[Arryn]

There's another, related, problem with "Cast spells" orders. If the AI would refrain from casting spells at all if no *useful* spells were within range (useful being defined as harming the enemy or helping friendlies that have not already been helped by an earlier casting of the spell under consideration), then that's one solution. Another solution, which the devs have deliberately not coded is to have mages get closer to the enemy so they are in range of something. IW said they didn't do this to avoid complaints of mages "rushing into battle" where they might become exposed to melee. Alas, that takes the choice out of player's hands.

They could create two variations:

1. Cast Spells in place.
2. Close and cast spells.

The first order makes sure the mage never moves. The second order permits some freedom of motion to move forward to cast, as needed.

Another useful option would be "Cast spells and retreat", which would have mages flee if an enemy got near them.