When is a good time to fetch my sister? I've cleaned out the Copper Coronet, did Trademeet, D'Arnise Hold, and Umar Hills. I hate wasting exp points on Yoshimo, but I don't want to go too early. Should I do all of Athkatla first?
Thanks for any advice.

I prefer to do all of the chapter 2+3 quests before going but then Imoen is a bit behind in xp, but she makes it up in TOB.

Forget about Imoen, take Jan ;) much better

I'd say when your main character is around 1 mil in exp pts (about level 10 -12 depending on class).

My PC is a ranger & was at level 11 (near to 12) when we sailed off to Brynnlaw. I've completed Bodhi's gauntlet & passed the test, and am about to have my first showdown with Irenicus.

My party:
Ranger
Minsc
Sir Anomen
Jaheira
Aerie
Imoen (used to be Jan)

Ya, but Imoens good if you've got an extra space or a certain thief in your party when you go to Spellhold

I took Jan for the first time in my current game and discovered how much superior he is to Imoen. I'd take Jan and forget about Imoen.

Actually, I agree with Hayashi...that's not a bad number.

Although, this game, I totally intend on SKing Imoen into a Swashbuckler as soon as I get her back. 1)because she never should have dualed, 2)because I like having a decent thief, and 3)because having Tashia AND Nalia in party this time around, I don't need another mage (and with my PC being an archer, I don't need a ranged person either....)

I always got Imoen immmediately after I could afford it. After the Aran Linvail quests I'd sell anything I couldn't use, buy the Robe of Vecna, and go get Imoen. I always felt guilty about letting her rot in Spellhold.