I just got this game last night and will start my adventure tonight after work. my question is for those that have had the game for a while.

I've played DOS1 and went lone wolf and while fun, got board quickly with having a limited team.

This time I am going forth with a full 4 person (3 NPC team)

the question is:

Any suggestions on must have skills/characteristics? I normally play as a ranger with rouge abilities or as a Mage (fire/earth in past games) and find my tank and healer along the way.

any solid starting skills that are a must have i need to know about? I hate getting 20 hours in only to find out the base charter is flawed and can't survive acts 2 and on. Any idea/help appreciated. Thanks.