Hi & welcome from a fellow newbie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> .
No real advice for building characters - still learning that myself! (Currently have about 6 skill picks saved because I cant make up my mind <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> ). You'll find most everything you need to know on this forum - it's one of the best of I've seen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />.
DAD has a good point re the scorpions - they can be lifesavers in a tough fight.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" />
You mentioned playing M&M - just wondering if you ever tried Wizardry 8? Similar style to M&M, only far better (IMO <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> ).
