@Chrest: Thank you for the input. What advantages do bows have over Xbows exactly?
@Manu83: Although D:OS offers a great versatility what you can do or be, it also rewards specializing in one or two things you will be
really good in. Since our group is just level 11 in our first (and probably only) playthrough, I can't say how important specializing is in the levels above 11. But we'll eventually find out.
As said before, you can compensate "weaker" builds with tactics and preparation, and you shouldn't focus too much on your performance at the beginning of the game when any character is but a shadow of his or her later capabilities.
That said, I would advice against spreading your points too thin, e.g. for more than 2-3 roles in a group of 2-4 characters, after all. If you don't plan to switch out npcs much, you could even give one of them the crafter or blacksmith role, as I did the latter with Jahan.
If you don't fear spoilers in regard of skills, you could go the other way around: Look at
all of them, pick a combination you like and
then think about the personality and style such a person would have. A kind of reverse-engeneered roleplaying.
I guess the Geo-Ranger is already off the table after your
later post in the other thread?
edit: As for your mage's fear about hurting you: Well, then she has to be more careful.
(and you too) Additionally, that's what the "Avatar of …" and other protective skills are for, as are numerous items that give you elemental resistances.
