[Morgeruat]

yes, there is more proof that only single class-thief usable weapons can be used to backstab, Valygar's sword will not allow a backstab, as it is not usable by a single class thief.

about the backstab multiplier, assassins are the only subclass of thief that can get a x7

otherwise it is x2 for lvl 1-4
x3 for lvl 5-8
x4 for lvl 9-12
x5 for lvl 13+

also, if we were talking about standard AD&D, and not BG, then paladins CAN dual-class, as long as they have 15 in strength and charisma (17 chr is minimum) and they can go to any class allowed by their alignment, ie no bard, druid, thief, etc., or another class can dual class into a paladin (usually requires special dm permission, and judgement as to whether the character has acted in a consistent manner with his alignment throughout his entire adventuring career), as long as he has a 15 in the primary attributes of his previous class, and a 17 str, and chr, although strictly by the rules he could not dual class from a fighter-type class to another (he couldn't go from a ranger or fighter to a paladin, despite what Salvatore allowed Drizzt to do) His powers would remain usable in either case as long as he stayed true to his character's code of honor that the paladin class held on to, but breaking from it would have the normal results. and yes according to the rules the monk is the only class that cannot dualclass at all.

also interesting to note is that one Faerun(forgotten realms) rangers and druids are compatible for multiclassing by 1/2elves, and elves. And in Krynn(dragonlance) elves and 1/2elves are allowed to become paladins, but not solamnic knights.

just one more before I go... according to AD&D 2nd edition rules holy swords (ie Carsomyr) CAN be used by any class, but they are only +2 weapons in the hands of non-paladins, so even a thief with use any item would only have Carsomyr+6 as a +2 two-handed sword without any of the spiffy zestiness that makes it sooooo much fun.