BigAl,
First off, you cannot dual class a paladin.
As far as being prepared for battles goes...use invisiblity or the hide in shadows ability.
SCOUT ahead with one character and then you have a
much better idea of what you are facing.
Battles are quickly won by the first party that does MASS damage to the most opponents as possible. Any area of effect spell is a must. If you know where the bad guys are, blast them before they know where you are. Eventually they will come whining to you. Blast, chop, shoot, whatever you have to do then. Area of effect spells are essential when you first start the game (newbie).
Try charming your opponents. They kill each other and you can watch.
The "q" key is a lifesaver. Quicksave. If you think it's about time you saved, don't think about it. Just hit the "q" key.
The THAC0, saving throws, etc. are just numbers. If your character has a THAC0 of 10, he needs a 10 (out of 20) to hit an armor class of zero. THAC0 stands for "To Hit Armor Class 0 (Zero). If the armor class is below zero you add the negative number to your THAC0 (you can change the settings so you can see the combat rolls) If the armor class is above zero you subtract the positive number from your THAC0.
example.
fighter THAC0 10....Opponent AC 8
you would need a roll of 2 or better to hit your opponent. (positive armor class = subtract AC from to hit roll)
same fighter
fighter THAC0 10....Opponent AC -8
you would need a roll of 18 or better to hit your opponent. (negative armor class = add AC to to hit roll)
As far as saving throws go...Each class has different base saving throws. Anytime you have a plus to your saving throw it helps. Any time you have a minus to your saving throw it's bad. Every saving throw and attack roll is based on a 20 sided die. 1's always fail. 20's always pass.
[ 11-08-2001: Message edited by: Mitro Jellywadder ]