Recommended Party Composition Options

[Kraitok]

This will be my first time through and I have a question about setting up a party. From what I've heard, melee tends to be the way to actually kill things late game, while your casters are more of a debuffer and utility class rather than damage dealer right? With that in mind, what would you recommend as a basis for #fighters, mages, clerics? Keep in mind, I prefer to play a thief but it just doesnt seem like a good idea at this point.

[Kraitok]

I thought about bringing Nalia, but I honestly just can't stand her character. I've never given Valygar a real shot, so maybe I'll bring him along this go round. I was really hoping to use a set of Bioware NPC's but perhaps I'll do a mixed set instead. We'll see how anomen holds up, if I don't get him chunked for being an ass. I'll give your suggestion a shot and perhaps do a mix of each. 1 other quick question regarding shadowkeeper. I don't really find a need to change stats or add items or anything, but will it mess anything up if I change an NPC's class? I.E. Barbarian or Berserker Minsc? I'd rather use him vs a custom PC but if I hit bugs.... well, no thanks.