Sorcerer
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Sorcerers are pure spell casters affluent in both elemental and spiritual magic. They also possess knowledge of an ancient, arcane circle of magic which can only be explained as a 'hybrid' of both types. The two primary foci of sorcerous magic are Demonology and Necromancy, though it also commands the manipulation of essence and a number of illusions. Much of sorcery is dedicated to destruction of both animate and inanimate matter, with many spells focused on combat-oriented magic. However, sorcerer spells are by no means limited to war, many offer utility and productive purposes.
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Race
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Skills
Physical Skills
Though sorcerers are primarily focused on magic, most will still hunt to earn experience, fame, and treasure. Due to the physical nature of combat, minimums of certain skills are trained during the earlier levels (0-30) of the sorcerer's career.
- Physical Fitness
- Training this skill is required to obtain hitpoints. Even though pures tend to survive by not getting hit, it is still recommended that they acheive their maximum amount of hit points. Depending upon race, this is typically between 20 and 25 ranks, usually trained as soon as possible. Once a sorcerer has acheived their maximum hit points, there is little reason to continue training this skill at all.
- Armor Use
- The amount a sorcerer should train this skill depends upon which type of armor the player selects for their character. Most commonly sorcerers are seen with robes or soft leather armor. Heavier armors provide better protection, but also carry a percentage of spell failure. Whatever the choice, it is highly recommended that the character be considered 'fully trained' for their armor. This will eliminate any movement and maneuver penalties, as well as reduce the amount of spell failure to the lowest possible percentage.
- Weapon Skills
- Most will opt to defend their sorcerer with a runestaff which does not require weapon training to be used as a defensive tool. Thus it is the minority who choose otherwise, usually selecting one of the weapon skill types (edged, blunt, two-handed, ranged, thrown, polearm, or hand-to-hand combat) to dedicate themselves to. Those who choose a one-handed weapon type most likely train Shield Use as well. Due to the fact that sorcerers can only train once per level in the weapon types, they experience a large disparity in attack strength when compared to their square counterparts. Unfortunately, creature defenses will reflect the abilities of those most capable, which results in a very challenging progression for weapon-weilding sorcerers past level fifty. The expenditure of training points on weapon skills is not without its benefits, though. Sorcerers skilled with weapons possess an additional form of attack to supplement their magic, or replace it if their mana supply is low or they have sustained an injury which prevents them from casting. Additionally, those skilled with weapons also experience defensive strengths greater than what is capable from a runestaff and/or spells alone.
- Shield Use
- Reserved for those who have chosen to utilize a one-handed weapon or are dissatisfied with the defense offered by runestaves (especially in more offensive stances). Between 0.5x and 1x ranks per level is recommended for either of these purposes.
- Multi Opponent Combat
- Though expensive, this skill can actually help sorcerers in a few areas. First, area of effect spells (such as Implosion) will affect more opponents more often with proficiency in this skill. Secondly, ball spells can 'splash' more additional targets. Lastly, MOC affords the character increased defenses against force on force mechanics, when being swarmed by multiple foes. All benefits considered, this skill is more of a bonus than something a sorcerer should dedicate themselves to.
Magical Skills
Being a pure profession, sorcerers typically concentrate the majority of their training points on their magical skills. Those who choose to defend themselves with a runestaff will generally obtain one rank per level of each type of magical skill for the course of their character's career. This strategy also helps bolster the general magical capabilities of their character. It is quite common for sorcerers to be converting their physical training points to be used on magical skills.
- Spell Research
- Easily the most important skill for a sorcerer. The majority of a sorcerer's attack spells are warding based, and spell ranks are the most influential factor in casting strength. Anything less than 2 ranks per level is considered foolish, many opt for more. It is possible to train up to 3 ranks per level, though the cost is prohibitively expensive.
- Harness Power
- Another important skill, ranks in this skill equal to or less than the character's level increases their maximum mana capacity by three. Ranks exceeding one's level will only garner one additional mana capacity. Each rank will also increase the rate at which mana is regenerated naturally. Though it is a significant cost for a small benefit to train ranks in excess of one's level, some dont mind the expenditure. 2x per level is particularly common among lower level ranges, though most average 1x once their mana supply reaches a reasonable amount.
- Arcane Symbols and Magic Item Use
- Both staple magical skills for the sorcerer. One rank per level in both of these skills is expected. In addition to being cheap skills for the runestaff, each rank adds to the success and duration of magic activated from scrolls and magic items respectively. Both skills are large factors in the success of the Scroll Infusion spell as well. MIU is particularly useful at lower level ranges, for those who choose to supplement their lack of mana or low hit ratios with wands. Arcane Symbols can aid the character in spotting magical traps (such as glyph and scarab) when using the DETECT (verb).
- Spiritual Mana Control and Elemental Mana Control
- 1x per level in both of these skills is expected from the proficient sorcerer. In addition to the capability of sharing mana and increased mana regeneration, these skills are significant factors in several sorcerer spells. Most notably, the mana cost of focused Implosion is reduced by training in MCs. The damage inflicted by Dark Catalyst, success of both Animate Dead and Planar Shift, and the ability to share mana with minor demons are all increased by these skills. Significant amounts of MCs have been known to reduce the amount of mana required when performing Scroll Infusion as well.
- Spell Aiming
- Adds directly to the power of a sorcerer's focused Energy Maelstrom, and Implosion spells. Those with less than 2x per level in this skill will have severe penalties to their casting strength when using the targeted version of Limb Disruption. Also the primary factor when determining the attack strength of one's bolts. Though sorcerers have direct access to only one bolt spell (Fire Spirit), it can be a reliable form of attack against foes whose target defense is difficult to overcome. Can be considered a cheap magical skill in the sense that the majority of its cost is in physical training points, which sorcerers often have an excess of. Between 1x and 2x per level is typical.
- Sorcerous Lore, Demonology
- Demonology benefits five sorcerer spells. It increases the weight limit of Phase, increases retribution success with Cloak of Shadows, reduces Torment's spell preparation restriction, increases Minor Summoning's success rate and capabilities of the demon, and increases cross-realms success rates and same-realm passenger capacity in Planar Shift.
- Sorcerous Lore, Necromancy
- Necromancy benefits five sorcerer spells. It increases hitpoint return of Blood Burst, increases chance of limb animation in Limb Disruption, increases Pain's damage and incapacitation potential, increases the damage done by a Disease, and increases Maximum Animatable Level as well as success of Animate Dead.
General Skills
There are a variety of secondary skills to train, each benefitting and customizing the character in their own way. Most of these skills are optional for sorcery, though a few have benefits worth their investment.
- Climbing and Swimming
- Certain locations require these skills in order to be traversed. Having some proficiency in both early on can save time and injury down the road.
Spell and Ability Highlights
- Illusions
- A guild skill teaching visual manipulation of essence.
- Disintegrate (705)
- A potent destructive magic which can melt flesh, disassemble non-corporeal beings, and even destroy items.
- Cloak of Shadows (712)
- A standard defensive spell with the ability to retailiate against an attacker when its wearer is incapacitated. This potent magic can turn the tides of a battle gone wrong quickly into the sorcerer's favor.
- Scroll Infusion (714)
- The unique ability to unlock and recharge scrolls. This extends the life of the usable magic found on scrolls many times over, granting a level of versatility reviled by other magical professions.
- Curse (715)
- Various debilitating hexes can be placed on foes and items. Cursed items will impart their curse upon others than its caster when touched.
- Implosion (720)
- One of the most destructive magics known to all of Elanthia, a miniature singularity is created, causing widespread destruction and a general sucking effect.
- Minor Summoning (725)
- Historically, the art of summoning extraplanar creatures is widely disapproved. This spell is a lesser form of such magic, limited to the seizing of minor demons which can perform a myriad of utility functions for their master.
- Animate Dead (730)
- Animation of dead corpses is not a matter taken lightly. Most Elanthians frown upon this practice, viewing it as a form of undead creation. However this magic can be quite beneficial, offering the ability to command the re-animated cadaver of one's foes for attack or utility purposes, as well as fallen comrades to expedite rescues.
- Planar Shift (740)
- By sensing the surrounding flows and recording their unique pattern into a book, a sorcerer can later recall those patterns and inscribe them upon the ground. Coupled with protective runes and sorcerous magic, these otherwise dormant lines activate a rift in space. Stepping through can immediately transport a traveller great distances.