The special range attack could be "Go for the eyes, Boo!"
I like your idea for Companions coming with a certain number of levels which cannot be touched I love your lvl 3/7 split sugestion.
Still, I think that Minsc should be "Sir Not Appearing In This Movie".
Jaheira? In spite of Fighter/Druid being just as silly today as it was over 25 years ago, I'd still want it. Maybe lvls 3/3 when recruited? Maybe with baked in Ankheg Armour, Medium Armour, AC 15, +3 DEX bonus, usable only by middle aged female half-elves with Russian accent.
Origins as party members - I'd like like to see fixed race, backgrounds (these two we have already), starting stats, and 1st class. Shadowheart could have a "special" i.e. a change of Domain and Deity if she makes certain choices, on top of a new 'do and dyejob.
