Try Paladin, they have Lay on Hands (won't heal much but it's something) and they use heavy armor and weapons. I didn't kill Firebead though, he's a good guy and I'm a good guy so I really didn't think it was very nice. Killing him is TOTALLY out of character for a paladin though and it'll lower your reputation to the point that, if you go any lower you'll lose Paladin status.
You might also try to be a thief or thief hybrid and backstab first thing to get 1 really powerful hit in right away (Fighter/Thief or Fighter/Mage/Thief would probably be the best bet) to weaken him and then hack away at him (or cast a spell if you have it and then hack).
The last thing is to try and try again. If you lose, reload and try again, that's the only reason I ever beat this game

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-Jafin
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I am Jafin, arch-mage of the HADB clan!
[This message has been edited by Jafin (edited 08-30-2001).]