I just beat the game and I have to say it has the best combat system in an RPG that I have ever played. I rolled a true neutral party consisting of: -A repeating crossbow wielding half-elf Bard -A dwarven axe wielding dwarf Fighter -A heavy mace wielding human Cleric -A dagger wielding/slingshot shooting halfing Rogue -A light crossbow wielding elf Wizard I was planning on starting Blackguards next, but I think I will just roll a new party. This time I plan on forming a chaotic neutral party leaning towards evil. I might choose the following party but I would appreciate some advice on it. -A fisticuffs wielding human Monk -A spiked chain wielding half-orc Barbarian -A (reach weapon) wielding human Fighter -A (? ) wielding elf Druid -A light crossbow wielding human Sorcerer So, for the human Fighter I am unsure which of the reach weapons I should go for. They don't seem to have any real differences, outside of the spiked chain. I am also confused as to which weapon the druid should go with when he's not in animal form, because I am not sure of the metal weapon limitations they have in this game. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
As long as you give your druid a martial weapon feat, he can use almost anything as a weapon. Otherwise it's just the simple weapon stuff, plus scimitars. The real limitation in view of all things metal is his armour.
To accomodate a monk you'll need your party alignment to be non-chaotic. Still, apart from your opening vignette it makes little difference: LN monk and CN or NE others in a 'TN' party would do it for you.
I prefer glaives as polearm, Although I hear that taking a ranseur might be advantageous later in the game...