Some very basic questions as I am starting out. Thank you.
Can a Druid Raise Dead somehow? I would like to not use a cleric if possible.

Can a mage only learn new spells from finding scrolls within the game. (I do not have an option to learn new spells while leveling up)

Druids cannot cast raise dead, but they can use cleric scrolls like raise dead or resurrection.
Mages can only learn spells from scrolls in the game.

If I remember correctly (as it has been a while), when levelling up Mages gain slots in their spellbook so that they can memorize more spells. They can only write spells in their spellbook from scrolls that they find, and only once written in the spellbook can they then be memorized to add them to a slot to use, and of course they need to rest to carry out the memorization so that they are usable.

Clerics and Druids, however, gain the ability to memorize different spells as they level up, thus gaining slots and spells, though they cannot write spells from scrolls, they are stuck with the standard spells that they get through levelling.

All this said, however, you can choose to use scrolls from your quick action slots to cast the spell (destroying the scroll in the process).

Yes, a Druid can cast Raise Dead, but it's a fairly high level to do so in BG1. In fact, I just quickly Googled it and I'm not sure you'll be able to do it in BG1. I just read that Raise Dead is a 5th level spell and that Clerics cannot reach this in BG1 whilst Druids can reach level 5 but it isn't one of their level 5 spells that they get in the game. So, you could get the scrolls if you find any.

In BG2, Jaheira gets Harper's Call which is the same as Raise Dead.

Clerics can raise dead at level 9 and resurrect at level 13 (afaik). Though the 4 games (Bg1/Bg2/Iwd1/Iwd2) actually have many different limitations to the same named scrolls and spells.

In IWD1 i seem to recall that elves can not be raised by said spell but i am not sure this also applies to the scrolls.

Does that whole "elves can't be brought back to life by the Raise Dead" thing apply to half-elves too?

No, just Elves.

I read a few old faqs/guides before starting. It seems like many of them suggested a Druid to replace the Cleric for their second play though. I started over again with a Cleric to have Raise Dead and I am oddly finding the Cleric one of my favorites. I like to try to play without really saving, but this game just seems too dangerous. I know I am going to run into something big and bad that will clean out my party.

I having just the opposite experience. I never used a Druid before (just didn't really go for the class), and am finding it incredibly useful. Currently playing through with a party of three: RGR/CLC, FTR/DRD, and Thief/Mage. The Druid rocks.

Don't get me wrong, the Cleric's buffs are great, but some of the Druid's attack spells are awesome. Just as an example, in a battle with lots of mobs, I drop a Web spell with the mage, then slam the same area with Spike Growth. It's a death trap. Alicorn Lance will often freeze the mobs in place. Entangle works well, too. I haven't tried shapeshifting yet, but that's next on the agenda.

Yes, Druids are awesome. I was running a party with two Clerics and decided to replace one with a Druid, and I don't regret it. Haven't tried the shapeshifting much as their limited selection of weapons and armor makes them kinda squishy in combat.

You guys got me wanting to try a Druid again. Maybe I will just add one as I only have 5 in my current party. Do you know if added companions come in with 0 XP? I guess I will find out later today. If they do come in at 0 XP it should not be that big of a deal, the Druid can keep the Mage company as I believe I am nearing completion of the Vale of Shadows. Thank you for your suggestions.

Mugsy: yes, they come in with 0 XP. But they'll level fast, as it takes so few XP to get the next level when they're at lower levels. It doesn't take long for them to catch up to the point where they're only a level behind.

*edit* You could always use the console to level the character up, if it turns out to be an issue.

I'm kinda confused how dual-class works as far as weapons and armor restrictions go. Like, if your Level 3 Fighter with sword specialization duals into a Cleric, once he reaches level 3 as a Cleric, will he be able to use a sword or will that specialization go to waste?

He'll be able to use a sword. Until his CLC levels surpass his FTR levels he'll be restricted to only CLC weapons though. After that he's good to go. Once my CLC hit level 4 (I dualled after hitting level 3 RGR), she was able to use any of the weapons the RGR could use. Same with the FTR/DRD.

Basically, when you first dual class, your original class is shut down until you surpass that one in levels. Once you go past the original class' levels, all your proficiencies kick back in and you can use anything the old class was able to use.

Hope that's not too confusing.

I kinda get it. But what about arcane spellcasters and thief skills? You can't cast spells wearing armor and can't use thief skills if you are wearing anything heavier than leather, unless dual-classing removes those restrictions as well?