To start with, take Khalid and Jaheira (they´re not too good but they come handy at the beginning of the game, you just need people). Then go to High Edge (west of Beregost) and pick Kivan (he´s very good). Now head to Nashkell and pick Minsc. If you can go to Nashkell mines you´ll find a mage there (i prefer Dynaheir over him but dunno if you have the gnoll stronghold area).
About multiplayer, select "multiplayer" game, then in the connection type choose "serial" and then "create game", and "new game". Now a screen will appear where you can create 6 characters for your party.
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"I´ve been captured... and I don´t care" -Ertai, Captive of the Blinding Angel