@Baragon - Ha, it's not the smoothest ride I'll grant you, but yes, doable as solo! I actually only played it since the enhanced edition was released, I never experienced the joys of regular edition
I've not really played much more than the main story though, personally vermintide is more my speed with regards to setting. I still fire up deathwing every now and then though
@ Jub - Ah okay I see what you mean and I agree. Kana, yeah. He's a historian with a potentially very pessimistic outlook depending on how you talk to him.
I actually did just that, a smartass dwarf. For me his standout chants were
At the Sight of their Comrades, their Hearts Grew Bold,
The Fox from the Farmer Did Run and Leap (kinda useless but seemed limerick-ey) and
The Dragon Thrashed, The Dragon Wailed I think but I can't remember the third phrase tbh. I suspect it would be that one though. I got chased a lot to use the fox chant. I think I used a crossbow but maybe a pistol?
For me, Pillars strength is in the dialogue choices, so many of them add the character which gives you that clear image and sound of your character. Mechanically, I found my island-bound barbarian king and psychic detective easiest to get abilities for which suited them both thematically and mechanically, all others were difficult to get the two to match. Druids are mixed. Clerics and paladins are easy actually but they're quite... restricted I find? Durance is a great companion though, some of the best lines along with Aloth and Eder.