ErfWiki - User contributions [en]

Caster

2012-11-20T17:18:14Z

Ticket: Various

{{Magic101}}
=Proposed Canon=
Casters are [[unit]]s that can cast [[Magic]] [[Spell|Spells]] and use [[scroll]]s. These alter the world around the Caster in some way, gather information, or otherwise provide a result that would be considered extraordinary or supernatural in the [[Real World]]. Casters are rare and therefore highly prized by the [[Side]]s they belong to. Frequently, the magical abilities provided by a specific caster form an important part of the strategy of the Side.

Every caster belongs to one [[magic|magical]] Discipline (e.g. [[thinkamancy]] or [[croakamancy]]) and can cast spells from that discipline. Some casters can also cast spells from outside their discipline. Casters are titled by their [[magic]] class or discipline, so a caster specializing in [[Lookamancy]] is called a Lookamancer, and a caster who does general [[Hippiemancy]] would be called a Hippiemancer.

Within their discipline casters are rated according to their [[class]], most commonly as [[novice-class|Novice]]/[[adept-class|Adept]]/[[master-class|Master]]. It is implied that these represent discrete steps in insight and magical abilities. However, only a few very specific examples of such abilities have been shown. It is unclear whether the insight is gained through personal study or that it is automatically acquired as a caster increases in level. Or maybe advancement requires both [[LIAB Text 45]].

Some units (e.g. [[Archons]]) can cast a limited set of spells from one or more disciplines. These are not considered casters and presumably cannot attain a higher [[class]] in a discipline or participate in [[caster link]]s.

==Using Magic==
A caster seems to automatically know some of the spells available to him. He can also learn spells from other casters [[IPTSF Text 23]] or work them out through experimentation. The potency of a caster's spells increases with his level [[IPTSF Text 20]]. To cast a spell a caster expends some of his [[juice]] [[TBFGK 104]]. Since the amount of juice a caster has is limited, the amount of magic a caster can perform during one turn is also limited [[TBFGK 90]].

Casters can use [[scroll]]s to cast spells without expending juice. Scrolls also allow a caster access to disciplines and spells that she does not know [[TBFGK 126]]. It is unknown if there are restrictions on the disciplines or spells that can be made into scrolls.

Some casters know (and can cast) spells outside their discipline. The talent for this differs strongly between casters, from (almost) none ([[Sizemore Rockwell]]) to quite a lot ([[Wanda Firebaugh]]) [[TBFGK 13]]. The ability to cast spells outside one's discipline may be (partly) level-dependent [[IPTSF Text 19]]. There may be restrictions on the disciplines or spells accessible in this way. It is unknown whether a caster can attain Adept or Master rank, with the associated benefits, in a discipline that he does not belong to.

Casters can also create [[Magic_Item|magic items]] [[LIAB 69]]. No particulars about the creation process have been revealed.

==Commander==
Like [[Warlord]]s, Casters are [[commander]]s and can lead [[units]] in combat [[TBFGK 84a]]. However, they almost never do so since they are too rare and valuable to risk. Moreover, they do not have the [[Leadership]] ability and do not grant a [[Leadership]] [[Combat#Combat_Bonuses|bonus]] to units under their direct command. Some casters can grant a special bonus to particular units, presumably limited to those directly tied to their magical specialty. For example, Dirtamancers provide bonuses to [[golems]] under their command, and Croakamancers provide bonuses to [[uncroaked]] units.

In some situations, casters can also grant abilities to units under their command. For example, a Croakamancer can grant the [[Dance-Fighting]] special ability to [[Uncroaked]] units under its command [[TBFGK 127]]. The Caster would likely need to possess the dance-fighting ability on their own to be able to bestow it to other units.

==Caster Links==
:''Main Article: [[caster link]]''

A Thinkamancer can join one or two other casters together into a [[caster link]] allowing those casters to cast powerful spells, multi-discipline spells, or create multi-discipline [[Magic_Item|magical items]] or scrolls. The most powerful spells and items (apart from those created and used by [[Titans]]) are created by linked casters.

==Magic Kingdom==
:''Main Article: [[Magic Kingdom]]''

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is an island that can only be entered by casters through [[portal]]s in [[Erfworld]] [[city|cities]]. Communities of [[barbarian]] casters live here, and the island is divided into eight sections, one for each class of magic. Casters of the various disciplines co-mingle freely, including those who are members of different [[side]]s, who may enter and leave through [[Portal Park]] to socialize or deal with other casters for their [[Ruler]]s.

As barbarians, Casters from the Magic Kingdom may be hired as mercenaries, for use by the hiring [[Side]], as [[Faq]] did with [[Vanna]].

Casters can receive orders from Warlords and Rulers while the caster is in the Magic Kingdom.

==Caster Creation==
Casters are created in the same way as [[warlords]]; when a [[Side]] [[pop]]s a warlord, there is a chance it will get a caster instead. The Side also does not get to choose the type of caster it receives. Some [[Erf]] culture appears to hold that the [[Titans]] decide when a Side will pop casters, or that the need of the Ruler influences what is popped. There is no way to intentionally pop a caster.

==Croaked Casters==
Once a caster is croaked they may be uncroaked. An uncroaked caster does not retain spellcasting abilities and functions as generic uncroaked infantry [[TBFGK 77a]].

It is currently unknown if casters can still cast after being [[decrypted]].

== Known Casters ==
:'' For a table cross-referencing casters by side and discipline, see: [[Known casters]]''

;Hocus Pocus
:[[Adderall Hawk]], Mathamancer
:[[Delphie Temple]], Predictamancer
:[[Marie Lavraie]], Predictamancer
:[[Spenser]], Findamancer
;Spookism
:[[Ace Hardware]], Dollamancer
:[[Holly Shortcake]], Dollamancer
:[[Ken]], Dollamancer
:[[Teddy Clothespin]], Dollamancer
:[[Vanna]], Turnamancer
;Stuffamancy
:[[Bowie]], Changemancer
:[[Lloyd]], Dittomancer
:[[Sizemore Rockwell]], Dirtamancer
;Eyemancy
:[[Bunny]], Thinkamancer
:[[Hubble]], Lookamancer
:[[Isaac]], Thinkamancer
:[[Jack Snipe]], Foolamancer
:[[Maggie]], Thinkamancer
:[[Misty]], Lookamancer
:[[Orwell]], Lookamancer
;Hippiemancy
:[[Janis Atlantis]], Florist
:[[Labeler]], Signamancer
:[[Olive Branch]], Florist
:[[Uhura]], Date-a-mancer
;Naughtymancy
:[[Rusty Trombone]], Shockmancer
:[[Wanda Firebaugh]], Croakamancer
;Stagemancy
:[[Cubbins]], Hat Magician
:[[Jeftichew]], Carnymancer
;Clevermancy
:[[Benjamin]], Moneymancer
:[[Betsy Murgatroyd]], Healomancer
:[[Clay Dice]], Luckamancer
:[[Moothfott]], Moneymancer
:[[Pierce]], Healomancer

=Speculation=

==Caster Creation==

Casters are extremely rare, largely because they cannot be popped intentionally.

After a side pops its first caster, popping another caster becomes much more unlikely.

Many sides seem to have [[Thinkamancer]]s (at least three among the combatants of the [[Battle for Gobwin Knob]]). They may be more commonly popped than members of other Disciplines. Conversely, even in the Magic Kingdom, [[Dirtamancer]]s are apparently rare and in demand.

Some additional possibilities on how casters' numbers might be restricted:

* As a side has existed for more turns, the chance of popping a caster decreases.
* Each time a side pops a caster, the chances of popping another decreases.
* There is a limit on the number of casters in the world (could be based on each type)
** The odds of a caster popping decreases as the number of casters in the world increases
** There is a hard limit on the number of casters in the world
** It may be that sides are limited to a maximum number of casters. For example, three or fewer, with it being rare but possible to pop up to three casters. Capture, however, would be more beneficial since it allows for more than the minimum number and it means the casters may have already leveled.

==Casters, Sides, and the Magic Kingdom==

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is a special location that only casters can enter. Casters from active sides can enter and exit the Magic Kingdom via portals. However, some casters in the Magic Kingdom do not belong to sides on Erfworld. The number of casters in the Magic Kingdom may, at any given time, outnumber those elsewhere on Erfworld.

==Caster levelling==
Leveling for casters may work differently then for other [[unit]]s. If casters need to kill enemy units to gain [[experience]] then leveling could be very difficult due to the fact that casters tend to be kept in [[capital]] cities. Some types, such as [[florist]]s, might not even possess any magical means to [[croak]] another unit. Note that in [[LIAB Text 45]], Sizemore says that he has gained three levels recently, two from croaking units ("from traps and combat") and one from other activities ("from all of the city rebuilding"). So it seems canon that not all caster leveling comes from croaking units.

It is possible that casters gain experience by using magic or by simply participating in a battle in any way.

[[Category:Unit]]
[[Category:Proposed Canon]]
[[Category:Speculation]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Caster]]

Caster

2012-11-13T16:52:50Z

Ticket: (Using Magic) Continuing rewrite

{{Magic101}}
=Canon=
==Caster Creation==
''Casters'' are created in the same way as [[warlords]]; when a [[Side]] [[pop]]s a warlord, there is a chance it will get a caster instead. The Side also does not get to choose the type of caster it receives. Some [[Erf]] culture appears to hold that the [[Titans]] decide when a Side will pop casters, or that the need of the Ruler influences what is popped. There is no way to intentionally pop a caster.
== Known Casters ==
{{:Known casters}}

=Proposed Canon=
Casters are [[unit]]s that can use [[scroll]]s and cast [[spell]]s. While certain [[unit]]s can use [[spell]]s or spell-like abilities (e.g. [[Archons]]), Casters are the only units in [[Erfworld]] that can learn and cast [[spell]]s beyond their unit's specific ability or spell set. Casters are further defined as being [[Commander]]s and being able to form [[caster link]]s. Casters are called by their class or discipline, so a caster who casts from [[Lookamancy]] is called a Lookamancer, and a caster who does general [[Hippiemancy]] would be called a Hippiemancer.

==Using Magic==
Every caster belongs to a [[magic|magical]] discipline (e.g. [[thinkamancy]] or [[croakamancy]]) and can cast spells from that discipline. Within their discipline casters are rated according to their [[class]], most commonly as [[novice-class|Novice]]/[[adept-class|Adept]]/[[master-class|Master]]. It is implied that these represent discrete steps in insight and magical abilities. However, only a few very specific examples of such abilities have been shown. It is unclear whether the insight is gained through personal exploration and experimentation or that it is automatically acquired as a caster increases in level. Or maybe advancement requires both [[LIAB Text 45]].

It is unknown how a caster knows (or learns) the spells available to him. To cast a spell a caster expends some of his [[juice]] {{erf|1|104}}. Since the amount of juice a caster has is limited, the amount of magic a caster can perform during one turn is also limited {{erf|1|090}}.

Casters can use [[scroll]]s to cast spells without expending juice. Scrolls also allow a caster access to disciplines and spells that she does not know {{Erf|1|126}}. It is unknown if there are restrictions on the disciplines or spells that can be made into scrolls.

Some casters know (and can cast) spells outside their discipline. The talent for this differs strongly between casters, from (almost) none ([[Sizemore Rockwell]]) to quite a lot ([[Wanda Firebaugh]]) {{Erf|1|013}}. The ability to cast spells outside one's discipline may be (partly) level-dependent [[IPTSF Text 19]]. There may be restrictions on the disciplines or spells accessible in this way. It is unknown whether a caster can attain Adept or Master rank, with the associated benefits, in a discipline that he does not belong to.

Casters can also create [[Magic_Item|magic items]] [[LIAB 69]]. No particulars about the creation process have been revealed.

==Commander==
Like [[Warlord]]s, Casters are [[commander]]s and can lead [[units]] in combat. {{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}} However, they almost never do so since they are too rare and valuable to risk. Moreover, they do not have the [[Leadership]] ability and do not grant a [[Leadership]] [[Combat#Combat_Bonuses|bonus]] to units under their direct command. Some casters can grant a special bonus to particular units, presumably limited to those directly tied to their magical specialty. For example, Dirtamancers provide bonuses to [[golems]] under their command, and Croakamancers provide bonuses to [[uncroaked]] units.{{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}}

In some situations, casters can also grant abilities to units under their command. For example, a Croakamancer can grant the [[Dance-Fighting]] special ability to [[Uncroaked]] units under its command. {{erf|1|127}} The Caster would likely need to possess the dance-fighting ability on their own to be able to bestow it to other units.

==Caster Links==
''Main Article: [[caster link]]''

A Thinkamancer can join one or two other casters together into a [[caster link]] allowing those casters to cast powerful spells, multi-discipline spells, or create multi-discipline [[Magic_Item|magical items]] or scrolls. The most powerful spells and items (apart from those created and used by [[Titans]]) are created by linked casters.

==Magic Kingdom==
''Main Article: [[Magic Kingdom]]''

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is an island that can only be entered by casters through [[portal]]s in [[Erfworld]] [[city|cities]]. Communities of [[barbarian]] casters live here, and the island is divided into eight sections, one for each class of magic. Casters of the various disciplines co-mingle freely, including those who are members of different [[side]]s, who may enter and leave through [[Portal Park]] to socialize or deal with other casters for their [[Ruler]]s.

As barbarians, Casters from the Magic Kingdom may be hired as mercenaries, for use by the hiring [[Side]], as [[Faq]] did with [[Vanna]].

Casters can receive orders from Warlords and Rulers while the caster is in the Magic Kingdom.

==Croaked Casters==
Once a caster is croaked they may be uncroaked. An uncroaked caster does not retain spellcasting abilities and functions as generic uncroaked infantry.{{Erf|1|077a|Uncroaked casters just function as infantry}}

It is currently unknown if casters can still cast after being [[decrypted]]. This, among other reasons, led Stanley to deny Wanda from attempting to croak [[Jack Snipe]] and decrypt him instead of healing him{{erf|2|11|6}} (supposedly because the healing scrolls were getting harder to come by, probably due to resistance from [[Healomancy|Healomancers]] in the [[Magic Kingdom]]).

=Speculation=

==Caster Creation==

Casters are extremely rare, largely because they cannot be popped intentionally.

After a side pops its first caster, popping another caster becomes much more unlikely.

Many sides seem to have [[Thinkamancer]]s (at least three among the combatants of the [[Battle for Gobwin Knob]]). They may be more commonly popped than members of other Disciplines. Conversely, even in the Magic Kingdom, [[Dirtamancer]]s are apparently rare and in demand.

Some additional possibilities on how casters' numbers might be restricted:

* As a side has existed for more turns, the chance of popping a caster decreases.
* Each time a side pops a caster, the chances of popping another decreases.
* There is a limit on the number of casters in the world (could be based on each type)
** The odds of a caster popping decreases as the number of casters in the world increases
** There is a hard limit on the number of casters in the world
** It may be that sides are limited to a maximum number of casters. For example, three or fewer, with it being rare but possible to pop up to three casters. Capture, however, would be more beneficial since it allows for more than the minimum number and it means the casters may have already leveled.

==Casters, Sides, and the Magic Kingdom==

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is a special location that only casters can enter. Casters from active sides can enter and exit the Magic Kingdom via portals. However, some casters in the Magic Kingdom do not belong to sides on Erfworld. The number of casters in the Magic Kingdom may, at any given time, outnumber those elsewhere on Erfworld.

==Caster levelling==
Leveling for casters may work differently then for other [[unit]]s. If casters need to kill enemy units to gain [[experience]] then leveling could be very difficult due to the fact that casters tend to be kept in [[capital]] cities. Some types, such as [[florist]]s, might not even possess any magical means to [[croak]] another unit. Note that in Book Two, Text Update 45, Sizemore says that he has gained three levels recently, two from croaking units ("from traps and combat") and one from other activities ("from all of the city rebuilding"). So it seems canon that not all caster leveling comes from croaking units.

Caster levels are often refered to as their [[class]], often before the type of caster: [[novice-class]], [[adept-class]], or [[master-class]]. This class may also determine what ability a caster has at casting spells outside their discipline. A master-class caster may be able to cast spells that are not their forte with greater ease. An example is Wanda who is a Master-Class Croakamancer but claims to be able to cast other spells with ease (though she has little interest in doing so), whereas the two other casters most commonly seen ([[Maggie]] and [[Sizemore]]) either cannot or do not cast outside of their discipline. It is known Maggie is only an adept-class, but Sizemore's class is unknown. Given his power compared to Wanda's, as well as his expectation that he could reach master class prowess soon[[LIAB Text 45]], it seems likely that he is only an Adept at the middle of Book Two. If so, this would offer an explanation as to his self-professed lack of talent in other disciplines. He is heading toward Mastery of Dirtamancy after the Tri-caster link, but hasn't reached it yet.

It is possible that casters gain experience by using magic or by simply participating in a battle in any way.

[[Category:Unit]]
[[Category:Proposed Canon]]
[[Category:Speculation]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Caster]]

Caster

2012-11-13T16:40:09Z

Ticket: (Using Magic) Continuing rewrite

{{Magic101}}
=Canon=
==Caster Creation==
''Casters'' are created in the same way as [[warlords]]; when a [[Side]] [[pop]]s a warlord, there is a chance it will get a caster instead. The Side also does not get to choose the type of caster it receives. Some [[Erf]] culture appears to hold that the [[Titans]] decide when a Side will pop casters, or that the need of the Ruler influences what is popped. There is no way to intentionally pop a caster.
== Known Casters ==
{{:Known casters}}

=Proposed Canon=
Casters are [[unit]]s that can use [[scroll]]s and cast [[spell]]s. While certain [[unit]]s can use [[spell]]s or spell-like abilities (e.g. [[Archons]]), Casters are the only units in [[Erfworld]] that can learn and cast [[spell]]s beyond their unit's specific ability or spell set. Casters are further defined as being [[Commander]]s and being able to form [[caster link]]s. Casters are called by their class or discipline, so a caster who casts from [[Lookamancy]] is called a Lookamancer, and a caster who does general [[Hippiemancy]] would be called a Hippiemancer.

==Using Magic==
Every caster belongs to a [[magic|magical]] discipline (e.g. [[thinkamancy]] or [[croakamancy]]) and can cast spells from that discipline. Within their discipline casters are rated according to their [[class]], most commonly as [[novice-class|Novice]]/[[adept-class|Adept]]/[[master-class|Master]]. It is implied that these represent discrete steps in insight and magical abilities. However, only a few very specific examples of such abilities have been shown. It is unclear whether the insight is gained through personal exploration and experimentation or that it is automatically acquired as a caster increases in level. Or maybe advancement requires both [[LIAB Text 45]].

It is unknown how a caster knows (or learns) the spells available to him. To cast a spell a caster expends some of his [[juice]] {{erf|1|104}}. Since the amount of juice a caster has is limited, the amount of magic a caster can perform during one turn is also limited {{erf|1|090}}.

==Commander==
Like [[Warlord]]s, Casters are [[commander]]s and can lead [[units]] in combat. {{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}} However, they almost never do so since they are too rare and valuable to risk. Moreover, they do not have the [[Leadership]] ability and do not grant a [[Leadership]] [[Combat#Combat_Bonuses|bonus]] to units under their direct command. Some casters can grant a special bonus to particular units, presumably limited to those directly tied to their magical specialty. For example, Dirtamancers provide bonuses to [[golems]] under their command, and Croakamancers provide bonuses to [[uncroaked]] units.{{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}}

In some situations, casters can also grant abilities to units under their command. For example, a Croakamancer can grant the [[Dance-Fighting]] special ability to [[Uncroaked]] units under its command. {{erf|1|127}} The Caster would likely need to possess the dance-fighting ability on their own to be able to bestow it to other units.

==Caster Links==
''Main Article: [[caster link]]''

A Thinkamancer can join one or two other casters together into a [[caster link]] allowing those casters to cast powerful spells, multi-discipline spells, or create multi-discipline [[Magic_Item|magical items]] or scrolls. The most powerful spells and items (apart from those created and used by [[Titans]]) are created by linked casters.

==Magic Kingdom==
''Main Article: [[Magic Kingdom]]''

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is an island that can only be entered by casters through [[portal]]s in [[Erfworld]] [[city|cities]]. Communities of [[barbarian]] casters live here, and the island is divided into eight sections, one for each class of magic. Casters of the various disciplines co-mingle freely, including those who are members of different [[side]]s, who may enter and leave through [[Portal Park]] to socialize or deal with other casters for their [[Ruler]]s.

As barbarians, Casters from the Magic Kingdom may be hired as mercenaries, for use by the hiring [[Side]], as [[Faq]] did with [[Vanna]].

Casters can receive orders from Warlords and Rulers while the caster is in the Magic Kingdom.

==Croaked Casters==
Once a caster is croaked they may be uncroaked. An uncroaked caster does not retain spellcasting abilities and functions as generic uncroaked infantry.{{Erf|1|077a|Uncroaked casters just function as infantry}}

It is currently unknown if casters can still cast after being [[decrypted]]. This, among other reasons, led Stanley to deny Wanda from attempting to croak [[Jack Snipe]] and decrypt him instead of healing him{{erf|2|11|6}} (supposedly because the healing scrolls were getting harder to come by, probably due to resistance from [[Healomancy|Healomancers]] in the [[Magic Kingdom]]).

=Speculation=

==Caster Creation==

Casters are extremely rare, largely because they cannot be popped intentionally.

After a side pops its first caster, popping another caster becomes much more unlikely.

Many sides seem to have [[Thinkamancer]]s (at least three among the combatants of the [[Battle for Gobwin Knob]]). They may be more commonly popped than members of other Disciplines. Conversely, even in the Magic Kingdom, [[Dirtamancer]]s are apparently rare and in demand.

Some additional possibilities on how casters' numbers might be restricted:

* As a side has existed for more turns, the chance of popping a caster decreases.
* Each time a side pops a caster, the chances of popping another decreases.
* There is a limit on the number of casters in the world (could be based on each type)
** The odds of a caster popping decreases as the number of casters in the world increases
** There is a hard limit on the number of casters in the world
** It may be that sides are limited to a maximum number of casters. For example, three or fewer, with it being rare but possible to pop up to three casters. Capture, however, would be more beneficial since it allows for more than the minimum number and it means the casters may have already leveled.

==Casters, Sides, and the Magic Kingdom==

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is a special location that only casters can enter. Casters from active sides can enter and exit the Magic Kingdom via portals. However, some casters in the Magic Kingdom do not belong to sides on Erfworld. The number of casters in the Magic Kingdom may, at any given time, outnumber those elsewhere on Erfworld.

==Caster levelling==
Leveling for casters may work differently then for other [[unit]]s. If casters need to kill enemy units to gain [[experience]] then leveling could be very difficult due to the fact that casters tend to be kept in [[capital]] cities. Some types, such as [[florist]]s, might not even possess any magical means to [[croak]] another unit. Note that in Book Two, Text Update 45, Sizemore says that he has gained three levels recently, two from croaking units ("from traps and combat") and one from other activities ("from all of the city rebuilding"). So it seems canon that not all caster leveling comes from croaking units.

Caster levels are often refered to as their [[class]], often before the type of caster: [[novice-class]], [[adept-class]], or [[master-class]]. This class may also determine what ability a caster has at casting spells outside their discipline. A master-class caster may be able to cast spells that are not their forte with greater ease. An example is Wanda who is a Master-Class Croakamancer but claims to be able to cast other spells with ease (though she has little interest in doing so), whereas the two other casters most commonly seen ([[Maggie]] and [[Sizemore]]) either cannot or do not cast outside of their discipline. It is known Maggie is only an adept-class, but Sizemore's class is unknown. Given his power compared to Wanda's, as well as his expectation that he could reach master class prowess soon[[LIAB Text 45]], it seems likely that he is only an Adept at the middle of Book Two. If so, this would offer an explanation as to his self-professed lack of talent in other disciplines. He is heading toward Mastery of Dirtamancy after the Tri-caster link, but hasn't reached it yet.

It is possible that casters gain experience by using magic or by simply participating in a battle in any way.

[[Category:Unit]]
[[Category:Proposed Canon]]
[[Category:Speculation]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Caster]]

Caster

2012-11-13T16:30:47Z

Ticket: Rewrite of Using Magic section

{{Magic101}}
=Canon=
==Caster Creation==
''Casters'' are created in the same way as [[warlords]]; when a [[Side]] [[pop]]s a warlord, there is a chance it will get a caster instead. The Side also does not get to choose the type of caster it receives. Some [[Erf]] culture appears to hold that the [[Titans]] decide when a Side will pop casters, or that the need of the Ruler influences what is popped. There is no way to intentionally pop a caster.
== Known Casters ==
{{:Known casters}}

=Proposed Canon=
Casters are [[unit]]s that can use [[scroll]]s and cast [[spell]]s. While certain [[unit]]s can use [[spell]]s or spell-like abilities (e.g. [[Archons]]), Casters are the only units in [[Erfworld]] that can learn and cast [[spell]]s beyond their unit's specific ability or spell set. Casters are further defined as being [[Commander]]s and being able to form [[caster link]]s. Casters are called by their class or discipline, so a caster who casts from [[Lookamancy]] is called a Lookamancer, and a caster who does general [[Hippiemancy]] would be called a Hippiemancer.

==Using Magic==
Every caster belongs to a [[magic|magical]] discipline (e.g. [[thinkamancy]] or [[croakamancy]]) and can cast spells from that discipline. Within their discipline casters are rated according to their [[class]], most commonly as [[novice-class|Novice]]/[[adept-class|Adept]]/[[master-class|Master]]. It is implied that these represent discrete steps in insight and magical abilities. However, only a few very specific examples of such abilities have been shown. It is unclear whether the insight is gained through personal exploration and experimentation or that it is automatically acquired as a caster increases in level. Or maybe advancement requires both [[LIAB Text 45]].

Every caster belongs to a [[magic|magical]] discipline (e.g. [[thinkamancy]] or [[croakamancy]]) and can cast spells from that discipline. Some casters are only good at casting spells belonging to their discipline, while other casters are good at casting spells from multiple disciplines.{{erf|1|013}} Multi-discipline casters are uncommon and there may be limits on what spells they can cast and how successful those spells are.

Casting spells uses a caster's [[juice]]{{erf|1|104}} so there is a limit on the amount of magic a caster can perform during one turn {{erf|1|090}}. Casters can extend this limit by creating and using [[scroll]]s. Scrolls increase the versitility of casters by allowing them to cast spells they don't know or spells that are part of a discipline they can't otherwise cast from.{{erf|1|126}}.

==Commander==
Like [[Warlord]]s, Casters are [[commander]]s and can lead [[units]] in combat. {{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}} However, they almost never do so since they are too rare and valuable to risk. Moreover, they do not have the [[Leadership]] ability and do not grant a [[Leadership]] [[Combat#Combat_Bonuses|bonus]] to units under their direct command. Some casters can grant a special bonus to particular units, presumably limited to those directly tied to their magical specialty. For example, Dirtamancers provide bonuses to [[golems]] under their command, and Croakamancers provide bonuses to [[uncroaked]] units.{{erf|1|084a|Parson's Klog #10}}

In some situations, casters can also grant abilities to units under their command. For example, a Croakamancer can grant the [[Dance-Fighting]] special ability to [[Uncroaked]] units under its command. {{erf|1|127}} The Caster would likely need to possess the dance-fighting ability on their own to be able to bestow it to other units.

==Caster Links==
''Main Article: [[caster link]]''

A Thinkamancer can join one or two other casters together into a [[caster link]] allowing those casters to cast powerful spells, multi-discipline spells, or create multi-discipline [[Magic_Item|magical items]] or scrolls. The most powerful spells and items (apart from those created and used by [[Titans]]) are created by linked casters.

==Magic Kingdom==
''Main Article: [[Magic Kingdom]]''

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is an island that can only be entered by casters through [[portal]]s in [[Erfworld]] [[city|cities]]. Communities of [[barbarian]] casters live here, and the island is divided into eight sections, one for each class of magic. Casters of the various disciplines co-mingle freely, including those who are members of different [[side]]s, who may enter and leave through [[Portal Park]] to socialize or deal with other casters for their [[Ruler]]s.

As barbarians, Casters from the Magic Kingdom may be hired as mercenaries, for use by the hiring [[Side]], as [[Faq]] did with [[Vanna]].

Casters can receive orders from Warlords and Rulers while the caster is in the Magic Kingdom.

==Croaked Casters==
Once a caster is croaked they may be uncroaked. An uncroaked caster does not retain spellcasting abilities and functions as generic uncroaked infantry.{{Erf|1|077a|Uncroaked casters just function as infantry}}

It is currently unknown if casters can still cast after being [[decrypted]]. This, among other reasons, led Stanley to deny Wanda from attempting to croak [[Jack Snipe]] and decrypt him instead of healing him{{erf|2|11|6}} (supposedly because the healing scrolls were getting harder to come by, probably due to resistance from [[Healomancy|Healomancers]] in the [[Magic Kingdom]]).

=Speculation=

==Caster Creation==

Casters are extremely rare, largely because they cannot be popped intentionally.

After a side pops its first caster, popping another caster becomes much more unlikely.

Many sides seem to have [[Thinkamancer]]s (at least three among the combatants of the [[Battle for Gobwin Knob]]). They may be more commonly popped than members of other Disciplines. Conversely, even in the Magic Kingdom, [[Dirtamancer]]s are apparently rare and in demand.

Some additional possibilities on how casters' numbers might be restricted:

* As a side has existed for more turns, the chance of popping a caster decreases.
* Each time a side pops a caster, the chances of popping another decreases.
* There is a limit on the number of casters in the world (could be based on each type)
** The odds of a caster popping decreases as the number of casters in the world increases
** There is a hard limit on the number of casters in the world
** It may be that sides are limited to a maximum number of casters. For example, three or fewer, with it being rare but possible to pop up to three casters. Capture, however, would be more beneficial since it allows for more than the minimum number and it means the casters may have already leveled.

==Casters, Sides, and the Magic Kingdom==

The [[Magic Kingdom]] is a special location that only casters can enter. Casters from active sides can enter and exit the Magic Kingdom via portals. However, some casters in the Magic Kingdom do not belong to sides on Erfworld. The number of casters in the Magic Kingdom may, at any given time, outnumber those elsewhere on Erfworld.

==Caster levelling==
Leveling for casters may work differently then for other [[unit]]s. If casters need to kill enemy units to gain [[experience]] then leveling could be very difficult due to the fact that casters tend to be kept in [[capital]] cities. Some types, such as [[florist]]s, might not even possess any magical means to [[croak]] another unit. Note that in Book Two, Text Update 45, Sizemore says that he has gained three levels recently, two from croaking units ("from traps and combat") and one from other activities ("from all of the city rebuilding"). So it seems canon that not all caster leveling comes from croaking units.

Caster levels are often refered to as their [[class]], often before the type of caster: [[novice-class]], [[adept-class]], or [[master-class]]. This class may also determine what ability a caster has at casting spells outside their discipline. A master-class caster may be able to cast spells that are not their forte with greater ease. An example is Wanda who is a Master-Class Croakamancer but claims to be able to cast other spells with ease (though she has little interest in doing so), whereas the two other casters most commonly seen ([[Maggie]] and [[Sizemore]]) either cannot or do not cast outside of their discipline. It is known Maggie is only an adept-class, but Sizemore's class is unknown. Given his power compared to Wanda's, as well as his expectation that he could reach master class prowess soon[[LIAB Text 45]], it seems likely that he is only an Adept at the middle of Book Two. If so, this would offer an explanation as to his self-professed lack of talent in other disciplines. He is heading toward Mastery of Dirtamancy after the Tri-caster link, but hasn't reached it yet.

It is possible that casters gain experience by using magic or by simply participating in a battle in any way.

[[Category:Unit]]
[[Category:Proposed Canon]]
[[Category:Speculation]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Caster]]

Royalty and Nobility

2012-11-12T16:51:42Z

Ticket: Wanda's father is an Overlord, so she cannot be Noble. She would have been a Princess otherwise.

=Proposed Canon=

Royal and Noble [[Unit]]s have slightly stronger stats and [[Level]] faster than normal Units.{{erf|1|079a}} [[City|Cities]] ruled by Royals may [[Pop]] Nobles and more Royals.

Generally speaking, Nobles have a title designating their social status, such as [[Duke Nozzle]], Count [[Vinny Doombats]], or Viscount [[Caesar Borgata]]. Other likely titles would be Baron, Earl, or Marquis. The word [[Lord]] has been used for both noble and [[caster]] [[unit]]s, but not Royal units.

== Royal Ideals ==
[[King Slately]] {{ref|[[LIAB Text 42]]}} listed the following '''Royal Ideals''' implying by the ellipsis that there are more than those listed here. (presumably the missing list includes [[Duty]]) Since [[Loyalty]] is also a [[unit]]'s attribute, the others may be as well.
* Honor
* sacrifice
* dignity
* decorum
* station
* ...
* [[loyalty]]
* bravery

==Known Royal Units==

[[Faq]]
* [[King Banhammer]] - Croaked
* [[Queen]] [[Jillian Zamussels]] (formerly Princess {{ref|[[IPTSF Text 27]]}} )

[[Gobwin Knob]]
* [[King Saline IV]] - Croaked

[[Transylvito]]
* [[King County]] - Croaked
* [[Don King]]
** (unnamed) son & (unnamed) daughter

[[Jetstone]]
* [[King Slately]]
* Prince [[Forthewin]] - Croaked {{ref|[[LIAB Text 33]]}}{{ref|[[LIAB Text 50]]}}
* Prince [[Ansom]] - Decrypted
* Prince [[Ossomer]] - Decrypted and Dusted
* Prince [[Tramennis]]
* Prince [[Wonderloaf]] - Croaked {{ref|[[LIAB Text 33]]}}
* Prince Titas - Croaked {{ref|[[LIAB Text 33]]}}
* Prince Victor (first son of Slately) - presumably Croaked {{ref|[[LIAB Text 33]]}}
* Prince Lustrius (third son of Slately) - presumably Croaked {{ref|[[LIAB Text 33]]}}

[[Haggar]]
* [[King Dickie]]
* Prince [[Sammy]] - Croaked

[[Unaroyal]]
*[[Queen Bea]] - Croaked
*[[Princess Cruz]] - Decrypted, Destroyed

==Known Noble Units==

[[Transylvito]]
* Count [[Vinny Doombats]]
* Viscount [[Caesar Borgata]]

[[Gobwin Knob]]
* [[Archduke Ferdinand]] - (origins unknown) Uncroaked, Destroyed

[[Sofa King]]
* [[Duke Nozzle]] - Croaked

[[Unaroyal]]/[[Gobwin Knob]]
* [[Lady Sylvia Lazarus]] - Decrypted

[[Jetstone]]/[[Gobwin Knob]]
* Duke [[Adam Antium]] - Decrypted
* Duke [[Lacrosse]] - Decrypted
* Countess [[Artemis]]

[[Goodminton]]/[[FAQ]]/[[Gobwin Knob]]
* Earl [[Chip Tunage]] of [[Otoh]] of [[Faq]] {{ref|[[IPTSF Text 27]]}}

==Possible Noble Units==

Some, but seemingly not all, Casters have the title of Lord or Lady, and may be Noble Units.

* Lord [[Ace Hardware]] - [[Jetstone]], [[Caster]]

[[Delphie Temple]] is referred to as the Lady Temple, but is known not to be a sister/daughter of other Goodminton Nobles. This shows that casters are not by default noble, and the title of Lord/Lady can be purely honorific in nature. This could be perhaps because she was at one point [[Chief Caster]].

==Known Ignoble Units==

[[Kingdom of Faq]]
* [[Jack Snipe]] - Jack (or Knave) was his title, not his name; this indicates a position of a servant. It is not a military rank or official position, however, and fulfills the same purpose of a noble title. Practically, Snipe enjoyed the same treatment as Lady [[Wanda Firebaugh]], as both were [[Caster]]s. That he is given a title at all is interesting, as it is seemingly rare; most non-noble units simply use military ranks for the purposes of hierarchy and social interaction.

=Speculation=

Royals can probably only be created in a [[capital]] city, while Nobles can be created in any city which is part of a [[side]] led by a Royal. It probably takes longer to create a Royal than any other type of unit, though [[Turnamancy]] can accelerate this process. The social rank of a Noble probably correlates to the size of the city in which he was popped, so a Duke comes from a big city, (maybe the Capital) and a Viscount comes from a very small city. [[Caesar Borgata]], a Viscount, is described as being "barely a Noble", suggesting that a Duke is likely to have slightly higher initial stats than a Count, who is likely to be slightly higher than a Viscount.

It's possible free will is a innate trait to Royals, as most of the non-Ruler royals are described as ornery and contrary to their progenitor's wishes.

Many Royal and Noble Characters (especially [[Prince Ansom]] before his Decryption) believe Royalty and Nobility are the signs of [[Titans|Titanic]] mandate to rule. In fact, the purpose of [[Royal Crown Coalition]] was to defend this belief against [[Stanley]], who believes Titans favor those with the [[Arkentools]]. Since no known Royal are Casters, it may be that these two groups are mutually exclusive.

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[[Category:Erfworld Mechanics]]
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