OK, I just re-ordered my new BG1 CDs, and I will be going through the saga again. I'm definitely set on a gnome F/T. However, in my last run through, I finally started using SK to give kits to my multi-classes, which turned out to be really fun. My last play through was with a Fighter/Assassin, so now, I'm inclined to go for a kit with the fighter part. I'm thinking of Berserker/Thief, although I must admit that the thought of a Fighter/Swashbuckler does have some appeal. I thought about a Kensai/Thief, but the dual class is over done. Anyway, I'm taking suggestions - if you were to make a multi-classed fighter/thief, what kit would you pick?

If you are using rogue rebalancing the bounty hunter is really good. You could also use the Generic Archer kit added by tactics (and needn't install the other components). A wizard slayer would be fun, but you'd be hurting until ToB. You could also assign the Barbarian kit since the Barbarian is actually a fighter kit. I'd probably go with a barbarian. A thief with damage reduction, rages, and immunity to backstab would be a lot of fun.

This might seem like a stupid question but... Solo or Teaming?

Barbarian/Thief. SK (and I suppose the "inner workings" of BG2) treat Barbarian as a fighter kit rather than an entirely different class. As an alternative, if you use kit mods then Anti-paladin/Thief might be fun.

I must admit that the thought of a Fighter/Swashbuckler does have some appeal.I gotta disagree with you there.

I've always seen the swashbuckler as a fighter/thief without the multi-class. You're trading extra fighter abilities for the lack of a backstab (argueably the best melee quality of a thief). To me, a swashbuckler/fighter would be watering down both sides.

Fighter/Assassin sounds like fun, and I agree - I'm so sick of hearing about the Kensai/Thief around here I could kick somebody. But a Berserker/Thief might be fun to try as well. Just think: you could sneak in for a backstab in the thick of it, then after you land it, throw yourself into a rage and clean up everyone else.

Wizard Slayer/Thief could be a very nasty way to go as well, but I've never tried a WS because I like magic items too much (and I find healing potions far to useful to part with).

I don't suppose there's a way to choose 2 kits on a multi, is there? Berserker/Assassin, anyone? :D

(I was being fecicious)

EDIT - Desuma's got it right. Go Barbarian/Thief.

I don't suppose there's a way to choose 2 kits on a multi, is there? Berserker/Assassin, anyone? Nope. (Despite your being facetious, others might ask the same question seriously. And have.)

[ May 25, 2006, 20:49: Message edited by: Felinoid ]

You could also assign the Barbarian kit since the Barbarian is actually a fighter kit. I'd probably go with a barbarian. A thief with damage reduction, rages, and immunity to backstab would be a lot of fun. I had no idea this was even possible. I did not know that SK considered barbarian to be a fighter kit. Most excellent.

I've always seen the swashbuckler as a fighter/thief without the multi-class. You're trading extra fighter abilities for the lack of a backstab (argueably the best melee quality of a thief). To me, a swashbuckler/fighter would be watering down both sides. I'd be doing it for the AC reduction. A high level Swashie gets significant AC bonuses.

Finally, I'm definitely not soloing, although I do not know how many party members I'll be taking (although probably 6 in BG1).

Also, for those wondering about the rather curious choice of a gnome as a fighter/thief multiclass for BG1 (I'm not using TuTu, so he won't turn into a barbarian/thief until BG2), I didn't really like the idea of giving up a significant starting statistic with the other races. I really like having a fighter thief with 18(76+) strength, 18 dexterity, and 18 constitution. Dwarves lose dexterity, elves lose constitution, and halflings lose strength. Humans can't multi-class, and without TuTu, half-orcs aren't possible, leaving half-elves and gnomes, and gnomes are clearly the more fun choice of those options. (I'll probably use the Tiax portrait.)

I had no idea this was even possible. I did not know that SK considered barbarian to be a fighter kit. Most excellent. Neither did I, until I looked it up as part of my pre-refutation habit. There are always things left to be learned... :book:
Also, for those wondering about the rather curious choice of a gnome as a fighter/thief multiclass for BG1 (I'm not using TuTu, so he won't turn into a barbarian/thief until BG2), I didn't really like the idea of giving up a significant starting statistic with the other races. I really like having a fighter thief with 18(76+) strength, 18 dexterity, and 18 constitution. Dwarves lose dexterity, elves lose constitution, and halflings lose strength. Humans can't multi-class, and without TuTu, half-orcs aren't possible, leaving half-elves and gnomes, and gnomes are clearly the more fun choice of those options. Heh. And here I was thinking it was spillover from IWD. ;)

I gotta disagree with you there.

I've always seen the swashbuckler as a fighter/thief without the multi-class. You're trading extra fighter abilities for the lack of a backstab (argueably the best melee quality of a thief). To me, a swashbuckler/fighter would be watering down both sides.I've played a Swash->Fighter dual class in a legit game (Swash25/Fight26 or thereabouts) and I have come to think of the Swash-Fighter combo as the ultimate melee build if you're willing to stick with it to the end. It is almost not a thief at all. Basically, if you want an uber fighter, but one that can disarm traps and pick locks, this is a great choice. If you expect to use him like a more traditional F/T it's a total waste.

I know that many many people gush over backstabbing, but depending on one's style of play it can actually be a waste. My thieves are used for scouting, removing/opening traps and locks, and setting traps. I backstab on occasion as a novelty, but using it as a strategy throughout the game requires a lot of patience and micromanagement...more than I can usually deal with (though Assassin/Fighter was a load of fun).

Basically, Swash/Fighter is played as a straight tank, giving up a lot of fighter HLAs for the Swash's UseAnyItem HLA and the AC and Thac0 bonuses. You get something like -6 (maybe even -7 to AC) to both if you reach Swash 25, which when coupled with your items, your fighter Thac0, and other bonuses makes you nigh unhittable and able to mow down pretty much anything. You also get the ability to open locks and disarm traps like a normal thief as you receive the same number of skill points at level up as a standard thief (as opposed to the Assassin who gets significantly less).

Basically, IF you don't use backstab at least semi-regularly, Swash/Fighter is a great melee-type character, much better than Fighter/Thief and Fighter/Assassin in that field, arguably one of the top melee builds in fact. If you use backstab a lot then Fighter/Assassin kicks butt. And if you don't use backstab a lot but want the option to use it from time to time, then Fighter/Thief or maybe even Fighter/Bounty Hunter are probably going to be better options.

I would suggest the Fighter/Assassin but since you have already played with one I would go with the Wizard Slayer/Thief.
Spell casting failure, MR and NO disadvantages after only 3M of experience (UAI).Though a bit overpowered :p

If you were gonna play Wizard Slayer/Thief then it would only be right to use TuTu and suffer those disadvantages from the beginning.

I began to play Tutu with a Wizard Slayer, it's really not that bad since you can do a lot of harm to enemy spellcasters right from the start especially when dual wielding.
Later on UAI makes life a lot easier.
Using a Swashbuckler/Fighter is in fact choosing a Fighter over a Thief, it's a simple matter of personal taste and I enjoyed playing both.

Barbarian/Thief named Fafhrd :D

Dwarven Berserker/Thief may be be an interesting character.

The swashbuckler/fighter just seems unfair....