Seriously stupid question re: learning new spells

O.K. my priest is able to learn new spells once they gain levels, (then rest,) but what about the mages? Can they only learn new spells by purchasing (or finding the scrolls,) then writting and resting? If so where can I get the better spells, and why do I often fail when trying to write a spell?

Thanks bunches!!!

Correct. Mages only learn spells by purchasing, stealing, or finding spell scrolls. When a mage levels up he usually get's a certain number of new slot(s) per spell level available to use spells in, but you can memorize as many spells as you can from scrolls by buying, stealing, or finding. Some really good spells are available later in the game from some of the baddies. Also check out the Wizard in Kuldahar. He has some stuff available for sale and I think he updates his inventory at least once per game. As for failing to copy a spell to your mage's spell book, here's what I do. Just quicksave your game. Try to memorize the spell and if it fails reload and try again until you get it scribed.

Much appreciated....and you never cheated in this game...right?

Right.

Although some hardcore people might think the saving reloading deal on Mage spell scribing is cheating. (That's their problem)

[Wrath]

Also, remember that the Intelligence of your Mage determines their chance to memorize a spell. You should always play your Mage with an Intelligence of 18, to give you a 85% chance of memorizing a spell, and be able to scribe down anything you come across. About saving/reloading to ensure you memorize spells, well it may be a bit cheesy, but in IWD it's rather necessary, since many spells only have 1 copy in the whole game. Remember that Potions of Intelligence (big purple potions) give you a temporary boost to Intelligence, and greatly improve your chances to memorize the spells. I usually save up a few spells I want to learn, chug a purple potion, and memorize away Much faster than saving/reloading

-Wrath

Yeah, used that potion a couple of times since.

So...does anyone know how to use the resurrect cheat?

You often find a potion when you find some spells in a dungeon. Blue potions work pretty well. I have a set of intelligence equipment (ring, amulet) that I put on just for spell writing.