Spellcasting speed?

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I was hoping someone might be able to give a little bit of AD&D advice with particular reference to BGII spellcasting. I know how all the spell descriptions list casting times and durations etc. and also that the Robe of Vecnna and Amulet of Power lower a mage's casting times...so what do all the numbers mean? All these spells like improved alacrity too...?
Is it relative, are they simple figures like THACO and AC? Do I subtract Robe/amulet modifiers from a spells casting time? Do different classes/characters start with different casting times, and if so, what stat might affect it (int?)?

 

Well.. i think there's a normal casting time, (the one described in the spell) but when robe of vecna is worn it will do it faster. The Improved alarcity (cant spell it) simply removes the time between spells.. so u can cast a dozen magic missile

 

I found the Robe of Vecna to be WAY overpowered combined with [ToB spells]. But on it's own it's not that great since there is still a pause between your castings, and I'd rather have him casting a spell than just standing there doing nothing. Also it looks pretty stupid when the spell is cast before you even are finished with the incanation. Only thing it helped me was that there's practically no way to inturrupt the spell, and even that's not a problem with your mage safely at the back of the group with a stoneskin on.

[ToB stuff edited out.] -Tal

[This message has been edited by Taluntain (edited December 22, 2001).]

 

Basically the way casting time and weapon speed work in the BG games is that each turn is divided into 10 segments. Everybody starts thier action in part 1 and then weapon speed and casting time tell which segment they act in. That's why with the robe of Vecna on a spell with a casting speed of 1 or 2 is cast right away.

 

I liked that particular feature about it, but what of the higher level spells, and the Casting time: 3+ spells?
I don't really get it in terms of numbers but that segment thing clears it up pretty well. So in theory, without any casting time reduction things, say I cast Time Stop...*with* the robe and amulet of power...can I effectively fit more spells in the same length of time? In the latter stages (I had ToB installed already for Watcher's Keep), I used a time stop-abi dazim horrid wilting and (ToB spell, not-really-but-maybe-a-spoiler) dragon's breath which was pretty good for a humble mage...would that have worked without the robe or amulet? I could just squeeze another 2/3 of a horrid wilting before time reverted.
Do stats affect casting time? Is there other ways to reduce it? I.....need...more...speed!!!

[This message has been edited by kingsgambit (edited December 23, 2001).]

 

Heh, I just know for sure that the stats have nothing to do with the spell casting time.

One more thing gotta be mentioned here, it's like that when you pause the game in your spellcasting, the initiation of incantation would be recalculated, so it seems more economic if having no pause in a heat of using magic.

 

Pausing during spell casting makes absolutely no difference to the length of time in-game it takes to cast a spell.

Every round is divided into ten. Say I have a sword and it's speed is 4, and my enemy has a sword of speed 5, I will swing my sword a few seconds before him because my speed is lower than his.

Ok, casting time. If a spell says it's casting time is 1, then the mage will concentrate for one tenth of a round and the spell will be let loose on one. So if I let loose a spell of speed 2 and my enemy lets loose a spell of speed 3 then my spell will be let loose before his.

The items that reduce spellcasting time; Just minus this number from your spell casting speed.

The only thing that reduces spell casting time is items like the Robe Of Vecna. Stats don't make a difference whatsoever. There is one spell AFAIK that removes the waiting time to cast your next spell, but that's it. AFAIK there is no spell to reduce casting time.

 

Sorry Tal..I am but a goblin...I am learning though, will make an effort to not make the mistake again. And thanks to everyone for the info.