On Icewind Dale: a treatise on winter warfare by Gruntboy
In summary, there are a few key tactics and concepts.
Know your enemy
Find the weak spots. Match your strengths to their weaknesses. Scout first and draw them out 1 by 1 (not so effective in HoW!).
Concentration of force
Take out ememies 1 by 1. Concentrate all your firepower to take down 1 enemy, then switch. The bad guys will be tackling your characters 1 on 1. You'll cause more damage as their numbers dwindle.
Combined arms
Balance is important. Be flexible and combine attacks - magic to attack and priest spells to defend whilst archers support front-line characters from afar.
Terrain
Use the terrain - bridges etc. - to even the odds. Don't be afraid to retreat (trade space for time).
Attack is the best form of defence
You'll never win if you don't kill them. Dealing out damage is more important than not taking it. Likewise, the "offensive-defense" is crucial. Form a defensive line, let them come to you. Protect spellcasters whilst impaling the enemy on your defense. Works every time.
Create a balaned party. Slaughter you foes. Reload often. But above all, have fun
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Hope this helps.
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Its shocking, Foul. I was happily spamming away when BAM! a serious discussion broke out.