Any tips for early game Kensai survivability?

[Lokiwolf90]

I've currently got two pips in one-handed, and three in longsword- seemed a natural choice since longswords are pretty common, and enchanted longswords from what i can remember were pretty good (though I last played as a kid in the early 2000s). I'm going for Kensai 7/Mage 8, but I need to survive that long, and i'm concerned about that. I've managed to get my AC down to 4, but a lot of things are still hitting me.

[Hopper]

AC 4 should be your base with 18 dexterity.
AC 2 from your one-handed proficiency.
AC 1 from Ring of Protection found straight away.
AC -5 when using Shield Amulet from Nashkel Carnival. It lasts 1 hour and can *recharged* to 50 charges for about 3k gold in the Nashkel Store.

[Wicket W. Warrick]

there are 2 kinds od problems:
- most enemes in BG1 has THAC0 15-20, so with an AC of 0
- not wearing an hel critical can be letal,
All of this (expecially the second) is more problematic if playing on insane. So, also if you mange to decrease AC, you still have problem in survivability

Originally posted by Lokiwolf90:

I've managed to get my AC down to 4, but a lot of things are still hitting me.

And they will always do. So in order to not be hit you need:
- to have a pure tank, that stays in front and attract enemy's attacks
- strike first, strike hard, no mercy, They must be killed before he think to attack you.
- buff him. Haste and strength

I don't understand why you chose one-handed style, dual wielding would have been much better.

Other things like the belt that give bonus AC to crushing damage or the potions of defense would give a little help, but they are no fundamental.

It is not difficult, you just need to understand how to do it.

[Lokiwolf90]

Originally posted by Wicket W. Warrick:

there are 2 kinds od problems:
- most enemes in BG1 has THAC0 15-20, so with an AC of 0
- not wearing an hel critical can be letal,
All of this (expecially the second) is more problematic if playing on insane. So, also if you mange to decrease AC, you still have problem in survivability

Originally posted by Lokiwolf90:

I've managed to get my AC down to 4, but a lot of things are still hitting me.

And they will always do. So in order to not be hit you need:
- to have a pure tank, that stays in front and attract enemy's attacks
- strike first, strike hard, no mercy, They must be killed before he think to attack you.
- buff him. Haste and strength

I don't understand why you chose one-handed style, dual wielding would have been much better.

Other things like the belt that give bonus AC to crushing damage or the potions of defense would give a little help, but they are no fundamental.

It is not difficult, you just need to understand how to do it.

Two Weapons wouldn't help with my AC problem. That's why I decided against it.

[itsu]

sTuPiD QuEsTiOn: but are you trying to tank with your sensei?

[Lokiwolf90]

Originally posted by Wasabi:

sTuPiD QuEsTiOn: but are you trying to tank with your sensei?

I'm trying to not become a pincushion. Kobold archers don't care if you're at front or in the back.

[itsu]

Originally posted by Lokiwolf90:

Originally posted by Wasabi:

sTuPiD QuEsTiOn: but are you trying to tank with your sensei?

I'm trying to not become a pincushion. Kobold archers don't care if you're at front or in the back.

I never have a problem selecting a target for kobold archers....they usually go for the one with the most aggro....so lead with your tank and if possible make him/her initiate combat with ranged weapons....or choose a formation where he will always be much more in front than everyone else, they attack who they see first.

Part of RPG party combat is making sure you sort out who gets all the aggro...i.e. your tank, if it's not working that way, you need to find a way to do it..

You need to practice combat tactics....and I don't mean lining up 2 in front 4 in the back, I mean stuff that works. Like who gets the aggro....how far back everyone else needs to be..mages have no reason being anywhere near ranged weapon killzone..for example

Listen, I play with Rasaad and is similar to your Kensai...I have no problem with him...but bear in mind it's a SUPPORT role

Look at my thread on battle tactics. They work....but you will need to micro-manage and move them about as if they were chess pieces. That's partly why I love BG, because I play a lot of war games like Total War...

a tactic to defeat kobold archers (or any archers/ranged firing enemy): get the one with best missile AC to initiate combat then charge the archers and get him/her to fight in the middle of the group...most will bring out a sword and stop firing...job done, easy pickings. Also about combat tactics: kobold have very high APR with a bow but are crap at melee....wise saying: "Always fight the weaker version of your enemy..."

[wendigo211]

As someone who soloed a Kensai on Insanity, the key to survivability is the Shield Amulet that Hooper mentioned. Since Kensai get a -2 to AC as part of their kit, the Shield amulet with an 18 Dex gives you an AC of -2 (-4 vs. missiles). That can be lowered further with a ring of protection (One map south of Beregost there's a dead halfling with a letter that's close to two Ogrillons, take the letter to a house on the eastern edge of the Beregost map for a Ring of Protection +1). For tough fights you can use a Potion of Defense for an AC of -6.

You also want to hold on to the -3 AC belts:

• The Elves' Bane girdle gives you a -3 vs. Piercing and Missile damage. You get it from an ogre one map north of Beregost. It can be turned into Unshey at the Friendly Arm Inn, but don't; the belt is worth far more than the quest reward.
  
• The Golden Girdle of Urnst gives you a -3 vs. Slashing damage. You get it from a group of adventurers on the Mutamin's Garden map (2 maps East of Beregost).
  
• The Destroyer of Hill's Girdle gives you a -3 vs. Crushing damage. You get it from one of the two woodsmen trying to cut down the Dryad's Tree on the Cloud Peaks map with the waterfall. I believe it's 2 maps West from Nashkel. Against blunt enemies you can also use a Potion of Absorption (-10 vs. blunt AC).

The key to fighting Kobolds and Hobgoblins is: Don't fight them. Unless you have to in one of the plot dungeons, just avoid them. They're worth next to no XP, you don't get any good loot off of them and due to their high APR you'll take damage even if they can only hit you on a natural 20. They just aren't worth the time and resources.

[itsu]

My understanding is, the problem with this guy is not playing as a kensai/mage. The problem is he wants to play a kensai/mage, wants to lead with him, tank with him and basically make him the protagonist in any battle. That's just a misunderstanding on the fundamentals of RPGs in general, not only BG. If you make a support type PC. there is no problem with survivability as is proven by my Insane playthrough with Rasaad who hardly ever dies. Because I'm using him for support only. As I'm supposed to. And I'm a completionist so I fight millions of kobold archers, commandos you name it. And never have a problem. So either I'm a tactical genius..or (more likely) I don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Unless he is soloing, but then that presents its own set of problems i.e. not knowing the game well enough to solo....

...and kobold commandos in Firewine Ruins drop 100+ Arrows of Fire +2...worth it for me

Also when you read "I've managed to get my AC down to 4, but a lot of things are still hitting me." I'm thinking hmmm 10 hours max in the game. Let's not sugar coat it....running before walking comes to mind

[Centurion]

Well, the most obvious tip is just stay in the rear with the gear and let the party carry the load, at least for a few chapters. It's not fun, or heroic, but if survivability is your goal, it's the best advice going. (If you were a mage or bard you would be doing this early, since your spells and abilities are not going to carry a whole fight.)

Assuming you don't like that and want to be the hero of your own story, then you have a lot of good advice here. Mostly you will be totally dependent on buffs (and saving often), meaning you may need more than one cleric/druid to cast barkskin and what not. And you will burn more potions as you find them.

You are caught in the classic BGEE vise: You are playing a class this game was never designed for. (All the kits came later than the OG.) Some of the kits will totally overpower BG1 and some will struggle to make it to Chapter 3. For example, my first EE run was an Archer that just blew through the entire thing with total ease. Rarely broke a sweat. And, there was a mod once for the OG that allowed the original BG2 classes (as designed in 1999.) The Totemic Druid could actually cheese the entire game with their summons, who were unhittable by 98% of the enemies (because you needed +2 weapons to hit them. EE toned the Totemic Druid wayyyy down!)

On the other hand, some classes are all but useless (you don't need an Undead Hunter until SoD, if you install it,) And some are severely gimped. I understand what you are dealing with. I just finished an epic run with a Cavalier. The cavalier has the same weapons restrictions as the Kensai (and no mastery to boot), but can wear heavy armor, helmets, and large shields. And the pincushion thing even happened to them! Once almost lost her to some kobold commandos. I cannot imagine trying it with no armor and no helmet!

So, all I can say is: "Good luck Highlander!" (Because I really see the Kensai more as a MacLeod than a samurai. Of course, your PC is not really an immortal, although in the end, "there can be only one.")

[itsu]

Originally posted by Centurion:

Well, the most obvious tip is just stay in the rear with the gear and let the party carry the load, at least for a few chapters. It's not fun, or heroic, but if survivability is your goal, it's the best advice going. (If you were a mage or bard you would be doing this early, since your spells and abilities are not going to carry a whole fight.)

Assuming you don't like that and want to be the hero of your own story, then you have a lot of good advice here. Mostly you will be totally dependent on buffs (and saving often), meaning you may need more than one cleric/druid to cast barkskin and what not. And you will burn more potions as you find them.

You are caught in the classic BGEE vise: You are playing a class this game was never designed for. (All the kits came later than the OG.) Some of the kits will totally overpower BG1 and some will struggle to make it to Chapter 3. For example, my first EE run was an Archer that just blew through the entire thing with total ease. Rarely broke a sweat. And, there was a mod once for the OG that allowed the original BG2 classes (as designed in 1999.) The Totemic Druid could actually cheese the entire game with their summons, who were unhittable by 98% of the enemies (because you needed +2 weapons to hit them. EE toned the Totemic Druid wayyyy down!)

On the other hand, some classes are all but useless (you don't need an Undead Hunter until SoD, if you install it,) And some are severely gimped. I understand what you are dealing with. I just finished an epic run with a Cavalier. The cavalier has the same weapons restrictions as the Kensai (and no mastery to boot), but can wear heavy armor, helmets, and large shields. And the pincushion thing even happened to them! Once almost lost her to some kobold commandos. I cannot imagine trying it with no armor and no helmet!

So, all I can say is: "Good luck Highlander!" (Because I really see the Kensai more as a MacLeod than a samurai. Of course, your PC is not really an immortal, although in the end, "there can be only one.")

Excellently put as usual Cent...much more eloquent than I could ever manage. The "Kensai" in BG is more a Geisha serving-girl than a samurai warrior. A tea carrier who will also dance for your amusement...and wash your dirty linen. Sorry to burst the bubble, but it is so grasshopper.

[Lokiwolf90]

Originally posted by Centurion:

Well, the most obvious tip is just stay in the rear with the gear and let the party carry the load, at least for a few chapters. It's not fun, or heroic, but if survivability is your goal, it's the best advice going. (If you were a mage or bard you would be doing this early, since your spells and abilities are not going to carry a whole fight.)

Assuming you don't like that and want to be the hero of your own story, then you have a lot of good advice here. Mostly you will be totally dependent on buffs (and saving often), meaning you may need more than one cleric/druid to cast barkskin and what not. And you will burn more potions as you find them.

You are caught in the classic BGEE vise: You are playing a class this game was never designed for. (All the kits came later than the OG.) Some of the kits will totally overpower BG1 and some will struggle to make it to Chapter 3. For example, my first EE run was an Archer that just blew through the entire thing with total ease. Rarely broke a sweat. And, there was a mod once for the OG that allowed the original BG2 classes (as designed in 1999.) The Totemic Druid could actually cheese the entire game with their summons, who were unhittable by 98% of the enemies (because you needed +2 weapons to hit them. EE toned the Totemic Druid wayyyy down!)

On the other hand, some classes are all but useless (you don't need an Undead Hunter until SoD, if you install it,) And some are severely gimped. I understand what you are dealing with. I just finished an epic run with a Cavalier. The cavalier has the same weapons restrictions as the Kensai (and no mastery to boot), but can wear heavy armor, helmets, and large shields. And the pincushion thing even happened to them! Once almost lost her to some kobold commandos. I cannot imagine trying it with no armor and no helmet!

So, all I can say is: "Good luck Highlander!" (Because I really see the Kensai more as a MacLeod than a samurai. Of course, your PC is not really an immortal, although in the end, "there can be only one.")

The real wake up call on my first attempt at Kensai was once I made my way to try and rescue Dynaheir- those kobolds that band up with the hobgoblin quickly pinned me down. Turned into a pincushion by kobolds... Not the most epic end for a Bhaalspawn. XD
Also the Highlander reference? One of my favorite movies, very appreciated. XD

[Wicket W. Warrick]

Originally posted by Lokiwolf90:

Two Weapons wouldn't help with my AC problem. That's why I decided against it.

Neither the -1 AC would help much.
If you want low AC, you take a berserker. A Kensai si all about doing the max damage.
A Kensai can't count on min AC, also if shield amulet will help. And don't forget that the problem is not being hit, but receiving critical hits.

A dead enemy don't do damage, so take dual wielding and kill him first. Expecially at beginning the increase of 1 APR is important. Also if second hands hit with less frequency it still is an increase of more or less 50% of the damage done per round. While -1AC is 5% of chances to be hit, thus 5% of damage,. Do you understand the difference? And still no AC will help you against critical hits that you get without helm, that are the real problem of a kensai.

So max the damage and get the minimum, possibly zero, attck against you. That' the right strategy. If you prefer other playing syle (i.e. AC based), you chose the wrong class.
Then play as you like, but you are not playing in the best way.

[Mistfox]

Well... another possibility is to stack your party with summon spells. Summon something like an animal and send it ahead to soak fire.

[Hopper]

Originally posted by wendigo211:

That can be lowered further with a ring of protection (One map south of Beregost there's a dead halfling with a letter that's close to two Ogrillons, take the letter to a house on the eastern edge of the Beregost map for a Ring of Protection +1).

There's also one north of Beregost. Check the stones in the area north-east of where you meet Old Man/Elminster.
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fql51ndot21k51.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1080%26crop%3Dsmart%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3D7812b79ad6e77aa61ab3d536d1a0b43d1ac5dd8a

[itsu]

Originally posted by Lokiwolf90:

Originally posted by Centurion:

Well, the most obvious tip is just stay in the rear with the gear and let the party carry the load, at least for a few chapters. It's not fun, or heroic, but if survivability is your goal, it's the best advice going. (If you were a mage or bard you would be doing this early, since your spells and abilities are not going to carry a whole fight.)

Assuming you don't like that and want to be the hero of your own story, then you have a lot of good advice here. Mostly you will be totally dependent on buffs (and saving often), meaning you may need more than one cleric/druid to cast barkskin and what not. And you will burn more potions as you find them.

You are caught in the classic BGEE vise: You are playing a class this game was never designed for. (All the kits came later than the OG.) Some of the kits will totally overpower BG1 and some will struggle to make it to Chapter 3. For example, my first EE run was an Archer that just blew through the entire thing with total ease. Rarely broke a sweat. And, there was a mod once for the OG that allowed the original BG2 classes (as designed in 1999.) The Totemic Druid could actually cheese the entire game with their summons, who were unhittable by 98% of the enemies (because you needed +2 weapons to hit them. EE toned the Totemic Druid wayyyy down!)

On the other hand, some classes are all but useless (you don't need an Undead Hunter until SoD, if you install it,) And some are severely gimped. I understand what you are dealing with. I just finished an epic run with a Cavalier. The cavalier has the same weapons restrictions as the Kensai (and no mastery to boot), but can wear heavy armor, helmets, and large shields. And the pincushion thing even happened to them! Once almost lost her to some kobold commandos. I cannot imagine trying it with no armor and no helmet!

So, all I can say is: "Good luck Highlander!" (Because I really see the Kensai more as a MacLeod than a samurai. Of course, your PC is not really an immortal, although in the end, "there can be only one.")

The real wake up call on my first attempt at Kensai was once I made my way to try and rescue Dynaheir- those kobolds that band up with the hobgoblin quickly pinned me down. Turned into a pincushion by kobolds... Not the most epic end for a Bhaalspawn. XD
Also the Highlander reference? One of my favorite movies, very appreciated. XD

Dude, don't beat yourself up. Kensai is not the easiest PC to roll if you're revisiting BG after many years and rusty. Take it easy and learn the game, you'll find it a lot more rewarding is my advice. Otherwise if you just want a quick bash for nostalgia's sake....play on the easier levels. That's what I recommend.

I gave you an award to cheer you up mate