GameBanshee Forums

Hey guys, im new to this forum and this is my first post.
I just have a few questios about this dual class Kensai/Mage.. it seems like a fun combination. I just got Baldurs Gate 2 a few days ago so please don't make me feel that stupid =).

What armor can he use? none at all? can he use robes etc..how will he survive? i just started and my Kensai keeps taking blows its kinda hard.. also how does dual class work? once he reaches level 9 he can dual to mage? so will it always be lvl 10 kensa and lvl 10 mage? or can i make it odd and do 9/15.. if i wanted him to be a lvl kensai 13/14 mage wut lvl do i start the dual class?if so, any suggestions on what i should to to make this a lot easier/funner?
Also, I was wondering what the max level is you can get with this dual class.
Another thought is that the guide here said you need 17 INT to dual class to a mage, but i read somewhere that you needed 18.


i'd appreciate any feedback, thanks a lot in advance!!

Welcome to GameBanshee forum. Hope you enjoy staying here. Members are not as scary as they look.

Now, the answers to your questions. I'm not Kensai/Mage expert (I like plain fighter so that I can use bows), so my answer may not be 100 % accurate. Someone will come up to add later, I'm sure.

You cannot wear any armours, but can wear robe, as well as rings, amulets, bracers etc, though you must go through the first dungeon without them. The best robe in the game is Robe of Vecna, which is available if you have "Bonus merchants". It was originally in the bonus pack, then downloadable from official site. If your game is new/DVD version, it might already contain the file.

Dual Class works as follows: When you Dual Class the Kensai to a Mage, his/her Kensai level will temporarily unuccessible. You'll be a first level mage. When your second class reach and pass the first class level, you can access to the original class, but it stays as the level you dual classed. For example, if you dual-class your Kensai at level 9, you need him/her to be level 10 Mage before you can use Kensai ability again, including weapons (ie mage cannot use longswords/axes). Once you regain the Kensai ability, your mage level will go up but not Kensai. It stays at level 9. If you want Kensai level to be higher, you should either dual class at higher level, or create Multi Class character (though you cannot create sub-classes, unless you use a programme called ShadowKeeper, which I only recommend after you played the game at least once).

You need 17 INT to dual class to Mage. However, 17 INT mage cannot cast 9 th Level Spells, such as Time Stop and Chain Contingency, which can be less advantageous to be a high level mage.

If you are new to this game, get NPCs, and don't travel alone. I know many members enjoy soloing the game, but I don't recommend it for someone who'd never tried the game. Also, the characters' interaction is fun in this wonderful game.

Some members *will* come up and tell you about add-ons or more programmes to make game "more interesting". Use them or not is entirely up to you, but I suggest to use them (if you want, that is) once you finish the game completely, except official patch to fix bugs.

There are many threads about Kensai/Mage. Use
Search button at the top right of your screen.

Hope it helps. Enjoy!

Been awhile since I did this, but if I remember correctly your best times to dual are at level 9 or 13. I think this is due to the saving throw bonuses you get at those times (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Basically if you go at level 9 you will get your Kensai back much faster but you will also be more of a Mage then fighter. If you dual at level 13 it will take awhile to get Kensai back and your mage side will be a little weaker by the end, but this is better if you want him to do more frontline fighting. Also, I would give you two recommendations for the first time through the game. First, go with a party from the characters in game. It's not as tough and it makes for some interesting conversations. Second, finish the game . It took me about 10 games started before I finished it once

Originally posted by Antimatter
It took me about 10 games started before I finished it once

Me to. got through with avenger. i dont even like druids very much

I got through with an Undead Hunter. Then I got him all the way through ToB because I forced myself lol. Then I lost all my saved games .

Kensai/Mage

Kensai cannot wear shields, bracers, gauntlets, helmets or armour of any kind, nor use most two handed weapons or any missile weapons other than throwing axes & daggers. They can use ioun stones, and (as mages) will be able to wear robes.

Obvious levels to dual at are 8 (THAC0 bonus), 9 ( add weapon proficiency) and 12 (weapon proficiency plus THAC0 bonus) Once you dual, your previous class is frozen, your new class starts at 1 and progresses normally. You will not be able to use your old abilities untill your new class reaches your old level +1. Kensai/mage and Kensai/thief are very effective dual class combos - I'm playing a Kensai/thief in tactics ATM - fun, fun, fun.

You'll want 18 INT if at all possible - with ToB, you'll be able to get well past level 18, and those level 9 spells are pretty nice. You could make do with 17 and Lumification in Watcher's keep, I suppose.

Actually the INT requirements for high level spells are not implemented in BG2.
You can cast 9th level spells even with 17 INT.
Still this score is needed to dual... as well as 15 STR (you're starting from a warrior class).

Definitely try a search with "Kensai-Mage", "Kensai/Mage" or simply "Kensai Mage" as key-words.
You'll find material for AGES of readings
Have fun, kensimages are very cool

thanks for the help guys! it really helped a lot!!

and btw, i don't have the 2 bonus merchants.. if i download them from here will they appear in my game? thanks!!

installing tob or the tob patch will give you dierdre, the bonus merchant with robe of veccy...

i definately second playing thru at least once before installing mods...and i suggest asking questions and lurking a lot before downloading and installing mods..

What he said...

I also would strongly suggest you play through once Vanilla (no mods) before you download any of the mods, patches, tweaks, etc.

Don't worry about asking goofy questions (we were all new to this game at one time), but DO read the manual

Oh, and Yes, if you download the bonus merchants, they will appear in your game. But don't.

Re: Kensai/Mage

Originally posted by nephtu
Kensai cannot wear shields, bracers, gauntlets, helmets or armour of any kind...

Can't they? Ooops, sorry.

I think axe is good weapon choice, because you can get magical throwing axe (the one returns to your hand) quite easily early in the game.

When to dual class is depends on if you want more HP or more high level spells. The earlier you dual, the less HP and the more spells. I prefer spells, so I tend to dual at level 9 (or 10. I didn't want to waste exp points ).

More details

As to exp limits, if you are playing with the 2.95 Million cap, you can get up to level 9 as a Kensai without restricting your Mage in level - 17 is the cap anyway.

Dualling at level 10 will limit you to level 16 in your mage but still will not restrict your access to level 8 spells.

Dual classing at 11 or 12 will restrict your mage progression to level 15, so only 7th level spells.

With ToB or an EXP cap remover, you can get HLAs as a fighter before dual classing if you want, but it'll be a LONG climb up unless you hack your EXP

Hope this helps!