So during the game play video you see the player cut down a individual trapped in their spider web. that is one example of weapons having an effect outside of game play. i was wondering has there been any proof speculation or debates about other weapon/spell interaction with the world? such as can you freeze water? can you set a tree on fire? anything like this would be a useful addition to the game play and also have their own consequences for those who wail about wildly trying to set an enemy on fire. Thoughts?

That would be amazing. But as of now there's no actual destructible environments, we only have the flames and frost left from spells, so I see low possibilities of freezing water/setting trees alight(I'm sure you mean the entire thing) but maybe other objects you need to forcibly destroy to carry on to the next area?

Pete confirmed today that we can't freeze water with an ice spell.

well that's a little bit disappointing. but its to be expected. hopefully its within the engine to change it for mods a couple years down the pipe.