Being new to Baldur's Gate (never played BG I and only in Chapter 3 of BG II) I'm ashamed to say I'm not really a (great) magic user. If I think about it I only use 1 or 2 magic spells per day... Jaheira has a lot of healing spells but I haven't used them anymore after I got the ring of regeneration. Whenever I'm in a fight I just kick the shit out of everybody and that seems to work out fine, till now anyway. I pretty much never have to reload at all and when a battle is really tough, I just reload a few times till I get the best result. Last time I died and had to reload must have been against the Big Golem in Nalia's Keep. Anyway, I really like watching mage opponents cast spells (though not always the outcome) and I want to use them too. Could somebody please tell me what the best spells are of each level and why? When and against which monsters do you use a particular spell?
------------------
If you can't stand the heat... feel free to DIE!
Worked for every other human being I encountered so far!
Best spells (before going into battle)
Best spells (before going into battle)
To have your threads closed, or not to have your threads closed... THAT'S THE QUESTION!
Not too sure about the levels, but the spells that I use often are:
- Magic Missiles
- Identify (okay, non-combat)
- Fireball
- Haste (pre-combat)
- Death Fog (it slays summoned creatures right away).
- Cloudkill (kills creatures with 4 hit dice or less INSTANTLY)
- Breach
- Ruby Ray of Reversal
- Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting (sp??)
- Spider Spawn (I don't summon much, but these are GREAT!)
- Limited Wish (requires high Int and Wis)
I try the occasional Death spell, but only sparingly. Watch out with Disintegrate; it not only disintegrates the victim, but also his equipment.
These are the ones from the top of my head. I might forget one or two, I should check it out. But I think I have the more important ones.
[This message has been edited by Maurice (edited 12-13-2000).]
- Magic Missiles
- Identify (okay, non-combat)
- Fireball
- Haste (pre-combat)
- Death Fog (it slays summoned creatures right away).
- Cloudkill (kills creatures with 4 hit dice or less INSTANTLY)
- Breach
- Ruby Ray of Reversal
- Abi-Dalzim's Horrid Wilting (sp??)
- Spider Spawn (I don't summon much, but these are GREAT!)
- Limited Wish (requires high Int and Wis)
I try the occasional Death spell, but only sparingly. Watch out with Disintegrate; it not only disintegrates the victim, but also his equipment.
These are the ones from the top of my head. I might forget one or two, I should check it out. But I think I have the more important ones.
[This message has been edited by Maurice (edited 12-13-2000).]
Because i can not be bothered to write all this again i found the old thread and pasted it in here, it refers to a sorcerer but i hope it helps anyway 
Pierce shield all of it's ilk such as breach, Spell sequencer so when you choose to attack a mage you can drop all his defences in one spell
As for attacking spells, definately flame arrow, magic missile is a must, basically go with the attacking spells that worked well as a mage, the ones you always use. Acid arrow is useful in earlier stages.
Do not bother with spells that make your mage into a fighter they are pointless and do not aid you much.
If you like creating creatures, try Spider Spawn or the one which creates a floating sword (can't remember it's name).
Detect Invisibility is a must.
I usually use my mage to remove the spell protections of other mages leaving them open to my wrath
Robe of Vecna is a must with any mage
It might be worth downloading shadow keeper and playing with certain spells to see which you like the most (NOTE... I do not endorse the use of said program any bugs etc. resulting from it's use are totally down to you the user - see funny things thread in a moment i will explain )

Pierce shield all of it's ilk such as breach, Spell sequencer so when you choose to attack a mage you can drop all his defences in one spell
As for attacking spells, definately flame arrow, magic missile is a must, basically go with the attacking spells that worked well as a mage, the ones you always use. Acid arrow is useful in earlier stages.
Do not bother with spells that make your mage into a fighter they are pointless and do not aid you much.
If you like creating creatures, try Spider Spawn or the one which creates a floating sword (can't remember it's name).
Detect Invisibility is a must.
I usually use my mage to remove the spell protections of other mages leaving them open to my wrath
Robe of Vecna is a must with any mage
It might be worth downloading shadow keeper and playing with certain spells to see which you like the most (NOTE... I do not endorse the use of said program any bugs etc. resulting from it's use are totally down to you the user - see funny things thread in a moment i will explain )
I'd have to get drunk every night and talk about virility...And those Pink elephants I'd see.