diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index ea4a02085..7fde57f39 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 ------
 
     Bug #1990: Sunrise/sunset not set correct
+    Bug #2131: Lustidrike's spell misses the player every time
     Bug #2222: Fatigue's effect on selling price is backwards
     Bug #2326: After a bound item expires the last equipped item of that type is not automatically re-equipped
     Bug #2455: Creatures attacks degrade armor
@@ -65,7 +66,9 @@
     Bug #4495: Crossbow animations blending is buggy
     Bug #4496: SpellTurnLeft and SpellTurnRight animation groups are unused
     Bug #4497: File names starting with x or X are not classified as animation
+    Bug #4503: Cast and ExplodeSpell commands increase alteration skill
     Feature #2606: Editor: Implemented (optional) case sensitive global search
+    Feature #3083: Play animation when NPC is casting spell via script
     Feature #3276: Editor: Search- Show number of (remaining) search results and indicate a search without any results
     Feature #3641: Editor: Limit FPS in 3d preview window
     Feature #4222: 360° screenshots
diff --git a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
index e8a958d45..0092712db 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -81,9 +81,9 @@ add_openmw_dir (mwclass
 add_openmw_dir (mwmechanics
     mechanicsmanagerimp stat creaturestats magiceffects movement actorutil
     drawstate spells activespells npcstats aipackage aisequence aipursue alchemy aiwander aitravel aifollow aiavoiddoor aibreathe
-    aiescort aiactivate aicombat repair enchanting pathfinding pathgrid security spellsuccess spellcasting
+    aicast aiescort aiface aiactivate aicombat repair enchanting pathfinding pathgrid security spellsuccess spellcasting
     disease pickpocket levelledlist combat steering obstacle autocalcspell difficultyscaling aicombataction actor summoning
-    character actors objects aistate coordinateconverter trading aiface weaponpriority spellpriority
+    character actors objects aistate coordinateconverter trading weaponpriority spellpriority
     )
 
 add_openmw_dir (mwstate
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
index f15a86918..995c8d736 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp
@@ -225,9 +225,12 @@ namespace MWBase
             /// Resurrects the player if necessary
             virtual void keepPlayerAlive() = 0;
 
+            virtual bool isCastingSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const = 0;
             virtual bool isReadyToBlock (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const = 0;
             virtual bool isAttackingOrSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const = 0;
 
+            virtual void castSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell) = 0;
+
             /// Check if the target actor was detected by an observer
             /// If the observer is a non-NPC, check all actors in AI processing distance as observers
             virtual bool isActorDetected(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const MWWorld::Ptr& observer) = 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
index e07c1ffd9..97993e984 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/world.hpp
@@ -487,7 +487,7 @@ namespace MWBase
              */
             virtual bool startSpellCast (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) = 0;
 
-            virtual void castSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) = 0;
+            virtual void castSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool manualSpell=false) = 0;
 
             virtual void launchMagicBolt (const std::string& spellId, const MWWorld::Ptr& caster, const osg::Vec3f& fallbackDirection) = 0;
             virtual void launchProjectile (MWWorld::Ptr actor, MWWorld::ConstPtr projectile,
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
index a225014b4..36ba77cfb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.cpp
@@ -1157,6 +1157,13 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
+    void Actors::castSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell)
+    {
+        PtrActorMap::iterator iter = mActors.find(ptr);
+        if(iter != mActors.end())
+            iter->second->getCharacterController()->castSpell(spellId, manualSpell);
+    }
+
     bool Actors::isActorDetected(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const MWWorld::Ptr& observer)
     {
         if (!actor.getClass().isActor())
@@ -1968,6 +1975,15 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         return it->second->getCharacterController()->isReadyToBlock();
     }
 
+    bool Actors::isCastingSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const
+    {
+        PtrActorMap::const_iterator it = mActors.find(ptr);
+        if (it == mActors.end())
+            return false;
+
+        return it->second->getCharacterController()->isCastingSpell();
+    }
+
     bool Actors::isAttackingOrSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const
     {
         PtrActorMap::const_iterator it = mActors.find(ptr);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
index 0de1f4d6c..492ff1e2e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/actors.hpp
@@ -77,6 +77,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             ///
             /// \note Ignored, if \a ptr is not a registered actor.
 
+            void castSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell=false);
+
             void updateActor(const MWWorld::Ptr &old, const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr);
             ///< Updates an actor with a new Ptr
 
@@ -161,6 +163,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             void clear(); // Clear death counter
 
+            bool isCastingSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             bool isReadyToBlock(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             bool isAttackingOrSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..48cb17f6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+#include "aicast.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwbase/mechanicsmanager.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwworld/class.hpp"
+
+#include "aicombataction.hpp"
+#include "creaturestats.hpp"
+#include "spellcasting.hpp"
+#include "steering.hpp"
+
+MWMechanics::AiCast::AiCast(const std::string& targetId, const std::string& spellId, bool manualSpell)
+    : mTargetId(targetId), mSpellId(spellId), mCasting(false), mManual(manualSpell), mDistance(0)
+{
+    ActionSpell action = ActionSpell(spellId);
+    bool isRanged;
+    mDistance = action.getCombatRange(isRanged);
+}
+
+MWMechanics::AiPackage *MWMechanics::AiCast::clone() const
+{
+    return new AiCast(*this);
+}
+
+bool MWMechanics::AiCast::execute(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, MWMechanics::CharacterController& characterController, MWMechanics::AiState& state, float duration)
+{
+    MWWorld::Ptr target;
+    if (actor.getCellRef().getRefId() == mTargetId)
+    {
+        // If the target has the same ID as caster, consider that actor casts spell with Self range.
+        target = actor;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        target = getTarget();
+        if (!target)
+            return true;
+
+        if (!mManual && !pathTo(actor, target.getRefData().getPosition().pos, duration, mDistance))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        osg::Vec3f dir = target.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3() - actor.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3();
+        bool turned = smoothTurn(actor, getZAngleToDir(dir), 2, osg::DegreesToRadians(3.f));
+        turned &= smoothTurn(actor, getXAngleToDir(dir), 0, osg::DegreesToRadians(3.f));
+
+        if (!turned)
+            return false;
+    }
+
+    // Check if the actor is already casting another spell
+    bool isCasting = MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->isCastingSpell(actor);
+    if (isCasting && !mCasting)
+        return false;
+
+    if (!mCasting)
+    {
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->castSpell(actor, mSpellId, mManual);
+        mCasting = true;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    // Finish package, if actor finished spellcasting
+    return !isCasting;
+}
+
+MWWorld::Ptr MWMechanics::AiCast::getTarget() const
+{
+    MWWorld::Ptr target = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->searchPtr(mTargetId, false);
+
+    return target;
+}
+
+int MWMechanics::AiCast::getTypeId() const
+{
+    return AiPackage::TypeIdCast;
+}
+
+unsigned int MWMechanics::AiCast::getPriority() const
+{
+    return 3;
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..70a8a6bbd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aicast.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+#ifndef GAME_MWMECHANICS_AICAST_H
+#define GAME_MWMECHANICS_AICAST_H
+
+#include "../mwbase/world.hpp"
+
+#include "aipackage.hpp"
+
+namespace MWMechanics
+{
+    /// AiPackage which makes an actor to cast given spell.
+    class AiCast : public AiPackage {
+        public:
+            AiCast(const std::string& targetId, const std::string& spellId, bool manualSpell=false);
+
+            virtual AiPackage *clone() const;
+
+            virtual bool execute (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, CharacterController& characterController, AiState& state, float duration);
+
+            virtual int getTypeId() const;
+
+            virtual MWWorld::Ptr getTarget() const;
+
+            virtual unsigned int getPriority() const;
+
+            virtual bool canCancel() const { return false; }
+            virtual bool shouldCancelPreviousAi() const { return false; }
+
+        private:
+            std::string mTargetId;
+            std::string mSpellId;
+            bool mCasting;
+            bool mManual;
+            float mDistance;
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
index 2b685accc..f1941ff1d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.hpp
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 TypeIdAvoidDoor = 7,
                 TypeIdFace = 8,
                 TypeIdBreathe = 9,
-                TypeIdInternalTravel = 10
+                TypeIdInternalTravel = 10,
+                TypeIdCast = 11
             };
 
             ///Default constructor
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
index 86cc2bbdc..085174820 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aisequence.cpp
@@ -180,12 +180,8 @@ bool AiSequence::isPackageDone() const
 
 bool isActualAiPackage(int packageTypeId)
 {
-    return (packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdCombat
-                   && packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdPursue
-                   && packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdAvoidDoor
-                   && packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdFace
-                   && packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdBreathe
-                   && packageTypeId != AiPackage::TypeIdInternalTravel);
+    return (packageTypeId >= AiPackage::TypeIdWander &&
+            packageTypeId <= AiPackage::TypeIdActivate);
 }
 
 void AiSequence::execute (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, CharacterController& characterController, float duration)
@@ -308,7 +304,7 @@ void AiSequence::stack (const AiPackage& package, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, boo
     if (isActualAiPackage(package.getTypeId()))
         stopCombat();
 
-    // We should return a wandering actor back after combat or pursuit.
+    // We should return a wandering actor back after combat, casting or pursuit.
     // The same thing for actors without AI packages.
     // Also there is no point to stack return packages.
     int currentTypeId = getTypeId();
@@ -316,7 +312,8 @@ void AiSequence::stack (const AiPackage& package, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, boo
     if (currentTypeId <= MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdWander
         && !hasPackage(MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdInternalTravel)
         && (newTypeId <= MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdCombat
-        || newTypeId == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdPursue))
+        || newTypeId == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdPursue
+        || newTypeId == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdCast))
     {
         osg::Vec3f dest;
         if (currentTypeId == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdWander)
@@ -352,6 +349,13 @@ void AiSequence::stack (const AiPackage& package, const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, boo
     // insert new package in correct place depending on priority
     for(std::list<AiPackage *>::iterator it = mPackages.begin(); it != mPackages.end(); ++it)
     {
+        // We should keep current AiCast package, if we try to add a new one.
+        if ((*it)->getTypeId() == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdCast &&
+            package.getTypeId() == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdCast)
+        {
+            continue;
+        }
+
         if((*it)->getPriority() <= package.getPriority())
         {
             mPackages.insert(it,package.clone());
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
index c36129c4e..aaa6c7aeb 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/player.hpp"
 
+#include "aicombataction.hpp"
 #include "movement.hpp"
 #include "npcstats.hpp"
 #include "creaturestats.hpp"
@@ -794,6 +795,7 @@ CharacterController::CharacterController(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, MWRender::Anim
     , mSecondsOfRunning(0)
     , mTurnAnimationThreshold(0)
     , mAttackingOrSpell(false)
+    , mCastingManualSpell(false)
     , mTimeUntilWake(0.f)
 {
     if(!mAnimation)
@@ -1007,7 +1009,8 @@ void CharacterController::handleTextKey(const std::string &groupname, const std:
              // the same animation for all range types, so there are 3 "release" keys on the same time, one for each range type.
              && evt.compare(off, len, mAttackType + " release") == 0)
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->castSpell(mPtr);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->castSpell(mPtr, mCastingManualSpell);
+        mCastingManualSpell = false;
     }
 
     else if (groupname == "shield" && evt.compare(off, len, "block hit") == 0)
@@ -1088,13 +1091,18 @@ bool CharacterController::updateCreatureState()
             if (weapType == WeapType_Spell)
             {
                 const std::string spellid = stats.getSpells().getSelectedSpell();
-                if (!spellid.empty() && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startSpellCast(mPtr))
+                bool canCast = mCastingManualSpell || MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startSpellCast(mPtr);
+
+                if (!spellid.empty() && canCast)
                 {
-                    MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(mPtr, NULL);
+                    MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(mPtr, NULL, false, mCastingManualSpell);
                     cast.playSpellCastingEffects(spellid);
 
                     if (!mAnimation->hasAnimation("spellcast"))
-                        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->castSpell(mPtr); // No "release" text key to use, so cast immediately
+                    {
+                        MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->castSpell(mPtr, mCastingManualSpell); // No "release" text key to use, so cast immediately
+                        mCastingManualSpell = false;
+                    }
                     else
                     {
                         const ESM::Spell *spell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellid);
@@ -1367,10 +1375,11 @@ bool CharacterController::updateWeaponState()
                     stats.getSpells().setSelectedSpell(selectedSpell);
                 }
                 std::string spellid = stats.getSpells().getSelectedSpell();
+                bool canCast = mCastingManualSpell || MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startSpellCast(mPtr);
 
-                if(!spellid.empty() && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->startSpellCast(mPtr))
+                if(!spellid.empty() && canCast)
                 {
-                    MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(mPtr, NULL);
+                    MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(mPtr, NULL, false, mCastingManualSpell);
                     cast.playSpellCastingEffects(spellid);
 
                     const ESM::Spell *spell = store.get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellid);
@@ -2377,6 +2386,11 @@ bool CharacterController::isAttackPrepairing() const
             mUpperBodyState == UpperCharState_MinAttackToMaxAttack;
 }
 
+bool CharacterController::isCastingSpell() const
+{
+    return mCastingManualSpell || mUpperBodyState == UpperCharState_CastingSpell;
+}
+
 bool CharacterController::isReadyToBlock() const
 {
     return updateCarriedLeftVisible(mWeaponType);
@@ -2440,6 +2454,14 @@ void CharacterController::setAttackingOrSpell(bool attackingOrSpell)
     mAttackingOrSpell = attackingOrSpell;
 }
 
+void CharacterController::castSpell(const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell)
+{
+    mAttackingOrSpell = true;
+    mCastingManualSpell = manualSpell;
+    ActionSpell action = ActionSpell(spellId);
+    action.prepare(mPtr);
+}
+
 void CharacterController::setAIAttackType(const std::string& attackType)
 {
     mAttackType = attackType;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
index 381cf71a5..84630a479 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.hpp
@@ -204,6 +204,7 @@ class CharacterController : public MWRender::Animation::TextKeyListener
     std::string mAttackType; // slash, chop or thrust
 
     bool mAttackingOrSpell;
+    bool mCastingManualSpell;
 
     float mTimeUntilWake;
 
@@ -276,6 +277,7 @@ public:
     void forceStateUpdate();
     
     bool isAttackPrepairing() const;
+    bool isCastingSpell() const;
     bool isReadyToBlock() const;
     bool isKnockedDown() const;
     bool isKnockedOut() const;
@@ -286,6 +288,7 @@ public:
     bool isAttackingOrSpell() const;
 
     void setAttackingOrSpell(bool attackingOrSpell);
+    void castSpell(const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell=false);
     void setAIAttackType(const std::string& attackType);
     static void setAttackTypeRandomly(std::string& attackType);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
index c2f7a664c..7814b4a91 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -253,6 +253,12 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             mObjects.addObject(ptr);
     }
 
+    void MechanicsManager::castSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell)
+    {
+        if(ptr.getClass().isActor())
+            mActors.castSpell(ptr, spellId, manualSpell);
+    }
+
     void MechanicsManager::remove(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
     {
         if(ptr == mWatched)
@@ -1758,6 +1764,11 @@ namespace MWMechanics
             stats.resurrect();
     }
 
+    bool MechanicsManager::isCastingSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const
+    {
+        return mActors.isCastingSpell(ptr);
+    }
+
     bool MechanicsManager::isReadyToBlock(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const
     {
         return mActors.isReadyToBlock(ptr);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
index 07dfd81ff..676a75caf 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/mechanicsmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -190,10 +190,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
             virtual void keepPlayerAlive();
 
+            virtual bool isCastingSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
+
             virtual bool isReadyToBlock (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             /// Is \a ptr casting spell or using weapon now?
             virtual bool isAttackingOrSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr) const;
 
+            virtual void castSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr, const std::string spellId, bool manualSpell=false);
+
             /// Check if the target actor was detected by an observer
             /// If the observer is a non-NPC, check all actors in AI processing distance as observers
             virtual bool isActorDetected(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, const MWWorld::Ptr& observer);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.cpp
index f1997e8d7..4557a52df 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.cpp
@@ -315,13 +315,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         return true;
     }
 
-    CastSpell::CastSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &caster, const MWWorld::Ptr &target, const bool fromProjectile)
+    CastSpell::CastSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr &caster, const MWWorld::Ptr &target, const bool fromProjectile, const bool isScripted)
         : mCaster(caster)
         , mTarget(target)
         , mStack(false)
         , mHitPosition(0,0,0)
         , mAlwaysSucceed(false)
         , mFromProjectile(fromProjectile)
+        , mIsScripted(isScripted)
     {
     }
 
@@ -863,7 +864,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         bool godmode = mCaster == MWMechanics::getPlayer() && MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getGodModeState();
 
-        if (mCaster.getClass().isActor() && !mAlwaysSucceed)
+        if (mCaster.getClass().isActor() && !mAlwaysSucceed && !mIsScripted)
         {
             school = getSpellSchool(spell, mCaster);
 
@@ -910,7 +911,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 stats.getSpells().usePower(spell);
         }
 
-        if (mCaster == getPlayer() && spellIncreasesSkill(spell))
+        if (mCaster == getPlayer() && spellIncreasesSkill())
             mCaster.getClass().skillUsageSucceeded(mCaster,
                 spellSchoolToSkill(school), 0);
     
@@ -1034,6 +1035,14 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         }
     }
 
+    bool CastSpell::spellIncreasesSkill()
+    {
+        if (mIsScripted)
+            return false;
+
+        return MWMechanics::spellIncreasesSkill(mId);
+    }
+
     int getEffectiveEnchantmentCastCost(float castCost, const MWWorld::Ptr &actor)
     {
         /*
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.hpp
index 07c5b8477..5e69b4696 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/spellcasting.hpp
@@ -88,9 +88,10 @@ namespace MWMechanics
         osg::Vec3f mHitPosition; // Used for spawning area orb
         bool mAlwaysSucceed; // Always succeed spells casted by NPCs/creatures regardless of their chance (default: false)
         bool mFromProjectile; // True if spell is cast by enchantment of some projectile (arrow, bolt or thrown weapon)
+        bool mIsScripted; // True if spell is casted from script and ignores some checks (mana level, success chance, etc.)
 
     public:
-        CastSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& caster, const MWWorld::Ptr& target, const bool fromProjectile=false);
+        CastSpell(const MWWorld::Ptr& caster, const MWWorld::Ptr& target, const bool fromProjectile=false, const bool isScripted=false);
 
         bool cast (const ESM::Spell* spell);
 
@@ -108,6 +109,8 @@ namespace MWMechanics
 
         void playSpellCastingEffects(const std::string &spellid);
 
+        bool spellIncreasesSkill();
+
         /// Launch a bolt with the given effects.
         void launchMagicBolt ();
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
index 3fa66af10..30d0c6fee 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 #include "../mwworld/esmstore.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/cellstore.hpp"
 
+#include "../mwmechanics/aicast.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/npcstats.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/creaturestats.hpp"
 #include "../mwmechanics/spellcasting.hpp"
@@ -1056,15 +1057,31 @@ namespace MWScript
             {
                 MWWorld::Ptr ptr = R()(runtime);
 
-                std::string spell = runtime.getStringLiteral (runtime[0].mInteger);
+                std::string spellId = runtime.getStringLiteral (runtime[0].mInteger);
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 std::string targetId = ::Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(runtime.getStringLiteral (runtime[0].mInteger));
                 runtime.pop();
 
+                const ESM::Spell* spell = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find (spellId);
+                if (spell && spell->mData.mType != ESM::Spell::ST_Spell && spell->mData.mType != ESM::Spell::ST_Power)
+                {
+                    runtime.getContext().report("spellcasting failed: you can cast only spells and powers.");
+                    return;
+                }
+
+                // Obviously we can not use casting animation for player here
+                if (ptr.getClass().isActor() && ptr != MWMechanics::getPlayer())
+                {
+                    MWMechanics::AiCast castPackage(targetId, spellId, true);
+                    ptr.getClass().getCreatureStats (ptr).getAiSequence().stack(castPackage, ptr);
+
+                    return;
+                }
+
                 MWWorld::Ptr target = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getPtr (targetId, false);
 
-                MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(ptr, target);
+                MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(ptr, target, false, true);
                 cast.mHitPosition = target.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3();
                 cast.mAlwaysSucceed = true;
                 cast.cast(spell);
@@ -1082,7 +1099,7 @@ namespace MWScript
                 std::string spell = runtime.getStringLiteral (runtime[0].mInteger);
                 runtime.pop();
 
-                MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(ptr, ptr);
+                MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(ptr, ptr, false, true);
                 cast.mHitPosition = ptr.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3();
                 cast.mAlwaysSucceed = true;
                 cast.cast(spell);
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index 5d554176a..6bf964d9b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -2771,13 +2771,13 @@ namespace MWWorld
         return !fail;
     }
 
-    void World::castSpell(const Ptr &actor)
+    void World::castSpell(const Ptr &actor, bool manualSpell)
     {
         MWMechanics::CreatureStats& stats = actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor);
 
         // For AI actors, get combat targets to use in the ray cast. Only those targets will return a positive hit result.
         std::vector<MWWorld::Ptr> targetActors;
-        if (!actor.isEmpty() && actor != MWMechanics::getPlayer())
+        if (!actor.isEmpty() && actor != MWMechanics::getPlayer() && !manualSpell)
             actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor).getAiSequence().getCombatTargets(targetActors);
 
         const float fCombatDistance = getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("fCombatDistance")->getFloat();
@@ -2795,51 +2795,71 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         if (target.isEmpty())
         {
-            // For actor targets, we want to use hit contact with bounding boxes.
-            // This is to give a slight tolerance for errors, especially with creatures like the Skeleton that would be very hard to aim at otherwise.
-            // For object targets, we want the detailed shapes (rendering raycast).
-            // If we used the bounding boxes for static objects, then we would not be able to target e.g. objects lying on a shelf.
-            std::pair<MWWorld::Ptr,osg::Vec3f> result1 = getHitContact(actor, fCombatDistance, targetActors);
+            // For scripted spells we should not use hit contact
+            if (manualSpell)
+            {
+                // Actors that are targeted by this actor's Follow or Escort packages also side with them
+                if (actor != MWMechanics::getPlayer())
+                {
+                    const MWMechanics::CreatureStats &stats = actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor);
+                    for (std::list<MWMechanics::AiPackage*>::const_iterator it = stats.getAiSequence().begin(); it != stats.getAiSequence().end(); ++it)
+                    {
+                        if ((*it)->getTypeId() == MWMechanics::AiPackage::TypeIdCast)
+                        {
+                            target = (*it)->getTarget();
+                            break;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // For actor targets, we want to use hit contact with bounding boxes.
+                // This is to give a slight tolerance for errors, especially with creatures like the Skeleton that would be very hard to aim at otherwise.
+                // For object targets, we want the detailed shapes (rendering raycast).
+                // If we used the bounding boxes for static objects, then we would not be able to target e.g. objects lying on a shelf.
+                std::pair<MWWorld::Ptr,osg::Vec3f> result1 = getHitContact(actor, fCombatDistance, targetActors);
 
-            // Get the target to use for "on touch" effects, using the facing direction from Head node
-            osg::Vec3f origin = getActorHeadTransform(actor).getTrans();
+                // Get the target to use for "on touch" effects, using the facing direction from Head node
+                osg::Vec3f origin = getActorHeadTransform(actor).getTrans();
 
-            osg::Quat orient = osg::Quat(actor.getRefData().getPosition().rot[0], osg::Vec3f(-1,0,0))
-                    * osg::Quat(actor.getRefData().getPosition().rot[2], osg::Vec3f(0,0,-1));
+                osg::Quat orient = osg::Quat(actor.getRefData().getPosition().rot[0], osg::Vec3f(-1,0,0))
+                        * osg::Quat(actor.getRefData().getPosition().rot[2], osg::Vec3f(0,0,-1));
 
-            osg::Vec3f direction = orient * osg::Vec3f(0,1,0);
-            float distance = getMaxActivationDistance();
-            osg::Vec3f dest = origin + direction * distance;
+                osg::Vec3f direction = orient * osg::Vec3f(0,1,0);
+                float distance = getMaxActivationDistance();
+                osg::Vec3f dest = origin + direction * distance;
 
-            MWRender::RenderingManager::RayResult result2 = mRendering->castRay(origin, dest, true, true);
+                MWRender::RenderingManager::RayResult result2 = mRendering->castRay(origin, dest, true, true);
 
-            float dist1 = std::numeric_limits<float>::max();
-            float dist2 = std::numeric_limits<float>::max();
+                float dist1 = std::numeric_limits<float>::max();
+                float dist2 = std::numeric_limits<float>::max();
 
-            if (!result1.first.isEmpty() && result1.first.getClass().isActor())
-                dist1 = (origin - result1.second).length();
-            if (result2.mHit)
-                dist2 = (origin - result2.mHitPointWorld).length();
+                if (!result1.first.isEmpty() && result1.first.getClass().isActor())
+                    dist1 = (origin - result1.second).length();
+                if (result2.mHit)
+                    dist2 = (origin - result2.mHitPointWorld).length();
 
-            if (!result1.first.isEmpty() && result1.first.getClass().isActor())
-            {
-                target = result1.first;
-                hitPosition = result1.second;
-                if (dist1 > getMaxActivationDistance())
-                    target = NULL;
-            }
-            else if (result2.mHit)
-            {
-                target = result2.mHitObject;
-                hitPosition = result2.mHitPointWorld;
-                if (dist2 > getMaxActivationDistance() && !target.isEmpty() && !target.getClass().canBeActivated(target))
-                    target = NULL;
+                if (!result1.first.isEmpty() && result1.first.getClass().isActor())
+                {
+                    target = result1.first;
+                    hitPosition = result1.second;
+                    if (dist1 > getMaxActivationDistance())
+                        target = NULL;
+                }
+                else if (result2.mHit)
+                {
+                    target = result2.mHitObject;
+                    hitPosition = result2.mHitPointWorld;
+                    if (dist2 > getMaxActivationDistance() && !target.isEmpty() && !target.getClass().canBeActivated(target))
+                        target = NULL;
+                }
             }
         }
 
         std::string selectedSpell = stats.getSpells().getSelectedSpell();
 
-        MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(actor, target);
+        MWMechanics::CastSpell cast(actor, target, false, manualSpell);
         cast.mHitPosition = hitPosition;
 
         if (!selectedSpell.empty())
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
index 015a8b31b..941ab7a96 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.hpp
@@ -602,7 +602,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
              * @brief Cast the actual spell, should be called mid-animation
              * @param actor
              */
-            void castSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor) override;
+            void castSpell (const MWWorld::Ptr& actor, bool manualSpell=false) override;
 
             void launchMagicBolt (const std::string& spellId, const MWWorld::Ptr& caster, const osg::Vec3f& fallbackDirection) override;
             void launchProjectile (MWWorld::Ptr actor, MWWorld::ConstPtr projectile,