Has anyone tried using a Wizard with a bow/crossbow?

[Philhelm]

I'm wondering if anyone has tried a shooty wizard.  It seems that spells such as Elemental Bolt are more useful than investing in the wizards Shoot stat, especially since Shoot confers no ranged defense, and mundane shooting takes away from the experience gained by casting a spell.  Regardless, I'm curious as to whether anyone has experimented with such a wizard.

[Darkson71]

One of my club-mates had a wiz with a bow for a few games.  Dropped the bow after shooting it once in 3 games iirc.

[Coenus Scaldingus]

Currently actually debating just that. Haven't found many magic trinkets to carry around so far, so could spare the slot. To be fair though, the main temptation probably comes from the fact that last game, a well-aimed arrow killed the opponent's wizard (turn 1, I might add). And ever since, I have been wishing it was my wizard who had let loose that bowstring! Also don't have any direct damage spells on that guy, so it could be a reasonable way to get some kills in - although the spell selection is such that there tends to be something fun to cast anyway (love me those wild Imps). At any rate, I definitelly wouldn't go for a crossbow, costs too many actions to use more than once.
Still, upgraded shoot stat and potentially something like Glow on the target could get some decent work done.

[markdienekes]

I have had a few occasions when it could have come in handy... With no heal or too big a risk to cast a spell, maybe a bow shot could come in handy...

[rufus sparkfire]

My illusionist had a crossbow, since I didn't have a damage spell (though I ended up learning bone dart anyway). I found the crossbow useful a couple of times, and as it only cost 5 gold it was worth it.

Generally speaking though, you should be casting a spell every turn!

[fastolfrus]

Wiz and apprentice both have bows.
I usually forget to use the wiz for shooting, but the apprentice has shot a few opponents (including an apprentice with an arm full of treasure)

[Xintao]

Generally speaking though, you should be casting a spell every turn!

I agree with that statement but it can depend on the situation. Normally you'd be better off casting every turn but last game I had a situation where my Wizard had 1 health left. I didn't dare cast a spell in case I blew the role. So on the last turn I just ran off the board. If I had a bow/xbow I could have taking a parting shot at the other wizard. Don't think it's worth the points in the long run.

[Ravendas]

It might be useful for specific situations, but in general each time you fire a bow is 10 experience (or however much you've houseruled) you didn't get for casting a spell.

[Coenus Scaldingus]

Sure, but if you take out an enemy with your wizard's bow every now and then, he may well net himself a similar xp gain.

[Ravendas]

Sure, but if you take out an enemy with your wizard's bow every now and then, he may well net himself a similar xp gain.

Yep! That's one of those 'specific situations' I mention

Generally though, you'll want to cast each round if possible.