"However, Blinding Flash does come in handy against caster types in constrained-area zones like Trynton, or anywhere where I can stand in the doorway that is the only exit from a room. Being able to blind the Sprites before they start throwing spells at me has helped a lot in Trynton."

Yes, the beauty of magic based battle strategies, is that there is always an exception. I was referring to Rapax castle, but it's true that it's a policy I apply most of the time. The more who I can squeeze into my cone spells the merrier.

On the Arnika road, I have even started intentionally parking between two or more large groups, then engaging all with long range area-effect spells, (Noxious Fumes, usually). Then I wait in a nook as up 30 enemies approach, then take them out with cones. It makes the magic, per point of mana spent, much more effective when it hits 15-30 enemies, instead of a mere 4-12. And that other group, that would be so much trouble if they interrupted my sleep of replenishment, is dead instead.

When things go badly on the road, however, Blinding Flash is my defense of last resort. When it works (on EM that is uncertain), it often lets me get two full run distances away from my enemy before they recover, usually in one round. When they-re blinded you know they are going to run, even before they do, and that pre-knowledge is powerful because it lets you make a break for it. My Alchemist generally picks that Level 2 spell at character Level 3 every time. Other crippling spells, even when they succeed, are less consistent in what the enemy dies. There is only a % chance they will run and they might be able to attack.

Farseer, I think staying away from Ferro will do it in most cases. It is interesting, once you get X-Ray and use it in Arnika, to see Higardi and Savants walking right through each others party with complete peace and harmony. It's just a game design trick so there will be both friends and enemies around when you come by. The same thing can help you with Ferro. It is your presence (other than the rare thing Wereboar spoke of) that triggers hostilities.

[ 06-24-2003, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: EEWorzelle ]

Think I'll try going straight for templar status this time. Some of those battles in there with 28-30 Rapax of various types is a little crazy.