[Aerich]

I go for power and versatility. The party as a whole should have one offensive and one defensive tank, several potent spellcasters, and enough other abilities (rogue skills, identifying, dialogue) to get by.

Generally, I like to have at least one offensive and one defensive tank. An offensive tank is your typical tanker, optimized for dealing big damage in melee. It could be a Ftr/Warrior combo or a cleric with one level of Ftr (to begin; add more after getting to at least cl lvl 20). A defensive tank in my setup has to have evasion and spell resistance, with Expertise a big plus. I commonly use monks here.

I have to have at least one sorceror. Not only is the class overpowered, it's also more adaptable in combat than a wizard.

I generally have at least two divine casters. As with all of my characters, they have to be able to do other things. One is often a meleer, and the other may be optimized as a sniper.

The main party that I'm currently running is almost finished the Severed Hand and is as follows:

1) DG Monk13/Illusionist1 - defensive tank. Hardly does any damage, but doesn't take much either. Will go to Monk20 then put the rest in Illusionist.

2) Pal3/Ro3/Wiz10 - offensive tank but can also be defensive in a pinch. Slow to develop as offensive tank, so was an archer to begin.

3) Barb1/Druid16 - pure offence, as spellcaster and melee. Spirit of Flame, Scion of Storms, GSF: Evocation and Transmutation. I have the shapeshift mod but am not using it until HoF, because it's waaaay too powerful for the normal game.

4) Pal2/Sorc15 - pure offensive caster, except for Stoneskin and Mirror Image. GSF: Ev, Nec, and Ench.

5) Pal2/Cleric15 (Lathander) - 14s in Str and Dex, so is fill-in as necessary for ranged and melee combat. A healer with some offensive ability. Spirit of Flame, GSF: Ev and Ench

6) Ro2/Bard14 - talker, skills, singing, and support - if I had this one to do again, I'd make it a Bard11/WizX.

Notice that 5 out of the 6 can handle themselves in melee in the normal game if necessary. Three of the six are major spellcasters, with the other three being able to contribute a little (the Monk/Ill uses wands for buffing) at present and more as the game goes along. I've also got three characters with GSF: Enchantment - arguably the best spell focus type for HoF.