Cone of Lightning (518)
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Cone of Lightning causes a bolt of lightning to arc to every opponent in the room. It's a very powerful spell in rooms full of creatures, as the damage it causes is equivalent to that of Major Shock (910), a Wizard's most powerful bolt spell.
In addition, Cone of Lightning is player safe and only targets creatures, making it particularly useful when others are around, unlike spells such as Implosion (720) or Meteor Swarm (525). However, due to Cone of Lightning's potential power, there are several creatures that can reflect the spell so that it targets all the players in the room. An example of such a creature is the wind witch near Solhaven. For this reason, it's prudent to be very careful when casting it during invasions.
A common superstition among Wizards who have been playing GemStone IV for a long time is that Cone of Lightning should never be altered or changed in any way, even superficially. Rumor has it that as soon as a GameMaster realizes that the spell is a relic from the past, and too powerful in the current system, it will be reduced greatly in power. Even mentioning a change is greatly taboo.
As of 10/6/09, Cone of Lightning was made safe in regards to anyone (player or creature) who was in the room but hidden or invisible.
Lores and Increased Damage
Training in either Elemental Lore, Water and/or Elemental Lore, Air will increase the spell's damage factors. The increase is .001 per two ranks for the first 50 ranks (confirmed), .001 per four ranks for ranks 51 - 100 (not yet confirmed) and .001 per eight ranks (not yet confirmed) for ranks greater than 100. There is no requirement to train in both lores (as previously thought) to increase the damage factors for this spell.
External Links
- Major Elemental Spell Circle: Cone of Lightning, on Play.net