Party for a first timer, normal mode only

[Klorox]

Please tell me what you think, and any suggestions on improvement:

1) Aasimar Fighter 4/Paladin X. This is my main tank. He'll also be there to do some talking (just not where a reward is involved! ) I took a peek at the "Ease of Use" mod, and there's an option to make the Holy Avenger sword a Greatsword. I'm going to take that route, I think, and specialize in it (that's what those 4 levels of Fighter are for).

2) Shield Dwarf Cleric of Tempus X. Another great tank, she also is a great spellcaster. Axes all the way.

3) Human Monk X. This is my scout, and will serve as a flanking tank-type. I understand they get really powerful at higher levels. I'm also considering a Half-Orc, Wild Elf, or Shield Dwarf here.

4) Halfling Rogue 2/Bard X. This character will hand all the locks and traps, and will do a lot of talking, as well as identifying stuff. Since the Bard class is a support character anyway, I don't mind so much on missing out on some levels.

5) Wild Elf Druid X. I chose Elf because they're natural tree-huggers, and the Bow proficiency will help out when not casting spells. Unless shapechanged, I think I'd like to keep a lightly armored Druid away from the front-line.

6) Human Sorcerer X. This is my firepower character.

[Philos]

I like your party Klorox

I am now wishing I had tried a Shield Dwarf Cleric of Tempus in one of my parties.

Everyone has their own style and perferences so I really hesitate to make any suggestions as your party looks pretty balanced.

The one real suggestion I just thought of is that you might think about giving wild elf druid a couple of levels as a fighter since you want them to use a bow. Having the bonus fighter feats can help with upping the bow proficiency and adding precise shot and point blank shot making your druid archer even more deadly.

Personally I am not a fan of the Monk class but I know they have a lot of cool features. I would probably have another tank so that my cleric would free to either cast a spell (or fight) during combat. Your cleric will no doubt be a good tank though. But that is just me. I am just musing and not suggesting.

Great party.

[Claudius]

1) Sounds good. Charisma affects saves and smite. Drawback: few spells

2) I have this guy in my party! And he is amazing.

3) I never played with a monk before but with stuns MR probably best mage killer
drawback: spells rule IWD2 and has none

4) I've tried such a char and the Rogue levels slow down casting. Rogue Wiz is also good as both benefit from int. Of course no song. Not a bad choice but not as much synergy as rogue wiz

5) Good choice. Install the mods to spells and shapes and become party mvp.

6) My favorite character.

[Klorox]

Thanks guys.

C-- I'm considering a single-classed Drow Bard instead of that Halfling Rogue/Bard, but I don't know how to make the character really work. Can a Bard handle all the thieving stuff? How do you distribute his stats?

Would I be better off with a plain Human Bard instead?

[Crenshinibon]

For a Monk I'd recommend an Asmiar or a Deep Gnome for the Wisdom bonus, the little one gets a nice +4 to AC and a Mirror Image ability. In the long run the extra levels will help you.

I wouldn't suggest going for a full Druid as they're not too strong. I think that you should either level him/her until they can turn into a Dire Panther or an Air Elemental and then go fighter for the extra THAC0.

Unlike in BGII Bards aren't really that powerful, in my opinion at least. I'd probably go for a level 12 Sorcerer and get Tenser's Transformation as the level 6 spell, then add a level or so for Paladin to use a weapon that I won't mention and gain the bonus of high Charisma, if you want you can add a few levels or Rogue and Fighter for attack power, dodging and skills. Alternate between the classes in such a way that the feats fall on the classes you want them to get. For example, every time you would get a feat you'd choose a level of fighter so that you can complete the weapon specialization. So, ideally you should have no more than three levels of fighter. Because of the fighter class you won't need too much strength because of another item you can use so I'd stick a few points in Charisma if you feel your saving throws are lacking and then alternate between Dexterity and Constitution. Note that you can save your skill points so think carefully of what class you want to make use of them.

See, in IWDII you have to build on character's strengths. For example, a priest would have a lot of Wisdom, so it would be a good idea to give him a level of Monk to take advantage of the Wisdom Bonus. Same goes with Bards and Sorcerers for giving them a Paladin level to Improve Saving throws.

[Klorox]

Giving a Bard a level of Paladin would be tough.

But I understand your point... thanks a lot.