Ok I'll try not to spoil you.
* Why not go for a second Bishop instead of Alchemist? Such a bishop can still mix potions and can still cast Alchemy spells while silenced *plus* all the stuff that make bishops so great.
* Since you loathe practicing, a 3-spellbook bishop will hamper you. Normally such bishops increase their realmskills by practicing and recasting their spells, which you don't like. On the other hand two two-school bishops will have 3 skill points per level to spend on their realm skills.
* Arguably, 4 of the top 5 weapons in the game are swords (the 5th one is defenetly not an axe). So I'd really go sword for the fighter too.
* I would defenetly *not* take any RPCs, 2 RPCs = -25% combat EXP for your main guys.
* As of how does Alchemy work. You can mix two potions to produce a better potion if they are mixable and if you have a high enough alchemy skill, same apply to some powders and bombs. Complete list of mixable stuff available on request. As I said works fine for non-alchemists.
Hope it helps.
Edited: On an afterthought you could start with an Alchemist if you will, but class change them either to a Ninja or to a Bishop at level 18. If you intend to go for a Ninja make sure to make him a Faery and make him practice staff and wands
[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: Warhammer ]