Volume III of 'An Introduction to the Great Art', penned by Bel'qualyn Do'neld for zhaunin of Sorcere in great Udos Dro'xun.
Students of Sorcere must learn how to best employ their Art in combat, both when alone and when with others.
When alone, the student is often best advised to create fodder that can distract enemies and perhaps, if warded appropriately, even remove said enemies from your concern. Defensive wards are usually appropriate, while a strong array of aggressive incantations will ensure your ability to deal with whatever is thrown at you. It is advisable to select your incantations carefully to obtain synergy between them. One specialising in evocation will find some foes practiced at avoiding the energy they draw with Power, and thus may be best served by a few Enchantments or Necromantic effects to deal with such opponents. Similarly, a Conjurer who can call any manner of creature to his aid is wise to spend some time in study of the Art of Transmutation to make his servants more fearsome.
On patrol, the role of the student of Sorcere differs somewhat. In a well planned and executed patrol the student will assist in warding the warriors of the patrol but will then rarely if ever play an active part, beyond light ranged or melee support. However, should the patrol come into difficulties, the student will be prepared with powerful offensive incantations which will be used sparingly but decisively to turn the battle. The balance in this case should strongly lie towards support incantations, such as transmutations and abjurations, with a smaller number of carefully selected offensive incantations. The key attribute for a student on patrol is patience; while perhaps not active in every encounter, it is likely that decisive intervention will be necessary on occasion and the student's duty is to ensure that they remain prepared for such an eventuality.
For all their differences, it is often possible to obtain similar effects from the use of different Arts. They are, after all, simply facets of the Great Art. As the student grows in experience, many examples will become clear. The student should especially be alert for such cases, and learn how to use such combinations to be sure of being able to achieve the desired effect regardless of the opponent.