Crosmando: If you're new to the game, remember to read EVERYTHING that comes up, even if you miss something you just just scroll up, clues are everywhere. At game start delete all the pre-made characters and make your own, and keep rolling until you get 17 or 18 in IQ (Intelligence) (very important), as for skills I would advise every character having 2 points in Pistol and SMG, and 1 point in Medic and Swim, also try to get a character with picklock and climb. And don't be ashamed to use a walkthrough if you want/need to, game is good but it's clunky and obtuse to the point of insanity, it might be called an RPG but it plays like the most evil adventure game ever.
I will get the game but i have to admit that i really sucked at Bards Tale. The real oldschool rpgs are really hard imo.
And your tips seem a good starting point for me.
A long time ago i played this game for awhile but did not get very far.
btw. is there an area you should be hanging around in the beginning in order not to die to soon?
Thanks