# 🔮 Spells Spells are powerful abilities that your character casts automatically during [[Mechanics/Combat|combat]]. Each spell has unique effects — from direct damage to buffs, debuffs, and healing. ## Unlocking Spells To unlock a spell, you need two things: 1. **Spell Shards** — Fragments of that specific spell. Each spell has its own shards. 2. **Wisdom** — A currency earned through [[Mechanics/Meditation|Meditation]]. Both are required. Having shards without wisdom (or vice versa) won't unlock the spell. ### Where to Find Spell Shards Spell shards come from one of two sources — each spell typically has only **one** source available: - **Monster drops** — Defeat a monster that uses the spell while [[Mechanics/Stepping|stepping]] (not in The Tower). Monsters can drop shards of spells they cast against you. - **NPC shops** — Some NPCs sell specific spell shards for gold. > [!tip] If you see a monster casting a spell you want, that's a hint — farm that monster in its location to collect shards. ## Spell Slots You can equip up to **three spells** at a time, arranged in a **priority order** (Slot 1 → Slot 2 → Slot 3). During combat, your character will attempt to cast the **highest priority spell** first. If that spell can't be cast — either because: - You don't have enough **mana** to pay its cost - The spell is on **cooldown** ...then the next spell in priority is tried, and so on. ## Casting vs Attacking When a spell is cast, it **replaces** your normal attack for that turn. You either cast a spell or attack — not both. The one exception is the **Parallel Casting** talent, which gives you a chance to perform both a spell cast and a normal attack in the same turn. See [[Mechanics/Combat#Parallel Casting|Parallel Casting]] for details. ## Mana Spells consume mana on cast. Your mana regenerates each turn based on your **Mana Regeneration** stat. Managing your mana pool is key — if you run dry, you'll be stuck with normal attacks until it recharges. ## Spell Mastery Spells can be leveled up to increase their effects. Higher mastery means stronger damage, longer durations, or more potent buffs depending on the spell type. ## Tips - Arrange your three spell slots strategically — put your most important spell in Slot 1 - Invest in Mana and Mana Regeneration if you rely heavily on spells - Farm spell shards by stepping at locations where the right monsters appear — Tower kills don't drop shards