Chain Lightning
 Chain Lightning
| |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| School1 | Air |
| School2 | Conjuration |
| Source(s) | Book of Annihilations |
| Casting noise | 25 |
| Spell noise | 10 |
| Power Cap | 200 |
| Flags | Area |
| Releases a massive electrical discharge that arcs to the creature nearest the caster and then outward from it. The further it travels, the less damage it does. Secondary arcs have limited range and do little damage to the caster. The spell's damage partially bypasses armour and resistance to electricity.
“The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, |
| Spell Details | |
|---|---|
| Damage Formula | 3d(2*Power/3) electricity |
| Max Damage | 3d133 |
| Max Power | 200 |
| Range | LOS |
| Targeting | LOS |
| To-hit | Automatic |
| Special | Partially irresistible |
Chain Lightning is a devastating, but unwieldy level 9 Conjurations/Air Magic spell which unleashes a massive surge of electricity. It has a tendency to damage the caster, but they receive a great reduction in damage.
Useful Info
There is no way to aim Chain Lightning. When cast, it creates an "arc" of lightning, which strikes the nearest valid target (randomly chosen if multiple targets are equally close). It then creates another arc; each consecutive arc will hit everyone within 3 squares of any previous target, that 1. hasn't been hit before, and 2. is in LOS. This continues until there are no valid targets.
Each arc deals two-thirds the damage of the previous arc. The initial strike deals full damage only at point-blank range, with the damage reduced to x2/3 from range 2 to 4, and x4/9 from range 5 to 7. Half of the spell's damage is irresistible, and only half of the target's AC applies.
The caster can be hit by their own spell, but takes only 1/6 damage. With rElec, this damage is almost negligible, and even without rElec it doesn't do much (expect 10-20). The caster's allies are not protected from this spell (unless they are protected from all damage, such as Hepliaklqana ancestor or Fedhas plants).
Strategy
Chain Lightning deals incredible damage against single targets, without the delays of Maxwell's Capacitive Coupling. It also works nicely as an area-of-effect spell: arcs will hit targets, close or far, for decent damage, and it doesn't get weaker when hitting more targets. The optimal cast is when you are against 1 (or more) adjacent opponents, with a dense pack of monsters nearby.
At moderate spell power, Chain Lightning can take out powerful uniques in 2-3 castings. At max spell power, it becomes one of the most potent damage sources in the game, bolstered by it partially ignoring electricity resistance.
However, as a level 9 spell, it's tough to cast for a typical 3 rune character. Worshippers of Ashenzari, Vehumet and/or those with high aptitude in magic (Tengu especially) are best suited to use this spell, while other characters may want to settle for spells like Plasma Beam, Bombard, and Maxwell's Capacitive Coupling.
Tips & Tricks
- Wielding a staff of air provides a significant boost to damage, and grants you resistance to the self-damage; definitely consider wielding one if you can find it.
- Plants, fungi, and bushes are not valid targets for Chain Lightning, so they cannot extend the range of the spell.
- Followers of Beogh, Yredelemnul, or any other character that makes heavy use of allies should use extreme caution before casting Chain Lightning. You are almost guaranteed to injure or kill your allies in the process.
Monster Version
The monster version of Chain Lightning is functionally identical to the player version.
The following enemies cast Chain Lightning:
- @
Nikola (3d45 damage)
The following enemies may be able to cast Chain Lightning, depending on their spell set:
- &
Pandemonium lord (3.4% chance)
Gallery
Example of Chain Lightning targeting.
Arcs go from green (66%) -> yellow (44%) -> orange (29%).
(Note that the initial arc may also hit the fire giants first.)
History
- The spell was reworked in 0.27. Prior to this version, Chain Lightning was a Level 8 Conjurations/Air spell. It went from single target to single target, reducing in damage each time before eventually grounding out. Also, the spell's damage couldn't partially bypass resistance to electricity.
- Chain Lightning was added in 0.1, replacing Orb of Electrocution.
