The truth about swords

[Lymond]

I started my first game last night and created a Kensai with pretty good stats. When it came time to choose a weapons proficiency, I wanted katanas, but noticed the warning that they are very rare in BG2. Instead, I went with scimitar/wakasashi/ninjato.

I was therefore surprised/annoyed that I found a katana right off the bat! I checked online today, and it appears they aren't ridiculously rare. What I have not been able to find is the damage, etc. statistics of either the katana or the other categories.

Is specializing in katanas worth the reduced frequency? Worth starting a new game? Can anyone also tell me how many hands each sword requires? I put two points in the "two weapon" category, which seemed safe because scimitars should be a one hand weapon. But what about the katana? Is that a two hand weapon, in which case, had I chosen that, I would have wasted a point?

Lymond

[JrKASperov]

Well, there is one über powerful katana. But I prefer the scimitar for dual-wielding reasons. Once you find a certain +2 scimitar you'll know what I am talking about

Katana is one handed.

EDIT: I advice against the kensai as beginning character because he won't be able to wear armor, something the first character will be needing pretty hard

[ 02-10-2004, 11:26 AM: Message edited by: JrKASperov ]

[Elric of Melnibone]

Originally posted by Lymond: Is specializing in katanas worth the reduced frequency? Worth starting a new game? Can anyone also tell me how many hands each sword requires? I put two points in the "two weapon" category, which seemed safe because scimitars should be a one hand weapon. But what about the katana? Is that a two hand weapon, in which case, had I chosen that, I would have wasted a point? Lymond

Lymond, specializing in katanas is definitely worth it. There is a particular katana (which is a one-handed weapon) that is simply wonderful. I think you did a good job also putting points into the "two weapon" category. My first character was also a kensai and I had him dual wielding katanas and scimitars (there's a very good scimitar in BG2 as well). Later on, I dual classed him into a thief and had a great time role-playing that character. Good luck to you!

[SixOfSpades]

Katanas are 1-handed, deal 1D10 Slashing damage per hit, and have a Speed Factor of 4 (I believe.) This makes them obviously more powerful than their closest competitor, the Long Sword, which does 1D8 Slashing damage and has a Speed Factor closer to 7. (Katanas have the same damage as a Two-Handed Sword.) And a certain Katana is easily one of the most powerful weapons in the entire game.

Katanas are rare.
You found one right off the bat, but they are still rare.
Just because you have a Katana doesn't mean you can hit everything with it--you will find out very quickly just how many enemies are immune to Normal Weapons.
There are a small scattering of basic +1 enchanted Katanas.
There are a total of 3 Katanas of +2 enchantment.
And a solitary, single one Katana that's +3 enchanted.
Very late in ToB (if you have it), there's a single +4 Katana.
So if you specialize in Katanas with your first character, you're going to be wandering around the game like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to find the one Katana that's capable of hitting the beast you want to kill.

[ 02-10-2004, 05:44 PM: Message edited by: SixOfSpades ]

[Feral]

IF you find the one katana everyone salivates about (and it likely won't be anywhere near the beginning of your first game - it's off the beaten path and you have to pry it out of the dead fingers of its bearer and his buddies), then you'll be happy about being able to use it. As SixOfSpades told you, there is one other excellent katana but you'll be well into the Throne of Bhaal before you get it (and even further before it's really ultra cool). There is a third good katana which a spellcaster can use, but it won't be any good to your kensai. Otherwise, you're better off going for longswords or two-handed swords (incidentally - the only type of sword which is 2-handed), or even scimitars.

If you just want to change your proficiency, don't restart the game but change it with Shadowkeeper.

By the way, when people talk about good/cool weapons, they are usually talking about the extra perks those weapons add to the damage - stunning, poison, elemental damage.

Oh, and JrKASperov is probably right - trying a kensai your first time around will likely mean that you'll get your ass waxed a lot for a while. Then again, it should be a good learning experience in tactics and the pluses/minuses of fighter kits. Let us know how it goes.

[CerebroDragon]

I've also encountered very little in the way of Katana's in my game (up to chapter six now). However, I did find one of note just the other night, though I'm not entirely sure its the one that is being mentioned. I won't spoil where I found it, but to keep Lymond's hope for a good katana in tact, I'll give its statistics. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Usuno's Blade +4
10% chance of doing 2D10 electrical damage. (save for half)
THACO +4
Speed Factor: A big zero! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Damage: 1D8+4 (not quite a D10 six, but potent enough methinks)

Although no-one in my present party use katana's, I'm sure this item shall fetch a decent price. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Whilst we're on the topic of weaponry and scarcity of them, I'm fascinated with the different magical axes in the game. I've had Korgan using the Frostreaver+3 with a shield now for what seems like ages without having even consider changing it for something else. He's awe inspiring enough to watch blat things as it is, but I can't help but wonder if and where a +4 axe might lie for him..

[ 02-11-2004, 10:14 AM: Message edited by: CerebroDragon ]

[Dundee Slaytern]

Usuno's Blade is not a Katana. Take a careful look at its' Weapon Type.

[CerebroDragon]

:embarrassed: Thanks Dundee. I double checked and you're right, its a Wakizashi/Scimitar proficiency. Oh well. My memory of its image certainly fooled me into thinking it was a Katana. Bummer.

[Epona]

I don't agree that playing a Kensai will make your first run through the game less enjoyable - to me it's about playing the class you like and identify with best. If you're not into playing a straightforward tank, then doing so won't make the game easier, it'll just mean that you're less likely to finish it because you lose interest!

[Feral]

Then we agree - a kensai won't be less enjoyable - just more challenging than some other possibilities.

CerebroDragon - I don't think I'm SPOILING anything for you by asking whether you've spoken to Bernard about axes yet.