I can answer one of your questions

I've never played BG, I skipped straight to BG2. Ask me any question on that game and I can answer it. I don't know the answers to most of your questions but I can answer this one.


3) How effective (or ineffective) are two-handed swords?

Thing to remember is that you get 1 attack per round period (at least at this point in the game). In 10 rounds, you will get 10 attacks with both a slow two handed sword and a fast little dagger. The speed factor determines which attacks first in a round and doesn't really matter IMHO.

The question of 1 handed weapon/shield vs 2 handed really depends on the weapon. If you have a really nice 2 handed one, use it. If you have a nice 1 handed, use it. All things being equal however, S/S wins over 2 handed.

At high levels, most of the damage comes from the sword's enchantment and your str bonus both of which are independent of base weapon damage. The higher damage sword will do a little more damage and produce some awesome criticals but the added AC/magic of a shield outweighs this completely.

There are people here with much greater knowledge about D&D then myself and if I am wrong, I am sure they will correct me.

Korror (Blade solo story still in Underdark. Blade solo attempt finished)