Engwithan Digsite POTD w/ Upscaling at Level 2

[cruxdrew]

This game is so fun.  In past attempts Engwithan Digsite has been quite difficult, but I've always tried it with a level 4+ party... finally cleared the map with rogue Watcher, priest Xoti, fighter Eder, all level 2.

We used a lot of traps and veteran pulling techniques... the tops of the staircases make great chokepoints.  

 

[cruxdrew]

Apparently these early Digsite encounters are only punishing if you attempt them at later levels, because level 2 party is finding success.  We just cleared the Ruin Interior.

[cruxdrew]

We managed to get all the sidekicks at level 2 (except Vatnir).

[Boeroer]

Vatnir's difficult bc. of the Messenger encounter. But you can hire a SC Assassin adventurer with an arquebus + modal and put Gouging Strike on the Messenger, then use Smoke Veil and retreat out of sight. Afer doing some household chores while Deadfire runs in the background it should be dead and you can get Vatnir. Not at level 2, but as soon as the hireling can have Gouging Strike. 

Also possible with any other character + Potion of Invisibilty + Lover's Embrace and Bounding Boots from stealth. Target the Leapt to the Messenger - but pause right after activating it. Unpause/pause/unpause/pause in quick succession with the spacebar until your dotted green character circle appears ner the Messenger but you are still in the air. Cancel the Leap action. You will stand right beside the Messenger, still stealthed. Attack with Lover's Embrace (and hope that you at least graze, so better to use it single-handed). Drink potion an leap away out of sight asap. Then also wait. 

You can also combine the two apporaches - which makes the Messenger die more quickly. Also an Assassin has a lot easier time to actually land a hit from stealth. Means lesser reloads.  Even quicker if you can also apply Brand Enemy (auto-hit). But it's not strictly necessary. One endless DoT is sufficient if you're willing to wait and to reload for your lucky shot. 

It's very anticlimactic to bring down a dragon that way though.  

Edited May 7, 2021 by Boeroer

[cruxdrew]

Although that assassination seems kind of anticlimactic... it still seems like fun ^_^

I'll attempt The Messenger encounter with this sidekick party around level 12.