I've been trying to play the game as a Spellsword essentially but have found it difficult to get through the main course of the game with the spells that are available. I'm at the point where you and Baurus infiltrate the cult in the Imperial city so I've been to only the towns that the course of the main plot takes me which is of course not nearly enough to get the recommendations needed to gain access to the Academy for spell making. I've been trying to let the main plot guide where I go and was wondering if the main plot will take me through all the towns eventually? If so does anyone have any tips on how to get through that far without being able to craft spells as a Spellsword? Thanks for any help!

Yes it does near the end of the Main Quest Line.

It's optional, but it does.

Following the main quest fully will eventually take you to all the cities.

As far as tips, I'm afraid I can't help you much. I would never ever ever allow the main quest to take priority over admission to the Arcane University. If you allow the main quest to drive things, then you will be struggling if magic is important to you. Probably not what you want to hear, but I would really rethink your premise of letting the main quest drive your game.

Thanks for the information. I'm actually glad to simply hear one way or the other. Since my character is a hybrid with heavy magic use I'll make it a point to get the recommendations before going further. Thanks again!