Elan

Elan’s Level

In Strip 647, Elan gains a level. He gains two new fifth-level spells and one new fourth-level spell, a progression that occurs only at Bard 13.

At that time, Elan plans to eventually swap one of his existing spells for Cure Critical Wounds. Under the core Bard spell-swapping rules, the first level a Bard may swap out a fourth-level spell is 17th.

In Strip 949, Elan casts Cure Critical Wounds, with significant narrative emphasis placed on the spell’s first on-panel use.

Taken together, this suggests Elan is at least 17th level when Strip 949 occurs.