[True_Moose]

Well, you'll want to go one of three ways. There is the idea of using a bow. Problem is barbs, aren't exactly sharpshooters. But bows are really important at low levels. Another way would be sling/sword and shield. I really think this is the most preferable way to combine punch with defense. Even though there are better bows than slings, the extra AC from a quality shield is worth it. Last way is dual-wielding. I suspect you should move to that in BG2, because your AC will be more important in BG1. Finally, go for either longswords, or be cheesy, kill Drizzt and go scimitars.