Kensai/mage?

[Lahel]

I've heard alot of talk about how kensai/mage dual class is great. Does this work well in baldurs gate enhanced edition and if it does what level should I start mage?

[FAButzke]

In my opinion, no dual class options are great in BG due to the low level nature of the game. That changes in BG2.

I also dislike Kensai/Mages because it's one of the most overpowered combos in the game (in BG2 and a powergamer's dream). Never rolled one in BG1 so I can't help you there, but my guess is that it can make your game harder because you will run a good portion of the game with a gimped character. While everyone is rocking fireballs and other great stuff, you will be firing a single magic missile.

Anyway, I rambled enough. Let me try to answer your question objectively now:

There are 3 levels in which you can dual to a mage. 7, 9 and 13. Most agree that 9 is the way to go because you can still get 9th level spells by the end of the game (In BG2 vanilla, in ToB this isn't a problem). That is probably out of the question for BG1 however because if you dual at 9, you will not reach your true potetial as a mage. So, if you don't plan on importing your character in BG2, dual at 7 (you get an extra attack at this level as a fighter). If you do plan to import, then dual at 9 and deal with a slightly less powerful character (for now).

Edit: I typed 'level 12' instead of '13' and tomtom corrected me. Plus two other mistakes I've noticed.

[Lahel]

Początkowo opublikowane przez FAButzke:

In my opinion, no dual class options are great in BG due to the low level nature of the game. That changes in BG2.

I also dislike Kensai/Mages because it's one of the most overpowered combos in the game (in BG2 and a powergamer's dream). Never rolled one in BG1 so I can't help you there, but my guess is that it can make your game harder because you will run a good portion of the game with a gimped character. While everyone is rocking fireballs and other great stuff, you will be firing a single magic missile.

Anyway, I rambled enough. Let me try to answer your question objectively now:

There are 3 levels in which you can dual to a mage. 7, 9 and 12. Most agree that 9 is the way to go because you can still get 8th level spells by the end of the game (In BG2). That is probably out of the question for BG1 however because if you dual at 9, you will not reach your true potetial as a mage. So, if you don't plan on importing your character in BG2, dual at 7 (you get an extra attack at this level as a fighter). If you do plan to import, then dual at 9 and deal with a slightly less powerful character (for now).

Thanks!

[FAButzke]

You're welcome. =D

[tomtom34b]

why would you switch at 12 though? at lvl 13 your #attacks goes up again, so why shouldnt you wait till 13?

[FAButzke]

Początkowo opublikowane przez tomtom34b:

why would you switch at 12 though? at lvl 13 your #attacks goes up again, so why shouldnt you wait till 13?

Mistype. It's 13 the longest you can (should) wait to dual. If you want to play through ToB, that is.

[FAButzke]

I, personally, don't think it's worth the wait and you are better off dualing at 9. You don't miss out much and get your class back sooner.

[ÄmJii]

If you're set on making Fighter/Mage character, might as well try Gnome Fighter/Illusionist. Pretty much the same as F/M multi, but gains +1 spell slot due to being specialist mage and limited Shorty Saves bonuses.

Sure, he can't cast Necromancy spells, but F/M barely even notices that.