Charm spells

fable · Post by **fable** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:14 pm

I thought I remembered from my last run-through that there was a negative kickback to using charm spells: the affected NPC would end up with a lower disposition towards you than they started with, once the spell wore off. Is this true, or am I wrong?

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:34 pm

I can't quote chapter and verse Fable, but that's my recollection too.

PS Just had a look at the Magic Effects table in the CS and can't find any support for my recollection, or in any spell description either, so maybe out recollections are innaccurate.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:47 pm

I have actually found that charm can be ridiculously easy and overpowered...
You can --repeatedly-- charm the same merchant. It costs relatively little magic and skill to create a charm spell with 100 magnitude that lasts for only a few seconds, and it can be easily abused.
I do so sometimes, and then feel guilty. However, when I remember the easily acquired 'ring of charisma' in BG2, I don't feel quite as bad.

That's my experiences anyway.

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:55 pm

Have you noticed a reduction in disposition after charming them though DW?

I'v just had a look through the Game Settings and couldn't find anything there either. So if there is an adverse effect, it's hard coded into the .exe by the look of it, but I'm starting to believe even more that I could be getting confused with another game.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:18 pm

No, I've noticed no reduction at all. Though, I think next time I play I should test it thoroughly.
It could even depend on timing. For example, maybe if you visit a merchant, charm them, and then depart on your merry way until several game weeks later, their disposition will have went back up.

I tend to batch sell. I dump everything I plan to sell in a chest near my door, and every so often I'll pack it all up and head to the Market District in the capitol.

fable · Post by **fable** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:11 pm

Assuming you do this before next mid-week, I'd be interested in what you find out, DW.

(New computer arriving, as you know.)

I wonder if I'm confusing the Friends spell from the BG series with Charm, here. It's certainly possible.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:16 pm

fable wrote:Assuming you do this before next mid-week, I'd be interested in what you find out, DW. (New computer arriving, as you know.)

I wonder if I'm confusing the Friends spell from the BG series with Charm, here. It's certainly possible.

I'll give it a test run probably tomorrow

I had been thinking of trying it out later on this evening, but the SO is away, so instead I'm taking advantage of some time alone.

That is possible.. I know I avoided Friends for that reason.

EDIT

OK, I just had a chance to briefly test it out on the Redguard arms and armour merchant in the Imperial City. My initial disposition with her was 74. I then cast charm on her at 100 magnitude and her disposition changed to 100. When the spell wore off it went back down to exactly 74 again.