[Cerek the Barbaric]

Welcome, McKirsten.

Personally, I like Valygar. Of course, I just like Rangers in general.

I think Antonius has the best suggestion. You can tell MOST NPC's to wait for you at the Copper Coronet and then go back and pick them up if you want them later.

I'm on my first trip through, too, and I was worried about getting the "perfect" party. Then...I finally realized that you can keep swapping the NPC's around.

I dumped Minsc and Aerie when I went to get Valygar...but then I left Valygar behind and took Minsc with me to get into Spellhold.

BGII is extraordinarily sophisticated in its design, storyline, subquests, and romances. I've decided to keep a few permanent members...Jaheira for the romance thread, and probably Imoen when I rescue her.

I haven't found a great deal of difference between Keldorn, Valygar, or Minsc. Depending on how you equip and use them, they can all be very powerful. The same goes for Aerie, Imoen, Jaheira, and Nalia. I think all of them are interchangeable depending on their equipment.

I don't particularly care for Mazzy, Cernd, or Haer Daelis...although some people really like each of them. Once again, there is enough equipment in the game to make ANY NPC very powerful.

BTW, I left out Korgan, Viconia, and Edwin because they are evil...however, all 3 are considered to be the VERY BEST in their respective classes from the beginning.

So play around and mix it up....and see who you like.