So, I never managed to finish Original Sin 1 due to time, but I'm wanting to give OS2 a real go. But I'm kind of getting a bit of choice paralysis because I'm scared of messing it up.

So if someone would be kind enough to answer some of the questions I have it would really help...

1. I really play RPGs for story, character and exploring the world and less for systems. Therefore, I was going to go with Explorer mode - are there any reasons I shouldn't do this?

2. A lot of the guides are basically saying that the only way to play is 2 Lone Wolves - but I feel like I will miss a lot of what I'm looking for in a game like this. Are 4-character parties still viable and fun?

3. I've read mixed things about whether you need to go all-physical or all-magic. Some people say you gimp yourself with hybrid while others say that is not the case now the game is in full release. Which is it?

4. Any suggestions for what a decent 4-character party would look like? I've heard that tanks basically don't work...so would it be 3 DPS and a healer or 2 DPS and 2 support? Should I focus on range or melee or go for a split the difference approach?

5. Despite my love of story, I really kind of fancied playing a male elf. How much story do you lose by not choosing an origin character as your main?

Thanks for reading all this - thanks even more if you're able to answer some or all of these questions :)