Does spells casting suffer -2 in darkness? Is there is a difference between "attack spells" and "spells" in that case?

I believe (though don't quote me on this) that the -2 from darkness only applies to checks required by combat cards. But I could be wrong.

Likewise, I believe the main reason why some spells are classed as an "attack" is so that you don't have to make an evade check when casting them.

It says "... -2 to all attribute tests during combat while he is in the room".
Ok true combat is resolved with combat cards and spells with spell cards but adding the word "cards" would have made it clearer i guess.

So you think casting an offensive spell at a monster does not necessarily means combat, like mentioned in darkness?

In addition things like (I think) broken arm: -2 during combat, also does not apply to casting spells?

So, you have -2 to lore, or must make evade check before casting. We played it with evade checks yesterday.

I want to house rule, that casting "attack spell" is an attack and don't cause you to make evade check but gives you -2 to test in combat while in dark room or from some injuries.

UPD: right now, looking on the "Shriveling" card I'm sure, that casting it is an attack, because of its type - "Spell. Attack."

Yes it's an attack and like Bleached Lizard said, it's for not to make an evade checks when casting those spells.
But I'm not sure that "attack" = "combat" and injuries and darkness effect attributes when in combat.

When we played, we was wandering about this too ... it seems little odd that you can cast shiverling on a monster you cant see no problem, but when you want to shoot him with a gun, suddenly you have a penalty because of darkness. Doesnt seem very realistic. Also, spells are much more OP than weapons already ... like there is almost every time good effect even if you fail casting ...

Oh, the "Attack" part on the spell is neat.

Yeah, imho it boils down to "either, or" too.

• Attack spells are attack actions, therefore you do not need to Evade, but gain -2 in Darkness (and are affected by Trauma Cards).
• Attack spells are no attack actions, therefore you need to Evade every monster in your square, but are not affected by Darkness or Trauma Cards.

I'm not really the kind who'd want to mix those up - yeah, you don't need to evade but you're not affected by Darkness as well? Meh.