A few questions from a Newbie -- thanks for help

[onomastikon]

Hello,

I have downloaded the demo and the B.G. walkthrough and played around with DII for a few hours now and am still confused about a lot of things (which I hope I will understand at some point) but would really like help with this:

- what is the deal with magic and spells? Since I cannot see any list of spells or the schools from within the game (in the demo), I dont know which spells my Pretender or other magic Users can cast. How do I control which spells are cast during combat? Who exactly gets to cast which spells, and which units beside the Pretender benefit from magic research? Some cost no gems, but some require gems to work -- how does this work with tactically-cast spells (I mean those used during a batlle)?

- How do you assign bodyguards?

- Are there other single-person guides out there?

- I am only planning on playing single player for a while -- are there any patches which update the AI? I havent been able to find the game in Germany yet, still looking....

ok thanks. Other tips, especially on magic, appreciated!