So I got a monster roll on a TN Berserker and decided to set up a dual class to druid, a play-through I hadn't yet tried. Yeah, I know it isn't the optimized dual, but I thought it might be fun to at least try it out. Dual wielding scimitars, btw.
Anyway, my question is this: Would you rather dual at 7, 9 or 13, and why?
The main advantage of dualing at 13 is the extra half attack, along with full fighter HP and better thac0. There is no drawback under the SoA cap (if utilized), as 14 is max druid level anyway, and I'd still hit 28 as a druid in ToB. With level bonuses capping at 20, and spell casting progression at 25, I'd miss out on nothing endgame.
The main disadvantage is that I'll spend a solid half of SoA recovering levels (though it can go faster)
Dual-classing at 7 still nets me 1.5 base attacks, and additionally grants me Grandmastery in scimitar and mastery in dual wielding while still in BG1. I lose out on something like 12-18 hp vs. 9 and 13. I hit 9 druid, enough for iron skins and insect plague, two excellent spells. Most importantly, it means I hit SoA with a realized character. It is easier to hit your DC in BG1 than two, as XP camping is relatively more rewarding. I'll probably use the skeleton warrior trap in Durlag's for this. It will go very quickly.
9 probably nets me the smallest advantage, 2 more fighter hd and an additional use of berserk, but I won't spend nearly as long leveling back to fighter in SoA.
Anyway, my question is this: Would you rather dual at 7, 9 or 13, and why?
The main advantage of dualing at 13 is the extra half attack, along with full fighter HP and better thac0. There is no drawback under the SoA cap (if utilized), as 14 is max druid level anyway, and I'd still hit 28 as a druid in ToB. With level bonuses capping at 20, and spell casting progression at 25, I'd miss out on nothing endgame.
The main disadvantage is that I'll spend a solid half of SoA recovering levels (though it can go faster)
Dual-classing at 7 still nets me 1.5 base attacks, and additionally grants me Grandmastery in scimitar and mastery in dual wielding while still in BG1. I lose out on something like 12-18 hp vs. 9 and 13. I hit 9 druid, enough for iron skins and insect plague, two excellent spells. Most importantly, it means I hit SoA with a realized character. It is easier to hit your DC in BG1 than two, as XP camping is relatively more rewarding. I'll probably use the skeleton warrior trap in Durlag's for this. It will go very quickly.
9 probably nets me the smallest advantage, 2 more fighter hd and an additional use of berserk, but I won't spend nearly as long leveling back to fighter in SoA.