[quote]What do you mean by evil magic? [/quote]

I'll rephrase myself and then explain. I wasn't asking if there's evil magic, but if there's magic that's [i]seen[/i] as evil. More specifically...

In the context of the setting, are there any kinds of magic which are broadly associated with negative concepts such as evil, wrongness, or generally are viewed as being wholly unacceptable in most societies in this setting / something which ought to be purged?

Basically, I want to know what the "forbidden" magics are, if there are any. I'm not assuming there is such a thing, but asking if there are. For instance, necromancy is typically seen as a "no-no" in most settings, and certain kinds of conjuration (summoning demons or C'thulu-realm beasties) would be seen as bad in others, etc. Are there any brands of magic which are seen in this light by most societies in this setting? And is there a reason why? (Or why not?)

[quote] After the Great Old Wars (The Raxas-Karnoras Civil War is lumped in with the G.O.W) there was a period of relative quiet. Everyone was too beat up to really do anything. Small Kingdoms emerged briefly-then were united under stronger warlords. Eventually becoming the modern Kingdoms. About 500 years have passed since the end of the Old Wars. The current 'mercenary' age as you put it falls somewhere in there.
[/quote]

Really good info, thanks!

[quote]First, let me say battles are not as tactical as you seem to think. There simply is no way for combat to be synthesized like that outside of doing a D&D style play-which I totally am not up for. There are still a lot of things to work out in combat, so I'm holding off on these questions for now. As it stands, both sides attack each other, check defenses and ability scores and deal damage simultaneously . Certain feats like First Shot can give a side the edge it needs to win in battle. I'll get back to you. [/quote]

I'll wait for your answer, but that's the gist of it is me wanting to know things like...
[list][*]How many rows of dudes could I have if I really wanted and still have the guys in the back fire?
[*]Does the enemy's melee guy in the front row deal damage in the first round at the same time as my archer in the front row?[/list]

Just basic stuff that lets me know what to expect and lets me form my basic battle line that I can adjust slightly depending on if any information I get from the contract details is useful. For instance, I'd hate to put guys in the 5th row only to learn that the 5th row is too far away from combat to actually shoot anyone. (Not saying I'd do that, but it COULD happen.)

I assume the First Shot ability is actually very useful because, heck, that's damage that can [i]kill guys[/i] before anyone's hits even make contact. Dead guys before the fight starts = less damage to your own guys. I just wanted to double check this stuff because other feats that crop up may make me have to chew on their value, etc.