[Neomi]

I used a Kensai -> Druid once and I can definitely vouch for her tanking ability. With max dexterity, a Kensai's AC bonus, barkskin (wimpy at low levels but gets better), a few items, and ironskins you are basically untouchable. Take staff as your main weapon. Early in the game you can get a Cleric's staff +3 or the Staff of Rhynn (+4 I think). There is also a nice staff for Druids sold by Joluv (one of the bonus merchants who you can find in the Copper Coronet). Eventually you'll get the various elemental staves and the Staff of the Woodlands. Once in TOB you can upgrade to the Staff of the Ram. It just gets better and better. Add to that the possibility of tons of defensive and disabling spells and you have one very nasty PC.

I do have to agree with K2Grey that the "classic" Kensai is the "sword saint" but you can always develop a cool background story to explain it...

"She awoke to find herself alone in the wooded glen. Looking around, she slowly counted the bodies of her comrades in disbelief. It had been a vicious surprise attack. The foul orcs and ogrons came upon them as they camped for the evening on the side of the desolate highway. Aided by foul disabling magic, the foul creatures had gutted the party and taken every scrap of equipment before thundering down the path in search of further prey. Only Jaliandra had been left alive, and she was sure that it had been an oversight. Her wounds were indeed dire, she was alone and miles from anything remotely resembling civilization, and her remaining strength was waning. Desperate, she searched for a weapon -- anything, even a knife, that might allow her to fight off another attack. But anything with a sharp edge had been plundered by those abominations against nature. Her only option, it seemed, was to improvise, and the young oak sapling at the edge of the clearing would have to do..."