Kagain is the perfect fighter. If you also cast "strength" twice onto him he has 18/00 strength, 18 dex and 20 con. With **** in axes, axe+2 and throwing axe +2 later he can become really impressive.
I'd keep Garrick until the cloakwood mines are completed, on the way back exchange him for Eldoth whom I'd only keep until the blackmailing is complete. Afterwards get Tiax, it's always good to have the future ruler of the world in your party.
