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Ok, I wiped my HD recently and wizardry 8 was the first thing I reinstalled. I wanted to go with a new party formation this time as the last party I had was a little lopsided. My fighter killed everything and didn't leave alot in range for the rest to hit. Anyways, I plan on sticking my lizard fighter out front, dual wielding swords and maces and using a shield on the big guys in the beginning. In the middle I have a ranger, gadgeteer, and ninja shooting everything in sight. In the back is a bard and a bishop casting boosters and the odd damage spell.
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FWIW I usually put ranged specialists like the Ranger and Gadgeteer (and Ninja if I want to build up Throwing & Sling) in the back, and put the casters in the middle. Ranged shooters in the back row don't turn forward when they shoot (though they do if they use a melee weapon), so they're still facing backward in case something moves around to/sneaks in from the back. Also, the Gadgeteer is usually holding a shield, as is the Ranger until the Giant's Sword shows up. They're just as effective at shooting from the back row as from the center, and they're a much better rear guard than the caster types. Also, most caster types will be carrying a Staff (or maybe a Bullwhip), so they can still "reach out and touch someone" from the center should you be so inclined.
I suspect that in a relatively magic-light party like this ("magic-light" in the sense that the focus is pretty clearly on hitting, throwing, and shooting for damage rather than casting damage spells), you'll find that the Fighter is still doing most of the killing. The shooters & throwers will get the occasional Instant Kill, but otherwise they won't be generating hundreds of HP of damage per round; your Figher will be.