[Caden]

ok the spell catagory was the most confusing thing iv read besides the official DCI rules for magic the gathering.

i need a clear explination for using spells in general. Most specifically the undying host necropolis ability. Can a regular necromancer use it? or just Naomi

[Gus Landt]

I had to read the spell stuff a few times myself when I first started.
Not sure if this is specifically what your looking for, and if it is too basic, I apologize in advance. Maybe someone else will get something out of it.

Spellcasters have a Casting Grade and a Spell Capacity, represented by 2 numbers: {Casting Grade}/{Spell Capacity} (i.e. 3/12)

Casting Grade = Spell level. Spells are divided into 3 levels, with level 1 spells being cheaper/weaker, and level 3 being expensive/powerful.

Spell Capacity = Total number of spell levels' worth of spells a caster can take.

So, in the 3/12 example above, the caster could take spells up to 3rd level, and a total of up to 12 levels worth of spells. So, he could take 12 first level spells, or four 3rd level spells, or 6 first level and 6 second level spells, or just a single 1st level spell if he wants (you don't have to take all 12).

Undying host is an unusual spell. For Necropolis spellcasters (Mage or Cleric), Undying Host is only a Level 1 spell, so any Necropolis Mage or Cleric could cast it.
Right now that list only includes Naomi & Malek, but I'm sure the Necroplis will pick up a Cleric in February's Necropolis' faction book.

For non-Necropolis, undying host counts as a 3rd level spell, and is only available to Evil Mages. So, any model that is Evil, and who can cast 3rd level mage spells (i.e., the number before the slash in their 'Mage x/y' has to be a 3) can purchase Undying Host as a level 3 spell.
Right now that list includes: Netirti, Yagun Oog, Ashkrypt, Arik, The Witch Queen, and Rauthuros.

REMEBER: Just because a model has 'Mage x/y' or 'Cleric x/y' does NOT mean they automatically get any spells. You need to purchase spells for them using the spell's Point Cost towards your army point cost. So if you buy Naomi (213 points) 4 Fire Storm spells (75 points each), then Naomi ends up costing 513 points!

[mateybob]

loading naomi up with that many spells is probably not a good idea... shes very weak for a lot of points and can do some nice 30" scry shooting even without spells...

personally i think the undying host spell is useless unless youre very lucky... youre summoning models that are worse than a skeleton warrior and the spell costs 75points.. the way i see it you need to be able to summon at least 4 to be able to get your points worth... using the best mage currently available (naomi) this requires a roll of 10... but on average youre probably only going to be getting one minion for 75 points...

[Lord Baasen]

Undying Host is best used near the end of a battle. When you're low on Grunts and your Warlord needs the support to take out the other Warlord. The spell is also useful for generating a screen.
Mateybob is right, it's an expensive spell for a chance at one model, but you could get lucky.
I suggest only giving it to Naomi or Malek w/ Greater Magic Empowerment.
Thanks for the explanation Gus.

[Uthgar]

The second number is the total number of spells not spell levels. If your wizard has 3/12 you could have 12 3rd lvl spells, of course you will be investing a ton of points in one model and if he goes down before letting loose with most of his/her spells, you are going to be in big trouble.
Matt

[FreeFall]

Actually it is the number of spell points, if you will. "A Spell uses up Spell Capacity equal to its Casting Grade."

This is something that was changed during Beta when the capacity was increased. For example, Ashkrypt used to be Mage 3/4. Now he is Mage 3/12. It offers more flexibility on spell selection.

[ladystorm]

Uthgar, on Dec 23 2004, 10:17 AM, said:

The second number is the total number of spells not spell levels. If your wizard has 3/12 you could have 12 3rd lvl spells,

Not so.

page 72: Spell Capacity, top of second column.

Free Fall and Gus are correct.

[Caden]

k last question. wtf are the point costs for. most are like 10. and undying host is 75

[Lord Baasen]

Points are to balance out the effectiveness of a spell. The higher the cost the more effective the spell.

[Caden]

how do u get the points

[Steven Page]

Point cost are just that. A comparitivly weak spell like "Ice shards" is 10 points; "fireball", much more powerful, is 50; and "Firestorm", and "undying host", which CAN be amazing, are 75.

Naomi, with a 15 point Lesser Magical Empowerment,using "Undying Host" has a 20% chance at one Minion, 20% for two, 20%for three, 20% for four, and 20% for five. In my book, a 60% chance of geting three or more reinforcements is nothing to sneeze at....

[Caden]

but i still dont know how to get the points

[Lord Baasen]

Decide how big you want your army,
Choose and purchase models,
Choose and purchase equipments for choosen models,
What points you have left, choose and purchase spells.
Of course you can purchase spells second, purchase equipment last.
I do suggest always choosing models first, it's easier that way.

[Caden]

Ohhh so if your playing like a 1000 point game and you only use like 925 then u can use 75 points to buy spells with. is this right?

[Spartan6]

yep