Khalid

Khalid is a Fighter who is recruitable in BG1. He starts with proficiencies in long swords and can easily achieve four or five points in this style towards the end of the game, giving him substantial bonuses to hit and deal damage. Given his early availability and lack of joining conditions (other than also recruiting Jaheira), he is an excellent choice to get you through the first part of the game, and indeed all the way through.

Baldur's Gate 1

Khalid can be found with his wife Jaheira at the Friendly Arm Inn. You must recruit them both at the same time, and if one leaves or is removed from the party, the other will also depart.

Siege of Dragonspear

Khalid is unavailable at the beginning of SoD for story-related reasons. However, he can be recruited mid-way through the game. As with BG1, if Jaheira leaves the party, so will Khalid.

Baldur's Gate 2

Khalid is not a recruitable companion in the second game, for reasons which will become clear early on. However, the game begins as if Khalid had been in your party at the end of BG1 or SoD, regardless of whether that was the case.