[Sir Heinrich Godfrie IV]

I really hate to critique someone else's party when it is their first time playing through this marvelous game.
But, if you want to be spoiled (to a degree atleast) then I will.
Spoilers, well sort of.....
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
First off, if your main character is going to be partaking in primarily ranged attacks, then you probably do not "need" Kivan and as you will discover later that Immoen is very well suited for using a cross-bow (note: there's a kick arse crossbow at the shop in Beregost).

Secondly, I would recomend that you ditch that tree-hugging environmental wacko named Jaheira, as she is very limited in her usefullness as both a fighter and or a spell-caster. It's been awhile since I have played the game, as well as having Jaheira in a party, so I can't remember all of her limitations. But from what I can remember, her only uses were throwing "rocks" and distributing "Good Berries", oh - and complaining a lot!

Thirdly, you asked about mages, I would strongly recomend for you to acquire a mage. Now as for the "best" mage? That's open to debate. But most people would say either: Edwin, Xzar, Dynaheir, or Quayle. I personally would recomend either Edwin or Quayle. However, if you aspire to keep Minsc in your party, you will not be able have Edwin, as they are sworn enemies (if I remember correctly). Oh, and you certainly do not "need" a mage to beat this game, but it can make it easier to do so and it can make it a bit more fun.

Anyways, just experiment a bit, you will eventually discover that this game has seemingly endless possibilities. That's why it has such high replayability and that's why it is a classic. Dare I say the best CRPG ever made! [img]smile.gif[/img]