F/D multiclass or dual... which is better?

[Klorox]

With TotLM installed, I can see advantages to both:

F/D multiclass:

All abilities the whole game
30/30 maximum level
Better THAC0
No "weak" period of development

F9>D dualclass

***** in Scimitar
More HP
***** in Scimitar

Seriously though, which is a better character? Please keep in mind that I'll be playing with a 4 character party, so my levels will jump up a bit faster than a 6 man party.

TIA

[Crenshinibon]

I'd go with the dual class as, if they use a scimitar which grants bonus attacks, they carry over to the elemental form. You could potentially be a 27/30 dual class, but that's far from now. It all depends on when you want your druid part and what you'll use it for.

[Klorox]

If I go with a dual classed character, I'd dual at level 9, maybe level 13 at the most.

[Crenshinibon]

Do you plan to have your character in elemental form a lot? If so I'd suggest multiclass then.

Note that items that increase your attacks per round carry over to your other forms.

That's sufficient as the prime purpose of the dual class is get five points in scimitar.

[GawainBS]

I'd dual at 13. That 1/2 extra attack is neat.

[Aerich]

Dual class, unless you are starting from scratch on HoF. I prefer a multiclass, but I've been convinced that a melee-focused druid should be dual-classed.

It's a looong wait to regain your fighter class after dualing at 13. Are you playing on an elevated difficulty level (e.g. more than Core), or planning to do HoF with the same party after completing the game? Otherwise, I'd recommend dualing at 9. Earlier access to the druid spells, summons in particular, is worth a slightly lesser combat ability IMO.

You don't say what your other characters are, but with 4 characters it isn't as easy to "carry" a recently-dualed character, as you need your characters to pull their weight and, on average, kill more enemies each.

[ultramarine]

I'd play a multi f/d in a party of 4 because all the druid ability is available. Dualing at 9/13 makes a stronger character but I'd not go without a druid in the start/middle of the game.

Also depends how you use the druid. For me, i use her as a slinger and for spell casting almost all the time. So all i really need is f(3)>druid. I find the game easier this way though the character is nowhere as powerful as a f(13)>druid or a f/d in terms of melee.