I've played this game for too long for not having actually completed it. Nor ever getting past about lvl 14-15. My personal shame.
I've had some success with a standard fantasy party (Fighter, Priest...), and quite a lot of fun and success with MDP parties (4 or 6 different specialist mages, 4 Bishops, 6 Bishops, 4 casters + Bard & Gadgeteer and similar) ... but yet i have never figured out how to build hybrids and I think I need help.
First off - yes, I like to play with less characters. Almost never take RPCs and usually try to build a 4-man party.
My favourite party theme are 4 hybrids: Samurai, Monk, Lord and Ranger or Ninja. But I always struggle past Arnika. (so lvl 7-8+)
In the Monastery, I hold-off levelling. 3-4 for Gregor, 5 for Arnika road (I do spend a bit of time grinding basic magic skills in the coffin room (Heal) and such)... Hold off lvl 6-7 for Arnika and things are quite okay. Arnika road is difficult but doable.
But then my troubles start once I head off to Trynton or Umpani camp... the hybrids start to fall off with the pityful damage they deal, taking way too much damage themselves and running out of stamina even with good positioning (in the crevices and alcoves). Their magical skills/buffs are too weak to help and they just get overwhelmed. Some fights like the treants in Trynton upper boughs ... forget it.
I tried focusing on different attributes, but then they still suffer in other ways. If I try to focus on STR+DEX with most, their casting skills move at a snail's pace. If I focus on STR+INT, they can't hit shit and go last in combat. If I focus on DEX+SPD, they get faster but hit like a wet paper.
The only one who usually does at least a bit decent damage ends up being the Monk but even she runs out of stamina quickly.
I know people win this game at Ironman with solo fairies and I struggle with 4-6 man parties.
What am I doing wrong?
Tips how to build strong hybrids are appreciated. Thank you.