"Practical lesson first, what kind of spells do you even want? A mage can have every spell, mana limits aside what do you cast in a combat situation, the one where the stakes are highest." Barum sits down and begins to reveal the dimension of the puzzle.
"Well, I have experience from tabletop games. Spells like web are what I would say is the best spell, because it protects while it attacks. It can counter a group of foes, keep them away or near the fighters, and make them easier to hit for everyone." Its also cheap, you can cast it as soon as you are level 3, such a good spell.
"Hmmm" they cup their chin and appraise me again "Good answer, but there is a fundamental problem. Mental overhead. You have to not look at the situation and protect yourself. Mages must also consider what spell is best for the situation and attempt to cast safely. That often takes time to think and the mental cost can be taxing. The most important attack is the basic spell you rely on when you do not have the luxury to choose otherwise. The Seeker's Dart is the fundamental rock most mages rely on because it takes the least mental overhead. No aiming no chance of failure."
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That tracks, DnD characters are freaks that don't care if they are in a field, cave, hell, or are falling while attacking. Aiming while running is not something I would want to bet my life on. "I need the basics before the grand strategies and plans matter."
They then sweep their hand, and tap their fingers into the air at an invisible menu. "I haven't promised you anything, but lets teach you Seeker's Missile. You are going to show me what you can do in return. I don't get much excitement in the sticks." Then white ethereal energy swirls and unfurls into a scroll of pure energy dancing in ethereal wind. "Put your hand on it."
After failing to grasp the scroll, I flip my hand palm down on the scroll, then stars split before me and the menu opens.
> You are being taught Seeker's Dart
>
> Accept?
> Decline?
I tap accept, and then the screen closes, Now I have my first spell and a point to learn another...