(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]

Thanks guys. Even if a Pally's casting level caps out at 9 (and for some reason, I don't think that's right... I seem to remember casting it and getting 25's in all stats with a Pally), +3 to STR, DEX and CON is a sweet buff.

And da-yum, Prot. from Evil lasts a long time for them. It's practically a permanent +2 to Saves and AC. Do they get additional castings at higher levels?

BTW, I've just gotten to Khuldahar in my game, and boy was it a struggle. I didn't venture north of the tower yet in the Khuldahar pass (I'll buy lots of plate mail for my tanks before going there), but I can only imagine that part being difficult. The game got a lot easier after my Cleric got Animate Dead, and my Druid got Call Lightning.

I've used the spells Charm Person, Grease, and Entangle more that I've ever done in at least 5 or 6 years of playing cRPGs. Oddly, the 2nd level Druid spell, Charm Person or Mammal doesn't seem to work for me (weird that the arcane 1st level spell works just fine).

Just for clarification purposes (since it's changed a few times already), this is my party:

Human Paladin
Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger
Half-Elf Fighter/Druid
Gnome Fighter/Illusionist
Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief
Half-Elf Bard

I cheesed out a few XP tricks in the beginning I'd like to share as well: I started the game with only the 4 multiclassed characters. I did the bugs in the tavern basement, the drunk man quest and handed the fishmonder's son a fish bone (gnomes get one if you get offended when talking to a townsperson) before adding the paladin. With the Pally's 18 CHA, I bought some equipment and killed the Wolf in the Shop. Then, I finally added the Bard to talk to the dreaming dude and the sirine before taking on all those goblins.

I know it doesn't make too much of a difference, but I feel I needed all the help I could get in getting the multiclassers off to a head start in XP

This post has been edited by Klorox: Feb 4 2008, 12:29 PM