questions/answers about specific spells

Originally posted by quantum_mechani:
hmm... how about those level zero 'touch' spells (freezing touch, sleep touch)? I realize level zero spells are not intended to be great, but have you ever seen them accomplish anything?

Yes, they are often used by the AI as 'Last chance' when a mage is attacked. Spells like Burning Hands or Shoking Grasp are not very powerful, but enough to kill or disband most heavy infantry. Sleep/Poison/Freezing Touch, Desiccation, Hand of Dust are based on an attack roll or a MR save and are less useful.
If you can protect a mage however (Invulnerability ? Mistform ? Glamour ?), spells like Shockwave (area 6, can kill up to 18 footmen!) or Acid Spray (area 3) make considerable damage at close range... someone already mentioned a tactic based on Vanherses (glamour, air 1 mages) able to cast Resist Lightning, Mistform (summon stormpower ? or using one air gem ?) then 'attack one turn', then 'Shockwave' and 'cast spells'.

Cheers