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Can you help me choose a class for my character?

Hey guys!

It's a pleasure to be here in this great community.

With the BG:EE's 1.3 patch coming soon, i want to understand which type of character fits better to my playstyle, to start a new adventure that will go from BG:EE to BG2:EE.

I'm unsure about practically everything, but my character must have these requirements, for roleplaying reasons:

1) Race: Human
2) A pure class, i don't want a multiclass character
3) A frontline character, a great tank with a good damage output
4) My character will be the leader of a good aligned party
5) In the case of a dual wield combat style, the weapons must be of the same type (2 flails for example, or 2 blades)

Reading all the forum for about one week helped me to find these solutions:

1) Paladin (Cavalier), two handed sword (Carsomyr)
2) Paladin (Inquisitor), two handed sword (Carsomyr)
3) Paladin (Cavalier), dual wield (Flail of Ages + Defender of Easthaven)
4) Paladin (Inquisitor), dual wield (Flail of Ages + Defender of Easthaven)
5) Paladin (Cavalier), dual wield (Purifier + something else)
6) Paladin (Inquisitor), dual wield (Purifier + something else)
7) Monk
8) Monk (Sun Soul)
9) Fighter (Berserker), dual wield (Flail of Ages + Defender of Easthaven)
10) Barbarian, dual wield (Flail of Ages + Defender of Easthaven)

I have put Fighter (Berserker) and Barbarian in the last two spots because i have found that Human isn't the best race for these two classes, and Fighter is better dual classed.

Guys, now i need your precious help...which combination is the best one for you?

Sorry for the wall of text, thanks in advance and have a great day!
Meanbunny

Comments

  • DJKajuruDJKajuru Member Posts: 3,300
    Both Cavalier and Inquisitor are great front liners , not only because they have fighting skills, but also because they have good saving throws and resistances/immunities.

    I'd go for Two handed sword.
    Meanbunny
  • FinneousPJFinneousPJ Member Posts: 6,455
    All of those are great options. Which of those characters do you like best? What do you envision your character would be like, RP-wise? For example, if you want to play a knight in shining armor, pick Cavalier.
  • MeanbunnyMeanbunny Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014
    You forgot Undead Hunter! Lol.

    I think that if you want good damage while also being a bad ass meatshield, I would go for a vanilla fighter. I think being a pureclass fighter will more than cover the tank department and the fact that they are the only class that can grandmaster a weapon type will really help out with the dps department. I know you are probably thinking, "Why vanilla when there are so many sweet kits to choose from?". I guess that is just the old school in me talking :b , not to mention if you choose Berserker you lose out on ranged weapons.

    If a vanilla fighter isn't in your interest, there is always the power gamer's favorite... The Kensai!

    To be honest, play what feels like you. What do you want to be? One thing I think I have learned in my life of gaming is that if I let everyone's opinion effect what race/class combo I played in every game, then I would of never discovered some of my favorite characters that I have in the past. It is good to take advice, but always make sure that you are happy with your final decision.
    [Deleted User]
  • JLeeJLee Member Posts: 650
    Welcome to the forums!

    Front line leader of a good party in my mind means paladin. I'd go Cavalier with two handed sword, halberds, and quarterstaff. Butt kicking for goodness!!
  • KnellerKneller Member Posts: 438
    JLee said:

    Welcome to the forums!

    Front line leader of a good party in my mind means paladin. I'd go Cavalier with two handed sword, halberds, and quarterstaff. Butt kicking for goodness!!

    +1

    DW is not worth it for a paladin. Get Minsc and have him DW. There are way too many great 2h weapons and not enough people to use them.
  • DershmilionDershmilion Member Posts: 5
    First of all, thanks guys, really.

    Well, i really like the idea of a knight in shining armor, so, at this point, i have a Cavalier in mind.

    But i'm still unsure about Two Weapon Style vs. Two Handed Weapon Style.

    Look at this thread: http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/33517/two-weapon-style-vs-two-handed-weapon-style-power-gaming-vs-roleplaying#latest

    "An optimised character will always dual wield, it's purely stronger.

    And the difference is actually huge at the start of BG1 despite what some people think. Going for two handed won't give you much of a THAC0 advantage. Assuming specialization, you will start the game with 1.5 Apr while a dual wielding character will have 2.5 Apr which represents a 66% increase in your attack rate which is the same difference as going from 3 Apr to 5 when you switch from two handed to dual wielding with Belm. So if you think dual wielding a speed weapon is strong, try to dual wield at level 1 and be impressed."

    "Not only dual wielding gives you more damage but also more resistance thanks to the Defender of Eastheven which is arguably the best weapon of the game."

    Your opinions?

  • FinneousPJFinneousPJ Member Posts: 6,455
    TWS is objectively best, but 2H is fine and does have its advantages, especially for a paladin.
  • PaladinPaladin Member Posts: 335
    If you are starting up BG2 as a Paladin, you can put two pips into bastard sword and two into flail. You'll have two more leftover for either Two Weapon Style or Sword and Shield Style. Dual-wielding a Flail of Ages and a Purifier might be nifty!

    Is there any advantage to taking Sword and Shield Style? It seems like the bonus to AC versus missile weapons is pretty minimal.
  • Thief_Of_NavarreThief_Of_Navarre Member Posts: 26
    Playing a Cavalier with my friend at the moment. All the special abilities make it a blast!
    jackjack
  • MeanbunnyMeanbunny Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014
    @FinneousPJ Just for the sake of the argument assuming this was a solo playthrough. What makes two handed weapon style better than dual wielding for a Paladin?

    I really want to believe this, honestly I just prefer a two hander, it looks more menacing. Although, I don't have anything against dual wielding, especially with the right class (ex. Swashbuckler).

    It looks like from the view of my comments on this forum and in general that I am 65% Roleplayer 35% Powergamer, give or take 5%.

    @Dershmilion Also, welcome to the community! I just joined recently myself and I am really enjoying having debates and hearing everyone's comments on this awesome game that we all love. I think when you really take the time to look at things, you have to ask yourself "Am I a Power Gamer or a Role Player?", if you are around the middle of the road on the subject like myself, I would suggest just do whatever fits your playstyle best and then try to optimize whatever style that is to its maximum potential. If you like dual wielding, then optimize your pips for two weapon style and get the best one handers you can find. If you like two handers, optimize your pips for two handed weapon style and find the biggest and baddest two hander you can find.

    At the end of the day, what MATTERS is that you are satisfied with your gameplay experience. If taking the min/maxer powergaming route means that you finish the series with a lacking, wanting feeling inside, then it wasn't worth it. Make the choices you need to make that will have you saying "Wow, that was a blast! I can't wait to do it all over again with another awesome character".

    Good luck in making your decision. A Cavalier sounds bad ass. To your steed my lord!
    Gotural
  • FinneousPJFinneousPJ Member Posts: 6,455
    Meanbunny said:

    @FinneousPJ Just for the sake of the argument assuming this was a solo playthrough. What makes two handed weapon style better than dual wielding for a Paladin?

    I really want to believe this, honestly I just prefer a two hander, it looks more menacing. Although, I don't have anything against dual wielding, especially with the right class (ex. Swashbuckler).

    It looks like from the view of my comments on this forum and in general that I am 65% Roleplayer 35% Powergamer, give or take 5%.

    @Dershmilion Also, welcome to the community! I just joined recently myself and I am really enjoying having debates and hearing everyone's comments on this awesome game that we all love. I think when you really take the time to look at things, you have to ask yourself "Am I a Power Gamer or a Role Player?", if you are around the middle of the road on the subject like myself, I would suggest just do whatever fits your playstyle best and then try to optimize whatever style that is to its maximum potential. If you like dual wielding, then optimize your pips for two weapon style and get the best one handers you can find. If you like two handers, optimize your pips for two handed weapon style and find the biggest and baddest two hander you can find.

    At the end of the day, what MATTERS is that you are satisfied with your gameplay experience. If taking the min/maxer powergaming route means that you finish the series with a lacking, wanting feeling inside, then it wasn't worth it. Make the choices you need to make that will have you saying "Wow, that was a blast! I can't wait to do it all over again with another awesome character".

    Good luck in making your decision. A Cavalier sounds bad ass. To your steed my lord!

    @Meanbunny Carsomyr. There are some pretty great two-handed weapons that are worth using.
  • DershmilionDershmilion Member Posts: 5
    Wow, a lot of interesting point of views, thanks guys!

    Ok, you convinced me, i'll go with the Two Handed Weapon Style.

    But i have three doubts now, can you help me again?

    1) Which NPCs can i use with the Two Weapon Style effectively?
    2) Which Paladin spells are really useful? Because i'm unsure between Cavalier and Inquisitor now...
    3) Sword and Shield is so bad as i have read? My dream is building an uber tank with a sword and a shield, but seems that here this option is totally crap...:-(
  • KnellerKneller Member Posts: 438
    1) Rangers. That's what they're made for. Paladins would actually be good as well, but you're going to find a REALLY good reason to go two hander with a paly in this game. I'm currently doing a run with a cleric mage, and I almost want to start over with a paly for this reason. I guess Keldorn won't be going home any time soon.
    2) Armor of Faith for Level 1 is probably your best pick for the damage resistance. Draw Upon Holy Might is pretty boss for level 2, especially since you'll likely be giving Crom to your dual-wielder. For level 3, I dunno, maybe a dispel? Or protection from fire (I believe it stacks with other resistance sources), if you have a pyro in your party. I can't remember if Paladins get level 4, but if you do, Death Ward, Free Action, and Prot. Evil 10' are all good spells.
    3) Shields are great in BG1, just ok in BG2, and irrelevant by the end of the game. As for the style, a little extra missile resistance is almost irrelevant and not worth the pips. Arrows fly in BG1, but you get the girdle of piercing pretty early, so it's not a significant problem. In BG2, archers are much less prevalent. If you want, you can still be an uber tank using a shield, but you don't have to waste pips on the style.
  • AnduinAnduin Member Posts: 5,745
    The only advantage of being a human is they can dual.

    But respect to the rp.

    I suggest Ranger. They get two pips in dual wield already. Plus the extra advantages over a fighter.

    I'd go stalker.
    [Deleted User]
  • Raistlin82Raistlin82 Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014
    Most good-aligned BG2 characters worth anything ARE single-class fighter-types.
    Keldorn, Minsc, Mazzy, Valygar... and Rasaad, sorta.

    If you're NOT a front line character, you'll still have to keep at least 2 of those out of your party.
    If you ARE a front line character... you're gonna have to keep out of your party 3 or even 4 of those great guys.
    That's why I went for an Illusionist as my good-aligned Bhaalspawn, joined by Keldorn, Minsc with halberd training and Rasaad, plus a cleric and a thief I made and imported from multiplayer.
    While my evil-aligned Bhaalspawn is a kick-ass barbarian dual-wielding THE FLAIL and THE HAMMER, since she can be joined by a blackguard, a fighter, a cleric, a thief and a specialist mage (all single-class).

    That being said... I guess you could, if you really have to, make a fighter-type character and sacrifice some of the above characters (all very interesting, RP-wise, and all very useful, gameplay-wise), filling the missing spots with the "weepies" (a trio of female, good-aligned, multi-class annoyances and/or a male-but-not-very-manly, neutral-but-possibly-eventually-good-aligned, multi-class "Annoyance God").

    However, for the class and weapon... it all boils down to one question: are you planning to keep Keldorn?
    1) If you're not, then by all means, be any kind of Paladin and use Carsomyr yourself (it's the best weapon in the game, and for many people it's the driving motivation to make a Paladin in the first place).
    2) If you are, drop the idea of being a Paladin and give Carsomyr to him.
    The dual-flail idea looks good. I'd personally go for that.
    The best choice for dual-weilding would be any Ranger, but if you want a more "sturdy", tank-like, character, I guess a "kit-less" Fighter might be just what you need.

    PS: Don't ask what "THE HAMMER" is. The answer might puzzle you.
    Post edited by Raistlin82 on
  • FinneousPJFinneousPJ Member Posts: 6,455
    @Raistlin82‌ It wouldn't be unreasonable to have two paladins: Keldorn with Carsomyr and Charname dual-wielding, if so inclined.
  • Raistlin82Raistlin82 Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014
    I guess.
    But I've never, ever seen that.
    People want to give their CHARNAME the best equipment they could ever have and make them the best and strongest they could ever be.
    To my knowledge, nobody has ever chosen to settle for being a second-rate, sub-par Paladin, who not only doesn't have the strongest Paladin-only weapon in the game, not only stands side by side with a better equipped NPC Paladin, but also has a build that is not suited for Paladins.

    PS: to the OP, if you DO choose 2H-weapons, try not to have 3 characters with two-handed swords. One halberd, one two-handed sword (either you or Keldorn) and one dual-wielder (either you or Minsc) is a better combination, and will allow you guys to hold 3 to 4 of the most powerful weapons in the game. Oh, and if you have a cleric in your party, they're well suited to use a couple of those, too.
  • DazzuDazzu Member Posts: 950

    Most good-aligned BG2 characters worth anything ARE single-class fighter-types.

    Aerie is worth plenty of team slot, yet she is neither single class nor fighter and is very much LG.

  • GoturalGotural Member Posts: 1,229
    @Dershmilion‌ Hello there ! I actually wrote what you quoted earlier on the Dual Wielding vs Two Handed debate.

    As I said in this thread, all hope isn't lost for Two Handed as there are some very powerful weapons available, mainly Carsomyr and The Ravager (respectively a two handed sword and a halberd).

    Strictly from a powergaming point of view, I think that going for Cavalier is wiser than Inquisitor. Because if you are going for Two Handed, you will use Carsomyr, the main point of the weapon is his dispel magic ability but the Inquisitor main ability is also the dispel magic. See the redundancy ?

    I think it would be optimal to go Cavalier two handed, with 65% physical damage reduction in late game (40% HLA + 25% Armor of Faith) and the dispel magic from Carsomyr. Or to go Inquisitor dual wielding with 60% physical damage reduction (40% HLA + 20% offhand weapon) and the dispel magic from his class ability.

    To answer your other questions :

    1) Every NPCs can use TWS effectively, Rangers won't be stronger at it, but they will be able to do it sooner. All you need to do it is at least 2 pips in a weapon and 2 pips in TWS. For example, Anomen (Fighter 7 => Cleric X) will be far stronger at dual wielding than Minsc or Valygar (both Rangers), until HLA come into play.

    2) As someone said earlier, Armor of Faith (level 1) and Draw Upon Holy Might (level 2) are very potent spells and should cover your spellbook for these levels. The level 3 should be used mainly for Protection from Fire when fighting some Dragons, Elementals and Fire Giants. Or you could use Animate Dead to get some cannon fodder. Finally at level 4 you should mainly use Defensive Harmony because of the very low casting time and let the rest of the casting to your true Cleric, this way you will be able to quickly buff your fighters and to rush in to fight your enemies.

    3)A shield isn't useless, but you need to know how to stack AC in the most efficient way possible. I think shields are actually terrible in BG1 because they only gives 1 bonus to AC (2 for the magical ones) while some shields in BG2 give 4 or even 5 AC which is great ! But giving a shield to a character with bad AC like -5 isn't going to do him any good. Going from let's say 90% chance of being hit to 70% won't save you while going from 30% to 10% is a major upgrade, that's why the more AC you have, the more important shields become (and AC in general), exactly like damage reduction.
    Plus in late game with the Greater Whirlwind Attack HLA, you will be able to reach 10 APR even with a shield.

    A Cavalier with the Darksteel Shield +4 and Armor of Faith will have 55% resistance to Fire, 55% resistance to Acid, 35% resistance to Cold, 25% resistance to Electricity (and probably immune to poison with the Ring of Gaxx) and will get a 5 bonus to AC just from the shield, throw in a Protection from Evil (-2 bonus), Defensive Harmony (-2 bonus), Improved Invisibility (-4 bonus), Draw Upon Holy Might (the Dexterity increase should give you 1 or 2 bonus AC, depending on your actual Dexterity and your level), Slow your enemies (-4 penalty for them) and tada ! Even ToB bosses will have troubles to hit you and you will be able to tank nearly everything !

    But the style is pretty useless that's true, but see this as an advantage ! You don't have to waste 1 or 2 points into Two Handed or TWS to be effective and can instead specialize in more weapons.

    AC is very powerful all the way to ToB if you know how to manipulate it, sadly you probably won't be able to get all your fighters to this level of AC as the amount of items are limited. (My last character ended BG1 with an AC of -27 for example which means nothing can hit him if it isn't a critical hit but it was a solo playthrough)
    Blackraven
  • MeanbunnyMeanbunny Member Posts: 107
    Mmmm... Carsomyr.... Sounds like a reason to import my Undead Hunter to BG2. :b
  • GoturalGotural Member Posts: 1,229
    Meanbunny said:

    Mmmm... Carsomyr.... Sounds like a reason to import my Undead Hunter to BG2. :b

    And there are a LOTS of undeads for your character to hunt ! ;)
    Meanbunny
  • MeanbunnyMeanbunny Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014
    @Gotural You sir, are the man. I really appreciate your awesome comments. Too bad there isn't a "Fk'ing Awesome!" button to mash for your posts.
    Gotural
  • GoturalGotural Member Posts: 1,229
    @Meanbunny‌ Thank you mate, I really appreciate it !
    Meanbunny
  • DershmilionDershmilion Member Posts: 5
    Well, i'm without words, how can i go wrong with all your tips? Thanks again guys! :-)

    It's clear that the final choice must take in consideration the entire party structure, and NPCs that i'll choose in my adventure.

    Guys, tips or advices on how should i build my party for BG:EE and BG:EE 2? Must-have characters?

    Because i don't like Keldorn's stats (Strength: 17), for example, but if you think that is a great NPC, you win.

    Only three fixed points:

    1) My character will be a Paladin (Cavalier or Inquisitor, depending on the party)
    2) Good (or at least Neutral) aligned party
    3) I want Minsc and Boo, at all costs, lol
  • MeanbunnyMeanbunny Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014
    @Dershmilion I don't know if its a thing we do as new guys to the forum or whatever, but I love how you always thank everyone for their help and you even said "Have a great day!" just like I do at the end of my threads. Not many people like that and I find it quite entertaining honestly.

    Also, if you are going to be a Paladin, I don't see a dire need for Keldorn. I don't know why but the guy kind of rubbed me the wrong way back in the day when I first played with him.

    I do like Minsc alot, but to me Minsc is like a part of one of those inseparable pairs like Khalid and Jaheira where you cannot have one without the other without one of them dying first and I am not talking about Dynaheir.

    Pretty much, I take Minsc only because... Boo! ;3
    jackjack
  • JLeeJLee Member Posts: 650
    edited August 2014
    Lots of directions to go, but for a good party led by a cavalier, I would consider:

    Minsc
    Imoen>Yoshimo
    Aerie
    Nalia or Neera

    For the last spot, I would keep it open for NPC quests. Once you have done most of them, you can decide which one you like best. [cough] Mazzy ;)



    Gotural
  • FinneousPJFinneousPJ Member Posts: 6,455
    Don't plan too much, tough; it'll ruin the experience, IMO.
    jackjack[Deleted User]
  • DershmilionDershmilion Member Posts: 5

    Don't plan too much, tough; it'll ruin the experience, IMO.

    You are absolutely right.

    Well, now it's all clear, i must only wait for 1.3 patch and start my adventure.

    I want to thank all the participants in this thread, really, thanks for the patience and the attention at my questions.

    Have a good day and great holidays! ;-)

    FinneousPJjackjackMeanbunnyBlackraven
  • Demonoid_LimewireDemonoid_Limewire Member Posts: 424
    Well, humans are practically useless, if you do not dual class. This is their strongest and most interesting feat. Only exception to that is paladin. Because they can be only human and they do not dual. Or wild mage. Which cannot dual. They do not have special racial skills, stat bonuses or penalties. That is why you have only 2 viable and potent options on them: a) A class that cannot dual to something else, or a class exclusive to humans like paladin b) Dual class.

    Indeed, other races make stronger berserkers, but no other race can make a berserker mage dual class. Which can have grandmastery to weapon specialization. Maximum spell slots. An overloaded fighter's hitpoints pool. Etc. This is the best frontliner. Because not only it has berserker immunities while their skill lasts, but also the great spell buffs (on self or friends), enemy debuffs (dispel) or even direct damage.

    A good two handed weapon will be ideal for you. And if you dual wield, just go for two different weapons. The best combinations are about different items on you.

    If you want to stick to flails and morningstars, which you mentioned you want a lot, you can just make a human berserker cleric with grandmastery on that. One of the meanest, most overpowered classes and weapons combo.

    Believe it, you want to dual your human. Try that, and see.
    Blackraven
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