Dynamic Battle Tactics: General Mage Edition

Published by the Academy of Mortal Magic, an entity of Andrinor's Trust January 25, 2116

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DYNAMIC BATTLE TACTICS: GENERAL MAGE EDITION

The mark of a good spell caster is not to learn battle tactics or perform one static function in a party, but to improvise to the variables in a battle and find the most effective way to engage. Many mages find themselves in dire trouble because they fail to estimate the variables in a battle situation. This book will not load you full of useless tactics, but teach you how to adapt to a target and win a battle on the fly. This is much harder for a wizard as they must think far in advance. The first key element is not magic or equipment, but the party you travel with (or lack thereof). Analyze the warriors at your side to determine your role in the battle. For example, if you have a durable pack of meat shields at your front, you¡¦ll need to use party friendly spells and support magic for the best effect. If you have a few warriors with nimble dodging skills, focus on the school of evocation and lay down some lethal area effect magic, you¡¦ll likely not hurt them and cause your foes great damage in a battle. If your entering battle against a foe you can¡¦t hurt, aid your allies with powerful enchantments and defenses. Toss haste spells and stone skins and let the sword do what magic cannot. That position already filled? Summon like mad and add some extra muscle to the party. There are countless ways to adapt to a party to be effective in battle. Experiment in battle and learn what works. Come prepared; don¡¦t be afraid to dump good coin into scrolls, kits, and potions. Go for broke; it could save your life or even the entire party. Keep a spare summon of high level around for example, they make great cover for an escape. Or pack a few heal kits to keep that warrior alive a bit longer (and thusly you). Don¡¦t be afraid to pump healing gear/buffs into your summon, it adds some durability and makes a summon (and your spell slots) more efficient. Don¡¦t neglect your defenses. I can¡¦t enforce this enough! Keeping defensive scrolls and a few extra spell slots with a variety of spells really helps in long dungeon crawls. Scrolls are most important for newer mages as they can provide a burst of heavy defenses without compromising their firepower. Also, keep an item for every occasion as you gain talent. Entering a lair filled with fire breathing demons? Bring a fire-resisting item. I would recommend the same with all the elemental damage types (fire, frost, lightning, acid, sonic). As with your defenses, a little extra firepower is always good. Scrolls, wands, rods and so on¡K All of these are good to have. Packing a few stacks of scrolls is good, especially for wizards in long dungeon crawls, or sorcerer who needs a bit of variety or a good surprise. Remember, most scrolls cast spells at the minimum caster level for that select spell, so you get much more out of your own innate magic. I hope these simple thoughts help you develop your own unique methods of combat that will thrill and delight your allies, while leaving foes a pile of forgotten ashes.

Written by Sarrena, Mage of the Ivory Order of the Sun