[Klorox]

I'm more of a fan of multiclassed characters rather than dual-classed ones. Would you consider playing that way?

With a HoF run, you're going to get so much XP that you'll max out levels. IWD1 has a level cap, not an XP cap (I think it's 30), so a Fighter30/Mage30 is going to be better than a Fighter13/Mage30. I know the grandmastery in weapons narrows the gap (maybe even makes dual classed characters better -- if you are using that weapon type), but the fact that you'll have powers from both classes from the beggining of the game should make the multiclassed characters superior. Also, I'll take ** in many different weapons over ***** in one weapon. In IWD, there are random weapon drops, and you might spend ***** in Axes, but the best weapon youo find is a Sword. That kinda stinks.

Also, I'm not a big fan of Paladins. The holy sword is good, but there are better swords and I think you're better off with another fighter or a multiclassed fighter instead of a Paladin.

This is my best HoF IWD1 party:

1)Gnome Fighter/Thief
2)Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger
3)Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief
4)Half-Elf Fighter/Druid
5)Gnome Fighter/Illusionist
6)Half-Elf Bard

1)I know you don't need two thieves, but when you have that evasion option enabled, the Gnome F/T is a tank (heaviest armor and all!), and a damn good one. He imitates an IWD2 decoy very well. I max out the Traps skill. While you can't disarm them with heavy armor, you CAN detect them. Also, you might find some great light armor, and he's first in line for this.
2)A great spellcaster, who can cast "Charm Animal" quite early (very useful if you play a "HoF from the start" game).
3)Handles all the locks, traps, ect. A good backup spellcaster, and is mostly used as an archer.
4)you NEED Druid spells in this game. They're just so good!
5)This is the main spellcaster. I have him wear armor until you get some decent spells.
6)I actually add the Bard after doing a few things around the town first (like killing a few bugs in the bar basement and a few goblins). I'm just an XP Whore, and a single-classed character doesn't need the xp like the others.