What class would you recommend for a rogue dual wielding daggers? (i.e.: "V" of V for Vendetta)
I'm taking this character from BG1 to ToB, so while a Kensai/Thief might be a best option, it might not be the most enjoyable character to play with for a long time.
I was considering a Fighter/Thief multiclass or a Swashbuckler.
The Fighter/Thief can backstab, which is awesome and I love it, but the Swashbuckler has some +1 bonus to THAC0 and Damage that might be good for this character. Also I've never really played a Swashbuckler (although I would image that is not that much different in terms of gameplay from the F/T).
What do you recommend?
Dual daggers rogue
All things being equal, I'd definitely recommend the Swashbuckler...there's nothing cooler than going all Dread Pirate Roberts on a dragon 
Not to mention the very nice +9 AC and thac0 bonus...
BUT - and this is a big one - due to Infinity Engine limitations, the poor swashbuckler does not in fact get all the bonuses he was supposed to get for having 2 stars in the weapons of his choice - in particular he does not seem to receive the 1/2 attack bonus he should have gotten, which in turn limits him to a maximum of 2 attacks per turn while dual-wielding(without buffs, of course).
The F/T multiclass DOES receive that bonus plus the fighter "extra attacks", which allows him to get up to 3.5 attacks "naturally".
Now this might not seem all that much, but consider that under an Improved Haste spell the numbers change to 4 attacks vs 7 attacks per turn and let me tell you...those extra attacks add up, brother.
At the end of the day you just have to consider which you prefer...9 AC and thac0 bonus vs 1.5 extra attacks per turn.
PS: And don't forget that the F/T gets access to all the cool fighter-only HLAs like Hardiness or Greater Whirlwind on top of the rogue HLAs.
Not to mention the very nice +9 AC and thac0 bonus...
BUT - and this is a big one - due to Infinity Engine limitations, the poor swashbuckler does not in fact get all the bonuses he was supposed to get for having 2 stars in the weapons of his choice - in particular he does not seem to receive the 1/2 attack bonus he should have gotten, which in turn limits him to a maximum of 2 attacks per turn while dual-wielding(without buffs, of course).
The F/T multiclass DOES receive that bonus plus the fighter "extra attacks", which allows him to get up to 3.5 attacks "naturally".
Now this might not seem all that much, but consider that under an Improved Haste spell the numbers change to 4 attacks vs 7 attacks per turn and let me tell you...those extra attacks add up, brother.
At the end of the day you just have to consider which you prefer...9 AC and thac0 bonus vs 1.5 extra attacks per turn.
PS: And don't forget that the F/T gets access to all the cool fighter-only HLAs like Hardiness or Greater Whirlwind on top of the rogue HLAs.
Thanks for the reply, vaypah!
So, essentially, the Swashbuckler is a watered-down version of a Fighter/Thief that can't backstab but has better AC and can level up faster?
That's too bad… I wish I could use a single-class rogue for my character idea, but the F/T appears to be the best choice, especially since backstabbing works well with some daggers (like the Pixie Prick or the Dagger of the Star).
So, essentially, the Swashbuckler is a watered-down version of a Fighter/Thief that can't backstab but has better AC and can level up faster?
That's too bad… I wish I could use a single-class rogue for my character idea, but the F/T appears to be the best choice, especially since backstabbing works well with some daggers (like the Pixie Prick or the Dagger of the Star).
how about a Fighter|Thief|Mage?
It's a pretty good class which is capable of soloing the game. I just don't know many good daggers so can't help you with weapon choice. Btw, Swashbuckler can't backstab but F|T|M can go up to x5. And of course the addition of the mage class can stock you a lot of protection and even damaging, summoning spell.
It's a pretty good class which is capable of soloing the game. I just don't know many good daggers so can't help you with weapon choice. Btw, Swashbuckler can't backstab but F|T|M can go up to x5. And of course the addition of the mage class can stock you a lot of protection and even damaging, summoning spell.
All these recommendations have advantages and disadvantages.
A Swashbuckler is a good idea if, for example, you plan on a chaotic, free-spirited party : Imoen, Haer'Dalis, Minsc, that sort of thing. Crazy people running around doing whatever takes their fancy - fits perfectly, and smooths out those little disadvantages Swashbuckler has.
A kensai-thief will be extremely powerful in the long run, but beginnings can be tough. It's a good idea if you want to feel you've "earned" your asskicker.
Personally I often play an assassin, with one-handed dagger and crossbow. It's just the most appropriate way for this class imo, no sense in ruining those backstab chances with dual wielding.
An "ordinary" fighter-thief makes sense insofar as it's more natural for a fighter character to adopt a more "complicated" fighting style (dual-wielding is actually feasible for around 10% of students, my fencing instructor says) and they would be better at it. You also have virtually no disadvantages.
A F/M/T is the micromanager's heaven, always complicating stuff, no question of rushing into battle. But if you like that, why not.
A Swashbuckler is a good idea if, for example, you plan on a chaotic, free-spirited party : Imoen, Haer'Dalis, Minsc, that sort of thing. Crazy people running around doing whatever takes their fancy - fits perfectly, and smooths out those little disadvantages Swashbuckler has.
A kensai-thief will be extremely powerful in the long run, but beginnings can be tough. It's a good idea if you want to feel you've "earned" your asskicker.
Personally I often play an assassin, with one-handed dagger and crossbow. It's just the most appropriate way for this class imo, no sense in ruining those backstab chances with dual wielding.
An "ordinary" fighter-thief makes sense insofar as it's more natural for a fighter character to adopt a more "complicated" fighting style (dual-wielding is actually feasible for around 10% of students, my fencing instructor says) and they would be better at it. You also have virtually no disadvantages.
A F/M/T is the micromanager's heaven, always complicating stuff, no question of rushing into battle. But if you like that, why not.
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The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I'll go ahead and choose the Swashbuckler, mostly because its weaknesses might make for a more interesting game! And I can role-play the fact than he doesn't backstab: due to his tendencies for flare, he likes to see the expression of the face of his victims, before he strikes! :devil:
And not playing a part fighter will also means relaying a little more on the party and on the Thief side of the character.
And not playing a part fighter will also means relaying a little more on the party and on the Thief side of the character.
Ooh I love this! It reminds me of Julio Scoundrel from Order of the Stick, the Dashing Swordsman prestige classmrdeluxe wrote:And I can role-play the fact than he doesn't backstab: due to his tendencies for flare, he likes to see the expression of the face of his victims, before he strikes! :devil:
Only more sinister. Have fun!Kitchen Witchcraft : Of Magic and Macaroni - a blog about, well, a witch in the kitchen.
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!
The Pale Mansion : My e-published lovecraftian novella! You should totally check it out!