Control Freak: Control Spells in DDO

By Darkgolem

In Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach (DDO), one of the more efficient ways a caster can affect combat is to use control spells. Control spells basically delay or cancel opponents' actions to prevent them from effectively harming the spellcaster and his party. Control spells rely upon the rest of the party to damage enemies, with the spellcaster taking a supportive role for doing damage. Because of the number of adversaries in DDO and the amount of hit points many have, this is often the most efficient way to deal with combats for a spellcaster.

When To Use Control Spells

The best time to use control spells are when you have party members who are able to hit and damage opponents effectively in melee combat, and when your opponents are vulnerable to spells. This seems evident, but recall that some types of foes are not affected by spells often (such as vermin or oozes), or you may not have party members who are able to hit your foes easily. Some types of enemies have very high armor classes, such as drow blackguards. However, if you can affect your adversaries with spells--and your fellow party members can damage them--then there is always a spell that can affect them (if you know your spells and your adversaries' vulnerabilities).

Types of Control Spells in DDO

There are four types of control spells. Each type controls your foes in different way, and are better against certain types of foes.

1. Charms
Charms (and in the case of undead, Command Undead) are spells that cause your opponents to fight each other. The downside of these spells is that your enemies will eventually break out of the spell and fight you. The upside is that your adversaries will fight (poorly) for you (absorbing attacks in initial combats) if you can stealthily arrange for your charmed or commanded adversary to be the first seen by new hostile creatures you are approaching.

It's best to use charms against opponents who are melee types since both command and charms are will saves--and when you know you will be meeting new opponents very shortly because these spells typically don't last too long. Charm spells in the game include the following:

• Charm Person
• Suggestion
• Charm Monster
• Dominate Person
• Command Undead (though this is necromancy, not enchantment)

 All charms are single target.