19Uhr30: I often choose a Thorwalian because they have the nicer set of portaits. :-)
Besides that: They only have disadvantages compared to the warrior or dwarf. But those disadvantages are not a big deal. I have played the trilogy with a complete B-team (Thorwalian, Rogue, Jester, Hunter, Druid and Witch). There is not point in choosing either of them. But the game was not much harder.
If you want to play the trilogy for the first time, you should probably avoid those character classes. But the Thorwalian is the least problematic of them, because he is still a tank. He only has bad magic resistance.
Actually, I dislike the Thorwalian portraits more :P but i like the character idea!
Everywhere I was reading said to choose a Warrior over a Thorwalian... so thank you much for the insight! Now to find a map and put some beat down on some orcs.