[Darc_Mind]

I just hit level 12 on my Kensai and dueled him to a Mage. I chose 12 over 13 for many reasons, despite reports about 13 being the ideal level for dualing(extra half of and attack, THACO, and slightly lower saves weren't worth baby sitting this bad boy halfway thru the game). First, I wanna be able to take advantage of his abilities before the game is mostly over. Second, I wanna have as many of the high end spells as possible. For my weapon I chose 2h sword, 5 points in mastery, 2 points in 2h fighting and my extra point in quarter staffs. I have read that staffs are great for mastery as well as dual wielding katanas, I just like 2h swords better and there seems to be more powerful ones available in the beginning stages of th game. My main concerns are how long will I have to baby sit this guy from the beginning of chapter 3 before he starts to come out of his shell. I just went to meet the Shadow Thief leader and am hoping I can get him to level 12 mage, hopeully long before I start ToB. Last, but definitely not least, what would some good 2h swords be for this characters and where or how would I find them.