[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Bardan the Slayer: I heard alot about Katanas for Kensai-mages, but never bought into it. I always tend to give proficiency 5* in staffs, so I get the most out of the SoTM. At least, that's the way I played at first. Now I tend to look at it like this - a 9/20 Kensai/Mage - am I gonna use him more as a mage or a tank? as a mage, of course - so what's the point of giving a guy who is going to see little front-line combat the best weapons? I *never* give CF to a Kensai mage - The Zerth Blade, and a Katana +2 or +1 maybe, but never CF - it is better used elsewhere [img]smile.gif[/img]

But once the kensai reaches level 13, his/her combat skills are as good as any tank {as far as "attacks per round" is concerned}. The kensai is also +3 to hit and damage over and above any strength or weapon bonuses. Other fighter classes don't gain any more appreciable skills until they hit level 20 and start getting those wonderful HLA's.

So - technically - a 13th level kensai is just as much a tank as a 19th level fighter. Admittedly, the AC will be worse, but the kensai bonuses help offset that - and you can always find a cloak/ring/amulet of protection and bracers to help with that.

My main question was whether or not the Attacks per Round increased at level 13 in BGII just as they did in PnP. Now that I know they do...that is when I will dual to mage.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I really appreciate it.