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The dualclass doesn't have to wait long to become superior to the multiclass. Immediately after the ranger abilities are regained the dualclass will be ranger7/cleric8 while the multiclass is at 7/7 with less HP, PP and spellcasting power. The multiclass can stay close in terms of power for a short while, but the superiority of the dualclass will grow more and more thanks to the much faster levelling.

Berethor wrote:One thing I would like to point out is that the dual-class option will not get Greater Whirlwind as a HLA; this alone could set the multi-class leagues above the dual in terms of melee power.

I guess I should mention that a level 21 Ranger has the exact same thac0 as a level 40 ranger, which happens to be much, MUCH better than a level 7 Ranger.

So no, the multi-class is not the stunted fighter. It is a weaker caster, getting 4 less level 7 spells, but it's fighting skills are leagues above the dual-classes.

If you install ToB and cheat the XP up to 8,000,000 the multiclass will fight better without spell support, but EternalWanderer doesn't have ToB and roleplaying a full party won't get a character close to the XP cap even at the end of ToB.

The Whirlwind HLAs would make a considerable difference (but not too big, a hasted dualclass would have 6 attacks per round dualwielding for 20 rounds while using GWW requires activating and spending an HLA every ten attacks) when soloing ToB, but when several other party members can use this HLA and no other can cast cleric spells it's different.

Comparing ranger21 thac0 with ranger7 thac0 doesn't make sense since the dualclass will have cleric22 thac0 which is good enough to miss the enemies only on a critical.

I guess if you take their lack of ToB and their large-party preference into account, the dual-class Ranger/Cleric is the better option. As I said before, the multi-class Ranger/Cleric shines in smaller parties(with ToB), where you can hit the exp cap and have a ton of HLAs (or more concretely, tons of GWW's).

To be honest, I wouldn't recommend the multi for just SoA as the dual class would be much more effective. Get ToB and this just might change.

I thought I'd post a quick update, since you've all helped me so much.

In the end I went with a ranger/cleric dualclassed, and dualled right away at the start of Irenicus' dungeon. I flew through the dungeon (probably since I completed it recently and knew the way) and started collecting my party while doing the recommended quests along the way.

I have to say that my character is abslutely wonderful, I love the way she can cast, heal and fight, filling whatever role is needed from her. I've started using Jan to scout out the area ahead of me, by having him cast invisability and sneaking around. Knowing what's ahead of me has really helped with being prepared with buffs and spells as needed.

I've given Edwin the spells that were advised in an older thread with spell choice advise for sorcerers, and he's been very helpful and powerful I must say.
I adore the romance mod, especially with the flirt pack installed as well. So far it's been very entertaining, a big thank you for those of you who recommended him.

For the first time I feel like I'm actually "getting" the game, and while I still make mistakes (and get killed occasionally) I can now adjust my strategy rather then feel baffled by what went wrong.
The game still holds up incredibly well and the party banter and well-written quests really have sucked me in. I can see why you all love it so much, and why people still hang around here