Can a Simulacrum cast spells?

[Yaarel]

I assume − and hope − the simulacrum can cast spells. Some creatures get their power from being a big bag of hit points, other creatures get their power from spellcasting.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

The obvious thing, then, to do is have the Sim study your spellbook and support you in combat as a free henchman.

But do you get 51-60% of XP or level? If level, you've got a henchman that's all but worthless in combat.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Also, which 51-60% of the levels does the simplacrum get? Take for example a Ftr2, Rog2, Wiz5, Red Wizard3,Guild Mage3, Loremaster 5, exactly which levels does the simplacrum get?

Tzarevitch

I would roll d10+50 to get the percentage. A lucky roll gives you 12 levels, otherwise 10 or 11. I would then build them up, at each level pick randomly from the classes they are currently eligible for. Also pick randomly from the skills and feats the original had.

If you end up in a dead end (say, by failing to qualify for a prestige class) backtrack until you reach a point where you can change one of those picks so as to qualify.