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I have a warrior-wizard dilemma. Advice Appreciated.

So, I'm having something of a dilemma. The warrior-wizard archetype is one of my favorite fantasy archetypes. My only complete run-through of the Baldur's Gate Saga (before SoD was released) was with a Gnome Fighter/Illusionist. I'd like to run another character of that type through Baldur's Gate to Siege of Dragonspear and possibly beyond. Here's some things I'd like for this character to do:

1.) Dual-Wield. My Gnome fought with 2-handed weapons (mainly staves. Staves are surprisingly good), so I'd like to vary up the weapons I use this time. I definitely want to use Longswords, since there are a lot of those, and probably a blunt weapon of some kind (undecided between hammers and flails).

2.) Have a competent ranged attack. Just 1 pip in bows or crossbows would be okay. That carried me through BG the first time.

3.) Magic. I like mirror images, stoneskins, and throwing the occasional fireball.

So, I've got three character concepts, and I'm undecided about which one I want to use. They are:

1.) Human Berserker dual-classed to Mage at level 8 or 9. This was my initial choice, but I'm not sure if I want to start SoD as a weak mage. Plus, it would feel wrong not to go to Grandmastery in Longswords, but that would leave very few proficiency pips to spend on other weapons and fighting styles.

2.) Half-Elf Fighter/Mage. Yes, yes, I know Elf or Gnome would be more mechanically powerful, it's an RP thing. Fairly similar to my gnome character, but I feel the addition of Necromacy spells and dual-wielding would be different. But would it be different enough?

3.) Half-Elf Blade bard. I've heard that blades can be pretty powerful, but the lack of melee staying power and high level spells leaves me hesitant. The super-fast leveling could be fun, I guess.

So, based on the parameters I've given, what direction do you think I should go in?

Comments

  • StormvesselStormvessel Member Posts: 654
    edited April 2016
    Do what I am doing. This is Mordeth:

    photo Mordeth_zpscx3lxk4v.png

    He is going to be a Berserker 9 > Mage 30. If you get a roll of 94, allocate your stats the way I did. Using the tomes found in the game, you can bring your INT up to 17 in BGEE which will allow you to dual-class. Your Wisdom can be brought up to 17. In BG2EE they will both be brought up to 18 (lum's machine) allowing use of level 9 spells and Wish.

    I suggest Bastard sword for this build. You will have 11 pips to use (not counting your first two mage pips - put them in sling and dart for the ranged attack you want). I am putting 5 in Bastard sword, 3 in two-weapon fighting, and 3 in scimitars. As for my guy, Mordeth will wield Foebane in the main hand and Belm in the offhand for the extra APR.

    Foebane +5 is crazy good for a zerkermage - it wreaks total havoc against undead and it also casts larlochs minor drain for every hit.

    If you multiclass you forget grandmastery. You will get Fighter HLAs but leveling will be slower and you won't have as many high level spells (which is where true power lay). I also recommend Berserker over Kensai, especially if you dual at 9. Being able to wear a helmet (Balduran's helm +1thac0 and +1AC and saves) and gauntlets will make up for the +3/+3 and plus you won't be as squishy. Dualing at 9 is also good cause you can reach zerker9/mage10 in SoD and be all ready to go when you get to BG2EE.

    If you don't want to go with Bastard Swords, you could go with grandmastery in scimitars and use Drizzts. In BG2EE there is a really good scimitar - one of the very best weapons in the entire saga - called Spectral Brand. It is kind of hard to obtain though. Longswords are always good but there isn't a longsword in the saga that can match Foebane - but this is just my opinion.

    I wouldn't go with a fighter/illusionist because you'll be giving up Necromancy and therefore Horrid Wilting and Wail of the Banshee won't be castable. Bards can't greater than level 6 spells so they are basically like a gimped Fighter/Mage/Thief IMO. But they have a much higher caster level so certain spells that scale indefinitely (like shocking grasp) will be strong.

    All in all, the zerkermage is where true power lay. Whatever you decide - I hope you have fun. That's the most important thing, after all.
    Post edited by Stormvessel on
  • jesterdesujesterdesu Member Posts: 373
    I'd say try the blade. Your magic requirements were not overly strenuous and would be met by him... Although bards don't get past level 6 spells they cast what they do have with a very high caster level. Your concern at lack of staying power is unwarranted, as they tank better than most and offensive spin is one of the strongest combat buffs there is. Plus dual wielding is very much their thing and they get to use all weapons.

    Check out the scythesong guide to blades if you'd like to see just how ridiculously powerful the class can be.
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