Swashbucklers in BGEE

[Klorox]

The manual says they get +1 to hit and damage every 5 levels.

I have three questions:

1) does this apply to non-thief weapons (if the character dual classes)?

2) is it applied at levels 1, 5, 10, ect. Or is it applied at 1, 6, 11, ect.?

3) does the AC bonus apply in non-thief armors?


TIA

[Brevan]

1) does this apply to non-thief weapons (if the character dual classes)?

Yes, and missile weapons too. It can be very effective with Melf's Minute Meteors or similar fast-attacking abilities.

2) is it applied at levels 1, 5, 10, ect. Or is it applied at 1, 6, 11, ect.?

5, 10, etc. Their THAC0 doesn't quite catch up to a fighter's, but you could always dual-class (I like to switch at lvl 25). Note that Swashbucklers don't get the extra 1/2 attack from weapon specialization, so darts are quite nice, and in BG2 there are a few weapon options that add extra attacks.

3) does the AC bonus apply in non-thief armors?

Yes. It also stacks with potions of defense, making for quite the impressive AC no matter what you're wearing.

[Klorox]

Thank you very much. This was immensely helpful. It's really too bad they don't get the extra half attack, although any bonus to THAC0 is especially useful for any non-warrior.

I'm asking because I'm trying to build the best warrior possible in BG1:EE. My play is for a Swashbuckler who dual classes to Fighter. I just wasn't sure if I needed to dual class at Swashbuckler level 5 or 6.

I figure the Stupefier is the best melee weapon now (it's like a nerfed, blunt Celestial Fury).

With a Swashbuckler > Fighter, I can get grandmastery in Mace, and the early Swashbuckler levels will get me a bonus to hit and damage on top of it. The added AC bonus will help offset the loss of HP from taking 5 Swashbuckler levels.