Can You Recast an Endless Spell? A Deep Dive into Age of Sigmar’s Arcane Rules
The short answer is no, you cannot recast an endless spell in the same hero phase if it has been dispelled or banished during that phase. The rules explicitly state that you cannot dispel an endless spell and then attempt to cast it again in the same hero phase. This also applies to invocations that are banished.
However, understanding the full scope of endless spell mechanics requires a more detailed exploration. Let’s unravel the complexities surrounding casting, dispelling, and the strategic use of these potent magical entities in Age of Sigmar.
Understanding Endless Spells: A Primer
Endless spells are persistent magical effects summoned by wizards during the hero phase in Age of Sigmar. Unlike regular spells that resolve instantly, endless spells remain on the battlefield, moving and potentially causing effects in subsequent phases and turns. They add a dynamic layer to the game, offering both strategic advantages and potential risks.
Their power comes at a cost. While they can devastate enemy ranks or bolster your own forces, endless spells are also vulnerable to dispelling and control. Mastering their use involves carefully balancing the risk and reward they present. The most common way to cast an endless spell is when your wizard is able to successfully use a spell to summon the endless spell. Once you are able to summon the Endless Spell, you can position it, within the wizard, the distance mentioned in its warscroll.
Key Rules Governing Endless Spells
Before delving into the nuances of recasting, let’s reiterate some core rules:
- One Endless Spell per Wizard per Turn: A wizard can only attempt to summon one endless spell per turn, regardless of how many spells they can cast.
- Faction Restrictions: Some endless spells are faction-specific and can only be cast by wizards belonging to that faction.
- Dispelling: Enemy wizards and priests can attempt to dispel endless spells, removing them from play.
- Movement: Endless spells typically move during the hero phase, often controlled by the player who summoned them, though some are predatory and move on their own.
- End of Phase Timing: Endless Spells are moved at the end of the hero phase, in each hero phase (rather than at the beginning of the battle round).
The Recasting Restriction: Why It Matters
The rule preventing recasting in the same hero phase is crucial for game balance. Without it, players could engage in a frustrating cycle of casting, dispelling, and recasting, essentially locking down portions of the battlefield and negating the strategic choices of their opponents.
This limitation forces players to think strategically about when and where they cast their endless spells. It adds an element of risk management – if an endless spell is dispelled, that wizard is effectively out of the endless spell game for that entire hero phase. It promotes diverse spell selections and more dynamic gameplay.
Strategic Implications of the Recasting Rule
The inability to recast immediately after dispelling or banishing forces players to adopt alternative strategies:
- Focus on Protection: Prioritize protecting your wizards from enemy dispel attempts. This could involve positioning them behind terrain, using other spells to buff their defenses, or screening them with units.
- Prioritize Key Spells: Choose your endless spells wisely, focusing on those that provide the greatest strategic advantage and are less likely to be dispelled.
- Diversify your Spell Selection: Have a variety of spells available to compensate if your endless spell is dispelled or cannot be cast for some reason.
- Exploit Enemy Dispels: If you know your opponent has used their dispel attempts, seize the opportunity to cast other impactful spells without fear of immediate counteraction.
- Consider Invocations: Similar to endless spells, invocations are also restricted in the same way. Make sure to protect your priests so that they can continue to support your army.
FAQs: Mastering the Art of Endless Spells
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules and strategic implications surrounding endless spells in Age of Sigmar:
1. Can you unbind an endless spell?
Yes, endless spells can be unbound. To attempt to dispel an endless spell, select one within 30″ of a friendly Wizard or Priest that is visible to them. Make a dispelling roll of 2D6, and if the result exceeds the casting value of the endless spell, it is dispelled and removed from play.
2. Can any wizard cast an endless spell?
Yes, any wizard can attempt to cast an endless spell. However, faction-specific endless spells can usually only be cast by wizards of that faction. For example, an allied wizard typically cannot cast a faction specific endless spell.
3. How many times can you cast an endless spell?
You can attempt to cast each specific endless spell only once per turn. Additionally, each wizard can only attempt to summon one endless spell per turn, even if they have the ability to cast multiple spells.
4. What happens if an endless spell moves off the board?
If an endless spell moves entirely off the battlefield, it is typically removed from play. The specific rules may vary slightly depending on the specific endless spell.
5. Can an endless spell target itself?
This depends on the specific endless spell and its warscroll. Some endless spells have abilities that could potentially affect themselves, while others do not.
6. What happens if two endless spells collide?
The rules for endless spell collisions are not explicitly defined and are generally up to the players to resolve in a sensible manner. Typically, the effects of both spells are applied simultaneously to units caught in the collision.
7. Does terrain affect the movement of endless spells?
Generally, yes. Most endless spells are affected by terrain in the same way as units, though some may have abilities that allow them to ignore or bypass certain terrain features.
8. Can you control an enemy endless spell?
Certain spells or abilities may allow you to temporarily control an enemy endless spell, though this is relatively rare. This is usually outlined on specific warscrolls or within specific faction abilities.
9. What is the range of summoning an endless spell?
The summoning range of an endless spell is specified in its warscroll. It typically ranges from 12″ to 18″ from the caster.
10. If an endless spell is dispelled, is it gone forever?
No, dispelling an endless spell only removes it from play for the remainder of the current battle. In subsequent battles, you can attempt to summon it again.
11. Can Nagash cast any endless spell?
Yes. Every Death themed Endless Spell either has a rule that outright states Nagash can cast it, or else it’s an OBR Endless Spell, and Nagash specifically gains the OBR Keyword if he is included as part of an army with their Allegiance.
12. Do Seraphon have special rules for endless spells?
Yes. Endless spells summoned by Seraphon Wizards are bonded to the model that summoned them. These rules can have significant implications for how those endless spells interact with the battlefield and your army.
13. Can a priest dispel an endless spell?
Yes, a priest can dispel an endless spell using their prayers in the same way a wizard can with their spells. The process and dice rolls are similar.
14. What happens if the wizard who summoned an endless spell is killed?
The fate of the endless spell depends on its specific rules and abilities. Some may remain in play until dispelled, while others might dissipate when their summoner is defeated.
15. Where can I learn more about the theory behind game design?
The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource! Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for a wealth of information and research on game-based learning and the broader applications of game design principles.
Conclusion: Mastering Endless Spells
While you can’t recast an endless spell immediately after it’s dispelled, mastering the strategic deployment and protection of these potent magical entities is crucial for success in Age of Sigmar. By understanding the rules, anticipating your opponent’s moves, and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can harness the power of endless spells to dominate the battlefield. Remember to always prioritize protecting your wizards. With practice and careful planning, you’ll be weaving arcane wonders into your armies and crushing your foes with eldritch might.