the dual class question

[Thrain]

i've recently started playing again, with a fighter/mage.

now, i always advocated the use of dual classed clerics (ranger or fighter base first) due to the spell holy power giving you a good thaco.

playing my f/m, i've notived tensor's transformation also gives you fighter thaco. am i missing out on considerable power (hitpoints, weapons proficiencies etc.) by not dual classing? i was under the impression that come ToB, the f/m catches up to your dual classed character because of HLAs and relying less on buffing.

am i missing something here?

[Jordoo]

I generally prefer multiclasses characters, but the hardcore powergamers are going to tell you that Dual classed is better (of course you've got to dual at some crazyhigh level to maximize the build) and they are probably right from a pure power stand point.

[galraen]

A dual-classed Kensai-Mage is probably the most powerful combo in the game, they can even wear the Robe of Vecna, serious ass-kicking ahead!!! I dual at 9th level Kensai, I can see the point in waiting until 13th, but wouldn't go any higher personally.

Without a level cap then maybe go for higher level Kensai to get some fighter HLA's, but the game will be far too easy if you do that. You'd hav to play on insane with mods that increase the difficulty level as well to make the game interesting.

[kmonster]

If ToB is installed spell effects are capped at level 20 which can be reached by a multiclass within the XPCap. In combination with HLAs the multiclass is superior to any dualclass at the XPCap.

[Berethor]

The dual-classed Kensai/Mage, as galraen said, is one of the most powerful combos in the game. Still, I prefer multi-classes myself. I'm not much of a power-gamer.