One more hit, and your character is dead. However, if that one more hit was a really strong one, you could be turned to dust. The magic system is a spell point based one, where each spell you can cast costs X energy, and your total spell energy available is one of those derived stats. Spell energy can be replenished through resting or drinking potions. In order to cast a spell, you need to raise your skill level in the appropriate spell circle to the level of the spell, and then find a spell book somewhere.
Spells range from healing and enhancing skills, to direct damage and summoning allies.
The low to mid level spell books from each circle are fairly easy to locate, whereas the highest level spells are quite hard to find. The graphical quality of the game is a step up from the Exile series. Instead of flat 2D, Nethergate has the pseudo-3D isometric graphics, similar to the type seen in Baldur's Gate . While you can easily distinguish the different objects on the screen, the quality isn't even close to a Baldur's Gate . Of course, you have to keep in mind that this is mainly the work of one man.