Little Newbie Question

[T2000lbs]

Hey, just started BGII and am very new to AD&D...so sorry for newbie question in advance.
Anyways just wondering how to dual class... do you at start of new game select the "multi-class" option and pick the two class that you want, or do you select one class, then whenever you want, select the "dual class" option in the right click menu?
I tried the first way, but in the right click menu, it doesn't let me select the "duel class" option. And can you duel class at anytime? even in the very beginning?

Again sorry for newbie question and your reply is much appreciated.
Thanks

[Accord]

You can only dual class as human, other races can choose multi-class. Multi-class developes both (or three) classes at the same time, you will have the ability of both classes (depending on your level too, of course), this only applies to non-human races; whereas dual class you advance 1 class to a certain level, then switch to a 2nd class and eventually have abilities of both classes. The problem with dual classing is that it might take quite a while before you gain the abilities of your 1st class back, this will only occur when your 2nd class's level exceed the 1st class's level by at least 1. Also you have to be careful when dual class, unless you removed the exp cap, there is a potential for you to be stuck in the 2nd class only. Therefore, read the experience tables carefully and consider you are capped at 2,950,000 exp points before choosing a time to dual. There are also restictions for dual classing, you will need to have a high score in your primary attribute in your first class (e.g. STR for fighters) and high attribute that is applicable for the 2nd class (e.g. DEX for theif, INT for mage) in order to dual.

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Long live H22A1!!!!!

[Accord]

Just to clarify a point:
Mulit class is done when you develop the character at the start of the game, i.e. before rolling the dices for attributes.
Dual class (in theory) can be done anytime during the game (when you are playing), of course, you have to take the exp cap into consideration.

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Long live H22A1!!!!!

[Stealthy]

Some tips:

Dual Mages are useful because you can get bow skills and they can defend H-to -H. Thieves dualled at level 9 to mages are very efficient, as they get a lot of bonuses at that level and yet they can still get to highest mage level in the capped game. However dual a Swashbuckler at level 10.

Fighter/thieves make better attackers and Kensai/thieves are lethal as the backstab can do maximum damage. Again switch at level 9.

Ranger 9/ Clerics are popular, but I don't like them. Better is a Beserker 9/ Cleric for added fun.

Kensai 9/ Mages are excellent, as neither wear armour, the fighter is not restricted when you dual. However a straight fighter/ mage can master bows, which is very useful for mages, who tend to stand at the back anyhow. Otherwise use stoneskin in H-to-H combat.

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Never accept an invitation from Wolfgir to a BBQ!

try thief 10/Cleric 20 for real fun.(and to backstab people with Hammers!?)

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Level cap? where? Oh yes, back before I removed it - hee hee

[T2000lbs]

Thanks alot guys..i read around and i'm going to duel fighter/mage. Oh and another newbie question, what is backstabing?
Once again thanks for the help guys.

Backstabbing - a character with this ability can, if hidden in shadows or invisible, sneak behind someone and get a surprise attack. If the creature isn't immune to backstabs (undead, dragons, oozes/slimes), the damage is multiplied by a certain amount depending on your class/level. You also get +4 to hit