Anthony,
Regarding your "Combat Part 1" blog post: Wouldn't a savvy sorceror elect to 'Hold Action' during a 10-segment melee round, wait until the monster(s) have attacked, then begin casting? This would presumably allow him/her to unfailingly get the spell off unhindered - that is, if you allow a caster to cast even during a round in which he/she has taken damage.
As a follow-up question - I don't suppose you allow a caster to cast more than one spell during a melee round, do you? I mean, could a caster do a Magic Missile and a Fireball in one round (total elapsed time: 4 segments)?
Apologies for the myriad questions. I am devouring your combat posts and questions just keep popping up.
Footnote: I started AD&D back around 1980 or so (the Golden Age for me and for the game). As such, I am no spring chicken and my eyes are failing me somewhat. The font you've selected for your posts is thin and requires squinting on my part. Although I'm already in your debt, I'd be even more so if the letters were beefed up a bit.
Best,
Craig
Rapid fire as I'm at work:
A spell caster is unable to cast a spell in any round during which they've taken damage, so delaying your cast is always risky and usually only done in cases where the MU needs to re-position for line of sight or because they need to drink a potion first to lesson the chance of death.
One spell per round max, unless you have a device that allows combo-casts (see DMG p163 Table V: Prime Powers, item HH)
I apologize for the font. Here I thought Helvetica would be good. Changing it at this point would be possible, but require some signigicant work. I myself have recently gotten two pair of glasses. A desktop screen might be the best solution for now.
cheers!