Cast
Cast is a delayed command for issuing a magical spell.
cast [<effort>] 'spell name' [<target>]
Note that the name of the spell must be enclosed by apostrophes ('). Also, the spell name doesn't need to be typed fully - abbreviations are also accepted (e.g. cast 'ench' sword).
Since the quotes can be frustrating to type, most people set aliases for their commonly used spells:
> alias mm cast normal 'magic missile'
Each spell takes a given amount of time to cast.
Some spells can only be cast without target, some must have a target, and some can have it as an optional parameter.
> cast 'armour' (can only be cast on self) > cast 'strength' (can be cast both on self and a target) > cast 'strength' Elrond > cast 'colour spray' orc
If you already are in combat, your opponent is automatically set as the target for offensive spells without argument.
> cast 'lightning bolt' cavebear The lightning bolt hits the cavebear with full impact. the cavebear:Fine> cast quick 'lightning bolt' The lightning bolt hits the cavebear with full impact. the cavebear:Hurt>
Spell Knowledge
Casting a spell uses up your mana. The actual quantity used has a random component, which decreases if you learn the spell very well. It can be further reduced by wielding a focus staff.
Attempting a spell you don't know well, or that costs almost all your mana, is likely to result in a backfire. When you start casting, you will be warned if the risk of backfire is higher than normal: you will receive the message "You muster all of your concentration..." instead of "You start to concentrate..."
The level at which a spell is cast depends on the effective class level (mage or cleric), and the knowledge of the spell. Putting only a few practices on a spell can mean casting it at a lower effective level, with lesser effects and higher mana cost. Hard to learn, high-level spells may require many practice sessions before you can even attempt to use them.
The optimal number of practices spent differs between spells. For some spells the effect scales strongly with spell knowledge. Higher knowledge of 'breath of briskness' for example will grant more movement points and regeneration. For other spells the primary effect is rather binary. An example is 'detect magic'. In these cases, maxing practices is not advisable, and it's best to just learn them enough to be able to cast reliably with minimal mana and without backfire.
Effort
Casting also takes an optional <effort> parameter, just before the name of the spell. You can cast a spell more slowly but with greater effects, or quickly but with a higher chance of backfire. The possible efforts are:
quick - casting time, + mana used, - spell power, + backfire fast normal minimize mana usage; average casting time, power, backfire careful thorough + casting time, + mana used, + spell power, - backfire
By default, casting without an "effort" parameter is equivalent to "cast normal". You can however "change spellcasting" to choose a new default.
> cha spell q
