Just to be sure I understand dual and multi classing...

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1. Is the only dual class combo involving a Ranger the R/C?
2. Likewise, is the only dual-class Druid the F/D?
3. Is there any first-class Kit which prevents you from choosing certain second classes?
4. Is there any way for a dual or multi class Cleric to avoid the awful cleric weapon restrictions?
5. How about a dual or multi class Druid avoiding their weapon and armor restrictions?
6. Any way for a dual or multiclass Mage to cast spells in armor?
7. Can a dual or multiclass Mage at least use the good weapons for a warrior class?
8. Any especially good dual class recommendations besides the obvious "Fighter/X equals X but with more HP"?
9. Which Kits go well with dual classing?


Thanks.

 

Yes, the only dual or multiclass option available to the ranger is Ranger / Cleric.

Same thing goes for druids, druids can only dual or multi as Druid / Fighter.

Yes. when dual classing, the class combination has to be a possible multiclass option as well. This is why a Ranger can only ever dual into Cleric, and a Druid can only dual into Fighter.
Bards, Paladins, Barbarians, Wild Mages, Shamans, Sorcerers and Monks cannot dual-class or be dual-classed into.
Other then that, there's the usual ability score requirement for dual classing, and alignment restrictions also apply - a Fighter must be true neutral to dual class into a Druid for example.

No. a Cleric / Ranger still can't use slashing/piercing weapons at all, even though the game still lets you put proficiency pips towards them, you just won't be able to equip them.

Armor is the exception - a dual class Fighter/Druid can use armor allowed by either class once the Fighter class becomes active again.

Some armors allow for spellcasting - in the Enhanced Edition, you can grab the Elven Chainmail from the Simeon fight (part of Dorn's questline) which allows you to cast spells while wearing it.
In BG2, you get a lot more options. You can ind the same Elven chainmail again in Trademeet during the Dueling Families quest, or if you play a Bard you can grab the Melodic Chain +3 from the Astral prison.
During the endgame in BG1 in suldanesselar you will pick up the Bladesinger Chain +4, which you can upgrade to the Aslyferund Elven Chain +5 during ToB.
Keep in mind that you're probably better off using the Robe of Vecna in BG2 though, it's pretty much the best-in-slot as far as armor goes, especially when you use the Amulet of Power as well.

Yup, you are only restricted to cleric or druid weapon selection if using either for your respective multiclass.
Mages are a lucky bunch in that they still get access to all the nice sharp toys.

Beserker/Cleric is pretty good for it's consistently high damage output because of self-buffing, and can take on pretty much all the content in the game solo, largely thanks to berserker's rage giving immunity to charm, confusion, fear, feeblemind, hold, imprisonment, maze, sleep and level drain.
It would probably be my top pick for a solo playthrough, but can do very well in a party as well.
Taking the cleric role yourself also frees up a slot to take along companions you might usually not have in your roster.

Besides Beserker/Cleric, Beserker/Mage is also really strong for much the same reason.
Kensai/Thief and Kensai/Mage are probably to most popular dual combo's, but i feel that it's overhyped. Single class kensai just isn't that great, so you'll feel kind of gimped on your playthrough of BG1/SoD until you finally get to dual class (probably at lvl 9 or 13 depending if you go with a party or solo.)

 

Thank you!

How does Berserker/Druid stack up, assuming I already have another Cleric?

How about WizardSlayer/Cleric?

 

Beserker/Druid combo could actually be fairly good in IWD, since the druid spell list is a lot better then their BG counterparts.
Do keep in mind that in IWD the general dual/multiclassing rules still apply, but since icewind dale has no XP cap it is heavily favored towards multiclass characters.
It's even possible to solo HoF mode starting as a lvl 1 character - I've done so before. (though it's tedious and involves using a lot of animate undead summoning.)

Also, if you're not going to replay the game in HoF mode, keep in mind that even with the expansions the game is quite short, so you might be best off going for the option that has no downtime and just make a regular multiclassed Fighter/Druid.

Wizard Slayer is a trash kit as far as i am concerned.
Also, disregard the bit about armors in which you can spellcast, that stuff is for baldur's gate instead - i'm pretty sure IWD offers no armor that allows for casting arcane spells while worn, your best in slot is going to end up being a Robe of the Good/Neutral/Evil Archmagi.

 

There are two elven chain mail +3 armors in the Severed hand. Both are random drops, but one of them is easy to get. There are also bracers of A.C. 3 or so in the gnome village in Lower Dorn's deep.