Right i have had this game for quite a while now but the thing is i have never got past chapter Two? It is not because i cant do it its just im a chronic restarter so now if a give you a list of just what i want will you be able to help me;

1) I will not dual class or multi class
2) I do prefere Chaotic Evil but that does not matter
3) I do not like my character to be too complicated
4) I like good strength
5) I like my character to be at the front of the group
6) I Heavily dislike enemy mages because of there spells
7) I like my Character to be headstrong so he will not backdown to a fight
8) I dont mind ranged but i prefere close combat
9) I like him to be able to use the really strong weapons

if I understand correctly you want to decide on the character to create yes?
taking the afore mentioned parameters in consideration I should say to give a try with a half orc barbarian or berseker.
You can do everything you said with anyone you want but the straight answer is HACK'N'SLASH EVERYONE!!!!
BTW what is so appealing in being CE?

I'd say halforc berserker dualweilding longswords, and then put some points in katanas if you get the Fury.

If you are CE, fight the guards as soon as you think you can take them and outfit your berserker with the Fullplate +1 that the leader drops. Should last you quite a while.

Can get Daystar quite early, and Flame toungue.

The weapons are your choice really but I like two handed ones more,like Two handed swords or halberds.
If you like dual wielding there are also some pretty cool axes that are available at the beginig of the game stonefire and frostreaver

I also read that a character up front taking the lead with a high charisma will boost up the morale of the members, meaning they won't run as much. sometimes I have Aerie with her charisma of 18 up front for these hack and slash suicide runs.


dual wield comes later if you put points into them thru-out. Read up on the penalties(that's why I said it should come later unless you can go for good swords early). 2 hand slash is simplier. I think it's one of the faster ways to get a double attack going too.

dual wield, you can only be up close. two hander, ya got an option to use a bow.

There is a chart you should read also to best make a tanker. it's the link in the thread under what weapons numbers mean.

Constitution helps on your hp gauge. You get a bonus for high con from lvls 1-9. it's a good link but the link is dead, you will need to get to the home page and look up the rules for the d&d stuff.

Half-Orc Barbarian, dual-wielding Flail of Ages and Crom Faeyr( Celestial Fury at first).

just thought i would mention when i say ranged i mean missile, i have no problems with the halberd in fact i quite like them