WELCOME!
Just to add to Wulfere's comments:
Yes, it is a good idea to auto-maximise hit points. Saves a lot of trouble.
There are several things you can do in Easthaven before you attempt the Caravan quest. Walk round and talk to people to get minor quests. There are 4 I can think of off-hand. These should take your level up to 2 for most of your team, and will gain you a few items to sell plus a little cash. Before you go out of Easthaven MAKE SURE you have given your team the best armour & weapons you can afford. Also, make sure they all have ranged weapons & ammo, even if they don't have skill points allotted to ranged weapons. This is especially important for Mages, Bards & Thieves.
Attack tactics: Have your Thief go into Stealth mode and walk ahead till she sees an enemy. Now, have her shoot the enemy ONCE and run back to the team. The enemy will chase her and the team can shoot him from a distance. If he gets close, use melee weapons. This 'shoot and run' tactic works pretty well! You will sometimes get more than one following your Thief, but rarely the whole lot of 'em. If things ARE getting too hot, have the WHOLE team run for the exit, get outside, and heal 'em. If not enough healing spells, then just rest till healed and go back in.
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[This message has been edited by Fljotsdale (edited 05-31-2001).]