CiC - Creating a Western European Monster Hunter Warband?

[Philhelm]

I came over from Frostgrave and have dipped my toes into Gothic Horror by purchasing the Chaos in Carpathia rules (hopefully I'll find someone to play with one day...).  I've searched this forum and elsewhere, but have a few questions.

Does anyone have any advice about creating the warband, as far as character and equipment selection?  At the very least, I want to take an Intrepid Leader (mandatory), a Holy Man, a Canine Companion, and maybe an Old Woodsman.  What are some good equipment choices for the Intrepid Leader and the Holy Man?  Also, what is the best way to use the Combat Specialist ability (allowing one model to shift Combat Attack, Combat Evade, Crack Shot, and Iron Will)?