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[Goph]

Oh, and here I picked S&S. Yay me. I just figured since my main guy was going to spend the whole game with a sword and shield, I may as well pick that. Anyway, on my main guy I've got my weapon (bastard sword) and S&S maxed out, what would be good to take next? I was just going to add Long Sword because I figure I'll encounter a lot magic long swords that might be good . . .

[Goph]

Actually, I thought of a couple of other questions -- I would've expected the expanded critical range to be the big draw, because that was always a popular goal in NWN. It's less useful in BG2, I take it? Is it because there's less opportunity to further expand the range? Also, in two weapon style, does it matter what you put in your off-hand, or can it be any one-handed melee?

And thanks, I appreciate your putting together that summary for me.

[Grond0]

With your weapon there's a big difference between 1 and 2 stars, so you should aim to get 2 for those weapons you're intending to use. The extra critical chance is a big incentive - that's one of the main reasons for taking 2-handed weapons instead of 1-handed. However, this won't normally be enough to make a single weapon a good idea (giving up a shield or a second weapon). There are no restrictions on second melee weapon use (beyond those normal for the character). As I think I mentioned you will want to look for weapons that give you specific bonuses (rather than just being a good melee weapon) to use in this slot.

[Goph]

So playing a 2-handed weapon is generally preferred over S&S or 2-weapon? If I want to stick with my one-handed weapon choice, would I be better off picking the 2-weapon style instead of S&S? It's just a holdover from NWN, but I always think of AC as THE stat to max, so my instinct is to avoid losing the shield . . .

[aries1001]

@ Goph

You can max your AC with other things than shields in BG2, amulets, rings, plate mail - helmets.
Like in BG2 bows and slings are handy here. So you can pick a sword and a bow style say.

I think (although I could be wrong?) is your thaco - meaning to hit armour class zero. And the lower your armour class the harder it will be to hit you. Unfortunately, many encounters in BG2 will have you meet enemies and monsters that have about the same armour class or lower than yourself and your party.

Also, you'll need to remember that you're not on your own. You have friends that'll help you

[Grond0]

I wouldn't say that 2-handed weapons are generally preferred - just that for those who take them the critical hits on 19 is an advantage. Dual wielding or sword and shield are both good choices and you can swap between them depending on the type of opponent you have. The advantage of being able to use a shield is not just the lower AC, but specific resistances or immunities, e.g. equip shield of harmony if someone is trying to charm you.

[Humanoid_Taifun]

1) Extra criticals is not that much of a deal. Most important enemies have helmets which completely negate criticals and for those that don't, you can count yourself an extra of ~5% of damage on average, which is not that much of an advantage.
2) AC is capped at -24 (or -26 if you are going with the single-weapon style). If you can reach those depths, that's good, but only bards or swashbucklers can do that without sacrificing too much (mages needn't even bother since they can be immune to everything if they so wish). But the AC bonuses from shields are generally not worth the sacrifice in BG2.
3) Dualwielding vs two-handed weapons. In theory, two handed weapons deal more damage per hit, but unless you are using GWW, you'll have fewer attacks per round and any +X dmg/hit bonus (like the Kensai kit or strength) will therefore shift the favor towards dualwielding. Also, the second weapon slot can give you a lot of bonuses. Strength 25 from Crom Faeyr, or another extra attack with your main weapon from Belm or Kundane, or protection from certain things (mind attacks/missiles/death magic...).
As a non-warrior character (singleclass thief, bard or cleric, two weapons are really better in terms of damage. For warriors both options are viable, while the power-gaming route usually lies with dualwielding (but depending on the situation, you'll still want to switch weapons sometimes).
The combinations of Flail of Ages-Defender of Easthaven, Axe of Unyielding-Crom Faeyr, Celestial Fury-Belm (SoA combination - can be completed in chapter 2) and Foebane-Kundane can be very scary.

[Humanoid_Taifun]

Addition to #2:
Forgot to mention that AC will usually improve slower than THAC0, so after BG1 you should slowly stop putting too much importance into it. Once you are in ToB, most people will be able to hit most others 95% of the time.