tactics, mages, and introduction *minor spoiler*

[NobleNick]

Aragorn1,

My mage ALWAYS learns her spells, because I save game just before memorizing, and re-try from the saved game if she doesn't succeed. Then I immediately save again after successful memorization. Some purists might scoff at this; but I'll bet THEY re-load... after their character dies (because they didn't learn their spells [img]graemlins/blush.gif[/img] ? ).

I am trying to remember if Sashii (my gnome Thief/Illusionist) had fireball or skull trap when she entered the first level of D.E. for the first time. (She has been exported to help several other parties make the journey, so has been through D.E. at least 4 times.) I think she did not have either. But she DID have Aganazzer's Scorcher, which is a really "kick-derriere" spell, if used with a little tactical forethought.

Perlninja's experience with the mage saving the day against the Verbeegs and Acolytes in TOFG reinforces my assertion that your mage should be much more than a "tag along" by the time you hit Dragons Eye. However, the experience and spells you'll get in D.E. should continue to advance your mage's usefulness at a rate noticeably faster than the melee characters. D.E is chock full of excellent opportunities for a well equipped mage to take unfair advantage of the enemy.

Perlninja specialized his mage, which I believe is a very good move; and had also (IIRC) picked a good school. (Some schools are very bad to specialize in, if your mage is the only solid magic user in the party. But, IIRC, Conjuror is the only REALLY bad one, since (again, IIRC) the school including fireball, and some other neat offensive spells, is closed to the conjuror.)

What school is your mage (if specialized)? What spells DOES your mage have; and do you remember the ones that you lost in your mage's memorization process? It is probable that your troubles with memorization have more than a little to do with your mage's lackluster performance. If you have a specialist mage withslots stuffed full with Agan. Scorcher, Magic Missile, and maybe a chromatic orb when you step through the door into D.E. 1, then you should be offensively adequate. A fireball or low level monster summoning spell would be a bonus.

The REALLY good news for you is that the most lethal/useful spells lie ahead of you: Save before memorizing!

Hope things turn around for you in D.E.

What's a party,
Without a song?
Bards ROCK!
Party on!!

[ 06-09-2003, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: NobleNick ]

[pritchke]

Originally posted by Midget Gems: For me, finding interesting ways to use Magic is one of the best parts of the game. But if there's one thing I like better than a Mage , it's a Cleric/Mage or better still a Fighter/Mage. There are so many more options if you can get your Mage into the front line without fear of getting hit too often. The key to this is using good protection spells and Mirror Image is my favorite.

I agree one of the great things about this game is to find interesting ways to use magic. I found that in a recent solo game with (Fighter/Mage/Cleric) I used man spells and tactics that I would not normally use often with a full party as you often end up beating yourself by using them. In a solo game, or parties these spells are less dangerous as there is less of a likely hood of one of your own guys getting in the way.

Circle of Bones - Can use in group games but better in solo has you want to keep other members away from the cleric. Good spell to use with Scantuary, (Cast Scantuary, walk up to your target, cast and the target will not know what is doing damage to him). This combo works well against the high summoner in dragons eye.
Sunfire - I Seldom use this in a group as flame erupts everywhere within 30 feet of the caster. Great in solo games however.

[pritchke]

Aragorn1,

NobleNick as offered good advice, but to add to this don't sell your purple "potions of genius" after you have collected 3 0r 4 scrolls use a potion on your mage, save, than start learning the spells. This usually avoids any reloads but still save after each spell learned.

[ 06-09-2003, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]