dtgreene: From what I have read, that's not quite true in the Enhanced Edition; it apparently doesn't let you use items that are restricted to specific NPCs.
Also, be aware that being able to equip a weapon doesn't actually get you proficiency with that weapon
I guess you mean items like Keldorn's armor for example, not class-restriced items (like Carsomyr) ?
As for the proficiency, I know, that's why if I go through with it, I plan to make my character a fighter/thief, so that they can get it.
Although I'm not sure about that now, thinking of party make up (not just with power/combat, but also party interactions, banter etc. in mind) - the current plan is:
Dorn Il-Khan
Hexxat (for interactions etc, technically I wouldn't need another thief)
Neera (need a mage, Edwin is annoying, and Jan doesn't get Necromancy spells; also romance, sue me ;) )
Korgan (he apparently has somewhat interesting banter with Dorn)
And Imoen, once I get her (sure, she doesn't fit the neutral/evil party, but I'm just not leaving her behind, don't have to play a good character to have them care about someone :P ).
If I go with fighter/thief PC then, that leaves me without a cleric (thus healer).
So, my options I think are:
Drop Hexxat for some cleric (Viconia? Anomen is a jerk, and has crap Wisdom, which for this party wouldn't get boosted, as he'd fail to get his knighthood).
Or drop the fighter/thief idea (so no Carsomyr) and make PC a cleric or some combo of one.
Suggestions? Does Hexxat have any good banter and/or quests? Is it possible to play through the game without a healer?
Also for Dorn's quest, is it true what I've read, that if you backstab both guys at the end (I'm trying to keep is relatively spoiler free), he will lose his class powers?