View source for Flame Mage

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The '''Flame Mage''' is one of the [[role]]s available to the [[hero]] in [[SLASH'EM]], [[SlashTHEM]] and [[Hack'EM]]. From the [[guidebook]]:
{{guidebook|Flame Mages have managed to harness mystical energies into the control of the element of fire. Notwithstanding their pet hell hounds, woe be unto anyone who stands in the way of a skilled mage casting a fireball.}}

Flame Mages in SLASH'EM can be [[Human (starting race)|humans]], [[Elf (starting race)|elves]], [[Gnome (starting race)|gnomes]], [[Orc (starting race)|orc]], [[Doppelganger (starting race)|doppelganger]], [[Drow (starting race)|drow]], or [[Hobbit (starting race)|hobbits]], and can be of any appropriate [[alignment]].

==Starting equipment==
Each Flame Mage starts with the following equipment:{{refsrc|u_init.c|61|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

* a [[blessed]] +1 [[quarterstaff]] ([[wield]]ed)
* an [[uncursed]] +0 [[studded leather armor]]
* 2-4 uncursed [[food ration]]s
* a random [[scroll]]
* a blessed [[spellbook]] of {{+ of|flame sphere}}
* a blessed spellbook of {{+ of|fireball}}
* a blessed spellbook of either {{+ of|light}} or {{+ of|detect monsters}}{{refsrc|u_init.c|1056|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
* a random [[potion]]
* a random [[ring]]
* a [[wand of fire]]
* a chance of one of the following tools:
** an uncursed [[oil lamp]] ({{frac|5}} chance or 20%);{{refsrc|u_init.c|1062|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} otherwise
** an uncursed [[blindfold]] ({{frac|5}} chance or 16%);{{refsrc|u_init.c|1063|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} otherwise
** an uncursed [[magic marker]] ({{frac|16|125}} chance or 12.8%){{refsrc|u_init.c|1064|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} 

Any ring that is generated with an [[enchantment]] of +0 or lower is given a random enchantment from +1 to +3.{{refsrc|u_init.c|1567|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} Duplicates of rings and spellbooks are not possible.{{refsrc|u_init.c|1588|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} A Flame Mage will never be given a [[ring of fire resistance]] or a [[spellbook of endure heat]] (though they can only receive one of two random spellbooks anyway).{{refsrc|u_init.c|1524|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}} 

Orcish Flame Mages are not given extra food like orcish heroes in other roles.{{refsrc|u_init.c|1374|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|name="xtrafood"|comment=food is intended to be compensation for inferior equipment, and orcish Wizards are not subject to racial armor and weapon replacements}} Hobbit Flame Mages will never be given a [[ring of invisibility]].{{refsrc|u_init.c|1532|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

Flame Mages start with knowledge of any applicable racial equipment.

The Flame Mage's default starting [[pet]] is a [[hell hound pup]].{{refsrc|role.c|127|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

===List of unobtainable starting items===
The random items generated in a Flame Mage's starting inventory will ''never'' be any of the following:{{refsrc|u_init.c|1514|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

* [[scroll of amnesia]]
* [[scroll of blank paper]]
* [[scroll of fire]]
* [[potion of acid]]
* [[potion of hallucination]]
* [[ring of aggravate monster]]
* [[ring of hunger]]
* [[ring of levitation]]
* [[ring of sleeping]]

==Intrinsics==
Flame Mages gain the following intrinsic [[properties]] upon reaching the given [[experience level]]s:{{refsrc|attrib.c|43|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

*XL 1: [[Fire resistance]]
*XL 7: [[Youpoly|Polyself]] into [[baby red dragon]] form
*XL 13: [[Cold resistance]]
*XL 14: Polymorph into adult [[red dragon]] form

==Skills==
Flame Mages have the following [[skill]]s available to them:{{refsrc|u_init.c|451|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
{|class="prettytable"
!style="font-size:larger" colspan="2"|Flame Mage skills
|-
!Max
!Skills
|-
|Basic
|
* ''Weapons:'' [[whip]], [[hammer]]
* ''Spells:'' [[Spellcasting (SLASH'EM)#Healing spells|healing]], [[Spellcasting (SLASH'EM)#Enchantment spells|enchantment]], [[protection spells|protection]]
|-
|Skilled
|
* ''Weapons:'' [[knife]], [[long sword]], [[staff]], [[unicorn horn]], [[scimitar]], [[saber]], [[paddle]], [[mace]]
* ''Spells:'' [[Spellcasting (SLASH'EM)#Attack spells|attack]], [[body spells|body]]
* ''Combat:'' [[bare hands]], [[two weapon combat]], [[riding]]
|-
|Expert
|
* ''Weapons:'' [[dagger]], [[short sword]]
* ''Spells:'' [[Spellcasting (SLASH'EM)#Matter spells|matter]], [[Spellcasting (SLASH'EM)#Divination spells|divination]]
|}

Flame Mages start with ''Basic'' skill in quarterstaves and matter spells.{{refsrc|weapon.c|1669|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2|comment=initial spellcasting skills are hardcoded, so starting spells are not a factor}} They use the [[intelligence]] stat to cast spells, and their special spell is {{+ of|fireball}}.{{refsrc|role.c|143|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

==Techniques==
Flame Mages can learn the [[disarm]] [[technique]] by reaching Skilled in any weapon, and also gain the following techniques at the listed experience levels:{{refsrc|tech.c|94|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}
{|class="prettytable"
|'''Level'''
|'''Technique'''
|-
|1
|[[Reinforce memory]]
|-
|3
|[[Power surge]]
|-
|5
|[[Draw energy]]
|-
|10
|[[Sigil of tempest]]
|-
|20
|[[Sigil of discharge]]
|}

==Special rules==
Flame Mages have the ability to transform into a dragon of their element: they gain access to the baby red dragon polyform at experience level 7, and can become adult red dragons upon reaching experience level 14.

Flame Mages only take {{frac|5}} damage from [[breaking wands]] by [[applying]] them.{{refsrc|explode.c|245|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

==Rank titles==
The [[status line]] displays one of the following ranks for the corresponding experience levels:{{refsrc|role.c|116|version=SLASH'EM 0.0.7E7F2}}

*XL 1-2: Spark
*XL 3-5: Igniter
*XL 6-9: Broiler
*XL 10-13: Combuster
*XL 14-17: Torcher
*XL 18-21: Scorcher
*XL 22-25: Incinerator
*XL 26-29: Disintegrator
*XL 30: Flame-Master

==Gods==
{{main|Religion}}
The Flame Mage pantheon is based on elements related to flame and heat. Their first [[sacrifice gift]] is [[Firewall]].

* Lawful: [[Earth (god)|Earth]]
* Neutral: [[Fire (god)|Fire]]
* Chaotic: [[Ash]]

==Quest==
{{main|Flame Mage quest}}
The Flame Mage's [[quest]] sees them fighting the [[Water Mage]] for [[The Candle of Eternal Flame]], an [[artifact]] [[magic candle]]. The Candle of Eternal Flame is always lit, and while carried it grants [[warning]], [[teleport control]] and cold resistance. [[Invoking]] The Candle of Eternal Flame summons a [[tame]] [[fire elemental]].

==Strategy==
{{todo|Structure and fill out similar to other SLASH'EM role strategy sections, and differentiate accordingly.}}
Flame Mages are strong spell casters as well as respectable fighters. They can reach expert level in [[matter spells]] and skilled in [[saber]], [[long sword]] and [[twoweapon|two-weapon fighting]] (letting them effectively fight with most of the best artifacts in the game). Bear in mind that hobbits cannot twoweapon, no matter how skilled they become with the individual weapons.  Note that the Flame Mage also has access to the much improved [[Crysknife]] in SLASH'EM, a suitable choice lacking any artifact weapons.

===Early game===
Early in the game, fireball is a difficult spell; you might start with a 75% failure rate. Flame sphere is easy to cast, but difficult to use effectively. Flame sphere actually summons a tame {{Monsym|flaming_sphere}}. Like a pet, this [[sphere]] will wander around and sometimes attack an enemy, but like a sphere, it will explode on attack. Frustratingly, a flame sphere might wait several turns before attacking. You might also have a leftover sphere, which will follow you around and might attack a peaceful monster, even a shopkeeper. Unlike with a pet, the [[god]]s will blame you if your spell being harms a peaceful monster. In addition, peaceful creatures attacked by one of your flame spheres will become hostile to you. However, you will get full experience for monsters killed by your flame spheres.

Therefore the wand of fire is the best source of fire in the beginning of the game. Use it against a monster that ''must'' die quickly. A bolt from a wand can bounce from a wall and hit you, but remember, as a Flame Mage, you are immune to fire. (Your armor, scrolls, spellbooks, and potions might still be ruined, though). The wand of fire is also excellent for engraving "Elbereth." It may be preferable to use the wand for only this purpose unless you are being attacked by something that does not respect Elbereth, like a lycanthrope.

Keep that hell hound pup around, and get it stronger! Let the puppy kill anything weak or otherwise undeserving of your attention. About five levels or so of kills will see him turn into a fully-grown hell hound, capable of clearing out nearly anything in the dungeons you may come across in the early game, including the Minetown priest.

===Mid-game===
Once the Flame Mage has gotten past the early game and has managed to acquire some decent armor, strong artifacts, and reached at least skilled in matters spells, it's on to SLASH'EM's dangerous midgame. Due to natural fire resistance, a Flame Mage will have an easier time surviving the wands and grenades of [[Grund's Stronghold]] and the [[fire vampire]]s in the [[Chaotic Quest]], but the midgame should be played carefully. Keep Firewall handy to engrave Elbereth to get out of scrapes, and consider making straight for the [[Black market (SLASH'EM)|black market]] after obtaining the [[luckstone]] from [[Mine's End]]. Getting [[reflection]] and [[magic resistance]] are priorities, as is [[dragon scale mail]], and if you have found a [[ring of polymorph control]] and a way to [[polymorph]], you should be able to get all three of these from One-Eyed Sam. If you don't have a way to kill Sam (or don't want to), a foray into the [[Wyrm Caves]] can be very profitable, especially if you already have reflection. Since the quest artifact, the [[Candle of the Eternal Flame]], does not provide magic resistance, there is little to be gained from embarking early on the quest. The [[Water Mage]] is not an overly difficult foe, but since he doesn't respect Elbereth and can cast [[finger of death]], prepare accordingly.

Since [[fireball]] is the Flame Mage's special spell, once you reach skilled in matter spells, you should make liberal use of it. Note however that the Flame Mage doesn't have a good way of recharging energy. Therefore if you get a [[wish]] early enough in the game that you can reliably get an [[artifact]] out of it, you may consider wishing for an alignment-appropriate [[quest artifact]] that gives you more energy: the [[Mitre of Holiness]] if you are [[lawful]], the [[Eye of the Aethiopica]] if you are [[neutral]], and the [[Great Dagger of Glaurgnaa]] if you are [[chaotic]]. Flame sphere continues to be useful in the midgame because at skilled it produces two spheres per casting instead of one.

You should also get some strong weapons and invest skill slots in getting them to skilled, as well as [[two weapon combat]] if your race allows for it. A lawful Flame Mage should be able to get [[Excalibur]] from a [[long sword]] in a weapon shop, the [[Rat King]], or a [[barrow wight]] or [[watch captain]] along the way (getting [[crowned]] is a last resort if all else fails). A neutral Flame Mage may consider getting crowned for [[Vorpal Blade]], and a chaotic may do the same for [[Stormbringer]]. Other good candidates, if you find them or manage to get them as sacrifice gifts or as wishes, include [[Sword of Justice]], [[Grayswandir]], [[Bat from Hell]], [[Doomblade]], [[Fire Brand]], [[Frost Brand]], and [[Serpent's Tongue]]. In a pinch, Firewall is pretty effective at melee as well. Good non-artifact weapons include the [[crysknife]], [[silver saber]], or [[silver long sword]].

The Flame Mage quest item is the [[the Candle of Eternal Flame]]. Guarding it is the [[Water Mage]], who is located at the bottom of three levels of mostly water and lava squares populated by [[water elemental]]s and [[rust monster]]s. Completing the Quest, indeed, just talking to the [[High Flame Mage]], is impossible without some method of crossing lava and water, be it a form of levitation, flying, or a wand of ice. The Quest is a relatively easy one, but should not be attempted before gaining [[magic resistance]] as the [[Water Mage]] will use {{spell of|finger of death}}.

===Late game===
The late game for the Flame Mage is more similar to a [[knight]] than a [[wizard]], unless you manage to wish for the [[Eye of the Aethiopica]] or find it in a bones file. You will be spending most of your time meleeing foes to conserve energy, and will use your magic on truly tough opponents. It's also worth keeping an assault rifle obtained from a [[Yendorian army]] member and investing in a stack of enchanted bullets. These can be obtained in abundance in [[Fort Ludios]], by stealing from [[One-Eyed Sam]], or in the [[Castle]]. These will help greatly with the [[Demon prince]]s and tough foes on the [[Astral Plane]]. Once you have your kit ready, collect the invocation items and head to the [[Wizard's Tower]] to start the final run.

A good [[ascension kit]] for a Flame Mage is:
*One of the following: +5 [[speed boots]] for the extra attacks, +7 [[elven boots]] for the AC, +5 [[jumping boots]] for the extra movement, or +5 fireproof [[water walking boots]] to survive [[create pool]] spells
*+7 [[cloak of magic resistance]] (enchant an [[elven cloak]] to +7 and then [[upgrading objects|upgrade]] it)
*+5 [[gauntlets of dexterity]]
*+5 [[silver dragon scale mail]] if no other [[reflection]], or [[deep dragon scale mail]] if no other [[drain resistance]]
*+5 [[helm of brilliance]]
*an [[amulet of life saving]] or [[amulet of flying|flying]] if you already have [[reflection]] and [[drain resistance]] covered, otherwise an [[amulet of reflection]] or [[amulet of drain resistance|drain resistance]] depending on your need
*If unable to two-weapon, either a +5 [[small shield]] or a +5 [[shield of reflection]] (the latter will severely inhibit spellcasting)
*If able to two-weapon:
**Lawful: +7 [[Excalibur]] as primary for the drain resistance, another powerful artifact, [[crysknife]], or silver weapon as secondary
**Neutral: Either two powerful artifact weapons ([[Magicbane]], [[Mjollnir]], [[Fire Brand]], [[Frost Brand]], or [[Vorpal Blade]],), or one powerful artifact weapon and a crysknife or silver weapon
**Chaotic: Either two powerful artifact weapons ([[Bat from Hell]], [[Doomblade]], [[Serpent's Tongue]], [[Fire Brand]], or [[Frost Brand]]), or one powerful artifact weapon and a crysknife or silver weapon; consider wielding [[Stormbringer]] as primary for the drain resistance if you don't travel with pets or minions
*All the other items (rings, wands, tools, etc.) in a standard ascension kit

==References==
<references/>
{{slashem-7E7}}
[[Category:SLASH'EM roles]]