Another new gamer - thoughts on party

[Vassago]

My Rogue:

Vassago Strongheart Hafling Male Rogue X/ Fighter 4 Chaotic Evil
13/20/15/14/10/4
Skills: Pick Pocket (Dex), Search (Int), Disable Device (Int), Hide (Dex), Move Silently(Dex), Open Lock(Dex)
Feats: Ambidexterity & Two-Weapon Fighting
Weapons: Small Blades & Short Bow

2 levels Rogue, 4 levels Fighter and then rest Rogue

B/c I chose Strongheart Halfling, I get an extra feat for the first level so I can get Ambidexterity & 2 Weapon Fighting right off the bat. I will also have him specialize in Small Blades and take Weapon Finesse. I'm not planning on using him as a sniper w/ a bow. I'm going to throw him in the mix of things. Thru the prologue, he will focus mostly on pickpocket b/c he's CE and wants to rob the town blind. After which, I will focus more on Search & Disable Device.

[Nightowl2]

Humans also get an extra feat at first level, so a human rogue could easily start with ambi/2weapon fighting. And then you could dual over to any other class and not worry about penalties.

Triple classing isn't worth much here. A regular party of 6 averages about level 16 at game's end. A smaller party will be a little higher. So you can see that none of the classes in a triple will go very far.

The only multiclassing I've ever done was to give my fighters two levels of rogue so they have the evasion ability.

Nightowl2

[RedballUK]

Finally, I'm there. Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Its been helpful to know that I'm not too far off the beaten track with my ideas and even though I've not taken all the advice, this has helped me make my decisions.

They are:

1) T'kanis - Drow Bard (leader) - [10,16,10,16,8,20]
This guy is pure curiosity. Drow, b/c I cant help but love the ability bonuses and hope that as leader will open up some interesting dialogues. I'm hoping his daytime penalties dont drag too much. Lots of forced marches at night I guess! As for going with a Bard, I thought the Drow's abilities matched the class quite well, the high charisma is good for leader (obviously) and yet again, I've never played one (either CPRG or good ole paper RPG). Skillwise, the obvious talking skills + 'Knowledge(arcana)', 'Use magic device' and a little 'Pick Pockets'. Went for 'Lingering Song' to stay in character.

2) Ygraine - Human Paladin (Semi-tank/utility) - [16,10,12,8,14,16]
I just cant not have a Paladin. Compounded by rumours of holy avengers. Back up talker, tank and healer (later on). Took 'Herioc Inspiration' and 'Power Attack' having put some in Concentration, Bluff and Diplomacy.

3) Boragin - Shield Dwarf Barbarian (Tank) - [18,12,20,6,14,6]
Last minute change here. Have been settled on Half orc for ages, got curious and then loved the little blighter. Planning on getting Fighter(4)/Barbarian(X). Wasn't sure whether to start Fighter or Barbarian. I'm assuming that when I take 1st level of Fighter, will get bonus feat and extra Armour proficiency then. Took 'Concentration' (like the sound of 'Maximised Attacks') and Wilderness Lore (is this really a useless skill?). Decided on 'Extra Rage' as I'll pick up the Fighter stuff when I take levels in Fighter. Also keeps in character.

4) Talia - Human rogue (Sneaker-Sniper) - [12,18,10,16,10,10]
The plan is open on this girl. Main priority is to maximise those Rogue skills and benefits. She's also got to be good with bow and I'm keen on picking up some of those Rogue fighting feats: 'Weapon Finesse', 'Arterial Strike', etc.. Decided to pump up her ranged attacks first. Took an extra slot in Bows and gave her 'Rapid shot'. That may be where I leave it on the missile front. Ranger or Fighter? Still not sure. I'll probably take 4 lvls of wahtever I choose (helps on the HP front as well). I like the feel of Ranger lvls over Fighter lvls. More in line with character and not so power-gaming. Tonnes of skills, all the obvious + a little 'Alchemy' and 'Diplomacy'.

5) Kaelin - Tiefling Wizard (Nuker mage) - [8,18,14,20,12,6]
I'm not overly enamoured with mages as a whole but do appreciate their place in life. However, this guy I really like. The first mage character I've had that I'm keen on playing. I think that Tielfings make awesome wizards. Deliberated at length about making him a specialist, but just couldn't live without any one school of magic. There's always one spell somewher that you just HAVE to have. Went with 'Courteous Magrocracy' and 'Combat Casting' after lots of A'Alchemy', 'Concentration', 'Knowledge(Arcana)', 'Spellcraft' and a touch of 'Diplomacy' (to take his edge off).

6) Adara - Aasimar Druid (Healer) - [10,12,14,10,20,14]
Why no Cleric? Well, I've always taken Clerics in the past and reporst suggest that Druids in IWD2 are vastly improved. I've always been curious about playing a Druid and look forward to some Shapeshifting. More 'Wilderness Lore' and 'Concentartion' with a touch of 'Animal Empathy'. Decided on 'Combat Casting' over 'Forester'.

Well there it is. Comments (criticism and praise) welcome. I'll let you all know how they turn out. I'm hoping that they'll handle the HoF later too.