Dark path D/S/S/C, level 36. I have a Scholar and an Initiate, but with M & GM in almost everything (except Dark Magic, but I've saved up skill points to get there quickly; and except Mind Magic, which I don't have), I don't think I need this one. Any ideas on replacing the Initiate? I'm thinking a Banker (or similar such) to increase gold for training. Other thoughts?

Grab an Instructor for the 15% bonus experience via buffing the Learning skill. You should already be set for money, and if you aren't then aim for GM Merchant and M/GM Water; buy unenchanted stuff, enchant it, and sell anything that isn't an upgrade for your characters.

Well, "set for money" is relative, but I'm already on my way with all that stuff. Just need to replace the now-pretty-much-useless Initiate.

Question, though: I already have a Scholar for unlimited ID Item + 5% XP bonus. Would the Instructor stack with that? If so, could be worth it; otherwise considering a Squire for weapon/armor bonus, since the whole party is relatively weak in that regard.

Yeah, different types of NPCs stack. Take an instructor and a Teacher for max exp gain. Two of the same type don't stack, though, so two Instructors are useless.

I wouldn't bother with weapon or armor skill bonuses since your party will never be good at those anyway. Grab one of the strongest magic skill NPCs if you want more damage and don't need the gold or care about the experience.

Edit: I'd suggest Instructor. A Spell Master would be second choice for +4 Elemental skills. Failing that, maybe the guy that repairs armor or the guy that repairs magic items, for if/when a critter breaks your gear.