So I spoke with Minsc the first time I went to Nashkel but don't remember the conversation as it was several days ago but anyways, I accepted Edwin's job to kill the witch (Dynaheir). I decided to kick Edwin out and take Dynaheir with me instead but made a save where I keep Edwin.

Here's where I get confused.

I haven't recruited a 6th party member yet and have been playing with just 5. I would like to fill that last slot and a fighter type with archery ability would be great. I figure since Minsc is a ranger he would be the man for the job.

According to the party member list I looked at it said that Minsc will join you to rescue Dynaheir and they will both join you. This never happened. So I have Dynaheir in the group but Minsc only says " you point, I punch."

Have I missed the bus? If so, who would you recommend as a suitable replacement? Thanks!

Oh one other thing! I rescued Xan before finding his moon blade. He takes off when you find him so does that mean I won't be able to recruit him now either?

You could try to remove Dynaheir from your party and then talk to her again to rejoin. It could be that Minsc joins as well then.

I'm confused, because if you only talked to Minsc and didn't agree to rescue his witch, he will become hostile and attack you. So did you recruit him and then dismiss him?

If you rescued Dynaheir without Minsc, he will still join you on your return, and he will make some comment about how his is shamed for not rescuing her himself. If you have trouble, do as already suggested and dismiss Dynaheir in the presence of Minsc, then ask one of them to join and they both will.

Once you refuse Xan he will leave for good, and you cannot sell his Moonblade. If you want to keep him you have to recruit him right away, and be sure your party never becomes despised or contrary-wise heroic (he likes neutral parties).

The way Minsc was acting was as if I simply left him in the spot I found him. Like I highlighted everyone except him and left. At first I thought maybe he did join so I highlighted him but it didn't work. Anyways, I took your advice Hickory and kicked Dynaheir out, invited her and Minsc joined up.

Maybe I did things in a strange order and the game bugged. Weird. Glad to have Minsc though.

Thanks!

If you accepted Edwin's quest, even if you ditched him for Dynaheir, Minsc should turn hostile. So it sounds like a bug to me.

No. Regarding Edwin's request, Minsc will only turn hostile if you choose to actually kill Dynaheir for Edwin (he protects Dynaheir), otherwise he will 'keep an eye on' Edwin. In actual fact, it is Dynaheir who you have to watch if you have all three in the party, as it's her who initiates hostilities towards Edwin, not the other way around.