Welcome to the boards, Arsales. May your travels in the Gael Serran bring you riches and fame.
For characters, you can check out the best tips thread for other peoples' opinions (mine included, IIRC). In general, I set warriors to be barbarians ASAP, and keep priests and wizards as they are until I get the 7th level spells I want. I don't do rogues (barbarians can pick locks and disarm traps), so I don't worry about what they do next
There's no right or wrong way to play the game -- only choices. Some people enjoy balanced parties, while others enjoy taking on a challenge -- say, a solo pixie rogue, or something like that. Whatever party looks good to you right now, go for it and play that party.
Some things do make life easier, so let me offer a few vague suggestions:
1. Level 4 vine spells are really important (one in particular). Make sure your priest gets to that level sooner rather than later.
2. Only rangers can learn fletchery, and it's a guaranteed money maker. Be sure to get it.
3. When stuck, look around. Handles, levers, switches, and other such things are often in the area, although they might be hard to see.
4. Remember... they... will... hunt... you... down... Just deal with it [img]smile.gif[/img]