[Aerich]

Combine the wizard and rogue for a few reasons. First, they have complementary stat needs (Dex, Int). Second, it gives you the rogue skills you need without using an entire character for it. Third, it gives you a spot for another spellcaster, which is more powerful than a pureclass rogue, especially in HoF. Non-spellcasters have less fight-altering options than spellcasters. If you're going to HoF, you will need those options.

The ECL will make a difference, but the tradeoff is worth it. Keep the drow; magic resistance and the extra stat points are worth it. Your wizard will be a lower level as a wizard than the remainder of your troops, but a pureclass cleric and a pureclass sorc can cover off most of the early magical needs. You wizard will be a secondary caster through much of the early game, but should take off in the second half.

Edit: on the plus side, a drow means that your average party level will be lower and you should get more XP.

[ 12-05-2005, 02:02 AM: Message edited by: Aerich ]