First thing to do is the Circus Tent for nothing else but the Ring of Human Influence. While BG2 won't mess with ur quest rewards, it still helps in the shops. But before you enter, buy a scroll case, and a gem bag!
Second: get enough stuff - in case you don't have the gold - to be able to spend 1540 gold (let it be 1600 to be safe). You know my problem with Gaelen Bay's seller was, I could never re-enter Gaelen Bay's house again, but the Glasses of Identification worth their price in pure gold, especially for a non-mage!
Heck, bring here all your stuff, and you will be able to sell stuff if you have to buy stuff from the Copper Coronet.
Third: watch out how much gold you have in cash! It is very-very important to NOT have 15K gold until you are ready to start Chapter 3!
This'll likely mean you buy Aeger's Hide (slightly worse AC than chainmail +3, but gives immunity to confusion which will come handy in Nalia's Keep), maybe Sword of Flame (for hunting trolls until you assemble Flail of Ages in case you don't want to rely on limited arrow-supply / buy this from the Copper Coronet which sells it on half price than the Adventurers' Mart, at least after Hendak takes over), and if you can stash enough unsold magic items Defender of Eartheaven, Staff of Rhyn (it kills adamantium/iron golems and Kangaxx), Vhailor's Helm (simularcum is the strongest summon), shield of Balduran (against beholders).
Quests to watch out for:
- stronghold quest(s)
- the second special random encounter traveling between areas
- Renald Bloodscalp's quest (no longer possible if/when siding Bodhi)
- the 15K gold limit
This being partly a playthrough I'll mention the quests I've done in titles:
fight two moron outside Copper Coronet / duel inside Copper Coronet / Mysterie of the Copper Coronet + Free the Slaves (you get better prices and incrised stock, also don't forget to check how much you'll need at Joluv, and after the second quest you get
bastard sword +1, +3 vs shapeshifters) - bought Aeger's Hide (ca. 8K gold) / killed Mencar Peblecrusher's gang for equipment. Sold (almost) everything and bought Defender of Eartheaven (ca. 23K gold - within building, so still in Act 2) / I was practically waiting here for the special random encounters, and both came when I visited the City Gate area trying to leave for the stronghold. / Renald Bloodscalp's quest - bought Nymph Cloak (+2 CHA = lower prices) and Rogue Stone before finishing off Maevar's guild (I had too much money on me, these stones are rare, and potentially needed). / Nalia's Keep (aka. gaining stronghold): buy Staff of Rynn before going (should be able to afford), also pack a potion of invisibility if you have, bow, fire arrows, healing potion and a (magical) short sword (you should have 2 to choose from). Inside the keep assemble the Flail of Ages and get the Ring of Earth Control. There is also the Elven Court Bow which is a good longbow for you.
Problem with the De'Arnise Keep is, that you won't be able to carryout ALL the loot, because of stash problems. But magic arrows and bolts shouldn't hurt you too much, and all real equipment CAN be looted.
Also, although I counted Nalia paying the hefty10650 gold, she gave only 650. The internet says this is correct if Nalia is not in the party. Bugger. Oh well, I'll just sell all the useless Carsomyrs and stuff...
Act 3:
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While duing Bodhi's errands dig out the Burried Alive (provides Silver Pantaloons and Boots of Arrows at the cost of 2 Reputation), as well as speak with Welyn. If you go to assassinate for the second quest (I recommend, as entering twice to the Shadow Thieves compound is boring, not to mention you don't loose reputation anyway) you'll likely want to help out Viconia and Jan. Also start working on the Sir Sarles quest (requires 22 strength to get the true illithium which you probably want for upgrading the Mace of Disruption), and maybe even kill Anomen (if you were proudly evil in the Copper Coronet, and enter Anomen's home, the whole household will attack you. No item, but funny in a way).
Remember that you do NOT need magic-licence lacking any magic! Don't waste your evergrowing supply of useless money!
Still in the Graveyard is the Mourning Paladin and the Orphan Girl, and when entering the Bridge District the Human Hide Armor/Skinwalker Tanner quest starts.
Take a hike to get the spider figurine and the Horn of Valhalla (to get it don't forget to cast Rage before opening the chest!). Summons are important for a (solo) fighter.
Outside Athkatla Locations and their offers (aside exp and occasional loot):
- Windspear Hills: Ring of Fire Protection
- The Planar Sphere: Ring of the Ram (it's more valuable than you'd think), Staff of Fire (summons)
- Planar Prison: Boots of Speed, Gauntlets of Weapon Skill, Staff of Air (summons)
- Umar Hills: Ilbratha (mirror image once per day, worth a trip), Beljuril (to upp Horns of Valhalla), Human Flesh Armor quest, Shadow Dragon Scales and part of Crom Fayer (but who needs these?), rogue stone (but this character does NOT profit from using it, aside extra exp)
- Trademeet: you can buy the Belt of Inertial Barrier (best belt) and Ras (invulnerable summoned sword) and get Bottle of Efreeti, as well as an amulet against poison (makes you immun)
Athkatla sections:
- Kangaxx ring
- Hunt Anarg: Gloves of Healing (can be used for a quest, especially if you don't have the special ability to do the same)
- The Unseeing Eye: gives a 5% magic resistance amulet. Now you have an amulet. Whoa!
- Windspear Key: Wand of Wonders (like anyone ever used it)
And of course there's Watcher's Keep:
- potion bag
- Golem Manual
- lots of best healing potions
- Foebane
- extra statpoints
- lots of onetime items you end up never using
- Gauntlets of Extraordinary Specialisation, which you end up
not being able to use because they thought seriously only fighter-fighters are allowed to use it, and not at all barbarians.
No, you likely won't be able to mess with Demogorgon, and because a oneman party gains exp so fast you rly shouldn't bother after lvl 4.
One-Man Party is still not simple:
