Backfire

Acquisition
Skill Quests: Skill Trainers:
 * Domination Magic (Foible's Fair - Pre-Searing)
 * Tyria
 * Sir Bertran (Ascalon City)
 * Dakk (Ember Light Camp)
 * Cantha
 * Zytka (House zu Heltzer)

Usage Notes
Backfire is a high damage anti-caster skill which can kill the unwary in short order. Especially effective at shutting down healers for a short time while you kill whoever they were attempting to keep alive, for if said healer doesn't stop his healing while under backfire he will be severely damaged himself and possibly even die.

One thing to keep in mind though when using backfire is the high cost. Its 15 energy cost will become prohibitive quickly unless paired with a skill such as a Glyph of Lesser Energy. Also, backfire is a slow cast and long recharge so don't just go throwing it on the first enemy you see. You will want to get it off early in a confrontation though so as to maximize the chances your chosen opponent will cast a spell before Backfire runs out.

Backfire only damages opponent who use spells during its duration, so don't waste your time casting it on a Warrior or a Ranger, it will never be triggered since their skills are not spells. For the anti-fighter alternative which damages opponents who are attacking instead of casting check out Empathy.

Backfire can be lethal to Orison of Healing spamming monk creatures like Grawl Ulodyte and Grawl Shaman who use Infuse Health and Heal Area. Backfire them and start beating them up. Backfire will usually kill the Ulodytes and the Shamans who use Infuse Health during Backfire and Heal Area's healing (should) be negated by the damage from Backfire.

Backfire will only trigger once a spell has finished casting. If a spell is interrupted, then Backfire does no damage. As such, Backfire tends to be less useful in builds or parties with many interrupts.

Backfire will not trigger while being removed with Contemplation of Purity, because it is a not a spell.

Backfire could/should be used in conjunction with Wastrel's Worry to create a "Damned if you do, Damned if you don't" scenario for people who think they're smart enough to avoid Backfire's damage by 'sitting it out'. Since Backfire lasts for 10 seconds, and Wastrel's Worry lasts for 3, you can easily match the damage dealt by Backfire by casting Wastrel's Worry 3 times.

Related Skills

 * Empathy
 * Mark of Subversion (Necromancer)
 * Soul Leech (Necromancer)
 * Spiteful Spirit (Necromancer)