ThursdAD&D: Musical Magic-User Spells
In 2002, I contributed several spells to Spells and Spellcraft, published by Fantasy Flight Games. I’ve “repackaged” some of those spells for use in your 5E D&D game. You can see those here and here. Many of the spells I wrote for Spells and Spellcraft were third-edition versions of spells I created for AD&D way back when. I’ve long since lost the AD&D write-ups for the spells, so I figured why not redo a couple for today’s post?
(Nota Bene: The previous link is an affiliate link. If you click it and buy the book, I get a bit of money.)
Crescendo of Indefatigability (Enchantment/Charm)
Level: 1
Range: 0
Duration: 1 round/level
Area of Effect: Personal
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 segment
Saving Throw: None
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user emits a single, pure note that imbues the caster with determination. For the duration of the spell, the magic-user has a +1 bonus on attack rolls, saving throws, and damage rolls.
Debilitating Decrescendo (Enchantment/ Charm)
Level: 3
Range: 10″ + 1″/level
Duration: 1 round/level
Area of Effect: Three or more creatures in a 1″ radius
Components: V
Casting Time: 3 segments
Saving Throw: Neg.
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user sings a powerful, clear note that starts strong and pure but degenerates into a weak, discordant gasp. The spell affects three creatures in the area of effect, plus one more creature in the area of effect for every 2 levels of experience gained after 5th level (i.e., 4 creatures at 7th level, 5 creatures at 9th level, et cetera). Targeted creatures in the area of effect must make saving throws. Those that fail suffer a -2 penalty to attack rolls, armor class, morale, and saving throws for the duration of the spell.
Dirge for the Walking Wounded (Necromantic)
Level: 3
Range: 10″ + 1″/level
Duration: Special
Area of Effect: One living creature
Components: V
Casting Time: 3 segments
Saving Throw: None
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user’s mournful tune enables one living creature within range to continue to act normally even if it has been reduced to 0 or fewer hit points. The spell’s effects last as long as the magic-user continues to sing or until the target is reduced to -10 or fewer hit points, at which time the target dies immediately. While under the dirge’s effects, the target creature does not suffer additional hit point loss from shock, bleeding, et cetera, as normal for a creature reduced to 0 or fewer hit points.
