might as well be. I was going to play FO2 first but I decided to play BG EE. I'm not not new to the game but it's been 18 years since I played it so I'm a little fuzzy on some things. My question basically is...should I have a fighter/mage elf or straight fighter elf? How do I set up the character build? What weapons can he use? Armor can he use. etc? I've played many other RPGs but I don't remember all the D&D rules. Lately I was playing EQ2 but I know it's nothing like BG.

It's your decision whether you prefer pure class fighter or fighter/mage. Both will work quite well. Multiclass mages will never be able to cast level 5 spells. Fighter/mage can use all weapons/armor fighters can use but can't cast spells while wearing armor.

Character Attributes:
If you choose fighter get a roll of 84, dump wis to 3 and int to 9 and max the other stats.
If you choose fighter/mage dump wis to 3, max int, str and dex. Max either con or cha and put the remaining points into the other stat, with a roll of 93+ you could even max both.

It's very important that you use your proficiency points wisely, I recommend specializing in longbows and one melee weapon type, longsword(elf bonus) or two-handed swords or halberds or quarterstaff(crushing damage for those resistant to arrow piering) or flail/morning star(crushing damage).
Use the weapon type you're specialized in, specialization more than doubles the damage output.

The one thing I don't like about a mage is he can only wear cloth armor which leaves him wide open to attack. Plus, to me, a mage isn't ideal for leading a party. A fighter can lead a party and can kick butt if rolled correctly.

Fighter/Mages can wear armor; they just can't cast spells while doing so. This means that you can cast spells like Blur and Mirror Image, equip some armor, and then go into combat while those spells are in effect.

True. I'm just weighing all my options before I make my final decision.

play fallout 1 first, then 2 :þ