Spells Vs Abilities. What's the difference?

[chovynz]

Geez, I even sound stupid just putting that title up there.

Anyway my (noob) question for the day is this: What is the difference between spells and abilities? Are those two words used interchangeably on this forum or is that an actual difference? I've searched for this, but everyone seems to use them interchangably anyway.

To my mind a spell is something that uses magic. An ability is something that a unit can DO. Like this:
Frost Nova, Heal, Mirror Image = Spell
Pounce, Bladestorm, Omnislash, Eat, Attack, Move = Ability
(not sure where Windwalk would fit into these two)

But both types can use dummy units or triggers to create the desired effect. So what's the difference? If there is a difference it's got to be more than just physical / spiritual "meanings" for this game. Otherwise they ARE the same thing.

 

[Duwenbasden]

>Are those two words used interchangeably on this forum

Yep. It was Blizzard that calls it "Ability" (ability editor)

 

[chovynz]

Ok that helps. I've been looking at other people's posts with the "difference" in mind. So I got confused when some people ask for Spells and someone replies with an Ability. Or I go to reply with an ability and they dont like that "Spell."

A stupid little mind thing, but it was there anyway. Fixed now. Thanks Duw.
Anyone else want to comment on this topic before it gets buried?

 

[Tonks]

Personally, I catergorize them as different sections of magic in my mind.
To me, spells are something that you actively cast and use, and something that you learn.
Abilities are something that you may actively cast and use, but are generally more of a passive. Also, they're something that you have without training or learning them.
Just my opinion

So, yea, I kinda see it the same way as you, chov.

 

[chovynz]

Interesting.

So for you tonks a level 3 warstomp would be a spell?
and a no level autocast heal would be an ability?

 

[Jazradel]

I'd see abilities as physical, and spells are magical.

 

[Tonks]

Interesting.

So for you tonks a level 3 warstomp would be a spell?
and a no level autocast heal would be an ability?

Well, no, not really. There're a few exceptions to everything. They kind of fall into category as you see them.

 

[Seanbot]

i agree with jazradel

 

[the Immortal]

I'd see abilities as physical, and spells are magical.

Yup, I think so

 

[uberfoop]

I say they're both the same thing-and they are used that way in discussion. You go into definitions its different but for all warcraft 3 mapmaking purposes, that gigantic Sashi leap in ToB is still a spell.

 

[Sooda]

Originaly all things on unit what you could click are abilities. Beacause they aquire mana to cast (Mostly) they are reffered as spells too. Beacasue using magic power.

 

[lh2705]

Won't it feel weird if a unit has a spell named slash??
I think abilities can be used generally, physical and magical, but i think Jazradel's right...

I would call physical abilities Skills
and magical abilities would be Spells
and the both of them are under abilities...

 

[SFilip]

Is it really important how you call them? In my eyes its the same thing. Well sometimes I think about "magical abilities" and "physical abilities" but its not really that important.
Also note that some people call them "moves". That really confused me until I finally figured what they reffered to.

And how is Omnislash a physical ability?

 

[chovynz]

I would call Omnislash a physical ability because he gets heightened speed and slashes 3 - 8 times very quickly. It's targets are organic, ground and enemy. Even if he does become invulnerable, It's still more of a physical ability than a magic or spiritual spell.

As opposed to a Bladestorm of Frost where a caster casts ice and slow magiks and makes him immune to magic. Thats more a spiritual spell.

But you're right. It doesn't really matter if you call them spells or abilities. They basically are made the same way, and sit in the same places on the UI.

(Btw In my first post I said Bladestorm was a physical ability. I didn't realise there already was a Bladestorm of Frost, which I would call a spell. What I was thinking with Bladestorm (ability) was something similiar to OmniSlash where the triggering unit does these twirls spinning around very fast. The same character who does Omnislash does it but I can't remember the name of the ability.)

 

[Jazradel]

By physical, I meant it did damage that could be reduce by armor. And magical as in spells affected by magic resistance.

It does actually matter if you think of it like that.

 

[Andrewgosu]

If to think about it, magical spells all influence something or somebody physically. (Even non damaging, armor bonus still makes you stronger, doesn't it?)

 

[The Helper]

Bumping 2006 World Editor stuff For Great Justice!