I am this close to getting back to my own computer and BG2, so I bought the strategy guide. Now I can't decide whether to play my mage from BG or to play a cavalier. I read that there are sub-quests involved with the strongholds, can someone tell me what sub-quests there are for the mage stonghold and what ones there are for paladins? Which are the most interesting, etc.?

The Mage has the best stronghold.

Why?

I disagree, I think the fighter stronghold is best. D'Arnise kepis not only less strange than the planar sphere it makes more money too.

I hate the d'Arnise keep. It's big, it's boring, and it revolves around that useless NPC Nalia. My favourite stronghold is the thieves' guild. Complicated, yes, but fun.

What kind of quests are generated by owning the Fighter's stronghold? How many soldiers are there? Where does the money come from? I know, I know I have alot of questions...

The thieves guild is the best stronghold I have had so far but then again i've only had the ranger's one and i got that in Chap 6 when the game was nearly over so i have no idea what that one is like.

I think all of them have their challenges and excitements and I want to try them all out.

The strongholds are the thing that makes it so hard to choose a character... I like all save maybe the bard, cleric, and druid's. Granted I have only read tid-bits about each here and in the strategy guide. So damn frustrating having to use public terminals, I want to play this game sooooooo bad! Any info on the mage and paladin (or more on the fighter) stronghold would be appreciated. This is the only way I can satisfy my desire to play...through osmosis.

You can find a SPOILER on what is involved with each stronghold here. Don't say i didn't warn you...

MEMNOCH YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!