I will probably use a custom character so the game feels more like BG1+2.
I want only companions in my party, no mercenaries.
I am sure there will be more companions than the ones already known.
Probably I will use a bard of lore, a skill monkey with many spells.
High cha and dex and criminal background so I am good in casting, talking and the typical rogue skills.
When your main char is good in many things you have more freedom in selecting your companions.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Mad S. Tist

World leading expert of artificial stupidity.
Because there are too many people who work on artificial intelligence already