Sunday, 2nd August 2015, 15:13 by Aule
Freezing Cloud > Bolt of Cold, generally. Former is more broadly useful, and remains so far past the lair branches (in all of which it is quite useful), while the latter is often situational, at least the way I use it. Getting the most coverage for their MP cost, I like to use bolt spells only when I have several lined up, or when it can be reflected back on the enemies. often as the finishing move. I don't use bolts often. Incidentally, if it's available, Orb of Destruction is a real heavy-hitter that can take out what cold alone (and nearly anything else) cannot, but one has to learn how to make use of it effectively. Also, Airstrike is a great spell, especially if you already have a lot of skill invested in Air. Its direct smite targeting is very nice and it does wonders against flying enemies, which include most Hall of Blades denizens, if you're planning on doing Elf. But OoD works great on them, too.
You can pump more skill into spellcasting to gain more spell points. [Edit: math: spell levels available = (XL - 1) + (Spellcasting * 2), so 2 more full skill points in Spellcasting gains 4 more levels to spend.]
What bel said about Snake tactics.