gloves and the wine from Joker. When I was playing Black Pits 2 again I chose the given characters Alarion, Mireille, Lers and Rurik besides a Fighter / Mage (Multi-Class) and a Berserker and I realised that Rurik (non-human, Multi-Class) is inferior to my own creation, a Berserker (8) – Cleric (human, Dual-Class). This has effects on playing the difficult challenge with the Drows (see Battle 5). You can see my party at the end of the article: How to defeat The Winged.

 Money: This should never be an issue for you! You should be able to buy all the items that you like to get. If you buy the Helm of Glory (Charisma +1) and the Cloak of the Nymph (Charisma +2) early and give it e.g. to the knight Alarion his charisma will increase to +21. You will get reduced prices and on the long run you can save lots of money. In addition to you can play all the battles as often as you want! If you should ever run out of money just fight against The Three Dragons (Battle 18) again! Each time you fight again you will get 10000 gold as a reward if you’re victorious. Rewards/Gifts from the spectators, your fans:  Fighting against the same enemies again makes lots of sense if you want to get all the rewards! There are two types of rewards in each battle (see: REWARD SYSTEM on top of this page: The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay). You have to ask your fans for giving them to you (at the end of the dialogue with Dennaton always number 3.).

Playing The Black Pits II is great fun!

 Duration of game play:  5-10 hours if you follow my instructions carefully! So if you happen to have two free evenings just go for it! One of the reasons I wrote this ‘ Black Pits 2 Gladiators of Thay Walkthrough ‘ is because I didn’t find any written one online. I personally just hate to get stuck somewhere for hours and not being able to go on. I like written guidelines that I can just read and follow if I get stuck and need a hint.

''' The big gain of playing Black Pits II Gladiators of Thay:  Besides that Black Pits II is lots of fun to play it's really useful to figure out lots about spells from Mages and Sorcerers, e.g. how does really Time Stop work? How many spells can I use while I'm using the Time Stop spell? On which enemies does Imprisonment have an effect? In addition to I can test new protagonist players like the Dwarven Defender (article Fighter) or the Sorcerer etc. within a really short amount of time!! Do I ever want to play a Totemic Druid Fighter (article Druid) with the spell Insect Plague (Dual-Class, Human) in Baldur's Gate II, EE and Throne of Bhaal? Will I even play a Solo Walkthrough with this protagonist starting from Baldur's Gate I, Siege of Dragonspear, Baldur's Gate II up to Throne of Bhaal or do I prefer a Fighter / Mage (Multi-Class) for playing this? If I want to have the Fighter Whirlwind Attack ability and Time Stop at the same time would it make sense to create a Human, Dual-Class Fighter Mage? Or will I risk a Solo Walkthrough with a Berserker Cleric (Human, Dual-Class) who will be finally equipped with Crom Faeyr and Flail of Ages and great spells?'''

It's time for entering the arena! Dennaton is already nervous. What took you so long? The spectators can’t wait any longer to see the Hero of Baeloth’s Black Pits I! You will face 19 Battles before the Rebellion starts. After each 5 Battles there will be a supply of new items that you can buy by using the money that you earned in the arena. Even after the last series of only 4 Battles there will be new items available! Don’t forget to buy Robe of Vecna and Gram the Sword of Grief at the end after Battle 19 (Tier 5)!

 Gladiators who can fight alongside you in the arena:  You’re not alone in this huge prison. There are other prisoners as well. They share your destiny. According to Dennaton, the owner of the Arena, your fellow prisoners are all Legends! You can ask them to support you in your Battles. There are Mages, Clerics, Assassins who are willing to help you and Fighters as well. Here are some strong Fighters: Symm Haximus: He’s willing to help you from the first battle on Timmot Gutbaum: He won’t help you in the beginning, but later. He's a Cleric, and I was totally surprised to see him supporting me in the battle in a wonderful way. As a Cleric he used Sanctuary and resurrected one one my party members who already had been killed in battle! Wow! Hort Il-D’rth (Orc): He won’t help you in the beginning, but later. He’s extremely useful in Battle 17 against the two powerful Demilich Twins because as a Berserker he's resistant to imprisonment! Voghiln: He’s a Bard whom you can encounter in Baldur's Gate Siege of Dragonspear (SoD) as well! He might be strong but in the arena he's so drunken that he's not really of use. That's at least my experience.

BATTLES

There are 4 difficulty levels: easy; medium; difficult; extremely difficult. This is according to my game playing experience against these opponents in the arena when I played with the general setting ‘core rules’. So all these difficulty levels are totally subjective.

Tier 1

At your starting position you have 15000 gold at your disposal. I suggest that buy the Helm of Glory (Charisma +1) first, then armors for your warriors and some good double handed swords+1 or Flame of the North. If money is left it’s always good to equip all your party members with one healing potion and poison antidote. If you have a Bard in your company the Harp of Discord for confusing your enemies is a ‘must’!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 1 - Battle 1 (1-1): Orcs difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Just let your mages use the Web(spider net) spell, Magic Missiles, Flame Arrows, Melf’s Acid Arrows and let finally your warriors fight. Hints: I just cheer up the spectators! I want them to be excited about the battle. I don’t ask for any item yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">With your gold gain of 11000 gold for defeating the Orcs buy Wyvern's Tail for your Cleric.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 1 - Battle 2 (1-2): Two Minotaurs and some gladiators difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Web – Stinking Cloud – Fireball – Magic Missiles; later Spider Spawn Hints: I just cheer up the spectators! I want them to be excited about the battle. I don’t ask for any item yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">Buy Spider's Bane for one of your Warriors!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 1 - Battle 3 (1-3): Lizard Men difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Web – Stinking Cloud – Fireball – Magic Missiles; summon up Skeletons Hints: I just cheer up the spectators again!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 1 - Battle 4 (1-4): Umber Hulk Elders difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Web and Stinking Cloud is crucial! Usually Spell Disintegrate destroys these beasts at once! Let your Cleric put a spell on your Warriors that they don’t get stuck in the spider web but can move and fight: Free Action! Hints: I want to get the reward items: Lilarcor and Aeger’s Hide. Go for nr.3 in the dialogue with Dennaton!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 1 - Battle 5 (1-5): Drows

<p class="MsoNormal">difficulty level: difficult! Strategy/solution: In my eyes the best solution is 1.) to ask another gladiator in prison like Symm Haximus to join you in this battle. He does it gladly for free. 2.) to let your Cleric protect your party members from evil (Protection from Evil) and summon a demon (Gate -  cleric/priest level 7). In addition to use Web, Speed and True Seeing/Sight. Hints/Warning: Be careful! If your cleric summons up an air element (Aerial Servant (Spell) the Drows might convert it and suddenly you’ll face the element as an opponent. Have poison antidotes with you! When a Drow dies three poisonous spiders show up. I want to get the reward items: Cloak of Balduran and Bladesinger Chain (great item for the Fighter / Mage / Thief). Go for nr.3 in the dialogue with Dennaton! I just realised when playing the BP II again that Rurik, the given Dwarf Fighter-Cleric can’t summon Gate at his level yet because of his Multi-Class. My usual choice, my own Berserker-Cleric (human, Dual-Class (see Classes); Berserker 8, 125000 experience points, was class changed to Cleric just before the 1st battle against the Orcs), is much better! He can summon Gate at this level already! Rurik’s weapon proficiency is worse as well. As a Fighter / Cleric he’s limited to weapon proficiency two points (++) while my Berserker Cleric can get Grand Master Skill (5 points (+++++)) concerning each weapon! You can still win this battle together with Rurik at once! Use the spell Free Action for your warriors and Symm Haximus and summon up lots of Skeletons to support you!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Summary/achievements after 5 battles: After winning 5 battles the party members could gain experience 5 times. These upgrades move Alarion to level 18, what means that he can already summon a Diva (Summon Deva - chosen special ability)! My two Witches are on level 18 as well. Spells: Project Image,Time Stop and Summon Dark Planetar'''. GREAT! This is how it works: Let your Witch (Sorcerer) use Time Stop first and then Project Image. This allows to summon up Planetars and not only one even if Alarion has already summoned up his Deva, a type of Angelic Being  of this kind! So for the next battle against the Vampires you should rest for 8 hours and your new spells of the 18th level will be activated. In the following battle you would be able to summon up 2 Planetars after using Time Stop; without using Time Stop even 3!''' If you have 2 Witches 6 Planetars. If you let Alarion summon his Deva first you could have an army of 7 Angelic Beings against the Vampires. ''' Already now after 5 battles and having reached level 18 you have really powerful abilities! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">This principal is crucial for all following battles. Even if I don’t mention it in my solution explicitly in each battle you can let your Witches use Time Stop – Project Image – Planetar!

<p class="MsoNormal">When a Witch finally has reached her maximum level of 27 after Battle 19 she’s able to summon 6 Planetars. If you have 2 Witches already 12 and if you let Alarion summon his Deva first, you will have an army of 13 Angels! Impressive!

<p class="MsoNormal">conclusion: With these upgrades, new abilities  and new items you can be very confident concerning the next 5 battles! Just the Vampires (Battle 6 (2-1)) and Mardii (Battle 9 (2-4)) will be a little bit challenging.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tier 2

<p class="MsoNormal">After 5 Battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy! Go for the Boots of Speed, the Shield of Harmony, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise, Helm of Charm Protection and Jhor the Bleeder, a mean bastard sword! Daystar is available to buy as well!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 2 - Battle 1 (2-1)/Battle 6: Vampires difficulty level: difficult Strategy/solution: web – confusion spell – Aerial Servant (Spell) (the air element is strong against the Vampires) - Diva. Powerful against the Vampires (Undead) is Sunray! If you have the long sword Daystar you can use Sunray or a Cleric with high spell ability (level 7 spell). Get protection for your party members against entchantment by using Shield of Harmony, Lilarcor, Helm of Charm Protection and the Cleric (Priest) spell Chaotic Commands! Hints: gifts from your fans: Amulet of Power!

<p class="MsoNormal">If you have a Bard in your party and he has reached level 24 go for the Improved Bard Song! It's a huge help for the Bard and the party!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 2 - Battle 2 (2-2)/Battle 7: Githyanki difficulty level: easy (my favourite enemies) Strategy/solution: web! –  Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting - Wyvern Call (Wyverns fly over the web) – Diva. Spell Free Action on your warriors! Hints: Silver Sword!! Extremely good for killing! 25% deadly (vorpal; decapitation likely)! Get it from your fans!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 2 - Battle 3 (2-3)/Battle 8: Water Elements difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution:Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting !! Hints: Firetooth +4 (e.g. for your Bard)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 2 - Battle 4 (2-4)/Battle 9: Mardii and his Elements difficulty level: difficult! Strategy/solution: Time Stop and remove Mardii’s magic protection! Spell Speed on your Warriors and hunt Mardii down and kill him! Especially Jhor the Bleeder is very useful for poisoning Mardii! Mardii likes to protect himself regarding magical weapons and often uses invisibility spells. Have spells ready for making him visible again! You can also try to fire a Comet on him at once. '''Don’t destroy the elements in the beginning! After being killed they will come back! But two of them instead of one! Kill Mardii first!''' I like to do it with the Silver Sword! A Mage or Witch (Sorcerer) can cast the Imprisonment spell and a huge Element disappears! It gets imprisoned deep under the earth! That's really mean! Hints: Flail of Ages

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 2 - Battle 5 (2-5)/Battle10: Demons and Devils difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Just let the demons kill each other! Stay out of battle. If the succubus attacks your warriors too much with charm spells  – kill him! I usually spell Web next/on to her at the beginning of the battle and kill her with the Warrior who has Spider’s Bane or Free Action on him. Hints: Longsword Blackrazor and Celestial Fury!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Recommendations after battle 10: It would be good to make sure that you have all the reward items from the battle 1-10 that you like before you go on! You can play all Battles again and try to get these gifts from your fans! I make sure that I really have Bladesinger chain, the Amulet of Power, the Silver Sword, the Flail of Ages and Blackrazor before I start with Battle 11 (Tier 3-1).

<p class="MsoNormal">At this time I also start going around and talking with lots people in the prison. I trust that you will talk with Brodle and follow his hints for going upstairs. When you finally talk with Dulf Finsterbart he will tell you that he knows the Drow Mage Bannor. He will be willing to produce a script roll for you in order to take over Bannor’s role in the strong Adamantite Golem (soul transfer/spirit transfer: the soul of one of your Mages and Bannor's soul will exchange their places!). Instead of Dulf letting this produce for you you address to the Wild Mage Gerrold Dunkelbold who does it for less money. Gerrold needs a property from Bannor. For this reason you will go upstairs to the rooms of the hunters  for getting a piece from Bannor’s mirror that lies on the floor and bring it to Gerrold. For 4000 gold Gerrold will give you this special script roll just before the Final Battle with The Winged. His script roll works fine!

<p class="MsoNormal">''' Kill DORMATUS! '''When you go upstairs in the area of the hunters it’s easy to get access to Dormatus’ room. There are different options. I trust that you manage to enter his room. If you release Najim from his bottle now Dormatus will realise it at once and show up in order to capture Najim again. You can try to kill Dormatus now. It works but he’s a strong opponent. Therefore I recommend to wait with releasing Najim and come here again after Battle 15 when your party members have already gained more experience points. Wear your normal armor again and not the uniformes when you're fighting Dormatus. Annihilate Dormatus – you don’t want to face 6 enemies in your last Battle, the Final Battle!

<p class="MsoNormal">You can also try to poison Joker. Although I had Joker’s wine from her room and four different gifts (rat poison, poison from the Brewer (Belfer’s mushroom friend), Gezzthemin and even Ellraish) none of these could kill Joker when she came down and joined Voghiln for drinking! It just didn’t work. So I don’t know if there’s even another 5th poison that would work...I also got a poison from Feldrak Feldrak'l but it also couldn't kill Joker. It might be that these poisons are all not supposed to kill Joker but to weaken her only in/for the Final Battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tier 3

<p class="MsoNormal">After 5 battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy Boots of Speed again, Girdle of Stone Giant Strength, Red Dragon Scale and Ring of the Ram!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 3 - Battle 1 (3-1)/Battle 11: Monks difficulty level: medium-difficult Strategy/solution: These monks come very fast towards you and kick you really hard! 1.) ask another gladiator in prison like Symm Haximus to join you in this battle. 2.) Web - Summon creatures – witches: Time Stop/Project Image/Planetars as fast as possible! – True Seeing – attack a monk always with several warriors. I like my warrior-cleric using Globe of Blades Hints: Wong Fei’s Ioun Stone

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 3 - Battle 2 (3-2)/Battle 12: Golem difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Witches: Time Stop/Project Image/Planetars. Best and really mean strategy is to use Celestial Fury against the huge Golem first and knock it unconscious and spell Imprisonment on it! Or Time Stop first and at once afterwards Imprisonment! The Golem disappears! The Battle is over within seconds! Hints: CROM FAEYR!! Go for it and give it to your Cleric or Dwarven Defender!! Shuruppak's Plate!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 3 - Battle 3 (3-3)/Battle 13:  Lich ! Difficulty level: medium - difficult Strategy/solution:  Destroy these huge Skeleton Beasts (Higher Skeleton Golems) first! My Cleric will use Globe of Blades against them. Time Stop and remove the Lich’s magic protection! Summon a Diva and some Planetars as additional help. Imprisonment works against the Lich as well! Hints: Staff of the Magi''' !!! A ‘must’!'''

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 3 - Battle 4 (3-4)/Battle 14: Rakshas difficulty level: medium - difficult Strategy/solution: I let of one my Witches attack the Rakshas at once with a Comet while they are still getting ready for battle. Some get unconscious and are easy to kill then. Witches: Time Stop/Project Image/Planetars and Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting. My Cleric will use Globe of Blades. A Mage or Witch (Sorcerer) can cast the Imprisonment spell and even the Maharadscha disappears! It works! Hints: Nice rewards again: Hindo's Doom and Gauntlets of Extraordinary Specialization!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 3 - Battle 4 (3-5)/Battle 15: Illithids difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: Web on/next to the slaves! – Be fast and kill the Illthids as fast as possible! Hints:  Psion's Blade

<p class="MsoNormal">Tier 4

<p class="MsoNormal">New items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy Boots of Speed  again, Vhailor's Helm,  Staff of the Woodlands (for a Druid, Thief (level 24) or Bard (level 24)), Girdle of Frost Giant Strength, Amulet of the Master Harper and other nice items!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 4 - Battle 1 (4-1)/Battle 16: The 6 fallen Devas difficulty level: difficult! Strategy/solution: Ask Symm Haximus to join you in this battle! He’s an excellent fighter! These fallen Devas are fast and go for your Mages and Witches first and want to eliminate them! Let your Knight e.g. Alarion summon a Diva at once and your Cleric an elemental. Witches (Sorcerers): '''Time Stop + Project Image + Planetars as fast as possible! '''Use True Sight/True Seeing! The Mage or Witch (Sorcerer) casts the Imprisonment spell in vain! The Devas are immune to Imprisonment! The same applies to The Winged in the Final Battle! Hint:Carsomyr! and The Answerer!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 4 - Battle 2 (4-2)/Battle 17: The Demilich Twins difficulty level: easy!Strategy/solution: Ask Hort Il D’rth to help you! As a Berserker he’s immune to this mean Imprisonment spell that these two Demi Liches usually use! Let your own Berserker Warriors use their special rage ability (Enrage''')! Best weapon to attack these evil twins: Daystar! '''It’s a long sword. A Mage can use the Ring of the Ram to cause additional harm! Summon up lots of creatures that the Demi Liches get distracted and don’t attack your warriors.  Best strategy :  Let the Fighter / Mage / Thief use Time Stop (this script roll/scroll is 6x available to buy: cost: 11200 gold for each (Charisma: +20)), and then during the Time Stop let him use a Greater Whirlwind Attack on these guys by using Daystar and another weapon +4 or +5! => So the battle becomes easy!

<p class="MsoNormal">Hints/Warning: These two Demiliches (Lich) are totally immune to magic and can only be damaged by using weapons +4 or +5. Of course you want to get the 'Ring of Gaxx' as a reward!! You fight as often until you get it as a gift from your fans! Gives you each time 9000 gold for defeating them again! Just buy Time Stop (spell level 9) and let your Fighter / Mage transfer this sript roll into his spell book and use it when you're fighting these two Liches. If your Mage still should get imprisoned let your Sorcerer(Witch) use the spell Freedom (spell level 9)! The Mage will come back at once and can continue to fight! These Demilich Twins who seem to be so difficult to fight in the beginning become an easy prey for you by using the right strategy!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 4 - Battle 3 (4-3)/Battle 18: The Three Dragons: YLLAXIA; Nyxxla and Orluss difficulty level: easy! Strategy/solution: I don’t see any problems if you have strong Warriors. Start with your Knight e.g. Alarion. Let him summon a Deva, your Cleric an Element (Elemental Summoning). Put the spells Haste and Remove Fear on your Warriors and if they should struggle let your Mages or Witches use spells for removing the magic protection from YLLAXIA Hints: Gives you each time 10000 gold for defeating them again! Foebane + Angurvadal !

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> Tier 4 - Battle 4 (4-4)/Battle19: The Bhaalspawn

<p class="MsoNormal">difficulty level: extremely difficult! / easy

<p class="MsoNormal">Strategy/solution: You will face Enegar and Kastulor, children of the dead God Bhaal, as opponents! Best is to kill Enegar at once before he can use the most evil of his Bhaalspawn abilities the CHANGE into a strong unique Monster: The Slayer (Slayer Form)! As the Slayer Enegar's strength and dexterity are increased to 25, his constitution is increased by +5. Enegar can change into the Big Slayer; Kastulor into a Small Slayer! Not nice! You might be fast with your warriors and manage to kill him e.g. with the Silver Sword! This would save you from lots of trouble and then the fight would have been easy! '''Best strategy in my eyes is to summon a Deva and some elements first. Engar will come to the middle of the arena. Attack him with your warriors and let your Fighter Mage (e.g. Angurvadal and The Answerer) use Time Stop and Whirlwind Attack on him! Enegar dies before he can change into his powerful big Slayer Form!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">So what to do when Enegar and Kastulor already have changed into their Slayer Forms?

<p class="MsoNormal">When a Planetar is summoned up it can kill Kastulor but not Enegar in his big Slayer Form. Enegar can only be harmed with weapons +4 and higher - so the Silver Sword has no effect on him. Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting and the Ring of the Ram can harm him. My fights often end up like this that I killed Kastulor and the four Bhaal cult members but not Enegar yet. Enegar kills all my party members except until a Sorcerer (Witch) and one Fighter are left. My Sorcerer summons up lots of Mordenkainen's Swords in order to distract Enegar. I also summon up a Planetar and lower Enegar's magic protection. Then he gets vulnerable to hits by these Mordenkainen's Swords that he can't annihilate. My Warrior uses a weapon+4 or +5 and uses his Whirlwind Attack ability and kills Enegar. Tough Fight!

<p class="MsoNormal">Hints/Warning: Time Stop doesn’t work! The Bhaalspawn is immune to Time Stop! These two most evil creatures will just attack your Warriors like crazy while one of your Mages uses Time Stop! Forget about Time Stop!

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Tier 5

<p class="MsoNormal">The Rebellion

<p class="MsoNormal">After the last battle an interesting conversation takes place between Tartle and Brodle. It becomes clear that the hunters haven’t come back from their hunt for a long time. They are after something really big – a Tarraske. This is your and the other prisoners’ chance to try to escape! '''Before you meet with the others make sure that you buy all necessary items from the merchants! '''E.g. the Axe of the Unyielding is now available, Robe of Vecna, Gram the Sword of Grief, Runehammer, Aslyferund Elven Chain and another pair of Boots of Speed as well! After the Rebellion has started you won’t be able to buy from them any more. I trust that you find the place for starting the Rebellion and are able to defeat all the guards. You finally end up at this merchant place again and discover that there was an explosion. Now you have access to a Treasure Room (Vault). Take the Cloak of the Lich! (I remember playing and winning against The Winged in another way than described below when I only had a Witch and Warrior left. The Cloak of  the Lich was a wonderful protection for my Berserker Warrior. The Winged just couldn’t tear the soul out of the Warrior’s body and kill him), the Rod of Resurrection and the Time Stop scroll! One of the treasure chests in the Vault is locked. Magic works after the Rebellion in the merchant place again so you can use the spell Knock in order to open the chest. No Thief in the whole game needed!

<p class="MsoNormal">Talk with the other gladiators in prison who are left and you will be surprised!

<p class="MsoNormal">You go on in order to find Dennaton and kill him and escape from prison!

<p class="MsoNormal">In the arena you will see Voghiln, Gerrold and Lea Gosh' Aar fighting against Umber Hulks. You will support your fellow prisoners of course. After defeating them Gerrold will give you the special script roll (scroll) to change roles with Bannor!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''You go on! You want to find Dennaton and kill him and be free at last!'''

<h3 class="MsoNormal">Gejadus' How to defeat The Winged?

<p class="MsoNormal">>>'''>>> You are facing here the biggest challenge in the whole Baldur’s Gate I+II, EE realm !!! <<< Defeating Kangaxx the Demilich might not seem to be an easy task but this challenge here is another league! '''The Winged is extremely tough and can recover quickly after being injured and at first it's seems nearly impossible to defeat her and her evil companions. Here are two solutions for defeating her: First solution: The easy way to defeat her! Create a Fighter / Mage (Fighter / Mage / Thief)! In the Final Battle let the Fighter/Mage use Time Stop in order to approach The Winged, then use the Greater Whirlwind Attack/ Whirlwind Attack immediately and hit her e.g. with Angurvadal and the Answerer (Axe of the Unyielding) at the same time. After the time stop's over she's already badly wounded (or even dead!). Attack her now with all your Fighters. Especially a Berserker Warrior with Gram the Sword of Grief(double handed sword that is available to buy after destroying the Bhaalspawn – Tier 5), Ring of Gaxx and Cloak of the Lich (Vault) is extremely effective! If you still don't manage to kill her use your mages in addition and lower the resistance of The Winged several times (spell: Lower Resistance).

<p class="MsoNormal">By the way I couldn't kill The Winged with Imprisonment! Two times my Fighter / Mage used Time Stop and afterwards Imprisonment on The Winged - it just didn't work! I also didn't succeed in it by just using Imprisonment. Like the 6 fallen Devas in Battle 16 (Tier 4-1) The Winged is immune to Imprisonment!

<p class="MsoNormal"> Second solution:  Defeating The Winged without using the Fighter / Mage / Thief abilities (see above) Usually you kill Dormatus, one of the evil party members, before the Final Battle with The Winged. You go upstairs to his room, release Najim out of his prison and Dormatus will show up... So at the end you will face only five enemies. After the dialogue with Dennaton the five remaining hunters show up. The strategy is as follows: 1.) You want to get rid of the strong Adamantite Golem Bannor. 2.) You want to kill one weak party member: Joker. 3.) You attack with all your forces The Winged. 4.) You kill the mage Thassk Kun. 5.) You finally kill the powerful mage Pol Pyrrus (spells: resistant against magic weapons + Black Blade of Disaster, I guess)

<p class="MsoNormal">So after the battle has started you want to 1.) use Gerrold’s script  roll (only 4000 Gold) to exchange the role with Bannor. You need a Mage for this - but you can also use your Bard or Thief (level 24, 3000000 experience points, High-level class ability) if they have chosen the function Use Any Item!  In my case (see party below) I used my Fighter/Mage/Thief. You use this script roll straight away on Bannor. Bannor will attack you immediately so make sure that your party helps that the script roll works! For assistance let a party member e.g. Alarion conjure/summon up a Diva next to Bannor and a Thief uses the Staff of the Woodlands to summon up a beast (Shambling Mound)  In addition to a Ceric summons up two fire, wind or earth elements (Elemental Summoning). 2.)  Have two Witches (Sorcerers)  in your party! Each of the two Witches will fire a Comet next to Joker so that he gets already pretty badly harmed. Najim who took Dormatus' role in disguise will do the rest finally. 3.)  The Winged and Pol get attracted by the Mage who uses Gerrold’s script roll on Bannor. They try to attack him and come close. So in possession of the Adamantite Golem use it at once in order to attack The Winged. All your party members will attack The Winged. A Berserker Warrior who uses Gram the Sword of Grief will duplicate himself by using Vhailor's Helm! The two Witches play a special role: They will use Time Stop and use the spell for accelerating their spells (Improved Alacrity) and afterwards use the spell Lower Resistance several times on The Winged. It’s good to keep the two Witches at separate places. One of the Witches should be equipped with two items that help to cast spells faster:  Robe of Vecna (Tier 5) and Amulet of Power (Great item after defeating the Vampires). '''Be fast in attacking and killig The Winged. She can recover quickly!''' 4.) + 5.) After extinguishing The Winged it shouldn’t be too difficult to overcome the last two enemies, the two Mages. Let the two Witches use Time Stop again and create a Project Image. This allows to summon up lots of Planetars and not only one! By the way after the Rebellion you'll get a unique script roll (green circle on it and within the circle three stars) from one of your fellow prisoners. This roll creates a sphere around a person so that neither magic can go inside the sphere nor come out of it. I used this roll on Thassk Kun and he lost all his magic protection at once! My warriors could slaughter him within seconds.

<p class="MsoNormal"> The author of these two solutions used the following party: Alarion (given Knight); a Berserker Warrior; a Warrior Cleric (Berserker 8 – Cleric 34; Dual-Class); Mireille (given Witch/Sorcerer); another Witch/Sorcerer; a Fighter / Mage / Thief. Both solutions were played on difficulty level middle (Core Rules).

<p class="MsoNormal">I'm already familiar with the Black Pits II so I decided to go for a bigger challenge. Is it possible to defeat The Winged and her five evil companions (Dormatus still alive) on difficulty level HARD (not core rules)?Yes, it is! I managed with my great new party! My new party looks like this: Alarion (Knight); two Dwarven Defenders Grimbor and Boromir (my own creations) - they are extremely strong and a great team! Boromir had finally Crom Faeyr and the Axe of the Unyielding (10% vorpal) and Grimbor K'logarath; a Warrior Cleric (Dual-Class; Berserker 8 - Cleric 34); a Sorcerer/Witch like Mireille and a Mage Fighter (non-human; Multi-Class) of course! The only Battle that I lost was fighting the Drows. I didn't ask for Symm Haximus' help. In the 2nd attempt I managed without him. I didn't talk with any fellow prisoners and didn't go upstairs in order to kill Dormatus. That's what I pretty much did for defeating The Winged and her five powerful friends in the Final Battle: My Fighter / Mage used Time Stop, he drank a Potion of Storm Giant Strength, and he attacked the Winged with Whirlwind Attack by using The Answerer and Blackrazor. When the Time Stop was over she was nearly dead and the strong Dwarven Defenders helped eliminating her. Mireille fired a Comet on Joker first and went afterwards to a remote place and used Time Stop/Project Image and summoned lots of Planetars. Boromir killed Dormatus; my Cleric used Flail of Ages against Bannor and slowed him down, Mireille cast the Imprisonment spell on Bannor and he disappeared! During the whole battle it was important to have the Rod of Resurrection. Mireille used Time Stop and during this time she resurrected three party members who already had been killed. It was important to remove Pol Pyruss magic protection before my party could kill him. Joker is weak anyway, he was no match for me. Finally only Thassk Kun was left. My Cleric used the unique script roll (green circle on it and within the circle three stars) on him and my warriors killed him. Afterwards an ugly bug appeared. The usual nice ending didn't show up, just my party members were there on their own and they couldn't go back to the merchant place. I was wondering. Beamdog you created a great game! Thank you so much! But please check the game thoroughly and carefully! Unfortunately that's not the only bug in the game.

<p class="MsoNormal">I also won with the same new party with the two Dwarven Defenders on the hardest level INSANE. This time I went upstairs first and killed Dormatus. In the arena pretty much the same strategy as for level HARD. Important is to kill The Winged first. This time my mage Fighter / Mage used the weapons Foebane and The Answerer. Bannor got imprisoned under the earth again...and Thassk Kun got finally killed by a sharp weapon of a Planetar that my Sorcerer summoned up. That's it!

<p class="MsoNormal">Great challenge!!! I enjoyed it a lot!

<p class="MsoNormal">Good luck for defeating The Winged and her powerful companions!

<p class="MsoNormal">'>>> If you still should get stuck or are not able to defeat a certain enemy after you read carefully this Walkthrough you can write a comment at the bottom of the page. I'm happy to help you if I find time to answer. Look at the Solo Walkthroughs as well for getting ideas!'

<p class="MsoNormal"> Final words:  I don’t know anybody of Bioware or Beamdog. I just enjoy playing Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition I+II a lot in my spare time. I really hope that there will be a Baldur’s Gate III in the near future. Beamdog (Overhaul Games), you have the huge potential to create a game that will also become a Legend! Work hard on the story line (depth of the game, e.g chasing the mad Jon Irenicus - even through the Underdark), quests (e.g. Lavok's Sphere in Athkatla; owner of a Stronghold as a protagonist fighter; fighting along Drizzt Do'Urden against Jon's sister Bodhi; Shangalar - his hideout, the Twisted Rune building, can only be entered by using a special stone, a Rogue Stone), great items (e.g. Staff of the Magi, Axe of the Unyielding, Blackrazor), dialogues of the characters (e.g. Viconia or Jaheira can be romanced by male player character) (by getting ideas from the fans on the Beamdog Forum) and create a wonderful Baldur's Gate III! <p class="MsoNormal">

Gejadus' Solo Walkthrough (Strategy)
>>> These walkthroughs are just drafts yet and will get improved step by step. I add them because I just went to Baldur’s Gate Wiki. Insights. Special Page. Page views, last 4 weeks and I realized that there’s big interest in Black Pits II stuff (3051)! When I looked at this page about 3-4 weeks ago its page view number had been the same like ‘Lighthouse’ (about 1580)...Don’t get annoyed by my mistakes I’ll improve the stuff...

Black Pits 2 Gladiators of Thay Solo Walkthrough (s):

When you play a Solo Walkthrough it’s a much bigger challenge than playing a whole party with six members. You need a different strategy for your Battles. That’s why there’s a whole new Walkthrough. Of course the solutions that I’m presenting are not the only ones for being victorious.

For more details for the Solo Walkthrough read the general Gejadus’ Walkthrough (Strategy) above.

Because the protagonists are built from scratch the game play was set on difficulty level Easy, not Core Rules. I’m aware of the fact that the enemies act more clever and stronger if the difficulty level is higher. For me personally the real Black Pits II Champion is the one who creates a protagonist here in the Black Pits Pits II from scratch and plays it solo on level Insane and finally defeats The Winged and her evil companions. By the way I started to play a Fighter Mage Solo and a Sorcerer Solo on Core Rules and I'm adding hints for certain difficult Battles. I'm curious if finally in the end a Fighter Mage or a Sorcerer is the stronger Solo Protagonist Player! I've no idea yet if I will be able to defeat The Winged and her companions on level INSANE by playing a Fighter Mage only.

Fighter Mage Solo Walkthrough
So when you create your protagonist you should choose carefully the class. Who will finally be able to defeat The Winged? In my opinion best solution is to go for a Fighter / Mage (Multi-Class, non-human) who can use Time Stop and Whirlwind Attacks for killing her.

Import a Fighter Mage? Of course you could import a Fighter Mage who is at Mage level 19 and use him for the Walkthrough. Feel free to do so if you like! But in my eyes that’s boring! >>> Let’s use a Fighter Mage from scratch! A Protagonist who is just created before game play! Starting experience points at game play start will be only 500 000 points! <<<

Before the Final Battle the Fighter Mage will have reached Mage level 19. This means that he has only one level 9 spell that he can use. I used Time Stop of course. (With Mage level 20 he would have 2 level 9 spells that he could use. But we don’t want to cheat. Hm. Perhaps he can upgrade himself by fighting all these animals (Bear, Snake etc) in the arena). Check it! It's worth it!

**************************************************************************************************************************************** ''' Level UPGRADE!!! '''The producers of this game give you an excellent opportunity for upgrading your Protagonist. You can fight against animals at the training place. Fighting the Wyvern costs 5000 gold but gives you 150 000 experience points each time! Great for Level Upgrade!

****************************************************************************************************************************************

Concerning my weapon proficiency points I’ll give two to Two Handed Sword and two to Two Handed Fighting Style as well because I want to make some progress in the first six battles that will be very challenging in the beginning and I don’t want to get stuck. I will use Spider’s Bane and especially LILARCOR! Finally all my weapon proficiency points will get distributed during all these Battles until the Final Battle against The Winged like this: A point for Bastard (Jhor and Foebane) and one for Long sword (Blackrazor and Daystar) makes sense; one for War Hammer (Crom Faeyr), one for axe (Axe of the Unyielding) and three for two weapon style. Two handed Sword: ++, Two handed weapon style: ++,  Long Sword: +,  Bastard Sword: + , War Hammer: +,  Axe: +,  Fighting Style with two weapons: +++

Jhor the Bleeder :Best weapon against Mardii, Lich Lea and Rakashas (Maharadscha)

Daystar: Best weapon against the Demilich Twins (Battle 17)

Crom Faeyr: Best weapon against the huge Water Elements (Battle 8)

Lilarcor: Best weapon against the Vampires in the beginning (Battle 6).

Spider's Bane: Best weapon against all the enemies in the Battles 1-4, especially when you use Web. Keep Spider's Bane for the Battle with the Lich Lea! She likes to cast Web! (Battle 13)

Blackrazor: my favorite weapon! Blackrazor can even drain 4 levels from the Dragon YLLAXIA at once! Blackrazor can raise your strength cumulative up to 25 and can give you additional Speed! What a weapon! If it was a weapon +4 or +5 is would be the best at all!

Axe of the Unyielding: Probably the best weapon in the game combined with another one handed style weapon like Blackrazor or the Answerer or Foebane. Unfortunately you only get this brilliant axe very late in the game (available to buy at Tier 5).

Gram the Sword of Grief(double handed sword that is available to buy at Tier 5): Probably the strongest weapon in the game! (I prefer the combination of Axe of the Unyielding and Blackrazor for killing The Winged). In my eyes Gram is better than Carsomyr.

Psion's Blade: Best weapon against the 6 fallen Devas (Battle 16). You can't get stunned any more!

Staff of the Magi : Staff of the Magi: The ultimate weapon for a Sorcerer! Its power is great! The Staff of the Magi can make you invisible any time! I like as well that you can cast 'Dispel Magic' on an enemy when you hit him (like Carsomyr). I remember hitting Pol Pyrrus and Joker in the Final Battle with this great Staff first when I was playing a Sorcerer. As a consequence they lost all their magic protection afterwards I used the Staff of the Ram and killed them.


 * 1) Core Rules: Probably it's better to give a weapon proficiency point to Staff (Staff of the Magi and Staff of the Ram) instead of to War Hammer. You don't really need Crom Fraeyr you can use Blackrazor instead and Blackrazor can give you strength cumulative up to +25 as well. - But it doesn't really matter! If upgrade your Fighter Mage to 8 000 000 experience points your Fighter will be level 24 (your Mage level 20). So you can give one weapon proficiency point to Staff and the other to War Hammer anyway.

Money: The Solo player needs lots of money for excellent equipment! Of course you could fight the Umber Hulk Elders (Battle 4) over and over again for gaining 1250 gold each time. Or later you can often fight the Demilich Twins  (Battle 17); it gives you each time 9000 gold for defeating them. >>> But there’s an easier way for getting money! Money shouldn’t be a problem by using the trick with buying the salbe for Dulf Finsterbart and reselling it to Belfer. By doing so you always make 200 gold gain! <<<

Equipment/Armor: It’s great for a Fighter Mage to wear Bladesinger Chain (reward item from Battle 5)! Wear also two rings of regeneration; later one of them should be the Ring of Gaxx!

'''Solution/Strategy: If you don't like this solution presented here for the Fighter Mage for a certain Battle just have a quick look at the Sorcerer Solo Walkthrough (at the bottom of the page)! You might like that for the Sorcerer more for winning the Battle!'''

BATTLES There are 4 difficulty levels: easy; medium; difficult; extremely difficult. This is according to my game playing experience against these opponents in the arena. So all these difficulty levels are totally subjective.

Tier 1

Tier 1 - Battle 1: Orcs ; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); fellow gladiator in arena: Symm Haximus; weapon recommendations: Two handed Sword +1; Strategy/solution: Web, Mirror Image, Spider Spawn, Iron Skins, Skull Trap, Fireball, Haste and fight! Hints: I just cheer up the spectators! I want them to be excited about the battle. I don’t ask for any item yet.

After the first Battle buy Spider's Bane !

Tier 1 - Battle 2: Two Minotaurs and some gladiators ; difficulty level: medium; Strategy/solution: Web – Stinking Cloud  – Fireball – Magic Missiles, later Spider Spawn; Hints: Of course you want to get Golden Calf Idol! You want to be able to summon a great help – a strong Minotaur! He will become a good friend of yours and accompany you many times in your Battles!


 * 1) INSANE: Fellow Gladiator: @ Symm Haximus. 1.) Web, 2.) Mirror Image, 3.) Depending on the situation: Web again or Spider Spawn...

Tier 1 - Battle 3: Lizard Men ; difficulty level: difficult!; Strategy/solution: Web and Spider Spawn. Cast the spell Hold Person on the Chief of the Lizard Men! The Lizard Shaman likes to hide. With spells like True Seeing and Detect Invisibility you can reveal where he hides. Hints: As a single player I want to get all rewards.


 * 1) INSANE: Fellow Gladiator: @ Dulf Finsterbart. He summons Spiders and Skeletons! Dulf is a huge help! 1.) Web, 2.) Mirror Image, 3.) Depending on the situation: Web again or Spider Spawn...3x Web is pretty perfect! Support your Spiders by fighting with Spider's Bane!

Buy the Wand of Monster Summoning! (14 000 gold - Charisma: +20)

Tier 1 - Battle 4: Umber Hulk Elders ; difficulty level: difficult in the beginning! (later:very easy); Strategy/solution: Web and Stinking Cloud is a good idea! Usually Spell Disintegrate destroys these beasts at once! 1.) web; 2.) Make yourself invisible; 3.) Drink a Potion of Clarity! 4.) Mirror Image while being invisible; 5.) web again; 6.) Spider Spawn; 7.) Fight by using Spider's Bane!


 * 1) INSANE: Fellow Gladiator: - 1.) Make yourself invisible at once! These huge Beasts come so fast towards you! 2.) Iron Skins 3.) Fireshield 4.) Oil of Speed 5.) Drink a Potion of Clarity! 6.) Mirror Image, 7.) Hold Spider's Bane in your hands and cast Web! 8.) Depending on the situation you should cast Web on yourself or Spider Spawn first...it's good to have 3x Web and 3x Spider Spawn available!

'''Level UPGRADE! Fight the Wyvern 3x and gain an additional level for each - your Fighter and your Mage! Your Fighter (level 14) will now be able to use Whirlwind Attack and your Mage (level 14 as well) has access to a level 7 spell. I like to use Mordenkainen's Sword. # INSANE: '''Yeah, upgrade yourself! You want to have access to nice level 7 spells like Spell Sequencer and transfer them into your spell book. I highly recommend to buy Limited Wish (level 7) first! Limited Wish gives you nice items, e.g. the Glasses of Identification, 2000 Gold and jewels and a very solid armor (AC -1), probably worth about 10000-20000 gold, that you can use for fighting the Wyvern for more Level Upgrades in the future! My Fighter Mage has already AC-10 for fighting the Wyvern (Dexterity: 18; this Wish Armor AC-1, Helm of Glory, Cloak of the Sewers and Shield of the Lost)! That's ideal! It becomes extremely difficult for the Higher Wyvern to harm you! Especially when your weapon is Albruin the Wyvern can't poison you any more and all your Level Upgrades become very easy! Wish can restore your used spells as well during Battle! Wish is great!

 Tier 1 - Battle 5: DROWS ; difficulty level: extremely difficult!; Strategy/solution: In my eyes the best solution is to buy the spell: Protection from Magic Weapons (level 6) for 2240 gold! No gladiator with me. He/She just gets killed. (Sacrifice @ Ellraish! He's a very good help against the Drows!) - First solution:

1.) Haste/Speed spell or potion (you don’t have Boots of Speed yet!)

2.) Protection from Magical Weapons

3.) Mirror Image > afterwards you can cast spells without getting interrupted

4.) GATE (for 11200 Gold but can be destroyed by Mordenkainen’s Sword)

5.) Fireshield (red)

6.) Iron Skins

7.) Wand of Monster Summoning: 14 000 gold – 50 charges

8.) Web + Spider’s Bane

Hints: The Drows are resistant to nearly any magic like Magic Missiles, Disintegrate etc. It’s good to kill the two Drow Archers first! Then they won’t bother you if you want to cast more spells. I want to get the reward items: Cloak of Balduran and Bladesinger Chain (great item for the Fighter Mage !!).

Second solution (#Core Rules):

1.) Speed Potion; 2.) Summon Minotaur (Golden Calf Idol); 3.) Run into a corner and cast the prepared Spell Sequencer (level 7): Mirror Image+Iron Skins+ Fireshield; 4.) Whirlwind Attack; 5.) Kill the Archers!; 6.) Protection from magic weapons; 7.) Kill the Drow Priest; 8.) Use Wand of Monster Summoning etc.


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: @ Ellraish! 1.) Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image + Iron Skins + Fireshield 2.) SIMULACRUM! 3.) Let your Duplicate often use the Wand of Monster Summoning: 14000 Gold – 50 charges. Summon endless monsters! 4.) According to the situation you self use the Potion of Invisibility, Whirlwind Attacks, Oil of Speed, Protection from magic weapons, summon the Minotaur etc.

After 5 battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy! Go for the Boots of Speed, the Shield of Harmony, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise and Jhor the Bleeder, a mean bastard sword and the Necklace that protects you from poison (Periapt of Proof against Poison)!

Tier 2

 Tier 2 - Battle 1 /Battle 6: VAMPIRES ; difficulty level: extremely difficult!

Strategy/solution: First solution: Only real solution that I found and worked at once was the following one: Buy Time Stop for 11200 gold (Charisma: +20) and ask Hort Il D’rth to help you in this battle! I used Time Stop at once and used Sunray two times (Daystar and Helm of Brilliance) very close to Graul and I killed him! I used the Minotaur Statue and some Fire Elements (Staff of Fire). Potions of Invisibility were useful a well and Whirlwind Attack! Skull Trap is a good weapon against the Vampires! Comet works as well!

Second solution (#Core Rules): Without using Time Stop. 1.) Simulacrum, 2.) Make yourself invisible; let your Duplicate summon the Minotaur, 3.) Run away and use Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image+Iron Skins+Fireshield; your Duplicate gets killed 4.) Still invisible run next to Graul and cast Sunray! + kill him. 5.) Get invisible again and summon the Minotaur. The Vampires get attracted. Come invisibly next to them and use Sunray again! 6.) Kill the Vampires with Whirlwind Attacks.


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: @ Who? The ones who produced this challenge in the Black Pits II don't make it easy for us! @ Dulf Finsterbart as a Conjurer usually summons a Planetar. If he did it against the Vampires as well he would be for sure the greatest help against them! BUT he didn't. I tried it several times. A Planetar usually kills all these Vampires easily and a Planetar even can heal you if the Vampires drained some levels from you! => Best solution is to upgrade your Fighter Mage Solo Protagonist through fighting the Wyvern to Mage level 18 (3 000 000 experience points) and then a level 9 spell is available for you. You choose Planetar of course!

Who could help you against the Vampires in the Arena? @ Timmo Gutbaum/Timmot Godtree: as a Fighter Cleric he could summon protection from level drain on you and himself (Negative Plane Protection) but of course he's not available for fighting alongside you in the arena yet.

@ Gezzthemin: he doesn't really help you. @ Hulda: she can harm some Vampires with her bow but she also gets killed. @ Voghiln: weak against the Vampires. @ Lea Gosh'Aar: very good! She's a Fighter Mage as well! @ Hort: he gets killed. @ Symm Haximus: He dies as well. @ Feldrak Feldrak'l: good! As a Fighter Thief he comes out of nothing and back stabs the Vampires!

Hints: gifts from your fans: Amulet of Power! Perhaps you didn’t get this great Amulet at once but you don’t want to fight the powerful Vampires again right now. You can come back here at a later time again. Later at Tier 4 when there’s the Mace of Disruption available you will buy it and come back to the Vampires and just smash them! If you’re lucky Graul can be killed by single hit! Strategy without using Time Stop: weapon recommendations: Mace of Disruption and Blackrazor (no fear and no enchantment possible! Hits with level drain are cumulative up to strength of +25!). You can fight on your own. 1.) make yourself invisible! (potion) and use all kinds of protection: Iron Skins; Fireshield; Mirror Image 2.) Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting 3.) Sunray! 4.) Whirwind Attacks! Don’t stand in one corner where you can get surrounded by the Vampires and finally you can’t get out of the corner anymore! You should always have space to run and make yourself invisible again!

****************************************************************************************************

'''Congratulations if you managed to kill the Drows and Vampires! These are your most difficult Battles by playing a Fighter Mage Protagonist!'''

****************************************************************************************************

Tier 2 - Battle 2/Battle 7: Githyanki ; difficulty level: easy (my favorite enemies) Strategy/solution: web! - Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting. #Game play Core Rules: The Gish can conjure/summon Maze on you! Not nice at all! Protect yourself with Spell Immunity (spell level 5) or Spell Turning (level 7)! '''Hints: Silver Sword!! Extremely good for killing! Get it from your fans!'''


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: @ Voghiln. Strategy: 1.) web; 2.) Spell Sequencer; 3.) Whirlwind Attacks; 4.) Simulacrum - your Duplicate will summon Monsters; 5.) Summon Planetar and Mordo Swords etc

Tier 2 - Battle 3/Battle 8: Water Elements difficulty level: easy Strategy/solution: First make yourself invisible (potion) and get all kinds of protection (Iron Skins; Mirror Image etc). Kill The Sanguahin Prince first e.g. by summoning a Minotaur first. He gets attracted and kill him with the Silver Sword by using a Whirlwind Attack! There are many ways of dealing with the Water Elements: Summon up lots of Fire Elements (Wand of Fire: 2800 Gold - Charisma +20). They can harm the Water Elements. Skull trap is great besides Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting!! Magic Missiles help as well! If you should come back later again to fight them one more time use Crom Faeyr! This weapon is extremely strong against the Water Elements; other war hammers work as well! Hints: Firetooth +4


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: -. This Prince is much more powerful on this difficulty level. His arrows can stun you (make you unconscious) immediately! Strategy: 1.) Make yourself invisible. 2.) Spell Sequencer. 3.) Use Wand of Monster Summoning and distract him. 4.) Attack him Whirlwind Attacks and kill him! 5.) It's easy to destroy the huge Water Elements after the Prince died.

Tier 2 - Battle 4/Battle 9: Mardii and his Elements difficulty level: a little bit difficult! Strategies/solution: Time Stop and remove Mardii’s magic protection! Spell Speed/Hast and hunt Mardii down and kill him! Or: Make yourself invisible, wait a long time until Mardii and the elements slow down again and attack Mardii! Don’t destroy these elements in the beginning! After being killed they will come back! But two of them instead of one! Kill Mardii first! I like to do it with the Silver Sword or Jhor! Hints: Flail of Ages

Tier 2 - Battle 5/Battle10: Demons and Devils difficulty level: easy; Strategy/solution: Just let the demons kill each other! Stay out of battle. Wear something against charm enchantment that the succubus can't attack you successfully. #Core Rules: I recommend: 1.) Speed Poison, 2.) Spell Sequencer, 3.) Time Stop and kill T'alcor, the most dangerous enemy, with a weapon+3 (e.g. Silver Sword). T'alcor can knock you unconscious (stun or confused) and kill you with one single hit! Hints: Longsword Blackrazor!


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: --- Strategy: Use Lilarcor! 1.) Protection from fear; 2.) Oil of Speed; 3.) Kill the Succubus! 4.) Simulacrum! Let your Duplicate fight with you! 5.) Kill T'alor from a distance (e.g. with Energy Blades).

After 5 battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy the Girdle of Stone Giant Strength and the Ring of the Ram!

Tier 3

Tier 3 - Battle 1/Battle 11: Monks; difficulty level: surprisingly easy! I managed in my 1st attempt; Strategy/solution: These monks come very fast towards you and kick you really hard! Ask another gladiator in prison like Hort Il D’rth, Voghiln or Symm Haximus to join you in this battle. 1.) Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image+Fireshield+Iron Skins, 2.) Time Stop. During Time Stop cast Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting and use Greater Whirlwind Attacks! Great! 3.) Summon Minotaur 4.) Whirlwind Attacks again. Hints: Wong Fei’s Ioun Stone

Tier 3 - Battle 2/Battle 12: Golem; difficulty level: easy! (1st attempt) Strategy/solution: Just summon up the Minotaur first and an Air Element (Staff of Air) and let them attack the Golem. You cast the spell Imprisonment and the Golem disappears! Won in some seconds without even using Time Stop! Hints: CROM FAEYR!! Shuruppak’s Plate!

Tier 3 - Battle 3 /Battle 13: Lich and five huge Skeleton Golems; difficulty level: medium (1st attempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: Hort Il D’rth. He died. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor; Strategy/solution: Time Stop and Whirlwind Attacks! Remove the Lich’s magic protection! Useful spells against the Lich: Imprisonment; Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting; Comet. #Core Rules + HARD: No Fellow Gladiator. 1.) Make yourself invisible - Lea casts True Sight => 2.) Drink a Speed Potion - Lea casts Web. => 3.) Use Spider's Bane that you don't get stuck. 4.) Pierce Shield 5.) Attack Lea with Jhor, the mean Bastard Sword. She hates it like Mardii did! 6.) After Lea is dead summon some Mordenkainen's Swords! and/or Simulacrum and Whirlwind Attacks. Hints: '''Staff of the Magi!!! A ‘must’!'''

Tier 3 - Battle 4 /Battle 14: Rakshasas; difficulty level: medium (1st attempt) fellow gladiator in arena: @ Voghiln. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor + Protection from Fire (Ring of Fire Control or Helm of Brilliance etc); Strategy/solution: Abi Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting; Whirlwind Attack. WAIT until the magic protection disappears! When finally only the Maharadscha is left and hides somewhere invisibly summon a Mordokainen’s Sword. He’ll try to kill it and becomes visible again. Hints: web neither worked nor Mordenkainen’s Sword – it will get destroyed by Magic Missiles. Blackrazor hit the Maharadscha and stole him 4 levels! #Core Rules: 1.) Speed Potion and 2.) Attack the Rakshasas immediately with Whirlwind Attack (Blackrazor + Jhor). I killed two of them, 3.) Make yourself invisible and use the prepared Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image+Iron Skins+Fireshield, 4.) Use True Sight and Whirlwind Attacks! It seems that the Maharadscha didn't like Jhor!

Tier 3 - Battle 4 /Battle 15: Illthids difficulty level: difficult! Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Gezzthemin! He's a great help!! Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Jhor! Strategy/solution: The problem is that the Illthids can kill your protagonist at once and the Slave Magician can make you unconscious (stun)! I suggest: 1.) Haste on yourself even if you are already wearing the Boots of Speed. 2.) Make yourself invisible (potion). 3.) Kill the Illthids as fast as possible by using Whirlwind Attacks! It might be good to become invisible after each time you have killed an Ilthid. # Core Rules: If you're still struggling I suggest:@ Gezzthemin!! He kills the enslaved Warriors!1.) Invisible, 2.) Speed Potion, 3.) Potion of Clarity, 4.) Whirlwind Attacks with Blackrazor, 5.) Summon Simulacrum and let your Duplicate fight with Whirlwind Attacks! Hints: Psion's Blade


 * 1) HARD: Fellow Gladiator in Arena: @ Gezzthemin!! He kills the enslaved Warriors!1.) Invisible, 2.) Speed Potion/Oil of Speed, 3.) Potion of Clarity, 4.) Time Stop, 5.) Whirlwind Attacks with Blackrazor and Jhor. You should manage to kill all three Illthids during the Time Stop. The 4th one in the Circle dies anyway after the three have been killed.  6.) Make yourself invisible again. 7.) Summon Simulacrum and let your Duplicate fight with Whirlwind Attacks!

Tier 4

New items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy Vhailor's Helm, the Girdle of Frost Giant Strength and the Mace of Disruption (excellent against Vampires)!

Tier 4 - Battle 1 /Battle 16: The 6 fallen Devas difficulty level: medium (1stattempt). I expected an extremely difficult fight! The Devas have sharp weapons (vorpal) and they can see you although you are invisible! Fellow gladiator in arena: Timmo Gutbaum. He died.''' Best choice is: @ Symm Haximus! He’s an excellent fighter as a Dwarfen Defender! '''Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor! Strategy/solution: Time Stop + Whirlwind Attacks! 3 Devas got killed. True Seeing/True Sight. Lots of huge Healing potions and Wand of Monster Summoning for distraction! Hint: Carsomyr! and The Answerer! # Core Rules: Best is to prepare chain contingency with two Mordenkainen's Swords that the Devas can't destroy and True Sight. I used Time Stop and summoned a Mordo Sword and a Planetar and used Whirlwind Attack against a Deva. Symm Haximus was a great help! But decisive were the indestructable Mordenkainen's Swords!! # HARD: No easy battle at all! @ Symm Haximus! Prepare: Chain contingency: True Sight + 2x Mordenkainen's Sword. '''Weapon: Psion's Blade! This weapon avoids that you get stunned (unconscious) by the Devas!''' 1.) Time Stop + Whirlwind Attacks! 2.) Oil of Speed! 3.) The Devas will chase you. Run close to Symm and the Mordo Swords! 4.) Some Whirlwind Attacks and Victory!

Tier 4 -Battle 2 /Battle 17: The Demilich Twins; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt) ; Fellow gladiator in arena : @ Voghiln (Best choice is: @ Timmo Gutbaum!). Voghiln casts a spell that he’s immune to Imprisonment: Spell Immunity (spell level 5) (for my German friends: Voghiln spricht den Zauber Immunität gegen Bannzauber!). He can harm the Twins as well! He must have a weapon +4 or even +5! His weapon is an Axe. Weapon recommendations: DAYSTAR and Mace of Disruption! Best strategy:  Let the Fighter Mage use Time Stop and then during the Time Stop let him use two Greater Whirlwind  Attacks on these bad guys! Hints: By the way the Minotaur that you can always summon (Golden Calf Idol) is immune to Imprisonment because of his enrage. # Core Rules: Same strategy. Very easy battle! Compare this solution here with that for the Sorcerer Solo! # HARD: @ Timmot Godtree. Weapons: Daystar + Flail of Ages! Time Stop + Whirlwind Attacks! The Battle is over within seconds! Of course you want the Ring of Gaxx as a reward from your fans!

Now you’re Fighter Mage has finally reached 3 000 000 experience points and he can use a level 9 spell from his spell book. Buy Time Stop and transfer it into your spell book. This Time Stop role is 6x available to buy: cost: 11200 Gold (Charisma: +20/21). # Core Rules: I've already reached the maximum experience points' limit of 8 000 000 for a long time. I upgraded myself with fighting the animals in the Arena. My Fighter Mage is a Fighter level 24 (4 000 000 exp) and a Mage level 20 (4 000 000 exp). Unfortunately he has only 2 level 9 spells in his spell book - the Sorcerer has much more but my Fighter Mage can use great weapons! And that's lots of fun! Before the Rebellion the Fighter Mage should buy a bunch of useful level 9 script rolls like Time Stop!!

Tier 4 - Battle 3 /Battle 18: The Three Dragons: YLLAXIA; Nyxxla and Orluss; difficulty level: medium (1stattempt) ; Fellow gladiator in arena : @ Voghiln. He supported me in an excellent way! As a Bard he really played a Bard song! Unfortunately he died in the Battle. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor! Blackrazor can even destroy Mordokainen’s Swords! Strategy/solution: I started Time Stop at once but YLLAXIA was too fast and interrupted my spell. I took revenge and killed both of her children with Whirlwind Attacks. I used spells to remove the magic protection from YLLAXIA, summoned creatures for distracting her and finally killed her. Vhailor’s Helm is very useful!!! Hints: Gives you each time 10000 gold for defeating them again! Foebane + Angurvadal !


 * 1) Core Rules + HARD: @ Lea Gosh 'Aar; @ Dulf Finsterbart; @ Gezzthemin: It's fun to fight with these Mages against YLLAXIA. They cast the spell Maze on her but a short time afterwards she comes back! It gives you a break (for summoning more Monsters)! ;-) Strategy: 1.) Vhailor's Helm. The Duplicate is a huge help! 2.) I always kill the two small Dragons first. 3.) Pierce Shield two times on YLAAXIA. 4.) Whirlwind Attacks with Blackrazor and the Answerer (Flail of Ages). Dulf summons a Planetar as help. The Planetar killed YLLAXIA with one hit! Blackrazor is such a powerful weapon! It stole 4 levels even from YLLAXIA! Blackrazor can raise your strength cumulative up to 25 and can give you additional Speed! What a weapon! Just a pity that it's only a weapon +3 and evil.

Kill Dormamus! Put your uniform aside and wear your armor (Bladesinger Chain) again! Annihilate Dormamus – you don’t want to face 6 enemies in your last battle! #Core Rules: For the Fighter Mage it's easy to kill Dormamus by using Blackrazor and Jhor; but for the Sorcerer not being able to use magic only the Staff of Magi and Ram it's a very difficult but not impossible fight. #HARD: It's good to have the Staff of the Magi in addition! You can change the weapons in-between and use the Staff of the Magi for getting a break and recover your Hitpoints by wearing the Ring of Gaxx!

Tier 4 - Battle 4/Battle19: The Bhaalspawn/Enegar and Kastulor, children of the dead God Bhaal; difficulty level: medium (2nd attempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: Dulf Finsterbart! As a Conjurer he summoned a Planetar while fighting! Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Daystar first against Enegar; later C.F. + Blackrazor; Strategy/solution: 1.) I summoned the Minotaur, 2.) Time Stop + Whirlwind Attacks: I killed Enegar before he could transform into the Slayer! 3.) Kastulor changed into the small Slayer Form. I killed him with Whirlwind attacks...the rest was easy. Hints: Kastulor is a mean assassin who killed me the first time. He used his mean Short Sword of Mask and stabbed me from behind (damage 7 times) and I got stuck for 2 rounds. All enemies surrounded and killed me.


 * 1) Core Rules: It was a very easy Battle! @ Fellow Gladiator: Lea Gosh'Aar. Same Strategy as above: 1.) I summoned a Minotaur - Enegar ran into the middle and attacked the Minotaur. 2.) I used Time Stop and killed Enegar with a Whirlwind Attack by using Foebane and the Answerer. Foebane - what a powerful weapon +5! It was amazing to see how my own Hitpoints rose from 126 to 238 by using Foebane (Larloch's Minor Drain - cumulative by using Foebane)! 3.) Spell Sequencer: Iron Skins+Fireshield+Mirror Image. The rest was easy. Later I switched to Blackrazor instead of the Answerer! So I used two really powerful weapons for my Whirlwind Attacks: Foebane + Blackrazor! #HARD: same strategy: this Battle against the Baalspawn is much easier than fighting the 6 fallen Devas!

Equip yourself well before it goes on! Crucial equipment for the Final Battle is: Boots of Speed, Robe of Vecna (Tier 5) and Amulet of Power, Ring of Gaax, lots of strong Healing potions etc. Buy Aslyferund Elven Chain, Robe of Vecna, the Axe of the Unyielding and Gram the Sword of Grief!

If Symm Haximus got killed while fighting along you in the arena he won’t show up just before the Final Battle. You can convince Brodle and his warriors not to fight you. He just leaves.

'''The Finale Battle against The Winged difficulty level: medium (1st'''attempt). I expected an extremely difficult fight but it wasn’t! Fellow gladiator in arena: no one but Najim! Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and the Axe of the Unyielding! Strategy/solution: 1.) Time Stop + Greater Whirlwind Attack two times on The Winged! I managed to kill her. Bannor and Pol Pyrrus approached me very fast in order to interrupt my spell casting but I still managed to cast Time Stop! ;-) 2.) Make yourself invisible (potion). When you are invisible you can put all kinds of protection on you: Iron skins, Mirror Image, Fireshield, absolute Immunity (level 9) In the meantime Najim killed Joker. 3.) I cast the spell Imprisonment and Bannor disappeared successfully! 4.) I made myself invisible again. 5.) I cast the green circle script roll on Thassk Kun and he lost all his magic protection. It was easy to kill him afterwards. 6.) Only the powerful Pol Pyruss was left! WAIT! I thought that the best plan is to hide somewhere invisibly and wait. Finally Pol lost his Haste and he was back to normal again. I attacked him with Abi-Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting first. This hit him badly and he lost his spell. I summoned up a Mordekainen’s Sword and he tried to attack it. He got well distracted and I removed his magic protection with spells. I used Whirlwind Attacks and he died.


 * 1) Core Rules: I managed to defeat The Winged and her evil companions in the 2nd attempt. In the first attempt Pol Pyrrus cast Maze on me and that was the end. Ok. What was my strategy? 1.) I prepared Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image+Iron Skins+Fireshield. I also had bought some Time Stop and Imprisonment script rolls before the Rebellion. I prepared chain contingency: Simulacrum+True Sight+Mordenkainen's Sword. 2.) I entered the Arena invisibly by holding the Staff of The Magi. 3.) At the end of the dialogue with Dennaton I cast Time Stop at once. 4.) One of them used True Sight so I became visible and they attacked me but I managed to cast Time Stop. 5.) During Time Stop I attacked The Winged with two Whirlwind Attacks. It seems that she didn't like the Axe of The Unyielding and Foebane at all! 6.) After she had died I rushed away and made myself invisible again by using the Staff of The Magi. 7.) My Duplicate (> Simulacrum) survived the attacks somehow and recovered - it seemed so to me. The Duplicate was wearing the Ring of Gaxx as well. My Duplicate used a Whirlwind Attack and hit Pol Pyrrus badly by using the Staff of the Magi! The Staff of the Magi destroyed his magic protection! My Duplicate killed him! 8.) I used Time Stop and imprisoned Bannor successfully. 9.) Najim killed Thassk Kun. 10.) Together with my Duplicate I attacked Joker. The Duplicate hit him with Whirlwind Attacks by using the Staff of the Magi and I cast Pierce Shield two times on him. I attacked him with another Whirlwind Attack. He had no chance. EASY BATTLE on Core Rules! I'm surprised! The Fighter Mage is excellent!


 * 1) HARD: The Fighter Mage was victorious again! Before I entered the Arena I prepared chain contingency: Simulacrum+True Sight+Mordenkainen's Sword. I also prepared Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image+Iron Skins + Fireshield. 1.) BEFORE entering the Arena I drank Oil of Speed. I waited for about 5 seconds so that I would be able to cast a spell at once without delay. 2.) I entered the Arena. At the end of the dialogue with Dennaton I cast Time Stop at once. 3.) During Time Stop I attacked The Winged with two Whirlwind Attacks successfully (Axe of the Unyielding and Foebane)! She died! 6.) After she had died I rushed away and made myself invisible. Only The Winged can see when you are invisible- the others cannot!I used Spell Sequencer and another Time Stop. 7.) During this new Time Stop I cast the green circle script role on Thassk Kun. He lost all his magic protection and I killed him. I rushed to Pol Pyrrus and hit him with the Staff of Magi. As a consequnce he lost his magic protection as well. I attacked him with Blackrazor and Jhor (poison). He was nearly dead when the Time Stop was over. Najim who was still alive and I killed Pol. 8.) My Duplicate from the start (chain contingency) got killed by True Sight. 9.) Only Joker and Bannor were left. I made myself invisible and equipped myself well with all kinds of spells. I used Gram as a weapon. I used Vhailor's Helm and got a Duplicate again. The rest was easy! This Final Battle was much easier for me than fighting these 6 fallen Devas (Battle 16). Let's see if the Fighter Mage will be finally successful on level INSANE!

Solo Walkthrough - Conclusions:

To be honest if you create a new Fighter Mage and he/she starts his first Battle with only having 500 000 experience points it's not easy! The six first Battles were the hardest ones! '''I don’t know how many attempts I needed to defeat the powerful Drows. Fighting the Drows was my toughest Battle in the whole Walkthrough! '''Just having one protagonist and fighting the Drows. I didn’t have any fellow gladiator with me because I thought he/she just would get killed anyway. Perhaps it would have been a good choice to have Dulf Finsterbart with me who summoned up a Planetar when I was fighting Enegar! Or Voghiln who impressed me with his fighting skills against the three Dragons. Fighting the Vampires also seemed to be impossible first in the Solo Walkthrough. When I finally started to use Time Stop at the beginning of the Battle it was quite easy! It's exciting to play a solo protagonist!

Dwarven Defender Solo Walkthrough
Let’s see how far this physical very strong Dwarven Defender (article: Fighter, 4 Class Kits, 4.5 Dwarven Defender) will get on his own! I’m not very optimistic when he has to face strong Mages.

BATTLES There are 4 difficulty levels: easy; medium; difficult; extremely difficult. This is according to my game playing experience against these opponents in the arena. So all these difficulty levels are totally subjective.

Tier 1

Tier 1 - Battle 1 : Orcs; difficulty level: medium (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Symm Haximus - a Dwarven Defender as well! ; weapon recommendations: Two axes +3; Strategy/solution: Strange not being able to use web. Ok. I ran to the middle and used the Dwarf’s special defense ability, Defensive Stance (article: Fighter, 4 Class Kits, 4.5 Dwarven Defender). Together with Symm we attacked one Orc – we slaughtered them one after another. Hints: I cheer up the crowd.

After the first Battle buy the Ring of Regeneration. I also felt the need for better protection. I bought a decent armor.

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Money shouldn’t be a problem by using the trick with buying the salbe for Dulf Finsterbart and reselling it to Brewer (Belfer). By doing so you always make 200 gold gain!

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Tier 1 - Battle 2 : Two Minotaurs and some Gladiators; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: Symm Haximus again; Strategy/solution: as above. Kill always an enemy together with Symm. Hints: Of course you want to get Golden Calf Idol'''. You want to be able to summon a great help – a strong Minotaur! '''He will become a good friend of yours and accompany you many times in your Battles!

Buy Boots of Avoidance (Senses of the Cat - these boots are not mentioned above in the item list, also other items are missing - unfortunately!) (AC+5 Bonus against arrows), Ring of Fire Resistance and Amulet of 5% Magic Resistance.

Tier 1 - Battle 3 (1-3): Lizard Men; difficulty level: easy/difficult (many attempts)''' Fellow Gladiator in arena: Symm Haximus; Strategy/solution: It’s not difficult at all to slaughter all the Lizard Men together with Symm, but''' the Lizard Shaman likes to hide and after some of his companions got killed it just stays unseen. As a Dwarf Defender you can’t use any spells to make him visible. So you have to try to kill the Shaman early in the Battle. Totally in the beginning it’s still invulnerable. Hints: As a single player I want to get all rewards.

Conclusion: Here’s already a huge disadvantage of the Dwarven Defender. He can’t make enemies visible so the Lizard Shaman or later the Drow Priest might remain unseen.

Buy Elves' Bane (Girdle of Piercing) (Armor Class Bonus of 3 against arrows/missiles),

Tier 1 - Battle 4 (1-4): Umber Hulk Elders; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: Symm Haximus again. He unfortunately got killed! Weapon recommendations: Two axes +3 (two hammer +3) Strategy/solution: Use Potion of Clarity and slaughter them! Hints: LILARCOR

Tier 1 - Battle 5 (1-5): Drows; difficulty level: surprisingly easy (1st attempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Fredrak Fredrak’l. He died. Weapon recommendations: two hammer+3 and The One Gift Lost (Necklace of Missiles) for killing the small spiders. Strategy/solution: Oil of Speed! (you don’t have Boots of Speed yet!)'''. '''Try to kill the Drow-Priest early! Hints: The Drows are resistant to nearly any magic like Magic Missiles. I want to get the reward items: Cloak of Balduran and Bladesinger Chain.


 * 1) HARD: I tried to defeat the Drows on difficulty level HARD and I have bad news, the Dwarven Defender didn't manage. The Drow Priest makes himself invisible and approaches the Dwarven Defender and casts Harm on him. Afterwards he gets killed easily by a Drow Warrior.

After 5 Battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy! Go for the Boots of Speed, the Shield of Harmony, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise  and Jhor the Bleeder, a mean bastard sword and and the Necklace that protects you from poison (Periapt of Proof Against Poison)!

Tier 2

Tier 2 - Battle 1 /Battle 6: Vampires; difficulty level: '''extremely difficult! '''I managed after about 10 attempts. Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Dulf Finsterbart; Weapon recommendations: Lilarcor! Strategy/solution: 1.) Oil of Speed! 2.) Summon Minotaur, 3.) Run away and make yourself invisible, 4.) Attack two times with Sunray (Daystar and Helm of Brilliance), 5.) Make yourself invisible again and use Fireshield (Wand of Fire) 6.) Attack with Lilarcor over and over again (Whirlwind attack) and use often Invisibility potions! Hints: The Axe against Undead wasn’t really of use.

Give a weapon proficiency point to bastard sword and buy Jhor the Bleeder!

Tier 2 -Battle 2 (2-2)/Battle 7: Githyanki; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Strategy/solution: Just fight! Hints: Silver Sword!! Extremely good for killing! Get it from your fans!

Tier 2 - Battle 3 (2-3)/Battle 8: Water Elements; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Strategy/solution: First make yourself invisible (potion). Kill The Sanguahin Prince e.g. by using a crossbow. There are many ways of dealing with the Water Elements: Summon up lots of Fire Elements (Staff of Fire). They can harm these elements. A War hammer is very effective as well!''' '''If you should come back later again to fight them one more time use Crom Faeyr! This weapon is extremely strong against these Water Elements. Hints: Firetooth +4

Tier 2 - Battle 4/Battle 9: Mardii and his Elements; difficulty level: easy (1st attempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: --- Weapon recommendations: Jhor and Warhammer+3; Strategy/solution: Don’t destroy the elements in the beginning! After being killed they will come back! But two of them instead of one! Kill Mardii first! Make yourself invisible and WAIT! When Mardii gets slow and his Elments as well and Mardii starts running out of spells attack him with Jhor! He won't like it at all! After Mardii has died attack the Elements with Whirlwind Attacks or Firetooth +4. Hints: Get the great reward item Flail of Ages from your fans!!!

Tier 2 - Battle 5 (2-5)/Battle10: Demons and Devils; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: --- Weapon recommendations: Jhor and Stone Axe+3; Strategy/solution: Just let the demons kill each other! Stay out of battle. If the succubus attacks your warriors too much with charm spells  – kill her! Whirlwind Attacks! Hints: Longsword Blackrazor!

After 5 Battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy the Girdle of Stone Giant Strength (20) and Ring of the Ram (the Breaker of Castles)!

Tier 3

Tier 3 - Battle 1/Battle 11: Monks; difficulty level: easy! (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ '''Voghiln. He was great! He didn’t even get injured!''' Weapon recommendations: Jhor and Stone Axe+3; Strategy/solution: Whirlwind Attacks! Summon Minotaur; Hints: Wong Fei’s Ioun Stone

Tier 3 - Battle 2/Battle 12: Golem; difficulty level: easy! (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Hulda! Ellraish couldn’t harm the Golem. Weapon recommendations: Two Warhammers +3; Strategy/solution: Whirlwind Attacks! Use the special defense ability, Defensive Stance! Hints: '''CROM FAEYR!!! + Shuruppak’s Plate! '''Go for both!!!



The Dwarven Defender was already successful in 12 Battles and is excellent equipped now! His Equipment looks like this: Shuruppak’s Plate, Balduran’s Helm and Cloak; Boots of Speed; Crom Faeyr and Flail of Ages!



Tier 3 - Battle 4 /Battle 14: Rakshasas; difficulty level: easy (1stattempt); Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Voghiln. He died. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor; Strategy/solution: '''Fire protection! '''I drank a Haste potion and attacked them at once with Whirlwind Attacks! Three Rakshasas died. Wait until their magic protection disappears!

Tier 3 - Battle 4 /Battle 15: Illithids; difficulty level: easy (1st attempt)''' Fellow Gladiator in arena: @ Gezzthemin''' was a great help! Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and '''Jhor! '''Strategy/solution: Use a Speed potion first! Kill the Illthids as fast as possible!

Tier 4

New items are available to buy from the merchants! Buy Vhailor’s Helm!

Tier 4 - Battle 1 /Battle 16: The 6 fallen Devas; difficulty level: medium (1stattempt). I expected an extremely difficult fight! The Devas have sharp weapons (vorpal) and they can see you although you are invisible! Fellow gladiator in arena: Timmo Gutbaum. He died.''' Best choice is: Symm Haximus! He’s an excellent fighter! '''Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor! Strategy/solution: Whirlwind Attacks! Hint: The Answerer!

Tier 4 - Battle 2 /Battle 17: The Demilich Twins

difficulty level: extremely difficult! I managed in my fourth attempt. To be honest I didn’t expect to win against these Twins by playing a Dwarfen Defender Protagonist. Fellow gladiator in arena: @ Hort Il-D’rth of course! He uses his Berserker Enrage ability and he’s immune to Imprisonment for some time.

Strategy/solution:

1.) Summon the Minotaur (Golden Calf Idol)! The Minotaur is immune to Imprisonment because of his enrage and he distracts the Twins.

2.) Use an Invisibility potion

3.) Run away and hide and use a Speed potion

4.)  Give your Dwarven Defender the Ring of the Ram and K'logarath and let him use Vhailor's Helm! He duplicates! 

5.) Let your Duplicate use Ring of the Ram! It’s a strong weapon! About 15 HP!

6.) Let your Duplicate use K’logarath and support Hort this way! VICTORY!

=> Your Protagonist stayed invisible and was just a spectator of this brilliant victory!

Of course you want the Ring of Gaxx as a reward from your fans!

Tier 4 - Battle 3 /Battle 18: The Three Dragons: YLLAXIA; Nyxxla and Orluss; difficulty level: very easy! (1stattempt); Fellow gladiator in arena: @ Hort; Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor (immune to fear)! Blackrazor can even destroy Mordokainen’s Swords! Strategy/solution: 1.) Oil of Speed! 2.) I summoned the Minotaur, 3.) Vhailor’s Helm! 4.) I killed YLLAXIA’s two children. 5.) I attacked YLLAXIA together with the Duplicate, 6.) Dwarfen Defender Defensive Stance (special defence ability) + Whirlwind Attacks!

Don’t forget to go upstairs in order to kill Dormamus!

Tier 4 - Battle 4/Battle19: Enegar and Kastulor, children of the dead God Bhaal; difficulty level: difficult! (4th attempt); Fellow Gladiator in the arena: @ Hort (1st attempt) or @ Symm Haximus! Dulf Finsterbart was horrible. He always used Time Stop when Enegar had already changed into the Big Slayer Form and I got slaughtered. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Blackrazor first against Kastulor; later Crom Faeyr and Daystar against the Big Slayer (probably the Answerer would be even better than Daystar) Wear the Belt of Inertial Barrior! Strategy/solution: 1.) Speed potion 2.) Without being able to use Time Stop Enegar always transformed into the big Slayer Form. After killing all others I faced the Big Slayer. I was amazed that the Dwarven Defender with his special defense ability, the Defensive Stance, and his Whirlwind attacks was superior to the Big Slayer!

''' The Finale Battle against The Winged difficulty level: difficult! (2nd attempt). '''Fellow Gladiator in arena: no one but Najim! Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and the Axe of the Unyielding! Perfect weapons for the Dwarven Defender! The Axe of Unyielding is 10% vorpal (deadly; 10% chance to decapitate)! If you’re lucky you can kill the enemy at once or at least very fast! Equipment of the Dwarven Defender in the Final Battle: Enkidu's Full Plate, Helm of Balduran and Cloak of Balduran; Boots of Speed; Ring of Gaxx, Crom Faeyr; Axe of the Unyielding and most important the Cloak of the Lich (Vault)! Strategy/solution: 1.) Speed potion!! 2.) Wear the Cloak of the Lich (Vault)! Decisive! Kill the Winged with Whirlwind Attacks! One time I saw a hit with 56 damage points against her! The Dwarven Defender is extremely strong! 3.) Make yourself invisible! The others can’t see you any more! 4.) Magic script role (green circle) on Thassk Kusk! Afterwards he’s easy to kill! 5.) Kill Joker! 6.) Kill Pol Pyrrus! 7.) Kill Bannor!

'''Result: '''I’m still totally surprised that the Dwarven Defender managed to defeat the Demilich Twins (Battle 17) and The Winged and her evil companions (Final Battle). Wow! I didn’t expect that at all! It's nearly unbelievable how strong a high level Dwarven Defender is by using his Defensive Stance! He seemed to be stronger than Enegar in his Big Slayer Form and The Winged in the Final Battle! But without having the Cloak of the Lich (Immunity from all forms of Death Spells) The Winged would have killed him!

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Fighter Cleric Solo Walkthrough
I just want to give some general advice how to play this Fighter / Cleric and explain the most challenging Battles: Battle 6 against the Vampires and the Final Battle.

General advice: Your created Fighter Cleric should be a Berserker of course. By using his enrage ability he can’t get imprisoned (by the Demilich Twins – Battle 17).

As a Cleric you want to use Crom Faeyr (Battle 12:Golem) and Flail of Ages (Battle 9: Mardii) and also sometimes the Shield of Harmony (Tier 2). Get the Golden Calf Idol (Battle 2)! You can summon a strong Minotaur who will fight alongside you! The level 7 spell Gate is a huge help against lots of enemies, especially in the beginning! Sanctuary – great spell! You can get a break and equip yourself with Speed potion, Armor of Faith, Healing etc. But some enemies are clever enough to destroy your Sanctuary.I like Globe of Blades and the Aura of Flaming Death (level 7 spells)

Battle 6: Vampires: I summoned two times a huge Beast (Gate level 7 spell) in the beginning and the Vampires got distracted. I didn’t care that the two Beasts were fighting each other. I used sunray (level 7 spell and Helm of Brilliance) one or two times next to Graul and he died! One Beast survived and killed all other Vampires. In the meantime I had summoned 2 air elements and 3 skeletons as well but they didn’t have to intervene any more. I didn’t have any fellow Gladiator with me and I didn’t use the level 4 spell that protects you from level drain.

'''The Finale Battle against The Winged difficulty level: extremely difficult! (6 or 7 attempts).''' Fellow Gladiator in arena: no one but Najim! The Fighter / Cleric is inferior to the Fighter / Mage and the Dwarven Defender. He can’t use Time Stop and Whirlwind Attacks and he’s not such a great Defender like the Dwarf with his Defensive Stance. What to do in the Final Battle? What are the strong abilities or spells of the Fighter / Cleric? He can’t summon lots of Devas (Planetars) like the Fighter/ Mage. He can’t lower the resistance of The Winged. So what? Sanctuary and afterwards getting ready for Battle doesn’t work because The Winged and Thass Kun cast True Sight/True Seeing. Weapon recommendations: Crom Faeyr and Flail of Ages! Best weapons for the Fighter Cleric! Crom Faeyr gives you enormous strength (25) and Flail of Ages can slow down your enemies. The Fighter Cleric has one big Plus! His Armor! My Fighter Cleric had an Armor class -9 (wearing the Cloak of the Lich; Crom Faeyr and Flail of Ages). He can even lower his Armor class to -13 by using the level 7 spell Aura of Flaming Death (AC Bonus of +4)!! Or even to -18 by wearing an excellent shield instead of Flail of Ages; -19 by wearing the Cloak of Balduran.

Strategy/solution: 1.) Speed potion!! 2.) The strategy of killing The Winged at once didn’t work. The Fighter Cleric is not strong enough. I had to eliminate other allies of The Winged first. I cast the green circle script roll on Thassk Kun that you get after the Rebellion from Gerrold or somebody else fighting in the Arena. He lost all his magic protection at once. I attacked him and wounded him but he could escape by making himself invisible. Unfortunately often some of my spells got interrupted when I wanted to cast. The Cleric is just slow to cast spells. He wears neither the Robe of Vecna nor the Amulet of Power. 3.) It’s good to wait! After some time the Mages lose some of their magic protection. I attacked Pol Pyrus and killed him. 4.) I killed Joker. 5.) Now the time had come to attack The Winged. I cast the (big) Regeneration spell on me (spell level 7) and attacked her with Crom Faeyr and Flail of Ages. One time I saw a hit with 58 damage points against her! Impressive! (But can you do it again?). I could slow her down with Flail of Ages. I didn’t care about Bannor standing next to her and hitting me. She finally died. Without wearing the Cloak of the Lich (Immunity from all forms of Death Spells) The Winged would have killed me several times! 6.) I killed Bannor! 7.) I summoned some creatures and made Thassk Kun who was hiding visible. I killed him.

'''Result: It wasn’t easy at all defeating The Winged and her companions by playing a Fighter Cleric Protagonist only but it’s possible.'''

Sorcerer Solo Walkthrough
      This Sorcerer is so powerful that I focus in the description only on the difficult start and the end. The Battles in-between are easy.

A Sorcerer from scratch: ''' '''We can use Mireille or create a Sorcerer from scratch. Starting experience points before the first Battle against the Orcs will be 500 000. Recommended spells when creating the character: Detect Invisibility, Mirror Image, Fireshild (red), Iron Skins, Skull trap, Web, Spider Spawn.

**************************************************************************************************************************************** '''Level UPGRADE!!! The producers of this game give you an excellent opportunity for upgrading your Sorcerer. You can fight against animals at the training place. Fighting the Wyvern costs 5000 gold but gives you 150 000 experience points each time! Great for level upgrade!'''

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Spell recommendations: Level 9: Time Stop; Planetar, Chain Contingency, Imprisonment, Black Blade of Disaster, Energy Blades; Level 8: Simulacrum, Pierce Shield, Abi-Dalzim’s Horrid Wilting; Level 7: Mordenkainen’s Sword, Project Image, Spell Sequencer, Spell Turning; Level 6: Protection from Magic Weapons, True Seeing/Sight

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Money: ''' '''Money shouldn’t be a problem by using the trick with buying the salbe for Dulf Finsterbart and reselling it to the Belfer. By doing so you always make 200 gold gain!

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Equipment/Armor: You want to get the Golden Calf Idol (Minotaur that fights along you in the Arena: Battle 2: Gladiators), Cloak of Balduran (Battle 5: Drows), Amulet of Power (Battle 6: Vampires), Staff of the Magi (Battle 13: Lich), Staff of the Ram (Tier 3) and the Ring of Gaxx (Battle 17: Demilich Twins) and the Robe of Vecna (Tier 5)!

Good weapons for a Sorcerer: Ups! None! - Just a joke! It’s good to buy the Boomerang Dagger (+2) and the Fire Tooth (throwing dagger +3) early! If you combine one of these two weapons with a Girdle of Hill Giant Strength it’s quite ok. Later it’s excellent to get the Staff of the Magi (Battle 13: Lich). You can harm even Devas or the Demilich Twins with this Staff! Even better is Staff of the Ram, especially against Enegar and Kastulor (Battle 19). Another option is to use Energy Blades! '''Best is Black Blade of Disaster (Spell level 9)! '''You could also transform yourself into a warrior by using Tenser’s Transformation. I personally don’t like it because you can’t use any spells during this time of transformation any more.

Getting ready for Battle: There’s a zone inside the prison where you can sleep and prepare Spell Sequencer (spell level 7): e.g. I like to prepare the combination of three spells: Mirror Image, Irons Skins and Fireshield. When you enter the arena you just click this symbol for Spell Sequencer and these three spells are activated at once (the symbol is at the place where Berserker Fighters have their enrage ability). You can even prepare Chain Contingency (spell level 9). It’s a great spell!

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Fellow Gladiators in the Arena: ''' Tier 1: Battle 1: Symm Haximus; Battle 2: Symm Haximus; Battle 3: Dulf Finsterbart; Battle 4: Feldrak Feldrak'l Battle 5: Drows: Ellraish Tier 2: Battle 6: Vampires: Hort''', but he might die. Battle 7: Gith: Voghiln, Hort or Symm Haximus; Battle 8: Water Elements: ; Battle 9: Mardii: --- ; Battle 10: Demons and Devils: ---;

Tier 3: Battle 11: Monks: Symm Haximus, Voghiln, Hort; Battle12: Golem: Hulda; Ellraish can’t harm it. Battle 13: Lich: Dulf Finsterbart; Battle 14: Rakshasas: Voghiln; '''Battle 15: Illthids: Gezzthemin! Tier 4: Battle 16: 6 Devas: Symm Haximus (1st choice)''', Voghiln, Hort; Timmo Gutbaum always dies. Battle 17: Demilich Twins: Timmo Gutbaum! Dulf Finsterbart, Hort, Voghiln; Battle18: Three Dragons: Symm Haximus; Battle 19: Symm Haximus or Hort

Symm Haximus: (Dwarf): Dwarven Defender: Axe; cost: he fights for free alongside you! He’s brilliant against the 6 Devas (Battle 16). @ Ellraish (Human): assassin, but pretends to be a monk; weapon: two short swords; cost: for free; very good help against the Drows (Battle 5)! @ Hort Il D’rth: (Orc): Berserker/Barbarian: Halberd +5 (Enrage ability); cost: 500 or 1000 gold. @ Dulf Finsterbart (Mage > Conjurer): He summons a Planetar! He’s especially good against the Twins! Cost: 1500 gold. @ Gezzthemin (Drow Mage): Cost: 1700 gold. @ Gerrold (Wild Mage): Cost: 500 gold. @ Lea Gosh'Aar (Fighter/Mage): two Scimitars; cost: 1500 gold. @ Voghiln (Bard): Axe +4/+5. He’s excellent against the Monks (Battle 11) and the Rakshasas (Battle 14). Cost: 1500 or for free if you defeated him in drinking beer! ;-) @ Hulda (Fighter): Bow; cost: 1500 gold. @ Feldrak Feldrak’l (Fighter (/Thief)): two short swords; cost: for free. @ Timmo Gutbaum/Timmot Godtree (Fighter Cleric): cost: for free. As a Berserker he’s excellent against the Demilich Twins (Battle 17).

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BATTLES There are 4 difficulty levels: easy; medium; difficult; extremely difficult. This is according to my game playing experience against these opponents in the arena. So all these difficulty levels are totally subjective.

You have 15000 gold at your disposal. Buy the Cloak of the Nymph first (Charisma +2). Buy Boots of Avoidance (Senses of the Cat) (AC+5 Bonus against arrows), the Ring of Regeneration and some healing potions and antidotes.

Tier 1

Battle 1: Orcs; difficulty level: easy. Fellow Gladiator in Arena: Symm Haximus; Strategy/solution: Web, Mirror Image, Spider Spawn. Mirror Image helps that you can cast your spells without getting interrupted!

Buy the Boomerang Dagger +2

Battle 2: Two Minotaurs and some Gladiators;

difficulty level: easy. Fellow Gladiator in Arena: Symm Haximus; Strategy/solution: Web, Mirror Image, Spider Spawn; Hints: Of course you want to get Golden Calf Idol. You want to be able to summon a great help – a strong Minotaur! He will become a good friend of yours and accompany you many times in your Battles!

Buy the Wand of Monster Summoning (14 000 gold)!

Battle 3: Lizard Men; difficulty level: difficult!; Fellow Gladiator in Arena: --- Strategy/solution: Web, Spider Spawn, Speed potion, summon Mordenkainen’s Sword, the Minotaur (golden Calf Idol) and cast the spell Hold Person on the Chief of the Lizard Men. Hints: The Lizard Shaman likes to hide. With spells like True Seeing and Detect Invisibility you can reveal where he hides.

Battle 4: Umber Hulk Elders; difficulty level: difficult!; Fellow Gladiator in Arena: --- (any fellow Gladiator would just get killed; of course you could sacrifice Feldrak Feldrak’l) Strategy/solution: Web and Potion of Clarity! Wand of Monster Summoning for distracting these strong beasts! Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image + Iron Skins + Fireshield. Spider Spawn. Stinking Cloud good! Usually Spell Disintegrate destroys these beasts at once!

Additional Sorcerer level upgrade: Buy Bracers of Defense (AC6) and fight the Wyvern with the Boomerang Dagger +2! => Sorcerer is  level 17 now!

Battle 5: Drows; difficulty level: difficult! Strategy/solution: I'''n my eyes the best solution is to use Simulacrum and summon endless monsters with it!! '''Fellow Gladiator in Arena: @ Ellraish! 1.) Haste/Speed spell or potion (you don’t have Boots of Speed yet!) 2.) Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image + Iron Skins + Fireshield 3.) Summon Minotaur 4.) SIMULACRUM! 5.) Wand of Monster Summoning: 14000 Gold – 50 charges. Summon endless monsters! I want to get the reward items: Cloak of Balduran.

>>> If you managed to defeat the Drows everything becomes easy. In my eyes there are just two challenges to come: The Baal Spawn and The Winged. <<<

After 5 battles the next tier starts: new items are available to buy! Go for the Boots of Speed, Fire Tooth +3, Girdle of Giant Hill Strength, Gauntlets of Weapon Expertise  and the Necklace that protects you from poison (Periapt of Proof against Poison)!

Tier 2

Battle 6: Vampires; difficulty level: easy! Fellow Gladiator in Arena: --- Strategy/solution: Just use Time Stop and summon a Planetar! Mirror Image and Simulacrum. Let the Simulacrum/Duplicate use the Wand of Monster Summoning. You self run away and hide invisibly and watch. The Vampires don’t like Comets fired at them! >>> A Planetar can even heal you if a Vampire drained some levels from you! <<<

Upgrade yourself in the Arena again! Already now at Sorcerer level 20 you’re crazy powerful! Get Chain Contingency (spell level 9) and Spell Sequencer (level 7) and prepare it for the next Battle! Chain Contingency (condition when you see your enemy and cast the spells on yourself): Simulacrum + Mordenkainen’s Sword + protection from magical weapon. Spell Sequencer: Mirror Image + Iron Skins + Fireshield.

Battle 7: Githyanki; difficulty level: easy Fellow Gladiator in Arena: --- Strategy/solution: 1.) web! 2.) Time Stop, 3.) Chain Contingency (see above) works during the Time Stop! 4.) Summon Planetar, 5.) Attack them with the Black Blade of Disaster! I saw a 76 HP hit against a Gith warrior!

I‘m sure you can deal easily with the Battles 8 – 11 and 14 yourself.

Battle 12: Golem difficulty level: easy! Fellow Gladiator in Arena: Hulda! She can make it unconscious with her arrows! Strategy/solution: Just summon up the Minotaur first and some more creatures and let them attack the Golem. You cast the spell Imprisonment and the Golem disappears!

Battle 13: Lich and five huge Skeleton Golems; difficulty level: medium. fellow gladiator in arena: - 1.) Make yourself invisible and wait a little bit! 2.) use Pierce Shield on the Lich Lea. 3.) Use Time Stop and imprison the Lich first! 4.) Summon Mordenkainen’s Swords. They will kill the five huge Golems

Battle 15: Illthids; difficulty level: easy! Fellow Gladiator in arena: Gezzthemin! 1.) Chain contingency 2.) Make yourself invisible 3.) Potion of Clarity 4.) Energy Blades – kill the Illthids from a distance!

The Trainingscenter for fighting The Winged! The Battle against the six fallen Devas! These 6 Devas are weaker versions of the The Winged! Find out what works against them. It might also work against The Winged, e.g. Invisibility and Imprisonment don’t work!

Battle 16: The 6 fallen Devas; difficulty level: medium; Fellow gladiator in arena: Best choice is: Symm Haximus to join you in this battle! He’s an excellent fighter! He's a Dwarven Defender! Strategies: Many options: A) Use Time Stop and Energy Blades against the Devas! Maximum hit with an Energy Blade: 30 HP. Use Black Blade of Disaster: 11200 gold/spellbook! I saw a hit with 40 HP against a fallen Deva. Symm Haximus hits only reached 25 HP! B) Time Stop + Planetar + Mordenkainen’s Sword!! (the Devas can’t destroy it!) + True Sight! Energy Blades; Magic Missiles; lower resistance + Vampiric Touch!! Staff of the Magi; summon monsters for distraction! C) Prepare Chain Contingency: Mordenkainen's Sword + Protection from Magic Weapons + True Sight. Time Stop: Summon a Planetar and use Whirlwind Attacks! Use Black Blade of Disaster!

Battle 17: The Demilich Twins; difficulty level: easy; Fellow Gladiator in arena: Timmo Gutbaum is the best Fellow Gladiator against the Twins. He crushes the two by using Holy Word! Dulf. He casts a spell that he’s immune to Imprisonment (spell level 5 – school: abjuration). Dulf can also harm the Twins. Hort is also a good option. Strategy:  Let the Fighter Mage use Abjuration on himself (spell level 5) so that the Twins can’t imprison him any more. Additional protection: Spell Turning! (spell level 7). The Ring of the Ram harms them pretty badly! Energy Blades (level 9) and the Staff of the Magi, Staff of the Ram can be used as weapons as well. Of course you want the Ring of Gaxx as a reward form your fans!

At this stage I had already reached the Sorcerer's maximum level 31 (7 875 000 exp. Points)!

Battle 18: The Three Dragons: YLLAXIA; Nyxxla and Orluss; difficulty level: easy-medium. Fellow Gladiator in Arena: Symm Haximus; Summon Planetar first; Improved Haste/Speed potion; create Simulacrum! (level 8) and Projected Image (level 7) for summoning lots of Planetars. Lower the resistance of YLLAXIA and summon lots of creatures for distraction.

Don’t forget to go upstairs in order to kill Dormamus! #Core Rules: It's a huge challenge to defeat Dormamus because you can't use any magic! I used the Staff of Ram and in-between the Staff of the Magi for making me invisible and to recover health (have some items for restoring your health like the Ring of Gaxx).

Battle19: Enegar and Kastulor, children of the dead God Bhaal; difficulty level: difficult! Fellow Gladiator in arena: Symm Haximus!

Enegar just transformed very fast in his Big Slayer Form and Kastulor in the Small one. Effektive weapon against both was Staff of the Ram! Staff of the Ram hits are about 27 Hitpoints against the Small Slayer and 7HP against the big one. I cast Simulacrum and summon lots of monsters for distraction: Wand of Monster Summoning and Mordenkainen’s Swords that both Slayers can’t destroy! Speed potion!

Equip yourself well before it goes on! Crucial equipment for the Final Battle is: Robe of Vecna (Tier 5) and later Cloak of the Lich from the Vault (after the Rebellion).

If Symm Haximus got killed while fighting along you in the arena he won’t show up just before the Final Battle. You can convince Brodle and his warriors not to fight you. He just leaves.

The Finale Battle against The Winged

difficulty level: easy (1stattempt). I expected an extremely difficult fight but it wasn’t. It was an easy Battle! Fellow Gladiator in arena: no one but Najim! Strategy/solution: 1.) chain contingency: Simulacrum + True Seeing + protection from magical weapons. 2.) Time Stop + Black Blade of Disaster! I managed to kill The Winged. 3.) Simulacrum/the Duplicate casts some Monsters for distraction and later Abi-Dalzim’s horrid wilting on Joker etc.. Najim killed Joker. 4.) I summoned a Planetar! That was a good move! 5.) Speed Potion. 6.) The Planetar and I killed Pol Pyrrus. 7.) I cast the green circle script roll on Thassk Kun and he lost all his magic protection. He made himself invisible but the Planetar killed him. 8.) Najim, the Planetar and I attacked Bannor. He died. That’s it! Easy Battle!

''' Sorcerer Solo Walkthrough - Conclusions: I enjoyed this Sorcerer Walkthrough the most of all Walkthroughs so far! I wasn’t totally familiar with a Sorcerer and his abilities yet and I discovered new stuff! Great! I’m impressed by the Sorcerer’s abilities! The Sorcerer is so powerful! I can imagine that the Sorcerer can defeat The Winged on his own on core rules or even on level Insane.'''

Sorcerer or Fighter Mage?

By the way I'm playing a Sorcerer Solo from scratch on core rules right now. I'm curious if a Sorcerer or a Fighter Mage will be the better Solo Protagonist in the end. # Core Rules: Hm. I upgraded my Fighter Mage early by fighting theses animals and I have to say that the Fighter Mage is doing better against his opponents than a Sorcerer. There are so extremely powerful weapons like Blackrazor and Foebane. In addition to the Fighter Mage can use Whirlwind Attacks! It was really hard for the Sorcerer to kill Dormamus upstairs by just using the Staff of Ram and Magi without being able to use magic, finally he managed. Let's see how they are both doing in The Final Battle...The Fighter Mage could easily defeat Dormamus and later The Winged and her companions. The Sorcerer seems to struggle in the Final Battle as well; but probably I just haven't found the right strategy yet. # HARD: The Fighter Mage just defeated the Drows and Vampires! It's likely that he'll finally defeat the Winged as well on this difficulty level! Yes he did! He could defeat The Winged and her evil companions on level HARD! Let us see if he even manages on level INSANE!

When I will play BG II, EE again there are three options for me for a Protagonist Player: a Sorcerer, a Fighter Mage or a Dwarven Defender. I won't play a Fighter Cleric - he's too weak, and anyway if I shouldn't play a Solo I would have Anomen as a Fighter Cleric in my good party. A Dwarven Defender next to Korgan in an evil party must be lots of fun! For a Solo I see only two really good options: Fighter Mage or Sorcerer. Fighter Thief might be possible too but I've no idea about all these trap options...for sure it's something for freaks.

My favorite Solo Protagonist is a Fighter / Mage ! He/She has access not only to all powerful spells but to all great weapons as well! So the Fighter Mage is extremely flexible and just brilliant!

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