(Random Person DMs me questions)
Why can't all of you just
comment or ping like normal people? Seriously. There's at least 7 of you
that do this. Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. It is the way... I guess.
TL:DR Why did Somatic gestures come up in the sidestory? I thought Overlord didn't use components like D&D?
For context, the reference was:
Incidentally, he had no personal name, so Suzuki Satoru had named him Nu-runuru. It was supposed to be a temporary name at first, but he had decidedto use it.His–although hecould have been a her–voice was made by two tentacles that were open at the end, called voice strands. Therefore, a lot of excess noise got into his voice in places like this. However, he had the special ability of being
able to cast spells without verbal or somatic components,and instantly casting them while standing stock still. It was truly mysterious
[KBA]
TLDR: Yes, doesn't come up much. It's mainly hand/arm based.
Verbal components come up in Volume 4 and Volume 13 notably but somatic components is a more subtle detail about Overlord. I dont' blame people missing it. Maruyama seems to forget it exists too.Yes it exists however. Maruyama just doesn't bother detailing it much. I'm not going to get EVERY damn time but I'll try to give a sampling. Volume 14's cover is a good example of it being shown in an illustration form.
Due to Martial Arts being in a weird place in universe, I'm not going to get into somatic aspects of Martial Arts. It's pretty clear and usually Somatic doesn't apply to "non magic". I consider Martial Arts and flavor text 'native magic' however using Scrolls and Evileye as an example, Martial Arts are never seen as being 'magic' you can seal or make magic items at least. Similar to 'skills'or class abilities, they seem like 'magic' and require certain gestures or actions, ie somatic aspects, but do not actually require 'components'. Basically, a component, as it is typically defined is a fragment of a spell casting ritual to manifest a change in the world. One typically needs to pay the fuel price, vocalize a spell name, and perform a gesture of sorts to aid in using said spell. Martial Arts possess stances and gestures but be wary of calling these 'somatic'. Still we do see Innate magic and Skills require motions as well. So it's not something to get overly pissy about. Can we generalize and call it Stance Requirements to appease pedantic chad rule lawyers?
In general Somatic tends to be hand and or arm based, being a certain finger, palm, or motion required. Competitively, if your hand and arms are pointed outward you can cast most things you would need, supposedly. Of these gestures you got Finger points, Palm Facing, and Arm Sweeps. Claps exist too but tis rare.
Actually, innate magic casters, the sort deemed as trash (since they are using high tier spells with no skill augmentation ) seem to not actually require somatic components in Overlord, but we do lack many examples. Which reflects it's Spell Like Ability nature. ...At least for races with Spell Glyphs. Igvua and Wrath are technically 'Monsters' but perform somatic gestures. We can postulate glyphs glowing can substitute for Somatic gestures but further evidence is needed to say for sure.
Tangentially, Shalltear's Magic Rune did substitute for a Fuel Component for a Metamagic skill augmentation. Similarly gems and different pieces of magic items will glow to activate an ability.
It's dangerous to say if all Totemic/Symbol Magic operates on all the same principles as well. For example Totem tattoos, spell tattoos, Monster glyphs, and Runes come about by different practices. Only Monster Glyphs are known to bypass it, but Maruyama could of just forgotten to write it. If you don't know, Maruyama omits Somatic gestures A LOT.
Bonus:
Tangent aside, if we look at Somatic Components it does seem like Multi Armed races firing off many simultaneous spells can be attributed to posessing more limbs to perform somatic como;. In theory each arm can fulfill a different spell's Somatic Components at least. In terms of mana penalties however it may not be very effective. Most races don't do it howver so it could require specialized skills or it's not worth it.
That is mostly conjecture however.
She activated three of these potent ― to her ― spells at once.She was simultaneously casting three spells, each one of which used asignificant amount of mana. In addition, simultaneously casting spells was very
draining in itself, and as the shock of using huge quantities of mana hit her, shefelt light and floaty, as though she were about to pass out.
[V13]
Notes:
========
Momonga pointed his finger, preparing to cast a spell on the straw man inthe corner of the arena.Momonga did not know many pure damage spells. Instead, he focused oninstant death spells with additional effects. As a result, he was less effectiveagainst non-living entities.
...
.He channeled the jubilation in his heart — although his mood calmedquickly, he could still feel joy and excitement — into his fingertip, and spokethe words:“Fireball.”An expanding globe of flame shot out from the finger pointing at the strawman.
[V1]
“Summon Primal Fire Elemental.”In accordance with Momonga’s will, the Orb of Fire grasped within one ofthe Staff’s snake mouths pulsed with puissance. Momonga could feel themovement of a mighty, invisible power and thrust the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gownforth. A vast ball of light bloomed from the tip of the Staff, and a vortex ofroaring flame spilled forth from that globe of radiance.
[V1]
This calmness allowed him to make a cold, cruel decision.Momonga reached out an empty hand and cast his spell.“Grasp Heart.”
[V1]
A dragon-shaped bolt of white electricity crackled around Momonga’s armsand shoulders. The bolt flared brightly as it instantly surged out at the knightMomonga was pointing at.
[V1]
“Good grief... I guess it’s my turn now.Hell Flame.”A small, wobbling mote of flame emerged from one of the fingers of Ainz’sright hand. It looked so feeble that anyone could blow it out if they wanted. Ittouched the body of the Principality of Observation, and looked terriblylaughable against the glittering body of the angel.
[V1]
Ainz continued swinging his twin greatswords, and the Wise King of theForest continued its adroit deflection of his blows. Then another glyph on itsbody lit up, and it cast a spell.“Blindness.”Unlike the previousCharm Species, this non-mind-affecting spell of blindnesscould potentially have affected Ainz. However, Ainz had a racial skill whichrendered him immune to low tier magic. Therefore, the spell vanished withoutever taking effect.A different symbol lit up when it used that spell... it seems the symbols on its bodyrepresent the spells it can use..
[V2]
At thesame time, the lightning bolt Narberal shot from her fingers was blocked bythe Skeletal Dragon’s tail and fizzled out.
[V2]
She released her staff and clapped her hands together. As she drew themapart again, tongues of white lightning arced between them. They took the
form of dragons, and the air around them began glowing and crackling withenergy
[V2]
Speaking with a cold, crystal clear voice, Ainz pointed his right-handgreatsword at the Wise King of the Forest and activated his skill.Despair Aura V.Since its instant death effect was too strong, he decided to reduce itspotency and instead activatedDespair Aura I’sfear effect
[V2]
Shalltear stuck her index finger into the mass of blood floating above her anddrew out a strand of blood, which turned into a character before her. It lookedlike a Sanskrit character or a similar symbol, and it was called a Magic Rune.Shalltear possessed a class called Blood Drinker, and this was one of itsskills: Blood Pool. This orb of enchanted blood could store the blood of victimsfor various purposes. It could also drain mana from the blood, so one could useskills that augmented spells without consuming extra MP.“Penetrate Magic - Implosion.”
[V3]
Ainz cast his teleportation spell, and in the next moment, a berm of earthfilled his eyes. Though he was now safe at home, Ainz ordered in a panic:“Albedo! Watch out for anyone who might have teleported after us!”“Yes!”Albedo drew her weapon and stood by Ainz’s side. Ainz raised both hishands, taking a stance to deal with anything which might come.As time passed, Ainz allowed himself to slowly relax. Albedo too stood downfrom her ready stance, back into her normal posture.
[V3]
Shalltear summoned the gigantic lance to her hand again, and cast it forthonce more.
[V3]
The Lizardmen looked around in confusion and also to hide their fear. Justas they spotted an undead being in the distance, a fireball once more flew fromits hand.The head-sized ball of flame soared through the air in a straight line and flewinto the leader squad of the Lizardman troops
[V4]
How foolish. Did you think you could crawl all the way to me with thatslothful speed of yours? Well, beasts will be beasts.”With a mocking smile on his face, Igva conjured aFireballin his hand andlaunched it at the Hydra.It flew in a straight line and struck the Hydra dead center.
[V4]
Now, only one of its heads could still move. The other motionless headswere little more than dead weight. The sight of the undead creature conjuringanother fireball in its hand was a blurred scene in Rororo’s cloudy vision.
[V4]
The launchedFireballstreaked at the three Lizardmen.The leading Lizardman swung its sword and blocked theFireballwith a wallof freezing mist, and both vanished together
[V4]
By coincidence, his foes had strung themselves out into a straight line. Igvaextended a ginger and pointed at the three Lizardmen who were pressing in.Electricity crackled around that digit.“Taste myLightning!”
Zaryusu was still some distance away, but he could see the white lightcoruscating around Igva’s finger —Lightning
[V4]
Igva glared unhappily at Crusch and pointed a finger at her.“Interfering busybody!Lightning!”\
[V4]
“Cheh! 「Light-”“Too slow!”Frost Pain slashed in from the side, knocking away the finger Igva wasplanning to extend.“Gah!”“You let a warrior near you, magic caster! Don’t even think of casting spellsany more!”Legendary spellcasters aside, most magic casters who allowed an enemy toget close might find their spells disrupted during the casting.Even a powerful monster like Igva was no exception
[V4]
This was aSilent Magic - Magic Arrow. There was no preparation needed forsilenced spells, so they could not be interrupted. In addition, Magic Arrowswere unavoidable spells; not even by someone like Zaryusu.
[V4]
Zaryusu was confused by Igva turning to run, but he pursued regardless. Igvatook a full-power hit from Zaryusu square in the back and wavered, but did notfall. Zaryusu clicked his tongue at Igva’s seemingly inexhaustible vitality andimmediately gave chase after the fleeing Igva.Igva turned, his face distorted with an anger that seemed unbecoming on anundead being, but his expression was tinted with shades of delight.Sizzling in his hand was a crimson light — aFireball.Confusion filled Zaryusu’s mind as he drew close.Does he plan to use an area-effect spell at such close range? Is he prepared tosacrifice himself — no!
[V4]
Sebas brought over one of the men and slapped him awake. The manregained consciousness with a shudder, and Sebas placed his hand on the man’s
head. Sebas had not used much force but within two seconds the man’s headlolled back, then snapped back to its original position like a pendulum.The man’s eyes were now unfocused, like he was drunk.Sebas began asking questions. The assassin, a man of a traditionally tight-lipped profession, sang like a canary. Faced with this bizarre sight, Climb askedSebas: “What did you do to him?”“This is a skill called thePuppeteer’s Palm... fortunately, it looks like itworked.
[V5]
Ignoring Evileye, who had misplayed her opening move, the man grandlyswept his hand. He looked like the conductor of an invisible orchestra.“Hellfire Wall.”A wave of heat crashed into her back. Evileye could not believe it, andhurriedly turned back to look.There was afoom, and then it seemed as though the night itself had caughtfire. Unnatural black flames surged into the sky
[V6]
“—-You have no right! To say that! Uwaaaaaahhhh!”This was not a wail of despair, but a cry of anger. Evileye’s howl was full ofhatred as she broke into a sprint. No, it would be better to say she flew onwings of magic. She focused her mana into her fist, preparing a touch spell thatwould be difficult to nullify or resis
[V6]
“My lord, O God of Earth! I beseech thee to purge the unclean!”The priest clasped his holy symbol, and his cry took the form of power. Acool, clean feeling surged through the burial vault – which had been filled withunclean air – in a wave of divine might that was more potent than usual. Thepriest used his ability to turn undead.
[V7]
The wizardpointed the glowing tip of his staff at the passage ahead, where the sound wascoming from, ready to cast a spell at any time. The priest raised his holysymbol and the thief aimed his bow in the direction of the noise
[V7]
“He doesn’t seem to want to... attack us?”The Elder Lich was clearly looking at Gringam, yet it had not made a move.It had not raised its staff, and neither had it begun incanting spells. It simplywatched them in silence.
[V7]
“Now then, let us begin.”As the Elder Lich spoke in its voice that did not sound like it wanted tonegotiate at all, seven staves rose into the air.
[V7]
“Elder Lich!”At the same time, he noticed lightning crackling on the lich’s finger.Hekkeran was familiar with the spell in question.Lightningproduced a straight line of piercing electricity, and there was onlyone way to dodge it.
[V7]
“Then I will go.Touch of Undeath.”“What kind of magic is it? Arche!”“I don’t know! I’ve never heard of it before!”The black fog which covered Ainz’s right hand was an unknown magic whichput them all on their guard.
...
Just as the bad feeling struck, Ainz’s form vanished.Hekkeran turned, trusting his instincts. In his eyes, he saw his companions’shocked faces. However, there was no time to explain. Especially to Imina. Ainzwas standing behind Imina, slowly reaching his right hand out to her.
[V7]
Although Ainz took the full-power strike in the face, he did not react withpain as expected. Roberdyck followed up his attack, reaching out with his barehand.“Middle Cure Wounds!”The healing spell was targeted at Ainz
[V7]
“—Lightning!”Bluish-white lightning leapt from her staff’s head and cleaved through thenight. This was Arche’s strongest attack spell.
[V7]
——What the hell are we fighting here?!”Ainz waved his arm. In response, a magic circle sprang into existence,roughly ten meters in radius and shaped like a dome. It was centered on him.The people on his left and right were engulfed by it, but they seemed fine. Itwould seem the magic circle did not harm allies.This fantastic sight drew everyone’s attention, even if they knew this was anemergency situation.The magic circle glowed bluish-white, and translucent symbols appearedacross its length and breadth. The sigils changed with kaleidoscopic speed,shifting between runes and letters that nobody had ever seen before.
[V9]
Ainz opened his hand, and within it was a miniature hourglass.If he used a cash item, he could immediately cast the super-tier spell. Thereason why he had not done this was because he was serving as bait to verifythe existence of any possible players fromYggdrasil. However, if there werenone, then there was no need to wait out the long casting time for the spell.Having to stand immobile in the middle of a magic circle was quite uncool.
[V9] 4
Jircniv took out a key and opened a drawer. He withdrew a bottle fromwithin.Then, he pressed the silver ring he wore on his left hand against it.The Ring of Unicorn ― an item which could detect poisons and whichenhanced resistance to poison and disease, which could also heal wounds oncea day.
[V10]
“I did not break the rules. This is a proper contest. That said, this is farbeyond the word ‘poison’. My touch can infuse negative energy into anopponent’s body. However, a Troll’s regeneration should be able to heal that.”
Ainz made the same gesture he used when touching the Martial Lord,opening and closing his fingers.“However, I have another ability in addition to that. I can inflict physicalability damage by touch. Thus, your strength and dexterity have been reduced.I don’t think you can healthat, can you?
[V10]
The Martial Lord must be thinking that all he needed to do was worry aboutthe left hand.That was it. During Ainz’s experiments, he found that he could initiate touchattacks with any part of his body. If he felt like it, he could even use a headbuttto do so
[V10]
“Death is the end of everything. Yet ― as some here might know, death canbe fought off.”Ainz withdrew a wand, and pointed it at the Martial Lord’s chest.It would be terribly embarrassing if he did not come back to life. Hisnonexistent heart pounded within his chest.“Witness this!”The wand activated, and then the Martial Lord gasped. Then, his chest beganmoving.“Resurrection magic is the province of high-level priests. However, it is not achallenge for me!
[V10]
“...Thinking too much about this is annoying. Let’s see what kind of Dragonyou are.”A thrill of terror shot through Hejinmal’s body.He was far too relaxed. He was talking as though he had picked up a stonefrom the ground. It was a tone which demonstrated his confidence in beingable to do what he spoke of.And then, in the moment when he saw the Elder Lich raise his hand─“[Grasp─”
...
“─Heart], hang on, what?”Hejinmal desperately pleaded with the Elder Lich, whose hand had stoppedmoving.
[V11]
Jaldabaoth slowly looked to the sky.“It is about time that my army arrived at this city. I need to smash the gatesand usher in a storm of slaughter and carnage.”“Do, do you think we’ll let you do that?”“Allowme?I do not need you to allow me anything. All you need to do isaccept it. Like say, the gift of a star.”
Jaldabaoth raised the hand that was not holding Calca, and then, like he wassearching for something — he pointed to the sky.“—STOP!!!” Remedios shouted because she did not know what he was goingto do.However, everyone was frozen in place, their hands tied. That was becausethey could not attack Jaldabaoth, who held the Holy Queen hostage.No, everyone was afraid that if they attacked him, he would block it withCalca’s body. What would they do if Calca died from their blows?Heedless to the confusion of Remedios and the others — the star fell.
]V12]
“Greater Magic Seal,Mass Hold Species.”The Sorcerer King did not stop walking as he cast his spells.After incanting those two spells, he waved a hand and conjured severalflickering shadows.There were ten of them in total
[V12]
“Our aim is to kill every single one of the Bafolk here! It doesn’t matter whathappens to the humans!Widen Magic — Fireball!”The Sorcerer King extended his hand with a shout, and the fireball that flewforth blew away the Bafolk and the boy he was holding.
[V12]
—However, if I let you become one of my subordinates — Pestonya andNigredo would not be happy. Also, be at ease. I will not do anything wastefullike only using the skull. I’ll make full use of every part of you.”Now die,the Sorcerer King said as he erected a slender fingerbone.“Aiiiieee! No, no, nooooo! I don’t want to die!! Wait!! I’m begging you!!!Please, I’m begging you!!! I, I still, I still have some value!!!! — I’m usefulenough to make you happy!!!! Really!!!!! Believe me!!!!!”“All things which live must die. The difference is in how soon or late theymeet their fate.”“No!!!!! Don’t look at me that way!!!!! Don’t, don’t kill me!!!!!”Buser rose to his feet, then turned around and ran.Neia stared, dumbfounded at how fast a living creature could run when itsdemise was at hand.However, the Sorcerer King’s spell was faster still.“How boring. —Death.”
[V12]
The Sorcerer King let go of his halberd. The halberd then vanished, asthough it had melted into the air. The same thing must have happened with thegreatsword from just now.After that, the Sorcerer King made a grasping motion, and now he had ablack longsword in each of his hands.
[V12]
If his finger pointed to her, would she be the one to perish next?
[V13]
After replying thus to Doppel-Lupusregina, Ainz backed away from them,then flicked the coin up with his thumb so it landed between the two of them.As the coin hit the ground, Ainz jumped back, then threw his hands out andshouted:“Absolute Immunity Barrier
[V13]
“「Twin Maximize Magic Re―”Just as Ainz was about to cast a spell at Lupusregina, another bullet hitAinz’s arm and interrupted his spell.
[V13]
Maximize Magic―”As he raised his hand, his hand was struck and damaged, and the spellfizzled. The mana spent on casting the spell was wasted.
[V13]
Her opponent let go of his Arcane Rifle and extended something forwards.His next attack appeared to be magic-based.“Good, now what?”As she pondered. Albedo did not use any special ability of hers as she shortened the distance between them. If she had, even give the current distance between them, he would still be in her strike range. However, Albedo did not wish to expose her hand yet.From the enemy’s right hand, a brilliant green light shot out, flew towards Albedo, and struck her.
[V14]
The enemy landed, raised a hand, and spoke. Their voice was that of a
male’s.“[World-Isolating Barrier]”
[V14]
“Don’t move. Otherwise I would not only target you with my magic, but the Princessas well.”Climb was about to draw his sword but stopped himself when he saw that Evileye had raised a hand in his and Renner’s direction.
[V14]
Rise up.”The Sorcerer King extended one hand and in an instant, ablack sword appeared. The length of the blade was around that of a longsword
[V14]
The taller robed figure extended a hand.It was a skeletal hand.The names of many skeletal magic casters flashed through his mind, but theywere all oddballs. None of them could have defeated Kunivela the Night Lich.So what was this being – as his thoughts reached that point, they froze
[KBA]
Athin,membranous substance expanded and seemed tocover theentiremoun-tain. It was massive, and looked to have an area measured in the kilometers.While he did not know its ofβicial name, Suzuki Satoru knew its effects.It was a teleport-blocking barrier. It was the βirst Wild Magic spell that theBrightness Dragon Lord had used.
[KBA]
