This is the part where I jump in and advise you
not to read any walkthroughs at all, at least not until you've beaten the game at least once. This is the ONLY chance you will ever have to actually play the game for yourself: All future runs will be colored, for better or for worse, by your own experience and the opinions of others. If you beat the game relying on someone's advice, who was it who actually beat the game--you or them?
As this is a role-playing game, you might consider roleplaying: Recruit party members as you come across them, provided that their personalities mesh with the group and their skill-set seems likely to come in handy. Put your proficiency points in, say, Long Sword, if you so happen to find a Long Sword worth investing in. Etc.
Just in case you wish to avoid spoilers,
Volothamp's Comeuppance will tell you
everything that you
need to know.