Thoughts on dual classing.

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Level 9, or level 13 if you really want that extra weapon proficiency and 1/2 attack (this isn't worth it, IMHO).

BTW, a great way to "catch up" a little faster is to do some of the really easy mini quests (like matching up that paladin with the small girl) solo.

 

I'd say 2, 7 or 13. While 2 is the equivalent of 3E one fighter level for armour and weapon profs, 7 gives you some nice HP and 1/2 attack per round more. 9 is the border of decent HP progression, but with clerics you only get 4 HP more, which is not worth the points. Same to 8 for rogues, I think. Maybe the 12 for wizards, but come on - just how much HP do you really need when you're stoneskinned and protected from elements which better come soon that some wimpy 12 HP increase at the cost of 180K XP (the difference between fighter level 7 and 9). 13 might be fun with loads of hit points, fine assortment of proficiencies and the biggest number of attacks, but grand mastery also gets you attack per round increase, so you will exceed your multi-classed counterpart. You'll get less thac0, sadly. Thus, 13 isn't all that bad, if you need the thac0.

Sword and shield prof isn't a waste if you don't get it too fast. If you only plan to use one weapon type throughout the game, you can get grand mastery in it, some sling profs during your larval period and ultimately, when you're done with grand mastery, sword and shield. Two-handed style makes no sense since that would only be staves and you don't get a good staff early, but think about single-weapon, too. Dual-wielding gives +1 attack per round at slightly reduced thac0, two-handed is nearly useless, but single-weapon specialisation means -2 AC (like a shield +1) and threat range 19-20 instead of 20, effectively doubling your chance of scoring a critical. I used to consider this style useless, but when I had nothing better to do, I tried it on a cavalier character and it worked like charm. Plus, I could always use a shield +4 if really needed, for +2 net gain over single-weapon style use.

 

Wow, you just made the best argument I've ever seen for Aerie to start spending points in "Sword and Shield."


On a related note, this question is for those who have waited until level 12 to dual: Do you think it takes too long to "catch up"? Will I be past Chapter 2 by the time I finally catch up if I wait this long, or will it take even longer?

 

On the subject of backstabs, Whats the highest Backstab damage you've reached. I thik i may have gotten over 300 with my fighter theif a couple o times but that may have been with ToB.

OOOOOOOPS MY BAD WRONG TOPIC, SORRY TAL!!

[So why didn't you edit your post to remove the ToB reference?] -Tal

[ November 20, 2003, 12:09: Message edited by: Taluntain ]