Quote:
Originally posted by Gammit:
[QB]
1.) is a kensai still a good fighter?
2.) how can I get around the lack of missle weapons for ranged attacks?
3.) can I get my AC to a reasonable level w/out using armor?
/QB]
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1.) Yes!
An archers bonuses to hit and damage slow at a rate of +1 every 5 levels after level 18, and they max out at level 34, but a kensai has strange bonuses, but still on average, are gained every 3 levels up until level 40:
bonuses gained at levels: 3,6,9,12,15,18,20,23,26,29,32,35,38, giving a total of +13 to hit and +13 to damage which is awesome. Add a huge weapon, plenty of proficiency points, and a girdle of x strength and your kensai can deal well over 50 damage on a regular hit.
2.) Use throwing axes. If you're of good alignment, use Azuredge (don't be put off by its 1D6 damage, it actually deals 3D6 damage according to IEEP, and you still get the kensai bonuses). You'll also find a couple of other good axes, one +2 throwing axe from a dwarf in the temple sewers, and a +4 one from the Amkethran smugglers - both of the latter include a strength bonus which is unusual for missile weapons, Azuredge doesn't however, but can still be used to undead slaying purposes. If you're playing through with a dwarf, then the dwarven thrower is awesome for a kensai.
3.) Yes you can.....
Assuming you give your kensai all the best equipment:
Base AC = 10
DEX of 18 gives +4 AC = 6
Kensai +2 AC bonus = 4
Ring of Protection +3 = 1
Ring of Gaxx (+2) = -1
Cloak of the Sewer = -2
Ioun Stone (plenty that grant AC bonuses) = -3
SO -3 is going to be the usual lowest AC, *but*, if you're using a single handed weapon, you can place ** in single weapon style and get a further +2AC giving an AC of -5, which will reach -6 if using a weapon that grants an AC bonus (and there are plenty).
Taking the best permament AC of -6 then, you can use the shield amulet from Nalias keep which is the quintessential item to kensais, which grants a base AC of 4, and lasts for about 5 turns IIRC (50 rounds is enough I think!). The amulet has around 50 charges, and when they get low, simply sell it and buy it back to recharge it. This amulet can therefore take your AC as low as -12.
Even better, if you have a mage, cast spirit armour on the kensai to set a base AC of 1, lowering the AC to up to -15. That's a pretty good AC I reckon to say he's not wearing armour
Have Fun........