A strange observation, and (for once) NO spoilers

[rah_pillage]

I'm getting attached to NPCs and having a hard time sending them on their way. When i run into another NPC with skills that are just better or seem to fit my tasks, its like pulling teeth to tell the old ones to "hit the road".

I keep telling myself its just a game let'em go. But Its still hard.. I just get to like certain NPCs... like Keldorn and Mazzy.

My parents officially penciled me in for a Friday morning appointment with "their" shrink.

[Illumina Drathiran'ar]

Then don't accept new NPCs based on stats if you feel bad letting 'em go. Hell, the only time I do the game without Jahiera or Imoen is when I'm playing an evil character. The game has immense replay value, and that includes forming an entirely different party the next time through.

[krunchyfrogg]

It's hard to find properly aligned characters better than these two at their jobs (tanks).

[Cam_H]

Te he, I'm more inclined to attack them than to keep them; Uncle Sparky, Boo, wing-less-ness, my sparrow ... aaaaah!

It's the NPC's that are sending you to the shrink!

Once again, I agree with Illumina - great to be able to chop and change with an array of new party combinations ... and while I'm so agreeable, I'm with krunchyfrogg on the value of Mazzy and Keldorn. Keldorn's pretty much a regular in my parties, while Mazzy is a terrific NPC that would get a better look in if she weren't in an area that had so many draining creatures (she's not quite as accessible for brand new parties as others).

[IronDragon]

I know what you mean. I just started a new game with the idea of taking characters usually pass by, Cernd, Aerie, Jan but having escaped chateau Irenicus I’m standing among the promenade rubble with Jaheira and Minsc and I just can’t tell them to take a hike, and I feel guilty about even considering dumping them.

[krunchyfrogg]

Why not keep that party then, ID? You, Minsc, Jaheira, Cernd (these two are bound to have interesting banter), Aerie and Jan.