I've decided to have another go at HoTU this week. I started with a druid(5)/monk(4)/shifter(6) build in order to try out the dragon shape - and make use of the monks unarmed attacks. This character was OK against the lower level ogres/drow etc using the manticore and drider shapes - but got totally minced when it encountered the dragon on lvl1.
I quickly changed tack and tried a paladin(2)/sorceror(9)/rdd(4) - this faired a little better - although I get the feeling the dragon will have no trouble with this character either.
I'm pretty sure I am probably spreading the levels too thinly at this point - although I feel its better to be weaker earlier in the game than later on.
Basically I'm after a powergaming character that I don't have to work that hard with. It would be nice to have some variation in gameplay - ie a strong mix of magic and melee.
I have in the past used a pure sorceror - imported from the original at lvl 20 which I quickly got bored with as he was too high to level up with any frequency.
Avoiding the dragon is not an option - any suggestions on gameplay or a new build?

How about epic builds (http://nwn.bioware.com/underdark/character_builds.html) from BioWare site?

I guess a Monk/Druid would be fun to play. Maybe Bard/RDD. Paladin/Sorcerer for sure. Ranger/Monk/Weaponmaster perhaps. Or Sorcerer/CoT (battlemage type). Fighter/Wizard/Arcane Archer for the elven classic touch. Bard/Weaponmaster, a bit like 2E's Blade kit.

If you're talking about the same dragon I think you are, I had two different approaches. My preferred method was to use my monk 12/rogue 3 to sneak in, disarm the traps, unlock the locks and take the treasure. My Bard/RDD/AA, though, just opened fire and was able to slay the beast on the second try, IIRC.

I've heard that something along the lines of a Sorc 3/Monk 2/PM 10 could be very tough later on. Though it doesn't have a very high AB, it's AC and Crit Immunity should be helpful.

I changed to a Monk8/Druid7 character - and took Deekin with me. THe fight was much easier - stoneskin helped me here as well as a couple of summons. Not sure whether or not this is recommended elsewhere - but common sense indicates this should be a good build to use. It seems to be reasonably fun to play so far.

Holy <self-censored>, that "Versatile Kensai" looks like a freaking god of destruction...

Pure mages, pure clerics. . pure single player ownage. After all, what says "I love you" better then an maximized greater missle storm ;)