Static Discharge

Version 0.29: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

Static Discharge
Level	2
School1	Air
School2	Conjuration
Source(s)	Book of Storms
Casting noise	3
Spell noise	0
Power Cap	100
Range	1
Flags	Area

Releases electrical charges against those next to the caster. These may arc to other adjacent creatures, or back to the caster, before eventually grounding out. It deals reduced damage when arcing to the caster, and bypasses any armour the target may have.

Spell Details
Damage Formula	2 + 1d(5 + Power/10 + (1d(Power)-1)/10)
Max Damage	2 + 1d(15 + (1d100-1)/10)
Max Power	100
Range	1 (but can jump to monsters adjacent to the victim)
Targeting	Self
To-hit
Special	Ignores AC

Static Discharge is a level 2 Conjurations/Air Magic spell which releases charges of electricity at one or more targets adjacent to the caster. It then has a chance based on spellpower to arc to another target adjacent to the victim, losing power as it does so. This can result in it arcing back to the caster, dealing low self-damage.

It does not affect electricity-resistant targets; any arcs aimed at resistant creatures will immediately ground out.

The Arc Blade uses a particularly high-powered version of this spell for its special effect.

Strategy

Static Discharge is most helpful against crowds of monsters, as such crowds allow for multiple arcs to bounce through them, but its ability to bypass AC and EV also lets it see use against single monsters with high defenses (such as orc warriors or killer bees) or against invisible monsters. Exercise caution when using this spell against crowds, however -- much like axes, having more targets means you'll also be taking more attacks.

History

• Prior to 0.27, this spell was a level 3 spell.
• Prior to 0.26, insubstantial wisps could cast this spell.
• Prior to 0.13, this spell would deal less damage to levitating or flying targets.
• Prior to 0.9, Static Discharge was a level 4 spell.