[Cerek the Barbaric]

I just went over to GameBanshee (which is finally FREE AGAIN!!! [img]graemlins/yippee.gif[/img] ) and looked over the various classes. My first BG2 character was a Wizard Slayer and I really enjoyed him. He was patterned after my 1st Edition PnP barbarian (who were notorious for not liking mages).

Since you're considering a fighter/druid, how about trying the Beastmaster Kit. You get Ranger fighting abilities (dual wield), weapon specialization, druid spells, extra Animal Summoning spells, and lots of other goodies. I know you like the Shadow scale, but there are some nice suits of Leather armor available fairly early in the game.

Armor of the Deep Night +4 (purchase from Ribald)
Skin of the Ghoul +4 (+3 bonus to Save vs Paralyzation/Poison) - found in Cult of Unseeing Eye
The Night's Gift +5 (+20% Hide in Shadows) - Reward from Minister Lloyd in Umar Hills for defeating Shade Lord
Shadow Armor +3 (+15% Hide in Shadows - found in Mae'vars Guild

All of these would help your Ranger with his Stealth skills. Then use Tuigan's Bow to attack opponents from a distance while your animal companions get "up close and personal" to them.