
I won't launch into an analysis of the new combat system - I'm still figuring out chunks of it myself, and besides, y'all should do it on your own if you want - but I'd like to say I find it much better so far. Duels are (much) longer, spell choices aren't limited to "Is this an instant or not?", there's a number of valid strategies seemingly available, and a single critical or miss won't decide the entire duel for you. I have mixed feelings about the new spellbook minimum - while I appreciate the need for it, I find it a little too limiting. I've found it very difficult to come up with a spellbook that's even remotely useful with my lower-level characters (38 and 57), and I figure it'll be difficult for anyone who focuses on one or two combat skills rather than all three. On the bright side, it does require more planning and allows for a better mix-and-match approach to planning your duels.
On the whole, a great update. Looking forward to seeing what's next! Thanks, Smagly! :)