GameBanshee Forums

[QUOTE=SP101]EDIT : I'm not 100% sure about the "Unable to use armors, bracers, etc." restriction still being active when you're a Kensai (lvl 7) - Mage (lvl1)... tell me if I'm wrong!!![/QUOTE]
My Kensai/Thief had all the restrictions of the Kensai while making up the thief levels. Can't even wear gloves.

Bring on Use Any Item HLA!

My situation is similar to everyone else's in this thread. I want to start a new kensai character and dual class into a mage (originally thought cleric but everyone else's opinions have changed my mind). I want to be able to use my favorite weapon; the celestial fury katana. I'm also a fan of dual-wielding and would really like to if possible. Can I do all of this with the one character?
I'm also unfamiliar with dual-classing except what ive read; i understand all of the restrictions (stats, etc.) but the actual process is entirely foreign to me. How does one "reactivate" the kensai class so i can use my katanas? A small walkthrough of the process would be appreicated, as I've read all of the posts above, but am having trouble understanding. I don't care about about bracers or anything, I just wanna use my swords but play something other than just a fighter; it gets boring. Any help appreciated.

There's lots to find about dualing, here on the forums and on the Internet in general.
You don't need to activate the kensai kit, it will 'reactivate' the moment your new class (in your case, mage), reaches one level higher than your kensai was.
There are more dualclass options though. Kensai/mage is popular because it is - or rather, becomes - very powerful. Powerful doesn't necessarily equal fun though

celestial fury has good thaco bonuses and the lightning strike. also a good thing would be to get the ring of the ram, and the ring of fire control. thats the best combo. for example, the green dragon in watchers keep, use the lighting strike for around 20 dmg, then the ring of the ram for up to 30, then the flame strike with the ring of fire control for around 45 damage...voila! you've got a near death dragon, so put the CF and a long sword of your choice on with the kensai

I think a better dual class mage combo (espc. if soloing) is swashbuckler/mage - you get good AC and To hit bonuses *and* thief skills (no backstab, though)

Paul

[QUOTE=pgroves]I think a better dual class mage combo (espc. if soloing) is swashbuckler/mage - you get good AC and To hit bonuses *and* thief skills (no backstab, though)

Paul[/QUOTE]

Provided you're willing to forego some good thief armor while spellcasting.

Alright i suppose I may just go with a straight Kensai... thanks for the help everyone.

[QUOTE=fable]Provided you're willing to forego some good thief armor while spellcasting.[/QUOTE]

But you don't really need to wear armour as a swashbuckler/mage as you get good AC bonuses anyway (as good as or better than Kensai anyway)

Paul

Dualing has to be human. Kensai/mage is very powerful, and to level up the mage class very fast make sure you creats your kensai with around 16-18 intelligence, then read all the spells you have saved during your adventure and voila! Almost instant reactive Kensai sword abilities.

Kensai 9 / 12 / 13

Hello, Berethor:

I'm already playing a Kensai 13 / Mage 18; I think 13 is the level to switch to mage, but it depends on the number of heroes in your party. If you're planning to go with 6 heroes, then forget reaching beyond level 9 as a Kensai, because you will get the Kensai abilities so later in the game. I could tell you exactly the same if you're going to play with 5 heroes. Only if you're planning to go with less than 5 heroes, reaching level 12 as a Kensai is a good idea. I think a Kensai / Mage with just 9 kensai levels is not a warrior / mage. 9 Kensai levels doesn't worth that xp investment.

I needed to learn lot of scrolls and complete about 8 relatively simple quests (just with Jaheira) to make mage levels progress the way I wanted to. I played solo chapter one (but I rescued Jaheira and Minsc at the end) and just with Jaheira most of chapter two, and never took more than 3 members in my party. I completed nearly every quest in the game and I think I recovered Kensai abilities at Brynnlaw.

I would recommend you level 12, because from 12 to 13 you will need lots of xp, and you would probably like to play in a more role-play oriented way.

That's all, good luck.

Gangleri