NWN the ride.
Edit: weird, this appeared "before" Johnny's post I was responding to?
*scratches head*
I dunno!
-----------------
A few NWN thoughts..
First, make sure you're all patched up! The auto-updater is really easy to use and helps with some of the quirks in the game including some over-treasure and XP giving.
All the side-quests are for XP building and item acquisition really.. I'd STRONGLY recommend not going adventuring without a suitable supply of potions. There are sections of the game wherein you cannot use the teleport-stone (like, near the end). Getting used to being able to heal yourself suitably while out and about for longer stretches is a very, very good idea. If the end-guys are too tough, you may need some more XP/equipment before tackling them.. or a little better strategy/henchman for the task. What kind of character are you playing? If not a theif-equivalent then you'd probably do best with Tommy Undergallows hitting for his sneak attack at range with his bow.. he'll also unlock doors/chests and auto-find traps.
Monks are very kick ass, yes.. but only in close! When you get into situations with ranged opponents, you may have a bit of trouble if you're getting plinked to death.
I've actually played the "original" game through three or four times now with different characters (yes, I'm a dork). Something else that is interesting to note.. you'll gain XP faster if you ditch your henchman and go beastie killing and/or quest solving without them because you don't share a portion of the goods. (leave them at the cleric shop, just make sure you pick them back up before going to the next level!) It's a bit more risky, but you can go back and pick them up if you need them for a particularly difficult area. In going solo, it helps a TON if you are either:
a) Beefcake 18+ strength (with potions too, maybe?) to bash open chests/doors.
b) Thief-type with LARGE lock-pick ability.
c) Something with a controllable familiar for.. well.. suiciding into traps. =/
Did I mention you need LOTS of potions in whatever area your character needs most? Strength/Dex are most common, but for Monks, the potions of Clarity (Wisdom) are key.
~O.