[Gimli]

"That's true and what happens (at least in those portions of the game where casting Haste is possible) but, as pointed out by a couple players on another board, that does not change the order of casting spells in the round it is cast."

Interesting - what is the scope of "casting spells"? Does this also include using bard instruments and gadgets? What about using items/bombs/powders? Can haste still speed up spell effects from those sources? If so I'd say the value of it being cast first in the round goes up.

Also one observation. I usually have access to the haste spell from more than one character in my party. So from this thread, it sounds like a good idea to have a party member who can cast haste *and* a shield type spell (ex - a bard, can either use the rousing drums or soulful sax) be fast. And have another "slow" character who can cast haste be the "backup" haster in a fight where the magic shields are required.

So for example, have a fast bard who usually casts haste in round 1. You get whatever "haste first" benefits there are to be had that way. If you need magic shielding fast (and sometimes you can use surprise to not need it), have the fast example bard put up the shield instead of hasting; and have the slow (at least in round 1), backup haster put up haste. Have another fast character around who knows the other shield spell and have him put it up as well. Sounds like with a combination like that you'd have all the bases covered. And it would require devoting points to speed for only 2 characters.

I also think you can gain surprise alot, especially after a few times through, when you know where certain opponents are going to be (like the rynjin in the swamp guarding the tunnel to bayjin). I've never been able to do it 100% of the time in all fights though, so the speed shields seem like good insurance.