I've played a couple of GeneForges (which I consider more of a solo adventure), but I've read that in Avadon that regardless of which class I choose to start with, the other 3 will be available to "join" my party anyway. So does it matter which one I pick? Will I have complete control over the other 3 members or do they operate on their own via AI?

Decided to go ahead & start the game. Seems I do indeed have full control over whichever members I choose to join my party.

Yes you can control the other chars. But be sure to level all of them up (iirc the ones you do not use on a mission still get exp) and equip them. There are times when some of them might not be available. Also there is a short period that has to be played solo but it wasn't too hard from what I remember.

Yup, just did a little solo portion above the library vs some undead. And not long before that, Jenell disappeared on me (opening up another quest). Have to say I'm loving Avadon so far!

It's a solid game, and one of my favorites. It got me back into Spiderweb games after a decade long hiatus.

All of the classes are pretty viable and there is a late game respec option if you need it.

Also, don't forget that:

1. Allocating level up bonuses can be done at any time (even during combat) so if you neglected to do that, it's never too late. (Make sure to keep some spare equipment around, however.)

2. If you need to respec before the game gives you the option, there is the "retrain" chat.

3. Apparently, if you go for a certain ending, you will encounter a super hard boss at the end of the game. That boss is supposedly extremely difficult (even on Casual), and is apparently even worse if you happend to make your main character a Shaman (because apparently you run into energy immunity there, which I don't think is fair).

It's no Dave's Caves, but it's not bad.

Boom. You see what I did there? Dang, I crack me up...