Scouting – Rangers and Rogues

Rangers lead the way, but rogues can as well. Usually rangers and rogues have the best spot (and search) check, so let them lead the party - especially in new dungeons that no one has any experience with. They have the best chance to spot any traps before setting them off, and may be able to disable the trap. Again, voice chat comes in really handy here. Anyone discovering a trap can communicate the fact quickly enough that the party all knows to halt.

Wizards, Sorcerers, and Bards

Let the melee classes deal the damage and take the damage.

Use your magic supportively to maximize your party’s damage, or offensively, to help bring down enemies.

At low levels I’ve found sleep is the best spell to knock out several monsters, and it’s always easier to take down sleeping monsters. Perhaps you will choose to charm a monster instead, enlisting him to fight on your side, or summon a monster of your own to aid in combat.

Besides his spell points, a wizard, sorcerer, or bard should carry scrolls, wands, and other items with spell abilities.

Bards should also use their songs to buff the party, cast sleep to knock out monsters and then enter melee or use a bow as they see fit.