Lehudib's Crystal Spear
Template:Version034 For the obsolete artefact, see Lehudib's crystal spear (unrand). Template:Spell info Template:AttackSpell
Lehudib's Crystal Spear (or LCS) is a level 8 Conjurations/Earth Magic spell that launches a powerful, irresistible projectile at a single target.
Strategy
LCS is an entirely flexible attacking spell, a rarity in modern Crawl. It deals high damage that no monster can resist, can be targeted at any enemy, and does not have the involuntary recoil of Bombard. However, LCS has a high MP cost, short range, and relatively poor accuracy. When fighting a group of monsters, save it for taking out dangerous foes (orbs of fire, Pandemonium lords, fiends, hell sentinels, etc.) quickly, then switch to a lesser spell for the rest.
While LCS is a powerful spell, it may not be worth training for. Bombard takes less XP investment, and its damage is often sufficient to win a 3-rune game. Bombard also has 1 higher range and the recoil is sometimes useful. Learning LCS can still be worthwhile if you have spare XP and spell levels. It can also upgrade Spellspark Servitor.
Tips & Tricks
- Borgnjor's Vile Clutch combos well with Lehudib's Crystal Spear -- pinning enemies in place reduces their evasion, allowing you to set up a lethal one-two punch.
Monster Version
Certain fearsome monsters can also cast Lehudib's Crystal Spear, often with the ability to one- or two-shot unprepared or fragile adventurers. Even the weakest casters can inflict up to 69 damage with it, while the most powerful (ancient liches) can deal up to 144. It is entirely possible for a monster to cast this multiple times in a row, so make these enemies a very high priority in combat.
The monster version of this spell functions identically to the player version, except with a much more variable damage output:
monster_spell_damge = 3d(16 + power / 10) where power = 12 * monster_hit_dice
The following enemy "casts" crystal spear via Conjure Living Spells:
- Template:Monsterlink (2x 3d34)
History
- Prior to 0.27, this spell could only be found in the Book of Annihilations.
- Prior to 0.14, there was also an unrand spear known as Lehudib's Crystal Spear. This was removed when spears were removed as viable throwing weapons.