Do you really need a mage?

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Ok there really is no effective alternative to mages for mage spells. But there are other non-mage area effect spells that when used properly can be almost as devastating (e.g. entangle)

 

Yes, there is really no substitute for mage spells, but BARDS CAST MAGE SPELLS. In fact, a bard is actually more powerful than a mage for spells that increase with level (such as fireball) because at the same number of XP, a bard will be of a higher level than a mage.

 

Not really, since BG has such a low level cap the leveling speed makes no noticable difference.

And bards don't have all that many slots to play with. What use is mage spells if you can only cast a few per day?

 

I've just played through BG1 with an all fighter/thief party and found it easier than a party with mages in. I was lethal in melee combat and, as everyone had lots of hit points, it took forever for the enemies to kill us. Only problem was with healing but my main character got some healing spells as innate abilities and Ajantis was able to lay on hands which kept up alive through thick and thin.

 

Mages are the main reason that I play the Infinity games, they are after all roleplaying games and I've always had a softspot for the ability to turn your hands into flamethrowers...

Also, not taking a mage along would mean I'd have to miss out on Xan with his Moonblade, who is one of my favourite NPCs.

Buttkicking for goodness is a lot of fun, but so is catching a glimpse of a rabbit-footed dragon...

 

I usually take a mage, but I use him for Magic Missile and Haste. That's all.

 

I like to play a mage or multiple thereof. They add flavour. I usually take Dynaheir along because she can really pour the Magic Missiles into the enemy (I rarely use fireball, as it tends to hit my own party!)
Haste is nice, and there are a few other spells that make a mage worthwhile. Identify (especially if you think garrick is a bit of a loser and don't want Eldoth because he is evil) Burning hands, Acid arrow, etc. All good spells.

 

I take one pure mage/sorcerer and one (usually) rogue/mage. I love mages they have so much more capabilities, and endless strategies (even more so in BGII)

Recently I discovered that Level 5 spell cone of ice is really really wicked, good range great damage, and so I discover new usefull spells everyday next to magic missile and haste.

 

You need a mage to identify things! Bards & shops are limited in lore, not the spell.
Wands are not so great, except conjuring ones. Magic missiles wands often throw only one missile.
Xan is a joke, of course. Dynaheir is the one to pick. Edwin can't identify. Bards can have only one weapon. So you must choose: melee or range.

edit: Of course, bards can use the identify spell too. Err... after all, they are pretty good in BG. Consider this message as spam.

[ September 16, 2003, 17:27: Message edited by: Wil ]

 

Chant and Haste eventually become the two spells that make it possible for you to melee in the later game's tougher battles because eventually ranged weapons begin to lose their edge.

Bards (also multi-classed and dual-classed mages) can somewhat sub for pure mages thanks to scrolls and wands, but if it weren't for the ridiculous amounts of magic items the game throws your way all throughout, you'd never get through the game without a mage.

And just try keeping that up in BG2....

 

Useful or not, I found Xzar pretty funny to play. And when I got to Baldur's Gate he was awesome powerful .