Several boss encounters can actually be talked down with the right approach and charisma skills. Getting high persuasion really pays off since Ketheric Thorm surrenders on the rooftop with DC 30 checks, though you still gotta deal with Myrkul later. Early investment in charisma stats around 17+ opens up lots of options like convincing Yurgir to take himself out along with his crew, pretty satisfying to watch honestly. Good to know you can handle Malus and his creepy nurses through medical knowledge checks, saves a tough fight. Minsc is tricky but bring Jaheira along and you'll recruit him instead of throwing down

Making friends instead of corpses gives full XP too so no worries about missing out on progression. Really helps to keep persuasion proficiency and grab any dialogue-relevant items you find, those family documents come in clutch for Thorm. Some late fights you just cant talk your way out of though so keep your combat skills sharp just in case. Maybe interesting that companion choices actually matter here since certain NPCs unlock extra dialogue paths worth considering