Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - Some Newbie Questions! (revived, edition2)

mistral4543 · 09-21-2001, 05:42 AM

Hello,

I'm only going to touch on lower level spells, since that seems to be your grouse.

Actually, the level 1 spell chromatic orb gets pretty good as your mage levels up; at higher levels, it has a chance of stunning opponents (ie, you can attack 1 more round and the poor victim is just standing there waiting to be struck). Level 2 melf's acid arrow is extremely useful against trolls, so I wouldn't say it sucks either. Other lower level spells I have been using quite frequently: level 3 melf's minute meteors (this acts as a +5 weapon, so it's really very powerful against certain creatures and you can throw the meteors at enemies from a distance without being injured at the frontline).

The lower level (up to level 4) spells I usually memorise are: chromatic orb, vocalise, identify, magic missiles, melf's acid arrows, melf's minute meteors (earlier, it was flame arrow but I've since replaced it), stoneskin, improved invisibility, greater malison and secret word.

Now, for battle. I don't usually send my mage forward but this happens and I spot enemies, usually he/she will quickly cast chaos at non-spellcaster enemies; chaos will slow them down a bit since there is a chance they will start attacking one another. I will then follow up with a breach (remove combat protections) on enemy mages. As my fighters charge forward to deal melee damage, my mage continues casting more attacking spells against enemy mages from a safe distance (eg, secret word which removes spell protections). After that, he/she has all the time in the world to continue raining spells on the enemies who are busily warding off my fighters.

So, the mage is really quite useful (especially for breach spell) and far from useless. If you prefer more effective melee combat, then you'd have to start with a fighter then dual to mage so that your mage is more capable in that aspect.

My only dissatisfaction with mages is that they keep having to rest once they run out of spells. Slows down the game quite a bit...

09-21-2001, 05:42 AM	#7
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	Hello, I'm only going to touch on lower level spells, since that seems to be your grouse. Actually, the level 1 spell chromatic orb gets pretty good as your mage levels up; at higher levels, it has a chance of stunning opponents (ie, you can attack 1 more round and the poor victim is just standing there waiting to be struck). Level 2 melf's acid arrow is extremely useful against trolls, so I wouldn't say it sucks either. Other lower level spells I have been using quite frequently: level 3 melf's minute meteors (this acts as a +5 weapon, so it's really very powerful against certain creatures and you can throw the meteors at enemies from a distance without being injured at the frontline). The lower level (up to level 4) spells I usually memorise are: chromatic orb, vocalise, identify, magic missiles, melf's acid arrows, melf's minute meteors (earlier, it was flame arrow but I've since replaced it), stoneskin, improved invisibility, greater malison and secret word. Now, for battle. I don't usually send my mage forward but this happens and I spot enemies, usually he/she will quickly cast chaos at non-spellcaster enemies; chaos will slow them down a bit since there is a chance they will start attacking one another. I will then follow up with a breach (remove combat protections) on enemy mages. As my fighters charge forward to deal melee damage, my mage continues casting more attacking spells against enemy mages from a safe distance (eg, secret word which removes spell protections). After that, he/she has all the time in the world to continue raining spells on the enemies who are busily warding off my fighters. So, the mage is really quite useful (especially for breach spell) and far from useless. If you prefer more effective melee combat, then you'd have to start with a fighter then dual to mage so that your mage is more capable in that aspect. My only dissatisfaction with mages is that they keep having to rest once they run out of spells. Slows down the game quite a bit...