[Lord]

Dundee also gives an explanation of why he chose each spell per level, however, I agree about the death spell part, that is not a spell I'd use. I believe it can also kill your party members, including you. It's not a spell that I'd use. However, contingency is a very powerful spell. Say you are in the thick of battle and are nearly dead, you just put a stoneskin and a protection from magical weapons in your contingency, and there you have it! You can take a few hits with out taking damage, and also become more resistant to attacks from some magical weapons. There are some many nice combos you can put in there.