Icewind Dale THAC0, armor class, formations and ranged combat
Read the descending AD&D numbers and control a whole party in narrow dungeon encounters.
Edition covered
The original 2000 Icewind Dale campaign and its party-based AD&D fundamentals. Screenshots show Enhanced Edition, including scenes from bundled expansion content. Enhanced Edition adds class options and spells; Heart of Winter and Trials of the Luremaster are separate adventures.
Descending numbers need practice
Lower THAC0 improves weapon accuracy and lower armor class improves defense. The + value on an enchanted item is beneficial even though the resulting character-sheet target may go down.
| Statistic | Preferred direction | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| THAC0 | Lower | Improves weapon attack success |
| Armor class | Lower | Makes weapon attacks less likely to hit |
| Hit points | Higher | Improves damage tolerance |
| Resistance | Higher where applicable | Reduces a matching damage type |
Use formation for the destination
The formation determines where characters try to stand, but they still need paths through the room. Pause at doorways so a mage does not arrive first while fighters walk around furniture.
| Position | Suitable role | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Doorway | Armored fighter | Limits the enemies reaching the rear |
| Second line | Secondary melee or support | Can replace an injured front fighter |
| Rear | Mage or archer | Needs distance and a clear line of attack |
| Scouting lead | Thief | Detects danger before the full formation follows |
Match attacks to resistance
If an enemy takes little damage, inspect the combat feedback and try an appropriate different attack type. Throwing every prepared spell into a resistant target can leave the next encounter much harder.
Preserve casting time
A spellcaster surrounded by melee enemies may lose spells to interruption. Use the front line and summons to create room, then resume combat after issuing separate orders.
A spellcaster surrounded by melee enemies may lose spells to interruption. Use the front line and summons to create room, then resume combat after issuing separate orders.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Icewind Dale publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Beamdog Survival Guide to the North | files.beamdog.com |
| Beamdog Mastering Melee and Magic | files.beamdog.com |