Can't remember Coran. It seems like he is better than Kivan since he (Coran) has *** in Bow and Kivan only ** in Bow + Coran's Charisma is way higher.

But it takes a long time before you can get Coran, because he's only available when you enter the Cloakwood... Ergo: problem, because I haven't even entered the Nashkel Mines.
The party now consists of:

Juin'nay (Paladin; Level 3)
Minsc (Ranger; Level 4)
Branwen (Cleric; Level 5)
Imoen (Thief; Level 4)
Dynaheir (Invoker; Level 4)

I kicked Jaheira out for Branwen, and thus Khalid left too.. Stupid #@*$(@!! He dies sooo quickly, but I have the advantage that nearly everyone in my party is currently wielding a magical weapon:

Juin'nay: NONE (Bastard Sword +1, +3 vs. Shapeshifters?)
Minsc: NONE (Spider's Bane, probably)
Branwen: Warhammer +1 (+ electricity damage IIRC)
Imoen: Short Sword +2
Dynaheir: Quarterstaff +1

All is going fairly well, beated some tough enemies, but I'm looking up against the Nashkel Mines, because they take so long! [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img]

Ahh Cloakwood! That's why I can't remember him + didn't want him in the party.

[ 06-16-2003, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: Jan ]

If you want some temporary muscle, or permanent if you want, Ajantis is a Paladin in First Farm (north of FAI). I had him in my party last game and he's pretty good... don't know if you'll want to keep him around long since you're already a Paladin, but he's good for a sub until you find someone else. As long as you have a thief you can avoid most of the battles with Askhegs in First Farm, plus he's only a little north of where you first enter the map.

if there is a choice don't get khalid he is so weak and i condider minsc a must. he is the best tank by far. Also Dynahair is a good mage and i consider branwen better that jahira because jarira wastes exp on her fighter level when (personally) i don't use her for fighting at all.
I usually use this party when i'm a warrior:
Me(warrior)
Minsc
Ajantis or kivian (ajantis if i am ranged Kivian if melee)
Dynahair
Branwen
Imoen.

It is possible i think to get either jahira or khalid on their own by killing the other one if you want.

Thanks for all the kind replies; I've formed my party now, and it consists of:

Juinnay (PC, Paladin, Level 6)
Minsc (Ranger, Level 6)
Branwen (Cleric, Level 6)
Coran (Fighter/Thief, Level 6)
Imoen (Thief, Level 6)
Dynaheir (Invoker, Level 5)

Pretty good, if I say so myself. We've already done the Nashkel mines, and the Bandit Camp, all going pretty well. I've explored allmost every map in the south (with the exception of Durlag's Tower and some other maps), and waltzing through the Cloakwood right now. Didn't have much trouble with the spiders themselves, but Cereol (the fat spider queen) did take a few times, because I forget to rest before entering; no fireballs, magic missiles etc. so that was kinda hard, but eventually I did it [img]smile.gif[/img]

Haven't had any real problems when talking about enemies yet. Everyone went down pretty smooth, although I come to hate the Black Talon Elites respawning a couple of times, causing havoc amongst both Imoen and Dynaheir... Aargh! How luxurious it is to cast Raise Dead in Baldur's Gate 2!