Party 1:

1) Human Paladin
2) Gnome Fighter
3) Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger
4) Half-Elf Fighter/Druid
5) Half-Elf Bard
6) Human Thief 7 > Wizard


Party 2:

1) Human Paladin
2) Gnome Fighter/Illusionist
3) Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger
4) Half-Elf Fighter/Druid
5) Half-Elf Bard
6) Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief

I think I'd pick number 2.

<font color = lightgreen>Go with party 2 and make sure to play on HoF, or merely insane if you don't want that much difficulty. [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img] </font>

I'd agree, #2 is clearly a bit stronger in a long game. It also avoids the difficult T/M dual class, in which timing is everything. It is also slightly more balanced for archery, as I assume your F/M/T's fighting contribution will be mostly with ranged weapons.

#2 is also quite similar to my party that's rocking HoF (insofar as that's possible).

In contrast, #1 gives more melee punch with a SC fighter and stronger magery in the mid-game. #2 has stronger archery and is more versatile. If not playing on higher difficulty levels, be prepared for the F/M/T to level up at most once per Chapter. ;)

You'll have to drag me kicking and screaming into ANY party that can't have Grand Mastery. Party 1 and 3.5 APR for me.