>
>All else being equal. Assuming you're not dealing with any
>vulnerabilities in your enemy, which spells deal the most
>damage? At hero and say in the mid-30 ranks?
>I mean, which are the primary fallback spells you suggest
>using in terms of blasting someone with as much damage as
>quick as you can? Let's say you're outside and not on/in
>water.

At hero: iceneedles, iceshards, pillar of the heavens, forked lightning, controlled fireball, engulf, buffet.

Can't remember what you have at 30, but generally just pick the highest power 1-round spell in your arsenal that your enemy isn't resistant to and use it.

>Nova is clearly one of the strongest, but you have to be
>inside and it lags you badly. Seems to be more of a finishing
>move, in many cases- or a starting move if you're buddies are
>in on the beat down.

Nova is 2 rounds and also requires a target. Mobs take extra damage proportional to their max HP from nova and pillar, which is why you often see UNSPEAKs against mobs but not so much against players unless hitting a vuln.

>Are there many cases where you suggest starting with grease or
>adhesive web? Still trying to figure the best way to use these
>beyond the room-area spell.

Adhesive web drops birds and arials out of the air, which can be quite handy. Grease makes your opponent have trouble handling their weapons and inventory so they might fumble their prized weapons and return potions, and also makes body contact moves (bash, anyone?) less likely to succeed. You can also grease yourself for the same effect. A missed bash is a lowbie invoker's friend.