Hi, I have a problem:

I am new to BG2 and keep getting killed. My character is a Kensai but I keep dying. So, do I keep taking this ego-trouncing punishment, or do I just use ShadowKeeper to give myself some extra HP?

Please, tips for a Kensai novice would be appreciated.

If you keep dying, try lowering the difficulty, then see if it is any easier.

Whatever you do, don't resort to shadow keeper, although it has many uses, try to see if you can work around the problem i.e., find a different route or try different tactics.

[This message has been edited by Wildfire (edited April 22, 2001).]

dont take the easy way out, use the game to your advantage, if your kensai cant fight yet, get a few fighters, minsc, korgon, valygar. or go with the druids and clerics and summon stuff.

Well, some details on your post made me wondering if you use a party... EGO, My hitpoints etc. Maybe you should start with picking up some party members to fight with you. Kensais have horrible ac to play solo, no wonder it wouldn't work...

This game can be played solo, but only with a very select number of classes. If this isn't the case, forget what I said, and Lower the difficulty and start reading some walkthroughs for playing tips. Just read carefull to avoid spoiling to much of the game contents. There are also some cheesy tricks in this game to make it VERY simple, avoid those too :p

the kensai´s problem is his lack of armorclass. You can overcome it by casting some protective spells like ironskin/ Stoneskin etc on him. That would help.

I´d also choose single weapon style and equip girdle of piercing and boots of avoidance on him to protect him from missiles. All this could help improve his survivability ;)

Kensais are definately a tough class to play, especially to people not used to BG2. I never cared for them as a straight class, but that's just a personal preference. Obviously the problem with Kensais is the ac. They really don't have any. If you really want to play one, first make sure your ac is as high as possible. Second, until they reach reasonably high levels, Kensais are a hazard to the party and the player. You can't just rush the from line with them. If you want to stay alive, keep to the back. Get any armor enhancing rings and amulets you can find for this character as he will need them. However, I'd suggest boots of speed just to keep you safe if you get in trouble. I'd also consider dual weilding just to get your hits in harder and faster before you get killed by a better armored enemy. I'd suggest keeping the better armored fighters up front to rush the enemy and using the Kensai as backup who can rush quickly and strike quickly.

Odd... I rarely died... but my strategy was to send my OTHER fighters in first. Send minsc in front with your other fighters and send your kensai in through the back or the side in a flanking manuever, this way, while minsc is causing damage, he is also shielding you and allowing you to cause greater damage. As your Kensai gets stronger you wont need to do this as much, but it would be wiser if you did.
-Safety first-

* Find out Why your kensai dies!
Here are a few ideas:
- Look at his HP's, AC, equipment and proficiencies.
- Are the other characters doing what they can to help during battle?
- Do you try to kill all enemies at the same time (bad idea) or do you concentrate on killing one or two at a time(good idea)?
- Are enemy spells killing/dominating/charming/holding your kensai?


Armor Class:
- 18 dexterity is very important: Improves AC by 4.
- Two proficiencies in Single Weapon Style: Improves AC by 2.
(or...
- Two Weapon Style and buy one or two of the few weapons that give you AC bonus.)
- Cloak, Ring(s) or Amulet that improve AC.
- Some spells can improve AC.


Ragusa:
You can't cast Iron Skin/Stone Skin on someone else only on the caster.