(IWD1) HoF mode from the beginning Options

[Klorox]

I'm going to give it a try, and I'm brainstorming party ideas now. here's what I've got so far:

Gnome Fighter (GM in Axes for a great AC and using the boomerang axe)

Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger

Half-Elf Fighter/Druid

Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief (basically, I'm using him as an archer who can open locks and disarm traps. Since he'll always be in the back-row, I figured he doesn't really need armor so why not throw some spellcasting ability in there as well?)

Gnome Fighter/Illusionist

Half-Elf Bard

I'm not too sure on where to allocate weapon proficiencies (other than maxing out ranged weapons for all characters ASAP).

I also know that Paladins are usually pointed at as being great for HoF mode, but I think that's because of being able to cast "Prot. from Evil" on themselves so often. I figure a single classed Gnome fighter can wear that gnome/halfling helmet for a better AC bonus, and can also be a more offensive character since he can get GM in a few weapons.

This is still in it's planning stage, so I'd really welcome comments/ideas/criticisms. TIA

[Klorox]

I'm not convinced with my Gnome Fighter/Thief either. The evasion is a sweet ability, but I think some spellcasting would really help in my tank/decoy's role.

I've decided that I want a spellcasting tank, and I've narrowed it down to a few different character types. Please tell me what you all think would work best:

1)Human Paladin. She'll have the best saves of this group, most HP, and a darn good AC (their Protection from Evil ability stacks with both the divine and arcane versions of the spell... this means you can get a +6 to AC if she invokes the paladin ability, and a Cleric and Mage both cast the spell on her). The ability to Lay on Hands on herself is also quite beneficial, because it's the fastest way I can think of to regain HP in HoF mode (very useful on a tank!). DuHM is also a great spell here.

2)Half-Elf F/M/C. This character would rely heavily on spells to protect herself. She could also heavily increase her melee damage & resistances to damage.

3)Half-Elf F/M/T. This one would gain the great evasion abilities described above, but would be lower in HP than either of the above.

EDIT EDIT EDIT:

I made up my mind just by laying the info out above. The Human Paladin is my best option. Another advantage I failed to mention is the fact that she's single-classed, which means that only the Bard in the group will advance in levels faster (she'll have the most HP by far, as well as a better THAC0). Since a Pally should be in the front anyway, it makes purchasing items easier (since she'll have an 18 CHA), and in the few surprise encounters there are in this game, I'll already have my best speaker there.

BTW, how long does a Prot. from Evil from a Paladin last? I know it's a really long time, but I'm just not sure how long.


This post has been edited by Klorox: Feb 1 2008, 03:42 PM