[allstargoaly]

Kudos sultan. Mordenheim the other thing you should consider is positioning of your characters.

If you go Fighter, Ranger, Bard, Priest, Rogue, and Mage; then use this formation->

Front: Fighter Rogue
Outside: Ranger Bard
Middle: Priest Mage


If you go Fighter, Ranger, Bard, Valk, Rogue, and Mage; then use this other formation->

Front: Valk Fighter Rogue
Outside: Ranger Bard
Middle: Mage (and maybe even Valk)

The idea is that you surround the magic caster(s). This way their low vitality doesn't become subject to close range (melee) attacks. Also the reason you COULD put the Valk in the middle, is due to extended weapons. The Valk has a bonus for polearms (which are extended weapons). Even from the middle, the Valk can be affective for close combat.

My personal favorite magic caster is the Bishop. Because you are trying to learn the ropes, the Bishop probably isn't the right choice for a beginner (I think sultan would agree). However, the Bishop can learn every spell (all four books/ Psi, Priest, Mage, and Alcem). I takes four times longer, but I believe it is worth it (only do it when you think you are comfortable with the game).

As for sultans suggestions (which for the most part I definetly agree with) for classes and professions this is what I think...

Fighter/Dracon or Lizard
Valk/Human or Lizard
Rogue/Hobbit (definetly)
Mage/Faerie or Elf
Bard/Human, Elf, Mook, or Hobbit
Ranger/Human or Mook

The reason a Lizard/Fighter is most often used is for the Lizard's other resistances. Yeah it has a couple negatives but so does the Dracon (and the Lizard has more resistances than the Dracon). However I still agree with sultan... Dracon/Fighter is my favorite (seeing how you get 60 points to use!).

Valk is a toss up. What ever suits you better (negatives but strength with Lizard or well rounded no resistances Human).

Rogue is always a Hobbit (60 points). I mean you could use use a Faerie but Hobbit is definetly the best choice.

I do think that Faerie is the best choice for any PURE magic caster. The Faerie has many down falls but makes up for them with magic ability. It can't carry much, low HP, can't uses specific weapons (or armor). The positives are high MP, natural MP regeneration (regenerates faster than anyone), and a lot of starter points (50 for a Faerie Mage!!!) An Elf is a good choice but I still like Faerie/Magic Caster.

A Bard is, like the Valk, up to your liking. I use Huamns, Elves, and Hobbits. I usually use Mooks for Gadgeteers (by the way, a Gadgeteer is something you should look into using because there are a lot of gadgets to be use and found in wiz8; and by the way, why don't you have one in your group?).

Mooks are naturally good at using ranged weapons (they make good Gadgeteers and Rangers). Again, I don't use Mooks as much. Humans are the better choice. I honestly think that the Humans are the best characters because they don't have negatives (but don't have MANY positives either). They are the most well rounded and their skills are much higher in the beginning (compared to the Mooks).

My personal best combo was...

Fighter/Dracon Human/Ninja
Human/Ranger Mook/Gadgeteer
Hobbit/Bard Faerie/Bishop

Well that's my 2 cents... I hope that I helped. GOOD LUCK!!!

[ 10-15-2003, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: allstargoaly ]