[Zerephel]

No one recomends a Bard because Bards are pansies... but that just my opinion, not that it matters. But anyway i like using one character , two or three at max, the game is faster and more enjoyable to play for me when i don't have a large party of a buntch of weenie lvl 6's.
To choose what kind of party you want you should determine what kind of fighting style you like.
Magic is more of my thing so i like playing with Mages and Clerics.
If you like to attack straight on for a toe to toe combat, then you would want barbians and fighters with maybe 1 or 2 clerics.
If you like to sneek around and all the wilderness stuff, then rogues and rangers are your best bet.