Guide to AoE (Area of Effect) Spells

By Lyle Vertigo

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Area of Effect (AoE) spells are very useful in DDO. AoE spells can be classified into seven categories:

• Single Target: These spells aren't AoEs per se as the have the potential to affect only a single targeted monster. These require timing when dealing with monsters such as scorpions or wraiths. If your target tunnels underground or becomes insubstantial, the spell may miss because you not longer have a target.
  
  
• Ray: Acts as a single-target spell except for one condition: it can be blocked by any obstacle in the way of the intended target, and the target has the potential to dodge it.  It also can hit a different enemy en route to your intended target, affecting the enemy who got in the way.
  
  
• Cone: This spell's point of origin is the caster, and it spreads out from him/her like a fan, which ends 10-15 feet from point of origin. (Example: Burning Hands)
  
  
• Radius: Once cast on a target, this will create a radius of effect 10-15 feet around originating target.
  
  
• Positional: Does not require a target, but can be aimed at a specific location by placing a reticule on the area the spell is desired to appear. When cast in this manner, if the caster attempts to cast a spell outside the range of the spell, it will appear instead at the casters feet.
  
  
• Stationary Effects: These can cause several different conditions depending on the spell. All of these spells have the quality of lasting a duration of time and affecting all who enter or re-enter the affected area for the spell's duration.
  
  
•  Straight Path:  If Turbine fixes this affect, Lightning Bolt and Flaming Sphere will start at the caster and then go in a straight path, dealing damage to all in its path or until it hits an obstacle. At this time, these spells behave as rays.

Each of these spells require planning and coordination. The main question in mind is: how can I make my spells the most efficient?  Obviously, when working with spells that can affect more than one target you will want to try to hit as many monsters with one cast as possible.

For example, if you have 3 mobs in front of you and 2 right behind you, it will be more effective for you to move and position yourself so the monsters are all in front of you before casting a cone spell like Burning Hands (figure 1). In instances where the enemy is too far apart for a cone spell but not for a radius spell, aim for the middle most enemy to catch the most within the range of the spell (figure 2).

Figure 1 Light blue shows caster position.	Figure 2 Light blue shows target enemy.

Keep in mind that some enemies have a greater degree of artificial intelligence (AI).  Some animals, especially humanoids, will switch attention to those who deal the most damage. If you hit a large group for enough damage they will come after you!  As a nuker, it's your job to deal as much damage to as many monsters as possible, but also to  know your position and never put yourself in a situation you can't back out of.

I know some of these aspects of spell casting may sound a bit trivial but it is all too easy to neglect them in the heat of battle.

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