Beyond Basics- The Art of
Casting
Being
a caster is more than going to events and collecting spells. As with
combat there are skills to learn, strategies to be effective, and a
responsibility to follow the rules. This is a series of articles by the Magi of
the Realms, designed to encourage the effective, creative, and thoughtful use
of magic in the Realms.
So you have HEAL LIMB…
Congratulations!!
Unlimited and consistently needed heal limb is considered by many to be the
most useful spell in game. The person who taught you the spell should
have confirmed you have a 20 word verbal, understand you need to be touching
the target limb, and know you can’t move your feet while casting. While
that means you have all the information you need to cast the spell, there are
lots of other things to consider if you want to use it as effectively as
possible. Because, like with any tool, how useful this spell is depends
on how well you use it.
Be Observant-
There
are few things that will benefit you more in realms questing then your powers
of observation. That is true in the case of this spell as well.
People will ask for heal limbs but you are far more valuable when you notice
prior to them asking (and you won’t even notice them asking if you are completely
zoned out). Notice those with embrace and don’t bother trying to heal
their limbs as it won’t be effective.
If
you are going to be a front line caster, pay close attention to who needs what
and understand priorities. Team up with other front line casters and know
who you are responsible for paying the most attention to (but never get tunnel
vision to the point where you don’t notice if the caster near you
dies). Learn how combat works and know what to heal first.
For example if you are supporting a pike and two sword and shield fighters, the
pike man losing an arm would out prioritize any other limb being lost (or
fixing armor). His long weapon is what is keeping the enemy from charging
in and he needs both arms to use it.
There
is a time gap between when a weapon hits a limb and when the call comes out of
the fighter’s mouth, but the damage is done when the hit occurs. There is
no reason you can’t start fixing the limb prior to the call being made if you
are in a position to observe the hit.
And
if you are on the front line, keep an eye out for those pike men’s
elbows. Notice how fighters move and make sure you are in a position
where you aren’t going to get hit by them or impede their movement.
Remember though, Realms combat is a contact sport. Mistakes and hard
shots happen, if you really don’t want to be hit the front line isn’t the right
role for you.
Use Your Body-
The
rules say you have to touch the target limb you are healing. It doesn’t
specify with what part of your body. It is generally easier, safer and more
efficient to heal a leg using your leg or foot to touch it (unless you need to
be crouched behind the target for cover).
Legs
also have a length advantage compared to arms. When lines back up (or a
person move forward) an individual who loses a leg or two frequently ends up
fighting alone in front of the safety of the line. At times you’ll end up
in a situation where when you would end up exposing your head and back if you
tried to reach them with your arm, you can stretch a leg to them from the
safety of the line.
Communicate-
Along
with observation, communication is a skill that is applicable in a variety of
situations including when healing on a line. Communicate with others on
who you are taking care of, so that everyone is being taken care of by someone,
with minimal duplication of effort. Communicate to the fighters you are
healing if who is with them changes or if you have to leave them for some
reasons. Their fighting style may vary based on the amount of support they
have.
Keep
an eye out for threats and opportunities as you heal and communicate what you
see. You are most likely in a better position to notice the line being
flanked then the fighters you are supporting are.
Pay Attention to the Basics-
While
there is more attention given to problems with taking shots in combat, not
casting spells correctly is common and as much of a problem as
rhinohiding. Creative thinking and strategic casting that goes beyond the
basic is something to strive for, but don’t focus so much on reaching that
level that you stray from correct (and legal) casting.
Know
your verbals. Practice saying them quickly and clearly. When you
cast, say your verbal loud enough for your target to hear it, and clear enough
for them to understand. Remember adrenaline may make you naturally speed up.
Consciously make sure you aren’t slurring. If your feet move or you
jumble your verbal you should be telling your target their limb is not
healed. People do notice if you don’t cast properly, and the few seconds
you gain by casting incorrectly isn’t worth what you lose in respect.
If you are being healed by someone and you know they didn’t cast the
spell correctly you should tell them it didn’t work. Marshals frequently
aren’t in positions to know if an error has happened, and we count on everyone
treating this as a sport of honor and playing by the rules.