I've always used vanilla parties, I guess its just personal preference. I have just taken a party from Bane into Wiz Gold, which was the following:Lizardman Fighter
Felpurr Samurai
Faerie Ninja
Dwarven Valkyrie
Elven Mage
Dwarven Valkyrie
Reasons I kept pretty simple: wanted a fast levelling character as in the fighter who could up the map skill quickly (I guess this may not be a problem to the experienced Gold player!), a Samurai to take through the Muramasa, arguably one of the best one handed weapons in the game, the Ninja to use the cane if I got it (which I did!), the mage for obvious reasons and two valkries; I wanted good weapons from the back (Maenads lance, Raven's Bill) plus good healing. It worked very well in both games, the only problem I really had was with Jenn Ra and his 4 ranks of attendants. Finished up at about level 30, with most characters having 20 in strength, vitality, dex, and speed.
Made quite a few observations, the first being that the fighter didn't level as quickly as I remembered in Bane - I almost wish I had taken another Valkyrie or a Lord (I do like the fighter weapons, and play a very weapon oriented game). The Valkyries did shine from the back ranks, with some useful hits with the lances and halberds, and lots of healing as planned, plus hold monsters. Later on the big spells were handy too. Did have a conundrum with Weaponry though: I got the CofC late on, and at that time had already got the Light Sword, Excalibur and Zatoichi Bo, (and a Diamond Eyes!) so didn't know what the best combo to play was. Of course had the Muramasa Blade, and a Pandoras wand too. The CofC wasnt quite the weapon I expected, so my Ninja was relegated to 4th with a valyrie going up front, and became a spellcaster/hider.
I guess this combo would work well for the novice player, but not complete newbie, or maybe a journeyman who would have taken advantages of other knowledges learned during playing Gold before. I have played Bane multiple times though, so was quite glad my tactics worked! Thinking on, I feel that the best 'vanilla' team may involve as many as 4 or 5 valkyries! So I guess it comes down to that - how quick you play, what you know, your preferances and what you want your end team to be.
Sorry for rambling first post!
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