The secret Vassago is to look at how many character classes you have/will have in your party. That way you can work out how high a level each will get to. Thus, if you know that you'll get up to 15th level with your paladin, you'll get an extra 5 proficiencies to spend. Also, you can only get to specialisation, so the other points can go elsewhere.

If you have a character make sure each one has some blunt and missile capability. Missile in particular early on in the game; that skill never loses its use. So, if you start your paladin, you might want specialisation in mace or large sword (one proficiency in the other) and a point in bows, crossbows or missile weapons.

IWD has been very kind in that unlike other games there are a few good items in all of the categories. Clubs have some good stuff, and this is rarely used by anybody - most of the time its taken because you're high level and you have the additional point to spend.

Mace would be good for you early on, but don't worry as by the time you get to it, your paladin will most likely have specialisation in large swords anyway. The trick then is to find the wretched sword. Many miss it the first time. ;)

I think if you are going to use a paladin, you should have lowered your intelligence to a 3 and raised your wisdom to an 18. The reason for this is that low intelligence, except for a mage or bard, has no bearing on any other character. All it affects are your ability to copy scrolls. Wisdom, on the other hand, affects your paladin because he will eventually learn cleric spells. Wisdom allows you to learn more spells. I also think it affects your saving throws. You will want to specialize in long swords because there is an awesome sword for paladins that gives a +7 against evil creatures. Hint: The sword will not be blue so you don't have to identify it. You just have to equip it.

Thanks for the tips. I've decided to nix the idea of adding an additional party member. My little party of three are doing just fine. I was able to clear out everything in the Vale area except for the Vale before having to rest.

<font color = mediumspringgreen>Vassago,

I asked the same question as you did when I was in the Vale; as my Paladin was definitely the most lackluster adition to my party (of 6). The advice I got was that the Paladin's mods to saving throw and ability to turn undead make him really shine in the latter part of the game.</font>

why not try to play the game with 2 or 3 players only. you have more experience (levels up quickly) and more exciting. try a tank (a palladin, a fighter, or a ranger) then a cleric (dual to fighter) and a mage (dual to thief).

I only have 3 (4 if you include my multi as 2).

If you want my opinion (and you may not but you'll get it anyway) stick with what you've got. From what you've said above, you've taken character classes/races that you really wanted to play rather then covering all of the options, or optimising for performance. Power to ya brother.

Wisdom affects saving throws against mind affecting spells (symbols of fear/hopelessness/pain, charm spells, hold spells (not entangle or web), etc) an 18 wisdom gives a +4 bonus

Paladins and Rangers DO NOT get bonus spells for high wisdom, only Clerics and Druids