Newb questions

[Tovam]

Hi
I just started with Baldur's Gate 2, but I seem to have a few problems
First of all, I started as Kensai but don't seem to increas in power since I passed level 20
Should I dualclass (or was it multiclass, I only know that it's the on that doesn't start at level 1) to mage, do I still keep al my abilities, such as being specialized in longswords
I once tried it, but I seemed to not be able to use longswords anymore (I quited immediatly tough, I didn't bother gaiing any levels)
And as a Kensai/Mage, will I be able to use helmets and bracers?
Also, the game says the Kensai gains +1 to hit and damage every three levels
Is this every three levels, or every three levels as Kensai (probably a stupid question, but I wanna be sure)
Oh yes, if I started as a Kensai, what would be the best level to dualclass (?) in Mage?

If you dual- or multiclass, will you able to obtain two strongholds? (Again, probably a stupid question, I wanna be sure)

With the big metal unit, you increase in size
Does this affect anything, exept the inability to pass some places?
Armor class -10 is great, but if you can't go everywhere, that would make it less good. Does someone know how to counter this?
Also, my character seems to be slowed down by it (or can I better say, his boots of speed don't work?)
Is this normal (and is this true, or did it just seem so?)

And if anyone has more advice in playing Baldur's Gate 2, like advice on playing a class or a newbs guide, it would be welcome (I'm not that newb, but there is always something I missed)

So much questions (to much?), I know
Well, thanks

[Rav]

First of all, I started as Kensai but don't seem to increas in power since I passed level 20

Your Thaco will not go down lower than a certain point, but you will still receive some kensai bonusses (and greater whirlwind in combination with Kai is quite cool).

Should I dualclass (or was it multiclass, I only know that it's the on that doesn't start at level 1) to mage, do I still keep al my abilities, such as being specialized in longswords
I once tried it, but I seemed to not be able to use longswords anymore (I quited immediatly tough, I didn't bother gaiing any levels)

Dulaclass, and no, because you won't regain the abilities of the first class till you pass it with the secondary class in levels. At this stage of the game, that will be impossible.

And as a Kensai/Mage, will I be able to use helmets and bracers?

Nope.

Also, the game says the Kensai gains +1 to hit and damage every three levels Is this every three levels, or every three levels as Kensai (probably a stupid question, but I wanna be sure)

Kensai Only

Oh yes, if I started as a Kensai, what would be the best level to dualclass (?) in Mage?

Mage or thief are good choices. Mages since they don't use armour anyway, theives because one of the thief high level abilities is Use any Item: so you can use armour. Druids require insane scores to dualclass and the use of scimitars, but can be very good too.

If you dual- or multiclass, will you able to obtain two strongholds? (Again, probably a stupid question, I wanna be sure)

Not normally, but there are a few glitches. i think you cna have both the mage and the figther stronghold.

With the big metal unit, you increase in size. Does this affect anything, exept the inability to pass some places?
Armor class -10 is great, but if you can't go everywhere, that would make it less good. Does someone know how to counter this?

I'll have to pass on this one.

Also, my character seems to be slowed down by it (or can I better say, his boots of speed don't work?)
Is this normal (and is this true, or did it just seem so?)

Same here.

[Littiz]

First of all, I started as Kensai but don't seem to increas in power since I passed level 20

You still gain HLAs, Kensai's bonus every 3 levels, kai... AFAIK they're unlimited

Should I dualclass (or was it multiclass, I only know that it's the on that doesn't start at level 1) to mage, do I still keep al my abilities, such as being specialized in longswords

Rav is right, but if you're soloing or playing duo you could still make it

And as a Kensai/Mage, will I be able to use helmets and bracers?

No, but you'll be able to wear robes (Robe of Vecna is all you need) as well as Ioun Stones

Oh yes, if I started as a Kensai, what would be the best level to dualclass (?) in Mage?

9, 12, or 13
depending on party size, your goals and your patience