I know this is probably really obvious, and I could probably figure it out through trial and error, but I figured what’s the harm in asking?

Basically, I want to create a spell, a targeted, concentrated spell, which applies a scripted effect for 15 seconds to the target.

Question 1) How do I actually link the script up to the spell?

As I said, I want this to be a targeted concentration spell. Like flames for example, where the spray effect happens constantly as long as you hold the button.

I want the script to apply a 15 sec duration at the first “tick” of the spray effect on a qualifying target. Subsequent ticks will NOT refresh this timer until it has run out. I could probably accomplish this by a simple check whether the spell effect of the spray was already on the target and if so, not re-apply.

However, for every second of “spray” on that target, I want to add to a separate counter. If that counter reaches 10 before the 15sec spell timer runs out, I want to put a different ability type spell on that target actor.

Well, that’s the basics. More questions will follow progress on this part!

Scripts are attached to the 'Magic Effect' object that the spell calls.

I struggled with something similar for a while. Concentration spells don't interact with scripts in the way I think they should.
You can check out my Nexus http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/565749-spell-script-not-working-as-intended/page__p__4585684__fromsearch__1#entry4585684.

I thought you should just be able to slap a second scripted effect onto a target to "watch" it for damage using a while loop. But the while loop would only stay active for 1 tick of the spell. I never actually achieved my original goal, but I managed to get a spell that is close to what I want.

For my crappy workaround you'll need: a scripted ability(or 15 sec duration, self target, fire and forget), and a scripted concentration spell

You'll want a script on your concentration spell effect that checks if the target has your spell effect and adds it if not.
something like

Scriptname ConcSpellscript extends ActiveMagicEffectMagicEffect Property YourEffect auto ;the magic effect attached to your 15 second spellSpell Property YourSpell autoEvent OnEffectStart(actor akTarget, actor akCaster)if akTarget.HasMagicEffect(YourSpell) != 1 ;doesn't have effect  YourSpell.Cast(akTarget, akTarget)endifEndEvent

Then take a look at the script at the end of my Nexus thread for the 15 second spell's script. You can gut most of it (since you'll just want a counter). If you need some help with that, post the script you're working with and I'll try to give you some pointers.

Very helpful, thank you! I think for many the hangup was getting the idea there is no place on the actual spell or effect themselves to add the script as a property. "Limbo scripts." That is definitely a new concept, unless you count Morrowind's global scripts.

Going by the Papyrus tutorials you would expect there would be a way to add them as Properties to spells much like with the object reference example they gave. This makes much more sense now!

EDIT: Never mind.