Your "Dream Team"

"gender equality"

I'm assuming each companion is only as strong as they were in their respective game? I would assume so since we can't have Dead!Wynne and Almost-God!Solas in our teams and expect it to be fair.

Mages: Vivienne, Merrill and Morrigan
Rogues: Cole, Isabella, and Leliana
Warriors: Blackwall, Fenris and Dog (yes, he's classified as a warrior in the game)

If the idea is to choose the best, 9 would be too many. And we can't bring 9 companions with us on quests anyway.

My dream team would be Cassandra, Fenris and Solas.

Every team needs a tank, and Cassandra is the most experienced and accomplished s/s warrior we have. Fenris is unique with his lyrium powers and wields a two-handed sword to boot. Solas is a great combination of power and defense, as Rift Mage is a very strong spec and he can protect/revive others with spirit spells.

And personally, I don't think a rpg team should have too many squishy people. Sturdy warriors should make up the majority, with just one person responsible for ranged attacks.

I am not trying to rate anything by ability or power, but simply picking my favorites to fill out the teams.

Mages: Bethany, Merrill, Vivienne
Rogues: Leliana, Nathaniel, Varric
Warriors: Shale, Aveline, The Iron Bull

Warrior: Alistair, Cassandra, Aveline
Mage: Dorian, Morrigan, Merrill
Rogue: Zevran, Sigrun, Nathaniel

Although I could also see myself having fun with Sten, Cole and Awakening Anders.

Hm...that's a tough one

Warriors: Fenris, Alistair, Dog (yes I count Dog as a warrior)
Rogues: Nathaniel, Zevran, Varric
Mages: Dorian, Wynne, Solas

Warriors: Alistair, Aveline and Iron Bull
Mages: Morrigan, Vivienne, Dorian (no eggs allowed )
Rogues: (only 3? My breaking heart...) Varric, Sera, Isabela - all hail the Pirate Queen

Ohoh, let's see. I'm picking them based on their personality and what kind of mood I want in my party, not because I think they are necessarily the best at what they do (though they're all pretty darn awesome at it).


Mages: Morrigan, Vivienne, Dorian
Rogues: Nathaniel, Isabela, Leliana (DAO version)
Warriors: Cassandra, Aveline, Shale (honourable mention: Dog)

I'd stare at the party composition screen for quite a while every time.

Mages: Anders (DAA build); Dorian; Solas
Rogues: Zevran; Nathaniel; Leliana
Warriors: Fenris; Justice; Dog

Anders in DAA is primarily a spirit healer and of course that allows Justice into the mix, plus we get Ser Pouncelot as an tag along to play with Dog.  I like having a spirit warrior rather than a Templar (otherwise it would have been Cassandra or Alistair).  I'd probably opt for Velanna or Morrigan if Solas is discounted or Bethany as she is less likely to antagonise other party members.

I assume we can't take the Warden/Hawke for this scenario (probably because it's assumed we'll be one of them)? That being said, let's do this.

Warriors

Alistair - I mean....why not? The man is a very good tank fighter, he's a templar with nice abilities and a good personality to fit in with a group. Easily one of my favorite warriors across the series.

Avaline - Much like Alistair, but more no-nonsense, Avaline is another addition to this group that I can't do without. She's someone who will make sure everyone focuses (which is good, given how I think this team will probably go).

Cassandra - This choice got ugly; it really came down between her and Oghren and I really do love both of them. I guess being a Seeker and the Right hand of the Divine brings a lot to the table. Plus, I like Cassandra (despite a lot of the flack people give her).


Rogues

Leliana - Well...this one is a no-brainer, really. Damn good archer, spy, can actually infiltrate in plain sight and can think on her feet. I don't need to say much more beyond this.

Varric - Again, another no-brainer. I'd be quite terrified of a Varric/Leliana rogue team, really.

Sigrun - I also agonized over this choice as well. I really wanted both her and Nathaniel (yes, I like my Rogues ranged...sue me), but Sigrun can be an off-tank, thanks to her dwarven nature. Plus, with her strength, she can sneak and backstab while the fighters are the focus. Plus, while not exactly "upbeat", she's realistically optimistic - trying to look positive, but also sees things for how they are.


Mages

Wynne - Healing. Magic. 'Nuff said. But fine, she's an awesome character who can also keep the team going with her stern looks and talking-to personality.

Merrill - If you don't understand the awesomeness that is Merrill, then I kinda feel sorry for you. I already hear people shouting, "but muh blood magicks!". She's a great spellcaster and knows magic of the Keepers. Plus, she's not all dour and throwing a pity party for themselves like Solas is, or is as Xenophobic as Velanna.

Dorian - Not gonna lie - I didn't really care much for Dorian when I first heard about him. Add in that he's a Necromancer and from Tevinter, well, there's two strikes already. But he throws the norm out the window by straight up admitting Tevinter is wrong about a lot of things. And the man is hilarious; there wasn't a lot of the companions in DA:I that I enjoyed, but Dorian is one of them.

My honorable mentions would be Oghren, Nathaniel and Dog. If I could take three more people, it'd be them. But if Dog is counting as a fighter, then fine, I'll go with Bethany. This was interesting and makes me want to run through Origins again.

magicians - Morrigan, Dorian, Vivienne
warriors - Cassandra, Aveline, Iron Bull(using sword and shield)
rogues - Leliana, Isabela, Sera

Dream team
Riordan, Meredith, Flemeth