Songs 'n Spells (Best spells for the Bard)

Philhelm

What are the best, must-have spells for a level 10 Bard? Obviously, with the nature of the magic system, sometimes adjustments are necessary, but assuming a general spell memorization without preparing for a specific encounter, what would you memorize? Which spells benefit the most from the Bard's higher casting level as compared to a Mage? Also, assume that the Bard is wearing Elven Chain.

Xiviriel

Depends entirely on your party, also are you playing bg 1 or 2? Are you entering a dungeon? Do you have other spellcasters?
If you are just looking for spells that benifit with level the two main ones I can think of off hand are Spook (lvl 1) and Fire Arrow (lvl 3). OH and Chromatic Orb (lvl 1) will have a paralize effect but at a +6 save against spell.

Philhelm

BG1:EE, Entering a dungeon, one mage with the party.

I've read on this forum that Chromatic Orb can have a chance to petrify Sarevok in one hit...

lunar

Mirror Image is a must to have. Damage spells that scale with the levels are potent too, a lvl 10 bard's flame arrow does 10d6 damage, while a 9th lvl mage stilll does 5d6. Bard's skull trap and lightning bolt does more damage too. Dispel/remove magic will be more effective against mages due to bard's high casting level. Also, a greater malison spell will weaken enemies so that they can fail their saves against chromatic orb more readily.

I am not sure if there are BG2 spell scrolls available in the game, but you can opt for Stoneskin for added protection. Oh, you may just use Polymorph self spell. I have learned nasty tricks from a highly experienced BG2 player in Bioware forums. This spell is highly useful! Spider form is a killer against most living enemies. Jelly form is immune to magic. Flind has a nice magical weapon to hurt those invincible monsters. Cast mirror image, haste and then Polymorph self into whatever suitable and wreck havoc! Fun! Another trick I've learned, use minor spell sequencer and put Chil touch or Ghoul touch and strength spell in it. Poly into spider. Use the sequencer on yourself. (you can not cast spells while polymorphed, but can use sequencers.) Now your spider form will have 18/x strength, and have a chill touch or paralysing touch with high attacks/round given by spider form. Chill touch is devastating with good THAC0 and attack rating, and Ghoul touch paralyses most foes. This trick migt have been considered a bug or cheese and nerfed by the devs, haven't risen to enough level to try yet in BG:EE.

SCARY_WIZARD

lunar said:

Oh, you may just use Polymorph self spell. I have learned nasty tricks from a highly experienced BG2 player in Bioware forums. This spell is highly useful! Spider form is a killer against most living enemies. Jelly form is immune to magic. Flind has a nice magical weapon to hurt those invincible monsters. Cast mirror image, haste and then Polymorph self into whatever suitable and wreck havoc! Fun! Another trick I've learned, use minor spell sequencer and put Chil touch or Ghoul touch and strength spell in it. Poly into spider. Use the sequencer on yourself. (you can not cast spells while polymorphed, but can use sequencers.) Now your spider form will have 18/x strength, and have a chill touch or paralysing touch with high attacks/round given by spider form. Chill touch is devastating with good THAC0 and attack rating, and Ghoul touch paralyses most foes. This trick migt have been considered a bug or cheese and nerfed by the devs, haven't risen to enough level to try yet in BG:EE.

The statement about Flind form is very true.
Spider form, I used to ignore, but I'm going to start using that, now that you've made a very compelling argument in its favor...