[Sir Krustin]

As one other posted, it would help if you chose a class first!

If hack and slash is your thing, think about the kensai (fighter)
If they have high enough stats, they make a kickass melee fighter even without magical weapons. My kensai routinely dishes out 25+ hp per blow. The main drawback is you can't use armour, shields, or helms. This means you'll have to rely on your dex, potions, spells, and magical rings/amulets to improve your ac.

The archer kit can work too, if you want to stand back (esp. if you plan on dualing to mage later) just make sure you have a tank to block for you.

Personally, I thought the Bard kits weren't worth the effort. My strategy with Bards is to use them for pickpocketing and casters, to supplement both the
mage(s) and thief(ves) in the party. The bard kits, as I recall, all reduce those capabilities in favour of other advantages. YMMV.