Thanks for all the tips chaps - especially to Lepto and DaveG for their extended advice and ideas, much food for thought indeed! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
Go easy on the item spoilers and stuff though, I'm keen to play with as little foreknowledge on what is coming as possible, without power-gaming too much unless I'm forced to.
Hence I'm avoiding the bishops at least to begin with...
Here's what I've settled on to start me off. I think I've been a little influenced by both my memories of playing Bard's Tale III and Might and Magic II on the C64 for some of my class choices.
Dwarven Fighter (Decided against the Lord for similar reasons mentioned...)
Dracon Samurai (I'm pleased that this choice has some background credentials! Although I considered a Lizardman for awhile also.)
Felpurr Ninja (Named after my cat, Ebon. Have read that dual-wielding will add to critical strike potential, so am curious.)
Rawulf Priest (Gone for bless/heal to start)
*Mook Bard (Unsure on the precise build
*Elven Mage
* - Indicating that the status of these two choices is still a trial period only. May swap them for a Hobbit Rogue/Ranger and the Mage for as Nightwing offered, an Alchemist. Alternatively, I'm hoping there's an npc or two I can have to fulfill at least one of these classes. I'm not too concerned about xp spread, it'll just mean I'll have to play for longer!
As to my play expectations, I'm just happy enough to play it through with a fun party of my own design and see everything for the first time as if I were a child.
Anyway, once I fix my display problem (see that thread for more info) I'm ready to start exploring the world!
Cheers,
CD