Preface: This
article was originally written as a guidebook.
It has been broken down into sections, so as to make it easier to read.
Introduction
-Colin Powell
Every path has a beginning. Perhaps this is not your first attempt at
support casting in the world known as The Realms, but this is the beginning of
this guide, so we will start here. Everything within this guide is assuming you
know little to nothing about the spell system by which the game is played. Bear with me, for this intended for all
experience levels.
Let us start with defining what a
support caster is, in this case. A
support caster is someone who aids those who play the role of fighters in this
game. This is mostly designed for those who work directly in combat, or
front-line casting, although other areas will also be discussed.
To think that Support Casting is an
“easy” path would be a mistake. To have
spells is one thing, but to use them effectively is quite another. So, while having supportive magic can make
you very useful, you can excel in it by simply adding tactics and honing your
intuition, which does not happen instantaneously. Let us also not forget,
support magic can help you make many friends—or paint a giant target on your
back.
Preparing for Battle
In preparing for battle I have
always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.
Preparedness
is a necessity not only for being an effective spellcaster, it is important for
everyone. What good is a fighter without weapons, without armor? The same can
be said for a spellcaster without a spellbook or without the proper spell
components.
Speaking from experience, showing up to an
event without the proper tools and equipment can be debilitating. Having to
write out a quick spellbook, trying to bum a dagger, and asking around for rope
are not fun before the start of an event. It costs time that could be spent on
discussing battle tactics, warming up, or simply readying your mind to the battles
that lay ahead.
It
is good to keep all the tools of the trade (i.e. spellbook, components, and weapons)
together in a bin or bag so they are available. Also, be sure that your props
are combat safe and before an event and after an event, before they get put
back away. That will give time between events to ensure you can replace or fix
anything that needs to be.
Next time: Spellbooks and Spell Selection!