multi/dual classing

MistJaguar · Post by **MistJaguar** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 12:02 am

does anyone else think they serious messed up the multi/dual classing?

druids can only dual with fighters reguardless of what the tables in the back say, and sorcerors/barbarians can't multi/dual at all!

they should have set up the class choosing system somewhat what some of the old SSI games did, where you picked your classes that you wanted by ticking beside or on the class and the ones you couldn't pick would be shaded out

------------------
"Without going outside, you may know the whole world.
Without looking through the window, you may see the ways of heaven.
The farther you go, the less you know."
--Lao Tsu

Gruntboy · Post by **Gruntboy** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 11:59 am

There is a small side note. In BG2, all dual class options must also be viable multi-class options. It has to do with the menu layout. i.e. you can't be a bard dualled to a cleric because the menu layout hasn't been designed for an existing multi-class bard/cleric.

AD&D allows you to dual to anything and pick a kit for each class.

Genesis · Post by **Genesis** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 1:56 pm

Heres a question for you guys...in the AD&D rules is it only humans that can dual class?

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 2:06 pm

Originally posted by Genesis:
Heres a question for you guys...in the AD&D rules is it only humans that can dual class?

I don't know about AD&D rules but in BG2 I believe only humans can dual class...the rest are muilt-class right.

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 2:16 pm

Originally posted by Weasel:
I don't know about AD&D rules but in BG2 I believe only humans can dual class...the rest are muilt-class right.

Humans are the only ones who could dual class according to the AD&D 2nd edition rules (even though BG2 seems to be 2.5).

All other races have to settle for multiclass.

Genesis · Post by **Genesis** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 2:33 pm

Thanks for the info....sucks though...do you guys know if there is a reason for that...are we saying that only humans are too stupid to learn to things at once?

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Tue Feb 06, 2001 2:41 pm

@Krom: my thanks too.

[This message has been edited by Weasel (edited 02-06-2001).]

Gruntboy · Post by **Gruntboy** » Wed Feb 07, 2001 6:16 am

'Immortals', elves, dwarves etc. Have long natural lives. Since this would allow them to reach massively high levels they are capped to prevent this. In theory they can change class but this is more of an absolute change in their life - almost becoming someone different over long periods of time (i.e. your maxed-out level 17 elf thief would reappear hundreds of years later as a mage - not necessarily retaining his previous skill set. This is obviously difficult to incorporate into a game. According to the rules though (2nd edn) the other races are skillful so as to conduct a multi-class career over a long period of time (it takes longer to level up and you are doubling/trippling the experience you can get before hitting the level cap).

Humans have short lives, and are very flexible. They can dual if they have the (extremely high) prerequisites.

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Wed Feb 07, 2001 7:39 am

Depending on your DM's house rules of course:

In most PnP campaigns, a player wanting to dual class a human character usually will need to plan ahead. Since the prerequisites are so high for dual classing (especially considering the average stat is 9), a player will usually want to reserve his/her higher rolled stats for the prime requisites of the both classes.

So you might end up with a fighter with a high strength and intelligence (assuming the fighter/mage dual), but lower dex and constitution. While this might present an advantage, you might not be as effective as a "true" fighter (once more this all depends on die rolls and house rules).

Another advantage to playing a human (which isn't incorporated into BG2 to my knowledge) is the lack of level limits. Many DM's like me choose not to incorporate level limits (opting for an exp penalty or double exp after the limit instead), but this is often a major obstacle for those playing multiclass non-human characters.

Gruntboy · Post by **Gruntboy** » Wed Feb 07, 2001 7:47 am

Since humans don't live as long as the other races they get to 'burn brighter' so to speak - being able to advance to any level in any class.

Because of their age range inherent skills, the other races can only multi-class and are level-capped.

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Wed Feb 07, 2001 8:25 am

Originally posted by Gruntboy:
Since humans don't live as long as the other races they get to 'burn brighter' so to speak - being able to advance to any level in any class.

Because of their age range inherent skills, the other races can only multi-class and are level-capped.

Yeah. That's the logic TSR used when writing up humans and other races. However, you want to always encourage diversity in groups, so that's why bending the level limit rules a bit usually doesn't hurt (I don't agree with abolishing them all together).

Multiclassed characters are usually under control till their higher levels (16+). That's usually when they can start unbalancing the game. Fortunately by that time players are generally ready to start new characters, because to get those levels required MANY gaming nights.