@Ubereil: The Valkyrie is very useful. But you can recruit one pretty early in the game and, as far as I know, she will stay with the group throughout the game (if you want her to).
A Rogue is useful but may also be recruited. He won't follow you everywhere though.
If I'd start the game all over I wouldn't go again without a Psionic (or someone who learns the Psionic spells).
My Dwarf Fighter is priceless. He's always in front, has the best armour and crushes everyone and everything <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" /> The spell casters support him with "Guardian angel", "Heal" etc.
My Party works fine:
Fighter
Lord
Valkyrie
Rogue
Ranger (finds items!)
Mage
+ recruited Psionic and Valkyrie
