[Klorox]

I've noticed that many people play this game with a full 6 member party, or alternately choose to play solo. Personally, I think a 3 or 4 person party is optimal.

You have a little less micromanaging than a full party, but you're still getting some good dialogue. You can easily have all "the bases" covered with a party of 3 or 4. And you'll advance in level faster than you would as a full 6 member party.

It's also a fun option to play with 3 or 4, and have a rotating spot for another character to do all of the sidequests associated with certain NPCs.

The first time I completed the whole series (from BG1 to the end of ToB) was with a character who played SoA with a 5 person party, and had a 6th rotating spot for all of the other NPCs and their sidequests. When I got to ToB, Sarevok completed the full 6 person party.

The most smooth party I ever had was with a dwarf F/T PC, Kelsey (a 3rd party sorcerer), and Anomen. The game got too easy though.

The last time I picked the game up I had a Gnome F/M, Jaheira, Anomen, and Imoen.

I think I'm going to go with a party from BG1 next, using the "assumed party" from the beginning of BG2. When I get to BG2, I'll just use the people you meet in Chateau Irenicus. I'll probably play a Half-Elf Fighter/Cleric/Mage. It seems to fit that party very well, and a smaller (4 person) party supports a triple classed character very well.

Anyway, I've rambled quite a bit. What is your optimal party size?