Shattered Kingdoms

So.

Why is it, that we can only release spells by number (IE, release 1) and not by name (IE, release etherealform)?

I don't see why anyone who wants to drop a spell should have to:

(1: type 'rele'
2: scan the list, find the spell they want to release, find its number
3: type 'rele #

or

1: memorize the bizarre (but consistent) hierarchy that correlates a numbers to spells based somehow on type/sequence, and flawlessly remember which spells those are.)

if they want to get the freaking magic off.

Releasing multiple spells of the same name would produce the same quandary.

Personally, I kind of like the issue that arises when a caster is under duress and needs to release a spell quickly: If he hasn't already realized what all he's holding and panics, he may end up releasing something else unintended in his haste to free up his concentration, which I think is rather fitting.

It would be a relatively unlikely quandry. I will never have more than one spell ward, mirror image or etherealform, and I won't be very *likely* to ever have more than one charm, sleep or shrink.

That said, you could just be able to "rele 2.sleep" for situations like that, and the syntax would still be much more usable.

Just one more thing to make the game syntax friendlier, I guess.

As for the factor of having to release spells in a hurry, and picking the wrong one:

I agree with you in theory- it's a cool idea- I just don't think that the game's challenge should arise from fighting with the syntax.

I'd rather Dulrik spend his coding time on other things. I never had much of a problem with this. And it makes sense to leave it, since the only time you're ever going to be in a rush to drop something is...GASP in a life or death situation. If it's not that serious, you can take a couple seconds and look at the release list.

Tunnel vision! What about group-effect spells that other classes have?