Just a question to clear something up

[Sanctaphrax]

Power is added to stress inflicted if the attack hits.

So it's 4 or 7 stress.

[CrackedOzy]

So the Discipline roll pulls double duty in that it needs to meet/exceed the power of the spell, but then is added with the power for over all damage (assuming it hit of course).

Do you check to see if it meet/exceeds the power of the spell before or after comparing/subtracting the target's defense?

What about split attacks and area attacks?

[Tedronai]

Before comparing to defense.
Before splitting for spray attacks.