What the closest class to the Kensai and how should I set it up? And where are the best Katanas?

<font color="#33cccc">I am SOOOOOOOO glad they deleted that class from this game. As for Katana's they are no better than any of the other swords in the game.
I found a nifty one on the third level of the first caves. It is in a secret room in a box.</font>

as for how to make one, without building a custom class take a standard fighter, specialize in katana (need weapon focus, Katana first) and then get feats that seem appropriate, such as cleave (low level version of whirlwind attack) knockdown might also be appropriate. you can also take a few levels as a monk, to get the AC bonuses and some of their other special abilities.

as for magical katanas there a few in chapter one but they are farily rare, you can buy one from a merchant in the docks district, and have it upgraded to the sword saint katana (Kensai are often called sword saints)

You and me both. That and few other classes were way too much. (Old bard, old monk).

Too bad about the new ranger. That's the pits. Too many free feats at L1.

Katana isn't any better than a Bastard Sword. So whoopee.

But if you insist on by a "Kensai" blend Ranger, Monk & Fighter classes. Don't wear any Monk armor or gloves. Put LOTS of points into dex. Die quickly.

Keep in mind that statistically a katana might not be better than a bastard sword, but for roleplaying purposes it might be the perfect weapon for someone wanting to roleplay a samurai. I know the kensai was the powergamer's favorite class, but don't underestimate the value of roleplay. ;)

<font color="#00ffee">I agree the Katana is perfect for role playing, however when you see the word katana and kensai in the same sentence, role play is usually out the window and "powergamer" is in. The Katana is definately the weapon of choice for a Japanese character but would be out of place for just about anyone else. Not to mention that the katana sucks vs real armor, and only really useful against lightly or unarmored foes....ahhh well it is all roleplay and people should be able to play what they want to...I just dislike the kensai uberclass. </font>

Ya know... I dont see how the Kensai is so great... shoot. Take a mage. Get the spell "Unseen Servant", get the spell "delayed blast fireball" and "chain contingincy" and "pyrotechnics"... ok now take a box, and two rocks. Cast delayed blast fireball on the lock of the bocks and on one rock. On the other rock cast "Chain contingincy" and "Pyrotechnics" (pyrotechnics three times, fire, fire, smoke) Then Close the box, hand it to the stupid unseen servant. It takes it over to the dumb 50th level kensai and BOOM!!!! I dont care how much magic resistance you got, the lava flow that thing is going to create is going to cremate you... on top of that the pyrotechnic smoke bomb thing at the end is gonna choke our hero to death! Ya know what... you dont have to be some level 50 wizard to do it... ya just have to be a 1st level no good for nothing idiot with connections in the guild... or hell just be a noble!

But on a serious note, the Kensai was powerfull, but thats cause it was powerfull with stats. A psionic could easly destroy the crazed katana weilding people.... shoot, a well placed thief could really put a downer on this guys day. The only person who would really have a problem with these kind of guys are a wizard, in a head on head totaly even out battle royal.

I never liked them, personaly I like Psionics, and I like mages.... you think they will add the psionic class to NwN?

WOW so many people hate Kensai class. Well I was always going to duel class to mage when I got to level 9. I just have a standard fighter and have been chooseing feats like dodge and specialised in Katana. Also whats wrong with the Katana sword I realy like them.

I liked the Kensai. It was only an uberclass when multied with a mage or sorcerer. I think the 3rd ed situation of having a Bard/Palladin/Sorcorer, or the aforementioned Fighter/Monk is more ridiculous, disbelievable and roleplay hindering.

But then it comes down to tomaetos and tomahtos doesn't it.