[StarVid]

I haven't played IWD and HoW in forever. So long that I've forgotten everything (as it should be ) I found ToTL so I'm going to try that too. Anywhos, this is the party that I'm planning:

Human Paladin, Long swords and Maces
BLANK
Human Fighter(3)/Druid, Scimitars** and Daggers***
Dwarven or Halfling Cleric, Mace and Sling
Human Thief(7)/Mage Short sword, Bows->Sling
Half-Elven Bard Xbow, 2H swords, Halberds, other 2H weapons

1) I'm dualing the thief because it's usefulness caps out at level 7 obviously. Doing it this way lets me play with all the other classes. Once my mage catches up, it won't be a problem, but what do I do in the meantime? I know the mage will level (relatively) fast, but still, I'm sure I'll get some traps and locked chests along the way and I have no idea of how to handle them.

2) Will my druid be able to use heavier armor and shields once she gets to level 4 and passes her fighter class? Otherwise, I might have to multi-class her, but I'd rather not do that as she'll level slower than I'd like. Also, I know I should put lots of points into daggers. What should I specialize in for a secondary weapon? Should it be a Melee weapon or some missle weapon?

3) What should I do with my Blank spot. I was thinking an elven ranger (for the extra attack), but I'm really not sure. I bet a dwarven fighter could tank well, but really any fighter class would probably do. What would round out this party the best.

4) Overall, how does this party rate. Not with effectiveness (I could have taken a party of bards), but with well rounded-ness (which is my aim for this party). Are my weapon specializations distributed well? How about racial distribution? Any other general comments?

5) Lastly, what does phasing do? I remember there being weapons of phasing and I have no idea what that does to a target. Random teleports? What is it?

Thanks in advance for any advice.