Hybrids

[Lightweight Rower]

What is the best way to build a hybrid character that is good at both physical and magical attacks. I am thinking of doing a hybrid trio consisting of a lord, monk, and samurai. Thanks in advance

[ChaosTheorist]

I typically build the melee-oriented stats first: STR and DEX (or maybe DEX and SPD for the Samurai if you want to unlock Snake Speed early), then bring up INT and whatever else is appropriate. Skill-wise, I build the appropriate combat-oriented skills, and start pumping the book skill only (Divinity, Alchemy, etc.) at level 5; I build the realm skills (Fire, Air, Divine, etc.) through practice. For an Alchemist- or Mage-casting hybrid (Ninja, Ranger, Samurai), Knock-Knock'ing the 8-pin vault door will max Alchemy/Wizardry and Earth pretty quickly; for a Lord, Valkyrie, or Monk, Charm (or Mindread for the Monk) on Anna will max Divinity/Psionics and Mental. Have the other characters cast whatever spells they have available (Light, Missile Shield, Magic Screen, etc.) before you camp between Knock'ing or Charm'ing sessions.

In combat, alternate the casting with the hacking so that each character casts their best spell in each realm at least once during the combat. Casting at the yellow power level seems to be the best compromise for quick skill building without having the spell regularly fail or blow up in your face. If you're up against things that won't hurt you that bad, keep casting things like Razor Cloak, Paralyze, Guardian Angel, Slow, Web, and the like that allow you to prolong the combat, cast more spells, and thus build the magic skills faster.

Don't forget to build Dual Weapons from the get-go for characters you expect to be dual-wield experts, particularly the Lord, Samurai, and martial-arts Monk (or dual-throw expert in the case of the Ninja, if you aren't going to go the CofC route); the secondary-slot penalty is pretty severe without a high Dual Weapons skill.