Ball of Lightning: what's the point?

[Dev]

I think I'm missing something regarding this spell. It is hard to get and you have to spend 4k+ points to max it out. It seem to hit harder than even my starting firebolt...
I'm also not really sure what the duration on the spell is supposed to mean--when I fired it on skeletons it hit them once for 8 damage then disappeared forever.

Anyone find out how to use this?

[Amone]

Where did you get your ball of lightning??

[Vaylor]

The level 1 version shoots in a somewhat straight line towards your target. It will pass through and damage anything it comes in contact with. It will only travel a set amount per turn, that's what the duration is on it. So if you fire it a long enough distance, it will take a few turns to reach the target.

The level 2 version is exactly the same as level 1, just with a longer duration. It's completely useless.

The level 3 version puts a static trap down basically, and the first thing to get near it takes damage. It's the same damage as the level 1 spell.

The level 4 version puts a field out. The field itself is completely useless. What it does though is shoot a ball of lightning out at the nearest target at the start of every round. Be it friend or foe.

That's the simplified way of how it works. I find the level 1 version to be extremely useful. I think it's the best single target damage spell the mages get(wrath of elements being the best aoe). You can also occasionally line it up to hit multiple people in a row. Just be careful not to shoot it in a path which will damage your own people. If you learn ball of lightning to level 8 even with steady casting, you'll never fail it unless you're under a debuff.

I never use the level 2 and 3 versions. The level 4 version, it's really hit or miss. First of all it takes about 4500ap to max out the skill. Then you need 44sp to even cast the spell. Which you typically need to burn more ap to get, and it makes your mage done for the rest of the fight. What it's good for is that with 1 cast you can do up to 100 or so damage to enemies. It just takes a few rounds for the damage to add up. But if you cast it next to a few archers you'll be happy with it. On my mage playthrough where I got level 4, I found myself hardly ever using it though. I'd typically stick to the level 1 spell so I have some sp remaining to cast other things such as heals.

[Dev]

Great analysis, andydh77. I'll give it another chance.
Amone: It is the reward for completing Pilgrim's path quest.

[Dev]

You couldn't have been more right. Ball lightning damage potential far beats any other spell.
o o o o o x o = enemy x = your target * = you
o ==barrier==
*
Because it isn't a projectile, it needs a walking path through enemies (if you position correctly). In the above scenario, my one ball lightning will hit all of those enemies to get to its target. This + maxed arcane wall actually creates devastating combos!

[sunwalker0347]

Thanks to you all for this info on Ball Lightning. I have yet to find this spell though :)

[MateKiddleton]

I should never have maxed out my ball lightning lol. The level one version seems so much more useful! Level it to 99% and just leave it :P

[dah]

The level 1 version can't target out of line of sight, however - it's level 2 that you really want. However, for it to be reliable and get 99% on casting, you will probably spend a couple more points beyond level 2

And agreed with whomever said the spell kicks ass. Because it does - if planned correctly. You don't want that targeted enemy to move around your party before the lightning gets to him, trust me :D

[Poison]

Just as a note and/or addendum to the above, if you are serious about your mages, you can regen around 7 AP/turn, so spending 44 or whatnot isn't the end of the world. I wouldn't spend 44 AP on ball lightning, personally, but in 2 turns you can have the AP to throw out a level 3 heal.

I am a much bigger fan of rank 4 Move as Lightning, and rank 4 Corpofesso, for AoE buffs on the party and aoe debuffs to the enemy, its both less spendy, and more effective, imo. Also, level 3 heal is awesome.

I just finished Chapter 4, and when I play again, I plan to only spend AP on 5 spells. Rank 3 Ignixio Fire, rank 3 heal, rank 4 corpus whatever unpoison everyone, rank 4 move as Lightning rank 4 corpofesso. Thats all you need, mage wise, and then astral regen 1, 2 and 3, and 1 less ap per spell. Steady Casting too. Spend your other AP on being a decent Archer, and you'll be happy.