[Tancred]

Funny... I always went for a very 'balanced' approach but the result was a very powerful party indeed, given the right increases and equipment. I had:

THE VANGUARD

Tancred, my Paladin
Minsc, everyone's favourite hamster lover

By the time these two had reached maximum level, they were wielding Carsomyr and Warblade around like dervishes. With the right armour each had an AC of -8, not bad at all. Plus, each of them had the ability to heal - Minsc could also charm animals, while Tancred could Draw on Holy Might and generally apply pressure to posteriors everywhere. Minsc was usually armed with a decent bow, making him an okay shot for those times when you just needed every shot you had. Then, there are...

THE JACKS OF ALL TRADES

Sir Anomen, a pious loser
Jaheira, a tough nutess

Jaheira I had major problems with. I was barely able to get her lo level 14 in either Fighter or Druid class. However, her spells made her an excellent choice for battlefield support against Mages, throwing Dispel Magics, Insect Plagues, Zones of Sweet Air and the ultimately necessary Find Traps. Wielding Blackblood, a powerful club, and wearing serious armour, Jahiera could serve as a useful fighter to fight alongside either Tancred or Minsc. Anomen, on the other hand, was easily able to fight well once the problem of his low DEX was countered - with a flail or warhammer he generally killed lots of things. Both had an AC of -9, and both had a powerful sling loaded with +2 bullets, making these two the cornerstone of my offensive artillery. Both are replete with healing spells, making them also the party's doctors.

THE REARGUARD

Imoen, the squeaky thief/mage
Nalia, the nasal thief/mage

Both of these were more or less the same character. However, as Imoen entered the party rather late - and Yoshimo had filled in as Thief for much of that time - Nalia was quite an able mage by this point. Imoen was loaded with low-power spells, leaving Nalia to work on her powerful abilities, while Imen was also given every piece of thief-enhancing equipment I could find to try to turn her into a reasonable thief. Once Imoen got hold of Elven Chainmail and Nalia the Robe of Vecna, the magic missiles came thick and fast... Imoen was also armed with a powerful shortsword, giving her mediocre backstabbing ability, and both had a powerful shortbow. Long-range support were the tasks for this bunch.

In the end, this party proved quite able, having a broad mix of abilities and the occasional specialisation that made for a dynamic and effective team. Usual tactics saw Tancred and Jaheira cut left, Minsc and Anomen cut right, and Imoen and Nalia holding the centre with spells. It worked for me, so I say - specialisation isn't everything.

Tancred

It's no good. I can't think of anything funny to say.