Multiclass or not?

[Fljotsdale]

I haven't been able to start the game yet due to having computer repaired (hopefully back this week!), but I'd like to know what you think is best - Single class or dual class or multiclass?
In NWN I found Single Class was best, but I HAVE started with a single level of a class before becoming the class I really wanted, just to get certain advantages from the single level.

[Lucita]

Totally depends on what your style of play is like....For a lot of Prestige Classes you need to multiclass beforehand anyway.

I usually like to multiclass because it gives you more opportunities in a few classes ( my favourite is Fighter/Rogue ), for some of the classes I wouldn't normally multiclass i.e. Wizard, Druid, Paladin ( having 1 ore 2 levels of fighter before becoming a Paladin is interesting too as it gives you 2 Fighter bonus feats ).

[Xandax]

I haven't been able to start the game yet due to having computer repaired (hopefully back this week!), but I'd like to know what you think is best - Single class or dual class or multiclass?
In NWN I found Single Class was best, but I HAVE started with a single level of a class before becoming the class I really wanted, just to get certain advantages from the single level.

That depends on the "base" line of class you get.
Magical classes are as a rule of thumb worse to multiclass then fighters and then rogues. That is because spellcasting classes get their "goodies" when they get to high level, however a semi-meele class can still use that "sword of slaying all living +25" as long as they can simply hold a sword.
However, in NwN2 a couple of magic prestigeclasses which are usefull do exists, so the line is more blurred out to what you prefer personally. And me personally, I would not multiclass an arcane spellcaster (save a bard perhaps), simply because getting thoese L7-8-9 spells and slots are important to these classes.

[zamiel]

Oh well, if you are a role player, do as you please. If you want the strongest char, you should consider this:
Figher(or Ranger spec on 2 weap combat)/Rouges can be killers. Fighters can get a lot of feats, but in my opinion rangers are better. You can have more strength that way (3rd level 2 weapon fighting needs dex 19), and strength is very important for this build. You have to choose which way you prefer: monkey grip with 2h weapons (can be kickass, but get a further -2 on your offhand for a total of -4/-8), or dual-wield a light weapon in your offhand. Try to tank with a ac dressed character (shandra or kelgar if he is a fighter - with tower shield and the like), and sneak attack everybody. In ranger(11)/rouge(9) you will make around 7*40 damage. Because of the levelling I would reccomend human for this build (the +1 feat in the beginning matters, since as a ranger won't get as much, also the +1 skill equals -2 iq, which than can be put on con or str).
Another powerful build for a melee char is the fighter (13)/weaponmaster(7). The very best weapon for them is a dual wielded kukri. I know it does d4 damage, but you will have 13-20/x3 crit threat which is a lot. With some plain +5 kukris and +5 str bonus (you at least should have this), you will make around 200 dmg per round. Of course you need careful levelling, you should write in advance what feats you will choose for the first 12 levels of fighter (you should get the 3x 2 weap fighting, 2 weap defense, 2x weap focus, weapon spec, imp critical, and the whirlwind for weapon master). Deep gnomes are ideal because of the +4 ac (do not forget to start with iq 13 and dex 18, the other points should go in con 10 and the rest to str).
Usually people think that caster classes should not multi class. Well I think they should, at least mix in some classes (1-2 levels). Fighters are a good choice for feats and hp, but - since I think sorcerers are much more powerful than mages - for a strong chaster paladin is the class of choice. Get two levels of it - not more - for the cha based saving throw bonus. Since sorcs should have around 26 charisma at lvl 20, you can imagine what your saving throws would look like. But carfully choose the race, the planetouched (amismar or what do they call it) is the best since it has energy reduction, + cha. Of course there is a level penalty, but if you export your character when it has around 20k xp, and restart with it, you can make to paladin(2)/sorcerer(18) by the end of the game, and you still have lvl 9 spells (sadly time stop isn't there) and far more than any other dumb wizard. Or you can go solo for a bit.
Since resting is easy and fast, I did not have any urge to make clerics, so I do not have any oppinions on them.

Hope this helps, and sorry for the long post.

[Fljotsdale]

Thanks, everyone! That is all very helpful.

@zamiel - never mind it was long! It was full of useful suggestions. And anyway, I tend to be a wordy myself! :laugh:

[cjdevito]

And me personally, I would not multiclass an arcane spellcaster (save a bard perhaps), simply because getting thoese L7-8-9 spells and slots are important to these classes.

Wizard 8/Fighter 2/Eldritch Knight 10: Can cast level 9 spells while attacking four times a round with a greatsword wielded in one hand while wearing heavy armor and a shield with zero chance of spell failure (with the right items). Sorceror spell progression is slower, so would require Sorc 9/Fig 1/EK 10.

Rogue 3/Wizard 7/Arcane Trickster 10: Can cast 8th level spells (but not 9th, sadly) while dual wielding & backstabbing in light armor with zero chance of spell failure (with the right items), plus access to the thief skill set.

Just off the top of my head. Several of the prestige classes allow you to continue getting new spells per day in your casting class.

[Xandax]

And me personally, I would not multiclass an arcane spellcaster (save a bard perhaps), simply because getting thoese L7-8-9 spells and slots are important to these classes.

Wizard 8/Fighter 2/Eldritch Knight 10: Can cast level 9 spells while attacking four times a round with a greatsword wielded in one hand while wearing heavy armor and a shield with zero chance of spell failure (with the right items). Sorceror spell progression is slower, so would require Sorc 9/Fig 1/EK 10.

Rogue 3/Wizard 7/Arcane Trickster 10: Can cast 8th level spells (but not 9th, sadly) while dual wielding & backstabbing in light armor with zero chance of spell failure (with the right items), plus access to the thief skill set.

Just off the top of my head. Several of the prestige classes allow you to continue getting new spells per day in your casting class.

Yes, I know, that is why I wrote However, in NwN2 a couple of magic prestigeclasses which are usefull do exists, so the line is more blurred out to what you prefer personally. in my post, the line right before the one you quoted about my personal and subjective opinion regarding the classes.

[cjdevito]

It was a rebuttal, Xandax. I disagreed with your personal and subjective opinion, and did so by highlighting case examples that minimize your objections. It was aimed less at you then for the benefit of the thread starter

[Xandax]

It was a rebuttal, Xandax. I disagreed with your personal and subjective opinion, and did so by highlighting case examples that minimize your objections. It was aimed less at you then for the benefit of the thread starter

Well, each of your "rebuttals" have disadvantages as well, so it is still a matter of personal preferences.

[Fljotsdale]

Ehhhhh... don't argue on my account, guys! :laugh: I'm taking it all in, ready for when I get my computer back!

[Snipercon]

Another powerful build for a melee char is the fighter (13)/weaponmaster(7). The very best weapon for them is a dual wielded kukri. I know it does d4 damage, but you will have 13-20/x3 crit threat which is a lot.

I saw somewhere that the weapon master's improved critical range no longer stacks with the improved critical feat, keen weapons, or keen spells. PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. I was tremendously dissapointed when I heard this.

[zamiel]

I saw somewhere that the weapon master's improved critical range no longer stacks with the improved critical feat, keen weapons, or keen spells. PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. I was tremendously dissapointed when I heard this.

It stacks. Keen does not stack with improved critical sadly. (bye bye 50% crit chance )

[Magrus]

It stacks. Keen does not stack with improved critical sadly. (bye bye 50% crit chance )

*nods* I posted this elsewhere. Improved Critical does not stack with Keen, but Keen stacks with the WM critical enhancing abilities. Why, I do not know, as the WM abilities are essentially a better version of Improved Critical, but I suppose that is a boon to the WM loving crowd.

[zamiel]

*nods* I posted this elsewhere. Improved Critical does not stack with Keen, but Keen stacks with the WM critical enhancing abilities. Why, I do not know, as the WM abilities are essentially a better version of Improved Critical, but I suppose that is a boon to the WM loving crowd.

Otherwise it really would be a dewy prestige class, wouldn't it?
I mean +1 crit multiplier and +1 attack isn't the thing from which I would hit the wall.

More than enough that the wizards became are half-sorcerers, arcane classes can be in light/medium armors w/o faliure percent. And the best melee damage dealers became wizards...

[Magrus]

Otherwise it really would be a dewy prestige class, wouldn't it?
I mean +1 crit multiplier and +1 attack isn't the thing from which I would hit the wall.

More than enough that the wizards became are half-sorcerers, arcane classes can be in light/medium armors w/o faliure percent. And the best melee damage dealers became wizards...

Hehe, my wizard is the best melee character. :laugh:

[zamiel]

Nay, I thought of a Fighter(1)/Cleric(7)/Wizard(12). It could dish out some serious punishment with cleric buffs and tenser's, while its ac would hit the skies with cats grace (or after buffing yourself up, you could always put back your very heavy full plate +100 on), spiderskin, and could be stoneskinned, etc. A half-orc would be a solid choice.
Of course it has 20% exp. penalty, but it would be a one (wo)man army.