Just starting out with #1 and while it seems like an easy enough game to experiment with I was wondering if there were any pages (or maybe you can help) regarding good solid builds for each character class for someone just starting out and learning it. As I get better I'm sure I will be able to tinker but I'd like some generic stuff to get started. Thanks!

Here are a couple for Shaper builds

http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php?/topic/16601-geneforge-1-character-improvement/

http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php?/topic/17713-geneforge-1-shaper-questions/

You don't need to read the actual walkthrough unless you're concerned with not missing anything on particular maps.

Matt P generally gives really good tips: http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/562951-geneforge/faqs/16837

Not to mention it's good to check if you're missing any spells.

Specializing your character is very important for all characters in gene forge but moreso for agents and guardians. Shapers can get away with making a few bad decisions as they have an army with them but guardians and agents, especially in gene forge 1 and 2, cannot.

Guardians-Unlike a lot of rpgs, dexterity is not needed for dodging in melee fighters as they will want more towards points in strength, endurance, quick action and parry in g2-5. Endurance especially as you are geared towards surviving attacks and not dodging them with dexterity. Guardians are the powerhouse by the way in gene forge 2 as parry is broken in that game. You can also go another route of a ranged fighter which requires less parry and more dexterity.

Agents-Agents rely on pumping intelligence, battle magic, spell craft, a little blessing magic, and then can specialize in either a moderate or heavy amount of mental magic. Strength and quick action are not ignored as well to make your character able to take enemies out with blades once in a while. Agents are very powerful in late game and can destroy many enemies by themselves. You can put a point or two in endurance but don't go crazy as these characters are not supposed to get hit as often. If you put more points into endurance, play a guardian or heavily combat focused character instead as they are more suited towards that.

Shapers-These guys are usually good to play in any of the games as they are decent in all of the games regarding challenge. The way to these guys is position yourself so you don't get hit and assist your creations. Other than that, stats are intelligence, one or possibly 2 shaping arts, blessing magic, a little battle magic and mental magic.

Mechanics and Leadership-These two skills can make your game tough or incredibly easy from the start. Some games require more of these 2 skills than others. I would say leadership is the one that you require just a little less as you can get by certain areas without it. Mechanics on the other hand, is very needed. Don't go too crazy, but don't forget these two skills.

Remember, specializing is key. Specialize in a few key skills, and your character will be very powerful.

Edit-If you need more advice I would suggest you go to the spiderweb forums. Ive only completed one of the geneforge games as I like Avernum and Avadon moreso than these games. Also Im not trying to go against Shadowwulfe's idea on gamefaqs, but most of the people on the forums would recommend not trusting his advice on character builds. It was his crazy luck build that nearly destroyed my agent on G1. The forums have much more advice on that area than gamefaqs. Gamefaqs is mostly useful for where things are and canister locations. For build advice, the forums are better.

See I never would have gotten half of that stuff with the walkthroughs available out there, thank you so much. Normally I like the trial and error of games but this one is so notoriously long I don't want to find out I made a major screw up 30 hours in. I'm going to cut paste this and print it up to keep with me when I get back to playing.

The easiest characters to get into are Shapers in G1-5and the Sorceress in G5. The reason why is because the tactics are simple-Send a creation out to destroy the enemy, Utilize creatures strengths to create teams to take down enemies. The shaper is the most fun to play if you just want to place points into intelligence and 1 or 2 shaping builds and healing magic. I think one of the reasons I never got into the other games was because I didnt play a shaper. Agents and Guardians are too particular and you either understand them or you dont.

I have a question. Which is more worthwhile in first 3 games, dexterity or missile weapons? If you just want to make a ranged warrior why not go with all dexterity. Is there any real difference and does it matter at all.