This spell is my second reskinning of the ever-popular Hold Person. (The first is here.) I’ve long enjoyed taking an old standard and tweaking it a bit here and there. I don’t see magic in the game as a science like chemistry or physics. Rather, magic is a science like music. (Which, of course, hearkens back to an older, fuller definition of “science” referring to any body of knowledge that can be rationally explained and reliably applied.) Therefore, it makes sense to me that there shouldn’t be just Hold Person, but rather a variety of expressions of that spell by different casters, schools, et cetera.
Kolando’s Prohibitory Suspense
Spell Level: Cleric, 2nd Level
Range: 180 feet
Duration: 9 turns
The cleric targets 1d4 persons (according to the same parameters as the Charm Person spell). For the duration of the spell, each target must make a saving throw before attempting any action. If the saving throw fails, the target is overwhelmed by a feeling of anxious uncertainty about what may happen. Consequently, the target may not attempt that action. Instead, he dithers and worries until his next action. The caster may also target a single person, in which case the saving throws are made with a penalty of -2.
Tags: spells, Swords & Wizardry, Vancian magic
The guard watched as the portly, balding man in symbol-spangled robes sauntered up to portal.
“No one’s allowed here,” the guard said. He tightened his grip on his halberd.
“That’s almost always true,” the man said, mopping sweat from his wrinkled brow, “but as you can plainly see, I am Her Imperial Majesty, the Dread Queen of this realm. Let me pass.”
The guard nearly fumbled his halberd in his haste to unlock and open the portal, all the way mumbling a string of apologies. The pudgy magic-user patted the guard reassuringly as he passed through.
“Make sure you lock up after me,” the magic-user said with a grin.
Valfoxell’s Adventitious Pretense
Spell Level: Magic-User, 3rd Level
Range: Caster
Duration: 1 hour
For the duration of this spell, the caster’s words acquire an air of unquestionable truth, no matter how unbelievable those words may actually be. Those who hear the caster’s lies are permitted a saving throw to realize they are being duped. Valfoxell’s Adventitious Pretense does not function in combat.
Tags: spells, Swords & Wizardry, Vancian magic
I hadn’t done any cleric spells, which just somehow seemed wrong; therefore, today’s post. I picture Gaion as having been some wise-cracking saint honored by a moderately bellicose religion.
Gaion’s Derisive Acolyte
Spell Level: Cleric, 3rd Level
Range: 60 feet
Duration: 1 hour
By means of this spell, the cleric conjures a smiling, insubstantial youth clad in suitable vestments that floats nearby for the duration of the spell. This youth produces light about as bright as a torch to a radius of 20 feet. In combat, the acolyte gleefully mocks the cleric’s enemies. These jibes and taunts encourage the cleric and those allies of the cleric’s alignment who are within range, granting all affected a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws against fear (and improves morale, if the recipient is not a player character).
Tags: spells, Swords & Wizardry, Vancian magic
Virmon’s Simple Repulsion
Spell Level: Magic-User, 2nd Level
Range: 20-ft. radius around the caster
Duration: Instantaneous
This spell creates powerful waves of force that blast outward from the caster in a 20-foot radius. All creatures except the caster within the blast are hurled 2d4 times 5 feet away from the caster. Those that strike a solid object (such as a wall or a tree) suffer damage equal to 1d6 points per 10 feet hurled, plus the caster’s level. Those that simply hit the ground after being hurled take half as much damage. Especially large or powerful creatures may be hurled shorter distances or not at all, at the Referee’s discretion.
Tags: spells, Swords & Wizardry, Vancian magic
Aidon’s Histidine Ungues
Spell Level: Magic-User, 2nd Level
Range: Caster
Duration: Special (see below)
By means of this horrid spell, the magic-user transforms one of his arms (his choice) into a terrible, worm-like appendage ending with wickedly sharp, strong pincers. The magic-user can use this monstrous limb to make two different types of attacks:
1. Pincer Attack: This melee attack strikes with a +2 bonus to hit and inflicts 1d8+2 points of damage.
2. Poison Attack: This melee attack strikes with a +1 bonus to hit and inflicts 1d4+1 points of damage. The victim must make a saving throw or become paralyzed for 1d4+1 minutes.
Each use of the arm depletes some of the spell’s magic. When cast, the spell has a number of uses equal to the magic-user’s level. Each pincher attack, whether successful or not, counts as one use. Each poison attack, whether successful or not, counts as two uses. When all uses are depleted, the caster’s arm reverts to its normal form.
Tags: spells, Swords & Wizardry, Vancian magic
