Can a Bard be an effective backup mage (I'm thinking of having Imoen as my main spellchucker, and Haer'Dalis as my backup)?

I know in PnP, Bards couldn't cast higher than 6th level spells. What's the limit in Baldur's Gate 2?

TIA

bards can cast up to level 8 in BG2. Check table in manual.

They can make good back-up (but not primary) mages but if so give them one of the elven armors so they can cast spells with it. Otherwise it's a pain taking their armor on and off.

EDIT:
ooops sorry it's only up to level 6. It was IWD where bards could cast up to 8. BG2 table is here
http://www.planetbaldursgate.com/bg2...bardcast.shtml

[ 11-17-2006, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: ZFR ]

Even better than Elven Chain is the Melodic chain. Though, given you have Haer'Dalice, you most likely have it already ;)

Better still is the Bladesinger Chain and its upgrade.. Gotten far later in the game than the Melodic Chain, it is nonetheless a force to be reckoned with.

Blade.. good fighter/mage back up [img]smile.gif[/img]

Ohho ho. That was absolutely *dripping* with sarcasm! ;) :D