Kensai/Mage vs Monk battle and spellcasting comparison

I know someone has posted this before but I can't find it. If one were to duel a kensai to a mage, what is the best level for this?

Kensai/Mage is a very cool combo. Since Kensai cant use armour anyways it makes a very powerful char when mixed with mage. What you get is someone that can cast spells aswell as do some major ass kicking. What i was thinking would be similar to that is a monk

Monk can cast cleric spells and has a good dmg score with fists especially with gaunts of crushing (+4 thaco +4 dmg when using fists)

The downside is that if he uses weapons he is less potent then a kensai/mage but if he uses fists he becomes on par.

tell me what u think

[Father Bronze]

I would prefer a Swashbuckler/Mage. Very low AC with bracers. Good THACO, with strength enhancements. You get thieving skills to boot. HP aren't as good as the Kensai.

I know players say that the Kensai will take a lot of things out before they even get a chance to hit, but I can't walk around without a low AC.

[Yorick]

At high levels the Monk is easily the most powerful class I've played (and I've played most of them). Very very powerful. Cleaned out Bodhis dungeon by himself for example, kills Dragons in one blow.

Turin, what do you mean the Monk can cast Cleric spells? A Monk can wear the amulet that protects from level drain like a Cleric can, and casts lay on hands similar to a Paladin, and can use things like the Rod of Ressurection and a few Scrolls, but they can't cast spells.

Oh yeah also at high levels the Magic resistance of a Monk can get up to 78% with amulets. Kind of nullifies the Kensai/Mages magic attacks there. A Monk very very quick in attacks too. (Very disruptive to spellcasters)

Monks can cast cleric spells from priest scrolls. Just buy a scroll from a temple (such as revive) and put it in your quick items slot.

[Yorick]

Ziegfried,
I already said they can use scrolls, using scrolls is called using scrolls, casting spells is using magic without scrolls. Monks can't cast cleric spells, they can recite some scrolls. Most characters can use Restoration scrolls anyway.

Mildred: If you will dual a kensai to mage, do it rigth after lvl. 9. At lvl. 9 you'll get another skillslot to spend on you weapons, but you'll still be able to reach lvl. 17 as mage, which means that you can cast 1 lvl. 8 spell.

BTW can you dual to specialist mage?

[Accord]

Nope, you cannot dual into specialist mage. You can dual from specialist but not dual to specialist, kind of a one-way thing.

As for dual at what level, it might be a good idea to duel at higher level, such as level 12 or 13 from a fighter ( or whatever kit you have in mind). The reasoning behind this is the potential expansion pack for BGII, where the exp cap is likely to be increased. Also if you plan (or have) to install the exp cap remover, the level-dualing factor becomes less relevant.

[Rikard T'Aranaxz]

i would say level 8
earlier getting back skills
and the extra skill pint ant that importand
3 on dual wield
and 3 on katana

[Father Bronze]

Rikard, I don't mean to be a prude -- honestly. But could you please change your signature?

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