I decided to create a multiplayer game (to be transferred to single player), the other day. I thought to myself, hmm-an archer would be fun, and a sorcerer most useful. For the heck of it, I created two archers, a sorcerer, and a tank. This party was incredibly fun. I would have the archers armed with Grand mastrey in longbows (and with longbows too) and the sorcerer with melf's minute meteors. Irenicus's dungeon was a breeze, as was the battle at the inn in the Promenade. My enemies fell before my shafts and flaming rocks! The tank didn't do much, just held off some of the enemies in the more cramped areas, like the upper level of the Seven Vales Inn. MUHAHAHA!

I bet that's quite easy...Maybe too easy I bet.

Just one possible problem - traps!! I hope that your tank is extremely tough as without a thief he'll be setting off all the traps accidently.

I suppose your main character could summon a familiar and that might have trap detection. Remember only the main character can have one and they vary depending on alignemnt:
http://www.sorcerers.net/ubb/Forum2/HTML/001305.html

Alternatively you could always use a summoned monster to lead the way and 'discover' traps for you.

Of course later on you can keep Imoen in the party for trap duty.

Indeed, a little bit tough without thief. I would advice not to give both archers longbow-grandmastery but give one crossbow (giant hair) or short-bow grandmastery (Gesen Bow is pretty good, maybe better then the best longbow)

I'm playinbg with the current party .....

Half-Orc Berserker
Human Inquisitor
Half-Elven Ranger/Cleric
Elven Archer
Elven Bounty Hunter
Half-Elven Cleric/Mage

I am running through things pretty easily now. I had no idea the Inquisitor was so good. I used to always suffer from confusion attacks. Now I just protect him and use him to dispell any group effects. It makes battles much easier.

Also, the Bounty Hunter is worth his weight in gold. I use his traps functions very often. I don't rest and reuse but I certainly take advantage of the ones he has.

Anyway, that my party now. Next time I am going to make a weird party and see how that plays.

I´m playing a good all-tank party now and it is great:

-Donaldus, halfling cavalier
-Keldorn, human inquisitor
-Jaheira, elven mc fighter-druid
-Mazzy Fantan, halfling fighter (best archer char in the game)
-Minsc, human ranger
-Imoen, little sister and dc thief-mage

I haven´t really had to much difficulties till now.

And where is "now," that you are having difficulties?

My "Current" party

Me - Elf Fighter imported after compleating BG 1
Viconia - Cleric
Korgan - Berzerker
Jan - Thief/Illusionist

Ahhh Almost any combinations are somewhat genious.
To find the most flexible party I have tried following:

2 FIGHTER/MAGE/THIEVES.

I have them wearing no armor. One wearing bracers of AC3 and one wearing robe of Vegna(bonus merchants)a They can also wear the neclace which grants immunity towards level drain. Level drain is of paramount importance in the game. Further they can split up the thieve's job. If it gets critical they can jump in a full plate and help my

2 BESERKERS
I just hate imprison spells/maze spells this is also fun to have two beserkers competing in their bloodlust.And You asked 4 a fun party) And its nice with two "tanks" as people here tend to call fighters. (a more balanced player would be a paladin.. But its possible to live without undead hunters and Carsomyr. and/or killing Kangaxx)
I also have
1 CLERIC
They are nice to have back there. At later stages they are so nice with their 5-6-7- level spells. Especially without regenerating stuff.

And finally I have a
BARD-SKAlD
Just for the fun. Playing the tunes of heroics from the rear. Also good way to spend him as a scrollcaster and wand-user. plus his Levelbased-spells are quite great.
I find it nice to have a third spellcaster.

I hope this brought some ideas to You. I have never been bored playing this party, as there are numerous of ways to take on the opponents.
Good Luck in Your search

I forgot to mention that I often use my figher/theif/mages as Archers. One crossbow and one shortbow/longbow. There are so many nice arrows and bolts just waiting to be used around the game.
[This message has been edited by Nobleman (edited May 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Nobleman (edited May 10, 2001).]