Weapon proficiencies for a low-level cavalier

[bergustoo]

I'm using Tutu to play with a cavalier. While playing on insane difficulty with a 2H sword as my only weapon, I've had some problems with making him useful against enemies that are too dangerous to fight in melee at level 1.

At such a low level, a dire wolf can kill even a 19 con barbarian in one hit fairly easily when the difficulty is maxed. The most effective strategy seems to be hitting them with ranged weapons while taking as few hits as possible. A pure-melee character seems to be a liability when I'm being chased around by 5 dread wolves at level 1.

I want to give throwing axes to another character, but it might be okay to give more than one character the same proficiency. I'm not sure if a point in dagger is worth sacrificing melee power since they don't do much damage.

If I drop a point in 2H sword for a ranged weapon, which is better in the long run, axe or dagger?

[Curry]

Dagger of course.

[wise grimwald]

I would say axes. You have that returning axe in Candlekeep, and if you have the Drizzt Saga installed, a returning axe which does ice damage. Also when you reach BG2 there are very good returning throwing axes that do magical damage as well.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Axes. You'll get a returning throwing axe in BG1, in BG2 there are a few to choose from (one of which is a great anti-undead weapon), there aren't any returning throwing daggers (or even magical throwing daggers) in BG1, BG2 has some great melee axes (especially the upgraded ToB axe), and if you're taking him through BG2 as well it'll allow you to keep the BG2 returning throwing daggers for your mage(s) or druid(s). Jaheira with the Fire Tooth can be pretty deadly.

[bergustoo]

I'll go with axe if there are enough to keep two characters decent at range. Normal throwing axes could probably remain effective throughout BG 1, honestly. I've made it all the way to BG in a previous game without fighting more than 1 or 2 enemies that even required magical weapons to hit. I'm more worried about SOA and TOB.

Thanks for your help.