Newbie questions about IA Options

[Dementia]

Hi everybody!

I'm new to Improved Anvil and have heard a lot of good about it.

I have a few questions before playing:

i) I see a lot of talk about playing mage or vagrant, but I really like playing some kind of cleric ie C/R or C/F or a pure cleric. Can I enjoy IA without playing vagrant or mage?

ii) I don't consider myself a very good tactician, can I enjoy IA without being too frustrated. I accept reloads. But I would hate to sit a whole day not getting further. I would skip very tough challenges like the slaver compund but otherwise follow the plot and most else.

iii) I do like the banters of NPC does IA change that?

iv) Will I have to make custom NPC's? I would prefer to use Bioware's NPC or a few other like Xan, Auren or Kivan.

v) I never played ToB before, well I remember years ago I tried the big dungeon (I don't remember the name) but I didn't come through. Will that matter if I intend to play IA?

ahh well I think I got most of my questions. Thanks for your help in advance

Dementia

[Dementia]

Hi

I understand that different custom PC's are advised. Will it wreck havoc if I change NPC ie like Jaheira to R/C or Auren to Berserker or is that perfectly doable?

I never played a blade, would it be better with a F/M?

My party (in progress in my mind)

PC Vagrant (human or elf)
Jaheira if I may change her stats give her higher con and make her R/C
Nalia
Imoen/ custom Sorc / Imoen
Auren as a berserker if I may change her or Valygar
Anomen

I'm unsure of why I shouldn't install the EoU part which allows me to put 5 stars in ie longswords for multis, can anyone help me here?

Dementia

[SpellStorm]

I never played a blade, would it be better with a F/M?

A Blade is one of the best support characters in your party formation. He's a decent fighter, great tank, and great buff/debuff character also, and can even pick pocket. The bardic armor upgrade is very powerful!

Later in the game, the Blade can use Improved Bard Song, Time Traps and Use Any Item to become even more powerful.

SPOILER!

If you delay a little to visit Mekrath, at the time your party manages to free Haer'dalis, he will have more experience and will join with two stars in short swords and in long swords too. Also, Haer'dalis has a good weapon upgrade. Look over the new item upgrades document.