don't play a mage/sorcerer your first time through. even if you've played bg1 the spell system can be very frustrating initially until youve learned the whole rock-paper-scissors of the spells. you might want to try an archer as you can hide, kill from a distance, have lots of hp's and a few spells, and play a class that no NPC is.
dont ask "who should i have in my party". this game was funnest (most fun?) the first time i played because i was absolutely clueless and making decisions on the fly. you'll be a savvy vet soon enough; enjoy the innocense while you can
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