Spellcasting (General Help)
Magic spells allow a player to do a number of things supernaturally,
which he could not do otherwise. Spells are primarily the domain of
wizards and necromancers, although other professions may make limited
use of them as well through the use of "other skills".
The process of learning spells is the same for both spellcasting
professions. Each spell has a quest through which it can be obtained;
once completed, the player will automatically gain the knowledge of
that spell. If, however, they already know the spell, they will be
given a scroll containing it instead. The scroll can then be traded
to other players who may cast the spell out of it. In particular,
this allows wizards to cast necromancer's spells and vice-versa!
For wizards, all spells are stored in a spellbook; necromancers are
assumed to memorize them. Both professions may use the "spells" command
to view their current spells, though, and use similar syntax to forget
them, should they ever wish so.
To use a spell, wizards utilize the "cast" command; for necromancers
it is "conjure". Apart from the name, the usage of the commands is
identical:
- You must have a staff in your hands to cast or conjure spells.
- To cast a spell, simply type the command followed by the spell name,
like: "cast light".
- To cast a spell at someone, type the command, the spell name, and
finally the target name, like "cast fireball orc".
- Spellcasting lasts a few "rounds". If you cast spells in combat,
you will not hit your enemy during that time.
- Spellcasting may be interrupted: by noise, by you taking damage in
combat or by you doing something that interrupts casting, like
leaving the room.
While most spells' usage is as simple as that, you may encounter
some that will have different syntax. You should check "help spell
<spell name>" for exact details.
Some of the spells work immediately, like fireball or ice spike; some
of them, however, have a long-lasting effect, like light or barkskin.
While they eventually expire on their own, you may forcefully stop the
spell effect with the "cease" command, like: "cease light". The "cease"
command may also be used to interrupt spellcasting in progress.
