WHFB - 7th bound spells

[hugok]

hello, it may sound stupid, but how do you use bound spells?
And can you cast multiple times a turn?

thanks!

 

[TMS]

Hi,

A bound spell can only be cast once per turn unless otherwise specified in the item entry. As for how you use them, you simply state that you're using an item containing a bound spell. The spell is automatically cast and will take effect if your opponent won't dispel it. The casting value is equal to the bound spells Power Level which is noted in the item's entry.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Let me hijack your thread here for a moment. (no need to create a new one when this hade the right topic)

Is bound spells worth taking in your opinion? For example, the book of arkhan, costs a mighty 35 pts and has a PL of 3. It seems that you would only get one use, and thats when your oponent is not aware of its existance. All the other times you try to use it, it is easily dispelled even with just one PD!

For example:
In my very first magic phase of the game I'm casting all my spells with my characters and when I've cast the last one my oponent is usually out of DD, so now would be a great time to use the book. But on all th other turns my oponent will know that I have the book and can easily save one DD to dispel it with. I know this will give him one less dice to dispel my normal spells with, but is it worth it?

Hope you understand my question, and please forgive my bad english

 

[midean]

I think you will find that most on here will think they are totally worth it. Like you said, not only does it force your opponent to save DD for them, but they go off automatically. No chance of miscast. And if you have 2 of them your forcing him to sv a couple of DD to stop them, letting you get other spells thru. They allow you to create a nice synergy to your magic phase.....:thumb:

 

[Lord Asher]

All the other times you try to use it, it is easily dispelled even with just one PD!

Most opponents will actually save 2 dice to dispel The Book. Use it only for a critical danse and you'll find that most aren't willing to risk a game breaking magic charge on a 1 die attempt at dispel. On 1 die, there is only 2/3 chance of dispelling. The same can be said for the corpse cart, most people will save 2 dice to ensure ASF doesn't go off. Combined, these 2 bound spells alone will eat through 4 dispel dice.

 

[Lord Viggo]

In my very first magic phase of the game I'm casting all my spells with my characters and when I've cast the last one my oponent is usually out of DD, so now would be a great time to use the book.

The time WHEN to use the book or a bound spell is very important, since your oponent is unaware of it until you use it. This is especially true for the Book of Arkan, as I use it only when it can make a difference in the game: to get a rear of flank charge, or to get units out of the way of my enemy's charge.

You said you used it in your very first magic phase of the game. Was it to get a game-decisive charge? I don't think so. If it was only to move one of your unit and additional 8'', i believe its like saying: "Hey, i got an additional spell right here, so beware!"

If its not for the game-winning move, try not to use the book in the early turns of the game, when units are still placing themselves on the battlefield for the engagement. If you can keep the surprise for later in the game, your opponent might just forget about it, as he concentrates more on the game and his own strategy.

This is how i use the Book of Arkan, and bound spells in general.

 

[Ergo-Sum]

I think everyone else has pretty much said why they are so worth having.

The other value of bound spells is that you know they are going to work, no chance of miscast. It means you can plan your magic phase without the dice messing you up. Even needing a 4+ on three dice can go wrong sometimes. Additionally with the book of arkan, it's a game winning spell if used at the right time.

With all the bound spells items, they have to be judged on their own merit. Some are very good, some a bit so-so, some pretty poor.

 

[Fallen Angel]

Thank you all! You've actually turned me around! Thx again!

 

[darebear]

There is no right or wrong way as to when to use a bound item. Sometimes I activate them first, before casting spells, especially if I plan on casting some attack spells. If you have two Corpse Carts, the Staff of Damnation, Book of Arkhan and the Rod of Flaming death all being activated at once before spells even go off your opponent will wonder what is going on for sure. The SoD is great when you have Blood Knights, Wraiths or Grave Guard in combat, the RoFD is great against enemy fast cavalry and small annoying things which fly. The Book and CCs are self explainitory. Then throw in a necromancer or two with power stones casting Dance and Curse of Years/Wind of Undeath and you have a very nasty magic phase. Even a demon tzeentch army (which I also play) with 9 dispel dice will not be able to stop them all. Anyway, as I said, there is no right time or answer. It all depends on the situation at the time, and that situation will constantly change from moment to moment.

 

[Lord Fear]

Well, there are plenty of wrong ways really For example if you get to the end of the magic phase and your opponent still has 2 dispel dice left then don't bother with the Book (Unless it's a complete and total gamewinner and you'll lose if you don't do it!), as you have a better chance of it expiring than it does for your opponent to fail to dispel.

 

[Ergo-Sum]

The other thing to be aware of with when to use bound spell items is 'What are my chances of getting a miscast this turn?' If you are going to try for a high casting number spell by throwing a lot of dice at the spell, then you have an increased risk of miscasting (IR as well, but better to be overprepared) and many miscast results end the magic phase. You don't want to have a situation where you really needed to use your Book based Van Hels or Corpse cart bound, but can't because you miscast early in your magic phase.

 

[TMS]

You don't want to have a situation where you really needed to use your Book based Van Hels or Corpse cart bound, but can't because you miscast early in your magic phase.

That happened to me once. Blinded by greed I decided to let loose the wind of undeath as the first spell in my magic phase. A miscast result of a 7 later, two bound spells and 8 power dice went down the drain.

Never again!

 

[Lord Fear]

Lol, there's been so many times when I've thought to myself, "I'll just try and cast this one spell, on 2 dice, and then use the all-important Book/Cart power", and pretty much every time I've jinxed myself, and got the end of phase miscast result. Classic