Ashenzari warns you...

[Ramc]

...of the Ogre Mage's spells!

I propose that Ashenzari should, with similar frequency to weapon warning, let you know which spellbook (perhaps by highlighting it in the monster's x->v window) a monster with multiple potential spell lists has. Sometimes that can be super important not to find out the hard way. If this is untenable to program for some reason, a warning about a random (or the 'worst') spell on the monster's list could achieve a similar end, though with a bit more player hassle.

Another thought is to tie the frequency of monster spellbook clarification to how bound you are in magic.

[Azrael]

...I'm not really sure Ashenzari needs a power boost.

[reaver]

Edit: Severely misread the original post, ignore this.

[Kate]

That's not what the initial post is talking about.

This seems like a pretty minor effect and having to go into the monster description to take advantage of it sounds awkward. Naming a specific "strongest" spell from the list might get around that a little bit I guess, still not sure if it'd be worth it (and I don't know if every list has a single obvious strongest spell).

[Daggtex]

I'm pretty sure 'strongest' could be approximated by finding the highest level spell they can use, and randomly choosing one in the event of a tie. Or maybe constrict the list to damaging spells if that's more what is being aimed for here.

[and into]

I'm pretty sure 'strongest' could be approximated by finding the highest level spell they can use, and randomly choosing one in the event of a tie. Or maybe constrict the list to damaging spells if that's more what is being aimed for here.

No, I'm pretty sure the point of the proposal is to let Ash ID sources of banishment, so that rather than having to treat every POTENTIAL source of banishment as a threat (or just prioritizing MR), one can just keep rollin' right along until Ash tells you to pop a scroll of fog and get out. Which would kind of defeat the point of banishment.

[Ramc]

I'd be fine for being warned about a random spell an enemy has. It's a logical magic version of Ash warning you about an enemy's draining weapon. (Personally, I was looking forward to getting a heads up on fiend-summoning liches than banishing Ogres.) I agree it's pretty minor. If it's not worth the effort, it's not worth the effort.

[MoogleDan]

I'm fairly certain trunk currently lets you examine an enemy to see what spells it knows.

[1010011010]

I'm fairly certain trunk currently lets you examine an enemy to see what spells it knows.

Yes, however enemies with multiple spell sets have all possible set described. Ash could simply remove all but the correct one.

[khalil]

I'd go for removing all but the correct one. It just means that sometimes you don't immediately put on a ring of MR after seeing an ogre mage, because looking for banishment is probably the main thing I'd do with this.