For a spell to be cast, the total of the dice rolled, added to the Wizard's level, must equal or beat the spell's casting value.

The chosen dice are then taken from the casting player's power pool and rolled. The results are added together, and then added to the casting Wizard's level to give a casting result. So, if a level 4 Wizard attempts to cast a spell with three dice, rolling 1, 3 and 6, the total casting result would be 14 (1+3+6=10 for the power dice roll, added to 4 for the Wizard's level). Keep the dice in front of you for the moment – you'll need the scores if your opponent attempts a dispel, as we'll discuss later.

Each spell has an associated casting value, any number from 3 upwards. Spells with a higher casting value have greater effect, but require more power.

If the casting result equals or exceeds the spell's casting value, the spell is cast (though it may be subsequently dispelled and neutralised by the opposing player, as we'll discuss later).

If the result is less than the casting value, the casting attempt has failed. The spell is not cast.

For example, a Level 2 Empire Bright Wizard is attempting to cast Fulminating Flame Cage from the Lore of Fire. Fulminating Flame Cage has a casting value of 11+, so the Wizard needs to score a total of 11 or more.

With this in mind, the Wizard's controlling player decides to roll three dice in the attempt to cast the spell, and scores 2+4+4 (for a total of 10). This in itself is not enough to cast the spell, but by the time the Wizard's level is added, it gives a total of 12 (the 10 rolled on the dice plus 2). The spell is therefore cast!