Best class and race for melee combat?
doneill2000
Member Posts: 21
Ok so I am having a lot of inner fighting as to what class I should use for BG:EE. I have narrowed it down to 3 that I think would be good although I would be open to others, although this is strictly melee classes no mages or duel classing. So the 3 I thought might be good are: Paladin (Cavalier), Ranger (No kit base class, and I know its not really melee but its a exception.), and lastly Fighter (Base class or Kensai.). So I have been having issues with this because I absolutly love the bonuses you get as a Cavalier! I find the immunity to posin, charm, and fear to be very helpful even more so if I solo. I also find the smaller things like fire resistance helpful to a much smaller extent etc. Ranger I kinda like for the two weapon bonus and racial enemy, I am going to say that I rarely do a PC that is not a dual wielder. But I am afraid that the lower amount of health or the uselessness of ranged weapons I have along with a few other things is just not worth it. Next is indeed one that I am curious about. I have never played a Kensai and I think they are really cool. In theory. I am thinking that the eno armor penalty is just too much to ignore, and while they get some serious speed factor and increased damage, that is worrisome. Although I think it would fit in quite well seeing as I plan to duel wield. So please offer help and give me your opinons, and fill me in on Kensai. Also if I do use Kensai what is the best race for it? Paladin obviously Human because you cant be one unless. Elf for Ranger because of extra Dexterity. But I dont know for Kensai. I have heard Half Ogre is best but not completly sure. Would the Human be filling the shoes just as well? And lastly I would like to say Elf because of the bonuses to the sword and bow, but with the amount that a Kensai would hit I dont know if it would bee worth it. Also lastly I currently only have BG:EE, although I plan to get BG2:EE in a short time so I like to think of it as I will take the pain now and be squishy for a while in BG:EE rather than be beast in BG:EE and be weak in BG2:EE. I am looking for a powerhouse character that will do the marathon. Thanks in advance, cheers!
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Comments
Kensai has AC problems early on in BGEE, but as soon as you get to Nashkel you can get the Shield Amulet, which largely solves them so long as you recharge it periodically. If you take a mage along with you, then once they get Spirit Armor you can cast that on Kensai to give them amazing AC, as it stacks with their AC bonus. If you need a ranged weapon, throwing axes and daggers are both solid options.
Ranger is just as melee as the other options, really (unless you go Archer kit). They can use the same armor, the same weapons, and get the same THAC0 as the other warrior classes. The bonus pips in two weapon style really help give you some flexibility in BGEE, as you can dual wield while still having specialization in a couple of melee weapons and a ranged weapon. In the long run every warrior classes gets enough pips to be able to dual wield without trouble, but for BGEE specifically that bonus helps you hit the ground running.
You've got the bonuses of the Cavalier down, but you should also note that they get cleric spellcasting at BG2EE levels, which opens up some great buff spells like Shield of Faith and Draw Upon Holy Might.
As far as which one to pick, it depends on your priorities. Of the three, Ranger is arguably the strongest in BGEE just because they can use bows, which are incredibly strong in BGEE. The Cavalier will be tough and hard to stop thanks to its immunities and can use Carsomyr in BG2EE, which gives very powerful utility and protections. The Kensai will ultimately hit much harder and much more accurately than the other two, though, and will get more attacks thanks to grandmastery.
Kensai would probably win in a fight. As far as "power" goes; the Kensai will put out a lot more damage than the Cavalier, but the Cavalier has better options against enemy mages, who are among the more dangerous opponents in BG2EE, thanks to Carsomyr. Cavalier will have an easier time soloing, due to the equipment available to them and their immunities, resistances, and better saves. In addition to Carsomyr, a Cavalier can use the Helm of Vhailor, which allows you to summon a copy of yourself to help in tough fights, as well as shields, which opens up the Shield of Balduran for dealing with beholders and the Shield of Harmony for when you need additional immunities.
As far as favorite classes and kits go, I like playing a variety of classes too much to pick just one, but I really like multiclass characters. Cleric/Mages and Fighter/Anything is generally a good time. I also find Blades really fun.