Contested abilities
General Information
Contested spells include Will vs Will, Spell vs Stamina, Spell vs Agility, and Spell vs Sprit. ALL contested spells are modified by range to target (except for area spells), and by how much mana the caster puts into the spell. Both sides of the formula are otherwise equally balanced, but the ratios are not revealed -- only which stats are used, not which is most important. Primary Magic does NOT play a role except in the fact that it allows a mage to put more mana into the spell.
This will mean that individual mages, depending on how they have and want to train their stats, will tend to have a particular type of contested spell that they excel at. Likewise, there will be particular targets who may be more or less resistant to specific types of contested spells. All of the above applies equally to both critters and players.
Contest Definitions
Spell vs Agility spells
This contest is used for spells with effects that rely on quick physical reactions to strike with or avoid. It is typically referred to as SvA. The caster uses Discipline, Charisma, Agility, and Reflex. The target uses Reflex and Agility. Examples of SvA include Branch Break, Harawep's Bonds, Tremor and Ice Patch.
- Spells listed as Spell Versus Agility.
Note: These are old formulas and are likely no longer accurate.
Caster Uses: discipline, charisma, reflex*2 and agility
Target Uses: reflex*3 and agility*2
Modifier: balance of the target
Will(Spell) vs Will spells
This contest is used for spells with effects that rely on strength of will and mental focus. It is typically referred to as WvW (Will vs. Will) or less commonly as SvW. The caster uses Discipline, Charisma, and Intelligence. The target uses Discipline, Charisma and Intelligence. Examples of WvW spells include Mental Blast, Hypnotize, Huldah's Pall, Phelim's Sanction and Tingle.
- Spells listed as Spell Versus Will.
Note: These are old formulas and are likely no longer accurate.
Caster Uses: discipline*2, charisma*2 and intelligence
Target Uses: discipline*2, charisma and intelligence*2
Dartenian says, "For will vs will, you are best keeping Int + Disc + Chr all relatively balanced, yes." 1/2009
Modifier: nerve damage of both sides
Spell vs Stamina spells
This contest is used for spells with effects that rely on pure physical endurance on the part of the caster or the target to resist. It is typically referred to as SvS. The caster uses Discipline, Charisma, Strength and Stamina. The target uses Strength and Stamina. Examples of SvS spells include Nissa's Binding, Lethargy, Curse of the Wilds, Vertigo and Frostbite.
- Spells listed as Spell Versus Stamina.
Note: These are old formulas and are likely no longer accurate.
Caster Uses: discipline*2, charisma, stamina and strength
Target Uses: stamina*3 and strength*2
Modifier: health of the target
Spell vs Spirit spells
This contest is used for spells with effects that rely on targeting the target's soul or directing divine/spiritual forces against the target (theurgy). It is typically referred to as SvSp. The caster uses Wisdom, Charisma and a touch of Discipline. The target uses Charisma, Wisdom and to a lesser extent Discipline. Examples of SvSp spells include Soul Sickness, Malediction, and Curse of Zachriedek. SvSp is primarily the domain of Holy magic.
- Spells listed as Spell Versus Spirit.
Caster Uses: wisdom, charisma, discipline
Target Uses: charisma, wisdom, > discipline
Modifier: spirit health of target
Contest Stat "Weighting"
Dartenian says, "When we talk about weighted in stat contests, we aren't usually talking about much."
Dartenian says, "Raising your intelligence or discipline higher at the expense of charisma is NOT going to make you better at WvW."
Dartenian says, "If you are talking about cost analysis."
1/2009
Contested Spells in DR 3.0
The contested spell models are changing under DragonRealms 3.0. As Magic 3.0 is doing a rewrite and re-balance of many spells, the spell contests have likewise been updated.
This information was taken from a forum post and like all information on the yet to be release 3.0 systems, is subject to change.
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Magical Attack Styles
- Mind Attacks - The user is bringing the force of his own mind to bear on the target. Examples: Mental Blast, Halt.
- Magic Attacks - The user is creating an effect that acts on its own accord as opposed to directly contesting themselves with the target. Examples: Energy Manacles, Branch Break.
- Spirit Attacks - The user is clashing their spirit or soul against the target, trying to bring down its weight against them. Examples: Soul Sickness, Stun Foe.
- Charm Attacks - The user is trying to lure or befuddle the target in a subtler attack, or instead awe the target through sheer presence. Examples: Siren's Call, Chorus of Madmen.
Non-Magical Attack Styles
- Fear Attacks - The user is trying to intimidate the target in order to evoke a desired effect. Examples: Barbarian Roars.
- Power Attacks - The user is bringing forth sheer physical brutality in order to cause an effect. Example: War Stomp.
There aren't as many non-magical attack styles because there aren't really any abilities for them outside of Barbarians. It's easy to add more in the future though.
Defending from Spells
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- Reflexes - The user is attempting to avoid something attacking them, keep their balance, or otherwise make agile or dexterous motions. Examples: Branch Break, Dazzle.
- Fortitude - The user is trying to endure an effect or curse that cannot be avoided. Examples: Stun Foe, Heighten Pain.
- Willpower - The user is attempting to actively fight off or shield themselves from an attempt to meddle with their state of being. Examples: Mental Blast, Petrifying Visions.
As you may notice, Spirit has been removed as a defense and moved to an offensive type instead. It was decided that attacks against a character fundamentally reduce to three things: You avoid it, you endure it, or you repel it. This new system still provides many more potential types of contests, given the input side of things.