OutlawJT: I think you are misinterpreting Jemal's remark - he was simply pointing out that Albedo had previously asked for people to specify rather than ask for whole sources, not trying to be rude, but rather helpful.
Dire Lemming: Many of the characters are by their very nature show offs, most of their actions make perfect sense. Part of the thrill of playing casters, at least for me, is the struggle to out plan one another with clever uses and protections against spells. Think of it as ultimate rock paper scissors.
Maybe this is not the game for you, I'll be sad to see you go as I've had fun chatting, but not everyone has the same tastes. As for Halford's disintergrate I doubt it would have worked on many of the PCs, and he was using it to avoid looking like he could do something which is both appropriate for his alignment NE, for his haracter he likes to be liked and respected and demonstrated his own ruthlessness mostly to the Lich who he was particularily concerned about - he currently has little recourse against that touch!.
Though I have not spelled it out Halford himself would be under the effects of a multitude of defensve spells....
Spell Turning
Greater Spell Immunity (Otto's Irresistable Dance, Disintergrate, Power Word Stun, Horrid Wilting, Finger of Death, Polar Ray) Cast at CL 24
Ray Deflection
Anticipate Teleportation Greater
Energy Immunity Fire
Resistance Superior
For my own part I've had a great deal of fun bickering with people in the thread and hope that nobody has taken things in the wrong way. It is always best to take things in the best possible way of forums becausewritten words are devoid of context.
On a side note I do find almost all of the effects used thus far impressive. Power Word Pain seems to have caused a greater stir than ought to though, still impressive, but a quickened spell that does 1d6 points of damage for a couple of rounds is no big deal at this level - worked well for the character though.
