I decided to pick the game back up and play through again. I'm actually playing through with two game (Good Sorcerer is one, Cavalier is another). I pretty much know what composition I want for the sorcerer (Me, Aerie, Anomen, Yoshimo-->Imoen, Minsc, Keldorn (mainly because I've never used him yet)).

However, with the Cavalier, I am a little torn. Current composition:

Me, Aerie, Nalia-->Imoen, Yoshimo (kept only because Nalia couldn't pick a lock if it opened itself), Anomen, Minsc

Once I get upgrade thieving items (Ring of Lock Picks especially), I plan to boot out Yoshimo (probably use that opportunity to pick up Valygar to open the sphere, which gives me access to the Ring of Danger Sense; this will allow Nalia to do the thieving work until I get Imoen back). However, I am torn with who I should replace Yoshimo with, and am thinking of ditching Minsc as well (other than my Neutral Berserker/Cleric, he has remained with every party I have played until the end). I like Minsc, but have never played with either Mazzy or Valygar (usually boot him out after opening the sphere). Thus, I have two slots, and three characters (I don't want Keldorn simply because I am playing a paladin myself, and have already devoted 2 slots to two-handed swords and 2 slots to two-handed style).

So, should I keep Minsc and take either Mazzy or Valygar (and if so, which one?), or should I drop Minsc and take both Mazzy and Valygar? Thanks in advance for responses to this post!

I wont spoil anything, but, Mazzy and Valygar develop a special relationship in the game. Quite entertaining to watch.

+they are both very good chars to have, I don't have much experience with valygar, but I do with mazzy...And she IS very good:D

I would recommend giving Mazzy a try. She can be a very good archer or a very good tank depending on how you want to use her, although to be a effective as a melee fighter she does need a strength belt/girdle.

I am planning on being the main tank in my party, but getting a strength belt is no big deal to have her back me up (plus, she has a great dexterity). I guess I will go with Mazzy.

However, this still leaves the question of whether to go with Minsc or Valygar. Minsc is a better tank, but Valygar has backstabbing (and Anomen can be a solid enough tank once you get the Gauntlets of Dexterity).

valygar is a great tank too. give him the celestial fury in his main hand, and his family blade in the other and he tears everything to shreads.

Doesn't his lack of armor get in the way? Of course, you could always throw shadow dragon armor on him, so I guess that gets around that. I guess I will give Valygar a try, since I have never used him before.