I ran a bishop in my first two games, one 6 and one 8 person. So I'm trying my hand at a 4 person right now-fairy ninja, Felpurr Monk and Sam, Dracon Valk. I really wanted to learn how to work up the hybrid's magic, and with a bishop, I used all the buff spells to work him and not my hybrids. I don't believe in ad-nauseum training, but do cast the buffs whenever I can and stuff. I'll tell you-it's a heckuvalot harder than my 6-man parties, but by the time that I got to Trynton, I had very few challenges with either of them. Somehow, I don't think that's going to be the case with these guys. Arnika road kicked my butt the first time through-sending things like 6 highwaymen or 20 ants, 5 acidvines and an ironweed. I'm enjoying the challenge, though, and I really miss my bishop.

Way beyond trynton. I've kinda to go thru the game as straight forward as possible until now, and it shows in the level. Done all Umpani and T'Rang quests 'xcept the last one for both. Basically what I got left are rapax rift, a certain tower in arnika, some small errands and then it's ascension's peak... Tho I'm planning to get some more levels before that. IIRC SE Wilds was a good place to gather some xp, besides I haven't done the hard fight there yet...

I prefer to train skill instaed of getting exp. so I always go to arnika road and fight with critters there. the monster there don't give much exp so you can really train your skill properly.

Am running a 4 hobbit party, sam, valk, 2 bishops. Only real challenge has been initial run [and I do mean run] down arnika rd.

Currently level 26, just getting ready to head to ascension peak.

One bishop specialized in wizardry and psi, the other priest alch. Saved 3 spell picks for each for the level 7 break through. Didn't train their alternative schools well enough, so they still only have levels 5 and 6 spells in their 2 non-expert schools. But both have over 400 mana in 5 of the 6 realms, and I've learned some spell combos that are super useful: death cloud 7 with hex 7 running can clear a battle field very fast.

Knowing which spell books can be had where so picks aren't wasted on crappy spells is crucial, as is a LOT of money.

3 of the my 4 can summon elementals, all 4 can teleport... Very handy!

They level SO much faster with 4 than 6!

They've spent way less time dieing than my last 6 party all beast group.

Oru

More spells! Low hp can be compensated by guardian angel and/or the surroundings and formation.

Personally, I like divinity spells a whole lot, but also offensive damage spells that alchemist and mage has to offer.

Some of these combos given above for 4 seem intriguing, I personally go for the variety:

Felpurr Samurai
Faerie Ninja
Mook Ranger
Dwarf Bishop

The Sam, Mook and Nin are starting to get many crits at lev 12.
I took out the big rat (Barlone) at 11 but it was tuff. I used a dwarf Bish to avoid the hit point dearth at the beginning, but she has only 60 points at lev 12 now. I think I will work more on strength. I am cheating, somewhat, in that I have Vi and Madras (Trynnie Gadgeteer) to help. This is my second 4-party. The first party I rarely used NPCs, maybe Vi for a while. I like going up quickly but appreciate the extra help. The 4-party seems ideal for second or later times through the game! It is more challenging but manageable.

I went back and started again, and changed my party this way:
Dwarven Lord
Faerie Ninja
Mook Bard
Elven Bishop

I'll change the bard to a fighter at L18(not too distant future). I'm at Marten's Bluff now, and they're beginning to rock.

I found it a little easier going with the Bard than the Gadgeteer, plus he'll get that yummy sword when he switches to Fighter, and then he'll be able to do some nice damage when he isn't playing his instruments.

Has anyone else noticed that sometimes you just have a few fights in the Swamp and other times it seems like you can't walk 4 feet without getting into one? I got *really* tired of it this time through, but at least it netted my group some great XP.

Well, I didn't have the balls to run a 4 person party, but i am running a 5 person party. I also spent 1 lvl as rogue training stealth up to at least 90 for each character (as i had nbever tried that before. Running on "normal" mode (or whatever the middle difficulty rating is). My party:

Hobbit - Samuri
Fairy - Ninja
Mook - Ranger
Elf - Bishop
Gnome - Gadgeteer

Liek the post above, I am running into very large groups of foes both in Monestary and on the road to Arnika (20+ ants, 10 highwaymen, 8+ slimes, etc.), which is good for experience but has been challenging. I have just completed all the little missions in Arnika, and I am headed back to the Monastary to get the treasure in the locked crypt.

On a side note, can anyone point me to the list of potions an alchamist can mix to make better and more valuable potions, please. I only remember a couple recipes, I need to know what skill lvl in alch I need to try other combos (first time trying the alch for profit trick).

BB

Jandrall's site has one:

http://www.geocities.com/jandrall/

ive allways run a 4 person party... and they work pretty well.
lord, samurai, ninja and monk
lots of bash potential
nicely covers all 4 magic realms
usually make the lord a dracon, and the others humans or best race for class.