We were all together, I helped them create their characters, and I made sure it was a decently balanced party. Starting at level 1 of course, since 5 out of the 6~7 man party are total newbies. :P (yup, I have a large party on my hands.) Though I still let them pick whatever they wanted to play of course. The 6~7 part is because one rogue can probably not join often.

My party consists of 1 warrior shield + sword, 1 cleric mace + sword, 2 rogues one dual wield one crossbow, a druid with spear, a bard with a crossbow backup and a sorcerer.