Fireball

The Fireball - also known as Fire Blast - is one of the most popular attack spells available.

Spell Description
While defensive magic is good and just in its own way, sometimes more direct action from the magic user is required. That is when a spell such as Fireball comes into play. Casting it hurls a flaming sphere of destruction at the caster's foes, setting them ablaze. Lesser foes are instantly killed, while stronger ones retain serious injuries. Its low requirements make it a favourite attack spell of many mages.

Explosion is a stronger version of this spell, while Cold Blast is its exact opposite. Both have their strengths, but don't manage to be as economical as the common Fireball.

History
Fireballs as a magical attack weapon proved to be quite popular very early on. During last Age of Darkness in Ultima III the spell Fulgar was that day's version of the Fireball, while the spell Dag Mentar could even attack multiple enemies. With the establishment of Britannia, the spell was streamlined and eventually adapted to the the final system of magic in eight circles.

While fireball attacks were unknown on the Serpent Isle with it connection to cold attacks, on Pagan the Sorcerers had the spell Flame Bolt, which in essence was their version of the Fireball spell.

Lore




Ultima Saga
In Lynn Abbey's Ultima Saga, the sorceress Meraise carries a staff that burns with a Vas Flam spell, illuminating the ground in front of her but only partially showing her face.

Trivia

 * Using more Black Pearl than needed can cause the spellbook of the mage to incinerate, as the mage Genser had learned the hard way at one time during his apprenticeship.