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.

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.

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
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, Plague of Scavengers, Vertigo and Frostbite.

Note: These are old formulas and are likely no longer accurate.
Caster Uses: discipline*2, charisma, stamina and strength
Target Uses: stamina*2 and strength*3
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 spiritual forces against the target. 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.

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