Those are for a different format, called "OCTGN apprentice mode". OCTGN apprentice mode is a preconstructed format with all of the first 12 mages, ability cards and normal stats are used, 3x3 zone Arena, and 60 point spellbooks.

Well, the original idea behind these spell books aside, I think they're way better than the 50-point spellbooks for the official Apprentice mode in the core set. Especially since the ability cards and normal stats are used.

I've recently modified them for use as introductory spell books for Domination. Basically, I just replaced any promo cards and added one or two of the V'tar-related cards to each book (increasing point cost to 62).
I made a couple more adjustments to a few spell books because they seemed to include effects that had otherwise been avoided, i.e. 'Flying', and 'Familiar'.

I hope to be able to put them to the test this or next week.

Blightheart's text says:

... This does not effect counterstrikes.

It should say:

... This does not affect counterstrikes.

Thanks!

I have to admit I'm intrigued by these Paladin 'quests'. I'm not sure how viable such a system is for a competitve environment, but for casual play it sounds great.

Bryan mentioned a winged Pegasus, possibly a dragon, etc.

OMG, flying mages?! Now, that would be quite something...

I still haven't read anything in this forum that convinces me there is a problem that needs fixing. An overpowered mage for me would need to be able to win each match regardless of player skill. An example of something like this from another game was provided earlier for A Few Acres of Snow. A game strategy was discovered that every player could use to ensure a victory.

I don't think that's a useful definition of 'overpowered'. Its an even stronger requirement for something I'd consider 'broken', not just 'overpowered'.

To me, 'overpowered' just means that something is a stronger option than any other option. E.g. imagine two Mage Wars spells with identical costs from different schools, except one is dealing an additional die of damage. That's for me an example of 'overpowered', i.e. it's strictly better than a comparable option, but you still may prefer the weaker option because it provides better synergy with the rest of your spellbook.

Regarding your comparison with 'A Few Acres of Snow', the story I heard about it was a bit different:
A top player had discovered a strategy that he claimed would always result in him winning. While the designer didn't believe it, the player kept winning almost every game. Other players tried to adapt the strategy and found it to be very strong but weren't nearly as successful, because the strategy actually also required skill.
Also, said top player typically still managed to win if other players tried to use his strategy against him.

As I said, that's just the version I heard. I haven't been that interested in the game, so I don't know which version is closer to the truth.

Regarding future releases.... are you joking or what? do you expect that armor goes to infinity or what???

I wonder who's the troll here...

The point and the example given was that eventually, there'll be great equipment for each of the elemental schools.
Also, no game is safe from power-creep. The internet hivemind has a tendency of quickly figuring out and abusing the 'best' cards in new sets. Usually, they turn out to be the 'best' because of unforseen interactions with other cards. No amount of careful design and playtesting can fully prevent this. It's in the very nature of customizable games following an exception-based design principle.

Thanks for the triple confirmation! 

While it doesn't matter in this context, I'd also like an answer to the question if a spell is considered 'cast' when it's been jinxed?

Wall of Text
Conjuration-Wall

Creature caught looking at Wall of Text, become blind, and must stumble around the arena. Bats and other creatures with echolocation or enhanced senses are immune.

Now_THAT's_ an awesome card!