Did this game ever continue? I'm interested in trying out an Avenger (but not soloing), and remembered about this thread.
I plan on playing through BGI with Tutu first, and will either play as a Human or as a Halfling (it just works role-playing wise, and I'd just switch with Shadowkeeper).
If I play as a Human and max STR (16), I'll be able to dual into a Fighter after getting that STR tome. But I don't know if it'd ever be worth it.