I did four knights when the game first came out and was trying different parties. All knights in MMVI was frustrating sometimes but wamping everything was fun. (In MMVII was more challenge than fun if I remember correctly). But in using skill points, you can earn and leave NS with expert in all magic schools by Mid Jan. Best way to begin a standard game that I have found.

Well, the final verdict was level 101 upon entering the Hive, and level 103 after completing the game. Everyone mastered Learning quite early but didn't invest anything more into the skill. It was a full clear with minimal respawns killed when they were in the way. Most of Dragonsand was left untouched until acquiring blasters. The resulting devastation was most satisfying.