fighter2->mage dual?

[mistered]

I have been using a dual fighter2 -> mage successfully. It gives the mage a good bow and weapon with (++) skill. I wonder if there is any down side in the set-up?

[Redrake]

Then why not take another level as a fighter so that you could put 3 proficency points into bows? For fighter/mage dual class, is usually better to make it at levels above 7. I do it at level 7 or 9 or most likely 13. At level 7 and 13 warriors get a extra 1/2 attack/round.
Dual-classing at level 2 is not worthy IMO, you are better off taking an elf fighter/mage if you want the bow.

[kmonster]

Although I dualed after 9 levels to get an extremely powerful character dualing after 3 fighter levels is the way to go for having most fun.
Dualing after 2 fighter levels is nearly as good and still far more powerful than starting as a mage whom I still prefer over an elf fighter/mage multiclass.

[Aerich]

There's no down side to a low level dual class if all you want is a mage with a bit more ranged power and a few more HP. I would definitely go to lvl 3, for the extra HP and the extra proficiency point. The difference is a mere 2000 XP, which is nothing. A mage's spell selection is very limited until reaching Kuldahar anyway - unless you're using a mod - so you might as well have a character capable of actually killing something in the very early game.