The Battle-Arcanist's Handbook

[Egon the Monkey]

The Battle-Arcanist's Handbook

Be you a soldier wishing to cross-train in the arcane Art, or a wizard wishing to earn a commission in an armed force, it is vitally important to know the useful deployment of your skills in battle, both offensively and defensively. Although the simple tactics of soldier enhancement are quite widespread among adventuring mages, offensive support skills are rather less so.

Lesson One: The Right Spell in the Right Place.
This is the mantra of the combat mage. With the right timing, a fireball may devastate a wave of opponents, with the wrong timing it is wasted on a few. Deploying flame onto a weapon or stone onto the skin of an ally immediately upon suspicion of combat may cause it to burn off early, but waiting until contact with the enemy will get the most time from it. Improved invisibility deployed at the opening of hostilities is useful, but if reserved to both provide concealed respite for an overrun ally and then a prolonged defence, it is invaluable.

Lesson Two: Practice Makes Perfect.
Endeavour always to practice the aiming of your offensive magics, and you can develop such skill as to be able to drop a scintillating sphere directly in front of your shieldmen, destroying their opponents but keeping the blast a foot or two short of your allies themselves. In this way your shots are not limited by having to be fired at maximum range. Learn also to fire cone blasts such as burning hand assaults at an angle to a combat.

Lesson Three: Communication is Key
The battle arcanist who can communicate his actions to his allies is the one who can use his powers efficiently and safely. If about to deploy a spell of fear of confusion to disrupt a melee around someone, warn your allies to down a potion of clarity so they will be immune while those surrounding them are mentally wrecked. When planning a darkened assault, let you allies know to have ultravision equipment handy. If you plan to deliver a fireball into a crowded room, you may need to yell your intention of "Fire out!" before firing as a warning.

Lesson Four: Control the Field
Spells that destroy an enemy are extremely useful, but those that debilitate foes or slow an advance can also be invaluable. The humble spell of colour spray is the friend of an illusionist facing superior numbers, as it can instantly disrupt a charge, reducing the numbers able to engage. On the other hand, a bewildering or stinking cloud can remain in position at a choke point, and thin down the number of foes able to progress over a period of time. Darkness evocations will render enemy archers inept as your forces close in, or serve to allow your skirmishers to easily backstab opponents.

Lesson Five: Observation
Always remember, information is your finest weapon. Be it that within your spellbook, observation of the tactical situation in order to issue warnings, or knowledge of a particular foe's elemental weaknesses or resilience. Keep your eyes open, and try to keep the all-round view that is unavailable to those in a swirling melee.

Final Notes
This is far from a definitive guide to the use of magic in combat, as such would have to cover every spell and every likely situation. However, it should serve you well as an quick reference in your studies and a general field guide. Good luck, soldier!
-Major B. D. P. A. Nalfini