imported>GS4-XERAPHINA: updated page to include new player-guide template

2024-10-31T19:20:22Z

updated page to include new player-guide template

New page

{{Player-guide
|author=Various
|date=2015-02-06
|updated=2023-07-08
|topic=Magic
}}
'''Buff spells''' can be defined a few ways. In the most liberal terms, buff spells are non-attack spells that assist a player in accomplishing a certain task (e.g. hunting). These spells can be cast on a player and will provide that player with an offensive, defensive or utility benefit for a set duration. The usage of buff spells in this guide might not perfectly agree with the mechanics usage for things like [[MANA (verb)|MANA SPELLUP]].

==A guide to Buff Spells==
In general, buff spells are very helpful to characters and, in principle, creatures. Often, they are used by players who wish to add additional [[Defensive Strength|DS]], [[Target defense|TD]], [[Attack Strength|AS]], and [[Casting strength|CS]]. They can also provide the character with other perks or abilities, such as the ability to walk on water, the ability to avoid detection, and provide the character with bonuses to foraging, to cite a few examples.

Buff spells are available to characters in different ways, depending on the exact spell. However, the availability is generally classed into different subgroups. The most limited buff spells are restricted to only self-casting; these spells can only be cast by a caster on him/herself. Other spells are also self-cast, but are also available to the caster's group; these spells will stay on the caster, but fall from any members of his/her group shortly after they leave the group. Many other buff spells can be cast on other players individually by the caster. Finally, there are legacy spells that are available to the masses; these are cast on all members of a group at the same time, and the members of the group keep these spells for their full duration even after the group is disbanded.

There are some buff spells which can be stacked, or cast sequentially multiple times, allowing a caster to provide up to a 249 minutes and 59 seconds (4+ hours) of a spell, others which can be refreshed (cast once, up to some threshold), and finally the most limited spells which can only be cast once, typically with a short duration.

The goal of this guide is to help advise players about which spells their characters should basically always have running if they know how to cast them, as well as advising players on the spells that are available and reasonable to ask from other characters. This guide should hopefully be useful not only to new players, who may not know what spells they should continually have up or who are not familiar with the in-character nomenclature of spells, as well as returning players, who may not be familiar with some of the newer classes and the spells that they can share or changes implemented since they've been gone. In addition, this should also help guide players who are concerned about how to ask others for spells politely and in a way that's in character.

==Generic spells of interest==
This section outlines most of the defensive and offensive buff spells available to be cast at anyone. You can reasonably expect helpful players will offer these spells, for free or in trade.
*'''Spell''': Which spell is it.
*'''Called''': What people usually call this spell in game.
*'''Buff''': What it will do for you.
*'''Stacks''': Whether the spell can be cast more than once to increase duration.
*'''Appearance''': What having the spell cast looks like for you.
{| class="wikitable sortable" {{prettytable}}
|+ '''Commonly available sharable buff spells'''
|- bgcolor="Lightgrey"
! width=120px | '''Spell'''
! width=80px | Called || width=160px | Buff || width=30px | Stacks? || width=460px | Appearance
|- align = center
| '''[[Spirit Warding I (101)]]''' ||"blues", "light blues"||+10 bolt [[Defensive strength|DS]], +10 Spiritual [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>A light blue glow surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Spirit Defense (103)]]''' ||"powerful look", "look"||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||No||
<div {{Log}}>You suddenly feel more powerful.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Spirit Warding II (107)]]''' ||"blues", "deep blues" ||+25 bolt [[Defensive strength|DS]], +15 Spiritual [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>A deep blue glow surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Spirit Shield (202)]]''' ||"dims", "dim aura" ||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||No||
<div {{Log}}>A dim aura surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Elemental Defense I (401)]]''' ||"silver(ies/s)"||+5 [[Defensive strength|DS]], +5 elemental [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>A silvery luminescence surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Elemental Defense II (406)]]''' ||"brights"||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]], +10 elemental [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>A bright luminescence surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Elemental Defense III (414)]]'''<br>'''[[Mass Elemental Defense (419)]]'''||"brills", "guards"||+20 [[Defensive strength|DS]], +15 elemental [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>A brilliant luminescence surrounds you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Thurfel's Ward (503)]]''' ||"Thurfel's"||+20 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>Glowing specks of <color> energy begin to spin around you.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Strength (509)]]''' ||"strength"||+15 [[Strength]] Bonus (applies to physical AS, UAC, Encumbrance)||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>You feel much stronger.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Natural Colors (601)]]'''<br>EVOKED for mass spells||"colors", "hues"||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>You seem to blend into the surroundings better.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Resist Elements (602)]]''' ||"resist elements", "shimmers"||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>The air about you shimmers slightly.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Mobility (618)]]''' ||"mobility", "mobiles"||+20 [[Dodge]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>You suddenly feel much more dextrous.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Mass Blur (911)]]''' ||"blurs"||+20 [[Dodge]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>Your form blurs.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Foresight (1204)]]''' ||"foresight"||+10 [[Defensive strength|DS]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>Opening your mind's eye to the progression of time, a myriad of possible future events fills your consciousness.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Mindward (1208)]]''' ||"mindward"||+20 mental [[Target defense|TD]]||Yes||
<div {{Log}}>You feel your forehead pulse as your mind hardens to deter invading thoughts.</div>
|- align = center
| '''[[Mantle of Faith (1601)]]''' ||"mantle"||+5 [[Defensive strength|DS]], +5 spiritual [[Target defense|TD]]||No||
<div {{Log}}>A whirl of spiritual energy streaks down from above, creating a dully illuminated mantle around your form.</div>
|}
:Note: Some of these spells may offer larger bonuses, depending on the caster.
===Mass spells===
Although outlined in the table above, there is a special class of buff spells, called mass spells. These are all stackable up to four hours and are sometimes collectively referred to as "massies" or "a full set of massies" when they are all being offered. They are as follows:

*[[Mass Elemental Defense (419)]], often called "guards" in-game. Can be cast by anyone familiar with the [[Minor Elemental]] spell circle and adds +20 DS along with +15 elemental TD.
*[[Natural_Colors_(601)|Mass Colors 601 Evoked]], often referred to as "colors" or "hues". Can be cast by [[Ranger|rangers]] and adds +10 DS (with some additional DS depending on the caster's ranks in [[Spiritual Lore, Blessings|blessing lore]]).
*[[911|Mass Blur (911)]], often called "blurs". Can be cast by [[Wizard|wizards]] and adds +20 phantom [[Dodging|dodge]] ranks.

A caster will commonly announce that they are going to cast these spells before casting them. If someone announces that they are going to cast, they are encouraging others to [[JOIN (verb)|join]] their [[Group mechanics|group]]. In this case, it is acceptable to join even if your character has not met the caster before, and it should be considered an open invitation to do so. Adding other mass spells (if known) is typically appreciated in such circumstances (though you might want to announce your intention to cast these spells in case another caster has already offered).

Note that if a caster did not announce that they are about to cast a mass spell, they may not wish others to join their group, so you should not necessarily just jump into a group if you observe them to be casting a mass spell.

==Magic Items==

There are several magic items found as part of the [[Treasure system|treasure system]] which can be used by all characters, even if they do not have any ranks in [[Magic Item Use]]. These items are all activated by [[RUB (verb)|rubbing]]. Because they are commonly found and require no skill to use, they are great for yourself or as tips to others.

*[[Blue crystal]]: casts [[117|Spirit strike (117)]]; provides +75 AS on a single strike.
*[[Ruby amulet]]: casts [[140|Wall of force (140)]]; provides +100 DS for ninety seconds.
*[[White crystal]]: casts [[Strength (509)]]; provides +15 AS and reduced encumberance.
*[[Black crystal]]: casts [[Floating Disk (511)]]; gives a disk to stuff treasure boxes in.
*[[Heavy quartz orb]]: casts [[Mystic Focus (1711)]] provides at least +10 CS (and more for lower level characters) for five minutes.
*[[Small statue]]: casts [[Spirit Guard (1712)]]; provides +25 DS.
*[[Solid moonstone cube]]: gives +10 to [[Combat maneuvers]] defense and offense for five minutes.

==Spell Duration and Dispel==

Almost all buff spells will wear off after some amount of time has passed; as mentioned at the top of the article, usually the maximum duration is just shy of 4 hours and 10 minutes. You can check the remaining duration of any spell cast on your character via the command [[SPELL_(verb)|SPELL ACTIVE]]. It will show the name of the spell and how much time it has remaining. The time is in-game time, so if you logout, the timers for spells will stop counting, and resume upon your next login. The spells will be shown under their proper full names, in spell circle order. That is, 100s (Minor Spiritual) before 200s (Major Spiritual), and 101 before 102, etc. Even some spells with negative effects such as [[Weapon Deflection (412)]] and [[Curse (715)]] will show up, usually at the bottom in monsterbold. A character can also check their active spells, or the active spells of others, with [[Elemental Detection (405)]]; however, the order is scrambled, all spells might not be shown (depending on the caster's training), and the duration is shown in a general way rather than with the explicit time.

However, it is possible for the spells to end before their duration expires. Most commonly, this is because the character has died; in that case, [[Divine Word (1640)]] and [[Symbol of Recall]] are the only ways to get any of the spells back besides having the spells recast. Another common way is if the player uses [[STOP (verb)|STOP]], but this is only possible for spells known to the character; typically STOP would only be used for trade-off spells like [[Spirit Barrier (102)]], [[Elemental Focus (513)]], [[Zealot (1617)]], etc. Yet another way to lose spells is if the character enters a hunting ground with [[Spell burst]] or [[The Rift]], some or all spells not known to the character will be stripped. The final typical way a spell may end before its duration expires is if it is dispelled.

There are several dispelling spells or abilities:
*[[Spirit Dispel (119)]]: Dispels one spell, starting with spiritual-based magic. No warding check.
*[[Elemental Dispel (417)]]: The original, dispels one spell, starting with elemental-based magic. No warding check.
*[[Spiritual Abolition (230)]]: Dispels a minimum of two spells, starting with spiritual-based magic. No warding check.
*[[Elemental Disjunction (530)]]: Dispels a minimum of two spells, starting with elemental-based magic. No warding check.
*[[Song of Unravelling (1013)]]: Dispels a single spell, granting the caster mana. Warding check.
*[[Spell Cleaving]]: Dispels one spell, based on some [[Combat Maneuver]] check.
*[[Bandit#Dispelling_Crystal|Bandit dispelling crystals]]: Dispels multiple spells. No warding check.

There are also some other unusual methods typically not encountered, such as being [[Tackle]]d by someone in [[Kroderine]] armor. Many of the dispels will first remove a prepared spell from the caster before the dispel itself occurs. The spell [[Arcane Decoy (1701)]] will always be dispelled first if it is active (which is the only function of the decoy). Another way a character can gain defense against dispel is by having many buff spells active they have no present need for, such as Water Walking, Unpresence, etc, which may be hit by a dispel attempt instead of another buff spell which the character has a higher desire to keep in the circumstance.

==Spell circle specific information==

Many of the spells listed here have benefits which improve with additional ranks in their home spell circles or with lore training. See the individual spells for specific details on the benefits of additional ranks and the lore benefits for that particular spell or the [[Lore chart]] for an overview of the benefits to all the spells in your circle of interest.

===[[Minor Spiritual]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Minor Spiritual buff spells]].)''</small>

The Minor Spiritual spell circle is available to [[Cleric|clerics]], [[Empath|empaths]], [[Monk|monks]] [[Paladin|paladins]], rangers, [[Rogue|rogues]], [[Sorcerer|sorcerers]] and [[Warrior|warriors]].

{{Minor Spiritual buff spells}}

===[[Major Spiritual]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Major Spiritual buff spells]].)''</small>

The Major Spiritual spell circle is available to clerics and empaths.

{{Major Spiritual buff spells}}

===[[Cleric Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Cleric Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor and Major Spiritual buff spells, clerics have access to the buff spells in the Cleric base.

{{Cleric Base buff spells}}

===[[Minor Elemental]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Minor Elemental buff spells]].)''</small>

The Minor Elemental circle is available to [[Bard|bards]], rogues, sorcerers, warriors and wizards.

{{Minor Elemental buff spells}}

===[[Major Elemental]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Major Elemental buff spells]].)''</small>

The Major Elemental spell circle is available to wizards.

{{Major Elemental buff spells}}

===[[Ranger Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Ranger Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the minor spiritual buff spells, rangers have access to the Ranger base circle.

{{Ranger Base buff spells}}

===[[Sorcerer Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Sorcerer Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor Spiritual and Minor Elemental circles, sorcerers have access to the Sorcerer Base spell circle.

{{Sorcerer Base buff spells}}

===[[Wizard Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Wizard Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor and Major Elemental circles, wizards have access to the [[Wizard Base]] circle.

{{Wizard Base buff spells}}

===[[Bard Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Bard Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor Elemental circle, bards have access to the Bard Base circle.

{{Bard Base buff spells}}

===[[Empath Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Empath Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor and Major Spiritual circles, empaths have access to the Empath Base circle.

{{Empath Base buff spells}}

===[[Minor Mental]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Minor Mental buff spells]].)''</small>

The Minor Mental spell circle is currently only available to monks.

{{Minor Mental buff spells}}

===[[Paladin Base]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Paladin Base buff spells]].)''</small>

In addition to the Minor Spiritual buff spells, Paladins have access to the Paladin Base circle.

{{Paladin Base buff spells}}

===[[Arcane]]===
:<small>''(Note: To edit the contents of this section below the first line, see [[Template:Arcane buff spells]].)''</small>

The Arcane spell circle is not directly available to any profession, however, it is widely available to all characters through magic items or [[Scroll|scrolls]] found in the [[Treasure system|treasure system]]. It also typically does not count towards [[Spell burst]].

{{Arcane buff spells}}

==Weapon Buff Spells==

Some buff spells are cast at weapons and similar combat gear (or characters wielding them). They differ from the other buff spells since they cannot be dispelled by external means (only by someone holding the item), and usually their duration is based on the number of uses of the weapon and not a timer. Most of them can never be added to an item with weighting or innate flares; depending on the situation, they may or may not work on magical or otherwise enchanted materials. They are:

*[[Bless (304)]]: Cast at a weapon or a character holding one, it can allow the weapon to be used to attack [[Undead]]. Holy water flares may also be added, which will do nothing against regular targets, and act like [[Acid critical table|acid]] against undead. May be used on enchanted items, depending on the cleric's training.
*[[Symbol of Blessing]]: Similar to Bless Item, except the item must be held by the person invoking the symbol. Cannot add any flares. May be used on enchanted items, depending on the user's rank in [[Order of Voln|Voln]].
*[[Consecrate (1604)]]: If cast at an item before being blessed, can extend the duration of the bless. Item must be held by the caster. If the item is [[Sanctified]], Consecrate will instead add [[Plasma critical table|plasma flares]], but they can only trigger for a [[cleric]] or [[paladin]]. Can be used to add similar flares to shields and armor. No restrictions for enchanted items.
*[[Ensorcell (735)]]: For sorcerers only, adds one phantom tier to a weapon or [[runestaff]] temporarily. The duration seems related to login, similar to [[Floating Disk (511)]]. Has no restriction on enchantment, flares, or weighting.
*[[Elemental Blade (411)]]: Adds +20 and flares to a plain weapon. The user must be at least level 10, as if the e-bladed weapon was 4x ([[Enchant (925)|enchanted]] four times). Particularly useful for arrows, [[naginata]]s, or situations where the user expects to be [[Disarm Weapon|disarmed]] or otherwise lose their weapon. Also provides the chance for flares for runestaves when casting offensive spells at targets.
*[[Minor Elemental Edge (902)]]: Adds +15 AS to a plain weapon. No level requirement, making it especially good for lower level characters!

==How To Get Spells From Others==

As noted above, most classes have a variety of buff spells that they can learn. While it is often possible to get by with one's own spells, it can be very helpful to get more spells from other characters. This is especially true at lower levels when adding a small amount of AS or DS can make a significant numerical difference.

However, it can be considered impolite (and possibly out of character) to stand in the middle of town yelling "I NEED MAGIC!!!1!1!". One might also not wish to get a reputation as ''that guy'' (or lady) whose only interaction with others is to beg for spells.

To keep from developing this sort of reputation, the best way is to chat and role-play with other characters while resting. Making friends in the game is always a good way to make sure that someone will be happy to make you glow. If you're new or move to a different town or just do not see any of your friends around, however, there are a few simple things one can do when asking for spells that will make others more likely to help you out.

===Low levels===

At low levels, it is generally fine to state that you have recently begun adventuring and request assistance with spells from more experienced characters. You may want to greet other characters who are resting in town and make it known that you're just getting started in an in-character way such as something like "I just got into town.", "I just got off the turnip farm.", "I just started adventuring!", "I've been assigned to kill some rats." and maybe chat for a bit before asking for some magic to help you with your next hunt.

Typically, everyone is quite happy to help a new character and it is possible that you may also be offered some hand-me-down weapons, other gear or advice in addition to magical assistance. You can offer a tip in the form of gems, silvers or magical items listed above in return for spells, but often people will turn you down if they know you're just starting out (hunting rats does not tend to make someone especially rich).

===Pures or Semis with Shareable Spells===

''(note: section title might need a better name)''

If you know some of your own buff spells which can be cast on others, it is often good to offer those in a trade with a character who has a complimentary set of buff spells. For example, if you are a ranger who wants wizardly spells, you may find that many wizards are happy to trade with you (or vice versa). Additionally if you know one or more of the mass spells, announcing that you want to cast this spell in a busy town commons or on the [[ESP|thought net]] is a good way to get the rest of the mass spells, as long as suitable casters are nearby.

Note that if you are the sort of person who offers your spells regularly while resting or doing some other activity that requires little or no mana (e.g. fletching, alchemy), you can develop a reputation as being a helpful person. Thus, it might become easier to get help when you request it.

===No Known Shareable Spells===

If you are a more physical class or do not know very many spells that can be easily shared with others, it is still possible to help casters in other ways which will make them happy to have helped you.

One way to help a caster is by learning a few ranks of [[Spiritual Mana Control]] or [[Elemental Mana Control]] (and to a lesser extent, [[Mental Mana Control]]). This allows you to send mana to casters (if they know how to receive mana). This can help the caster give you a full set of spells more quickly, especially if they are also low level, and the caster will not have to rest as long before their mana regenerates to go out hunting.

It is also possible to offer other services on the spot in the form of [[Armor Specialization]] (armor support and fluidity are both typically popular) or future services (e.g. "If you need boxes picked/loresinging, don't hesitate to ask!"). Additionally, you can offer a tip in the form of silvers, gems or magical items, although some characters do not accept tips for spells as a general rule (though they may make exceptions for some particular items they are fond of).

[[Category:New Player]]
[[Category:Magic]]

Buff spells - Revision history

imported>GS4-XERAPHINA: updated page to include new player-guide template