RE: (TFT) Critical Spell Failures

[Stan <srydzews@ix.netcom.com>]

> Does anyone else know of any spectacular spellcasting failures from
> literature?

The classic instance is probably from Jack Vance.  In Eyes of 
the Overworld, Cugel 'fumbles' a spell of far dispatch, with the 
result that he (rather than his enemies) are transported to a 
northern wasteland.  But he was clearly attempting a spell that 
was beyond his small abilities.  

I'll also note that in this case the spell was mistargeted, but
basically worked.  There was no random summoning or 
earthquake or rain of flaming toads.

A workable approach might be to  let the wizards learn
spells over their IQ, but failure when casting such a spell
can have 'critical' effects.  Perhaps there is a particular
disreputable school that 'power teaches' spells by rote
instead of granting the understanding necessary for
proper use.
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