Lightening - what the?

[Duke Hereward]

So I'm killing people last night and then decide to let rip on a shadow elf mage with a lightening bolt from my very own mage. The bolt killed the shadow elf, along with a couple of others, before heading straight back around the room to kill my mage (they'd all taken a few hits beforehand).

I thought this might be because I was indoors, but next time I got into the open air I tried the spell out and pretty much the same thing happened! Whats the deal with lightening spells / wands and when/where is it safe to use them?

[Dundee Slaytern]

This is one of the reasons why I avoid using the Lightning Bolt spell like the plague. I vastly prefer Slow and Flame Arrow.

[Duke Hereward]

Is there any use for this spell then or should I just wipe it from my Mage's memory never to be used again?

[andrewas]

Originally posted by Duke Hereward: Is there any use for this spell then or should I just wipe it from my Mage's memory never to be used again?

If the bouncing was done by true reflection, it would be incredibly useful and powerful. But its done by 8-point cardinal approximation. Translation - damn near uncontrollable. I use it sometimes, and occasionaly it will bounce across a corridor and hit the same enemy loads of times - causing immense damage. But mostly I prefer spells where skil rather than luck determin the outcome.

Its safe to use if theres nothing for it to bounce off, but thats rare.

[Keraptisdm]

It must have hit a rock, tree, etc while you were outside. Very dangerous spell. Good damage to enemies, then WHAM, nailed with friendly fire. Cast and scatter with caution.

[pritchke]

Lighning bolts are great just make sure you take your medicine first (Potion of absorption). If you don't have potions, scrolls etc, then you can still use them in large rooms because you have time to move your guys out of the way. Personally I don't use them alot but I wouldn't give up on them.