explain this combat mechanic?

from Elemental Forums

 

So for the description of the summons "Familiar" in the bottom right are three spells. Why are those there? The familiar does not have immediate access to them as far as I know. As well, in this case, the familiar is unable to cast spells on the overland map.

Second, what is the point of giving summons the ability to cast spells from the sovereign's spell book if they essentially have no affect since they are based on intelligence? For example, a familiar cast "Haste" on someone gives it .1 extra action points during combat which does not even appear in the action points of the unit the spell is cast on. As well, as summons level up they do not seem to increase their intelligence so that's out too. So why do they have the ability to cast spell book spells? (Not in a mean/snippy tone. just curious)

elemental
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Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

good question there

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Well familiar is supposed to level up and get stronger or something?

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

every unit with mana is capable of casting all known spells, for example my dragon can cast chain lighting :)

 

spell in general in a major overhaul sometime my fire spells deal 90+ damage and the next turn the same spell deals 3 damage or misses

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

it would be no harm if a summon had a small spell to cast imo

 

just not the whole sovereign book

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

I want a dragon...

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top


Second, what is the point of giving summons the ability to cast spells from the sovereign's spell book if they essentially have no affect since they are based on intelligence? For example, a familiar cast "Haste" on someone gives it .1 extra action points during combat which does not even appear in the action points of the unit the spell is cast on. As well, as summons level up they do not seem to increase their intelligence so that's out too. So why do they have the ability to cast spell book spells? (Not in a mean/snippy tone. just curious)
End of quote

INT will increase eventually I think. Not all spells are reliant on INT, and you don't want a summons to be inherently a better spell caster than the sovereign.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Archonsod, reply 6




quoting post

Second, what is the point of giving summons the ability to cast spells from the sovereign's spell book if they essentially have no affect since they are based on intelligence? For example, a familiar cast "Haste" on someone gives it .1 extra action points during combat which does not even appear in the action points of the unit the spell is cast on. As well, as summons level up they do not seem to increase their intelligence so that's out too. So why do they have the ability to cast spell book spells? (Not in a mean/snippy tone. just curious)



INT will increase eventually I think. Not all spells are reliant on INT, and you don't want a summons to be inherently a better spell caster than the sovereign.
End of Archonsod's quote

Well I'm wondering if there are other things they can cast. I did discover that they can cast stinking mud and since its not based on int that is useable. But as far as I can tell not a single summons gains int as it levels, though I've only seen...4-5? of the creatures so far.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I do think it's silly that summoned creatures are able to cast the same spells that your Sovereign knows.  Magic should be something that takes time/training to learn and master.  Yet these creatures are created with that inherent knowledge?