Hold Missiles
by Rob McDonald (none.yet.com) on 96/04/29
From the Spellbook of Caspern
Human, Wizard, 11th level
- Level
- 3
- School
- Sphere
- Abj., Ench./Charm
- Range
- 10 yards/level
- VSM
- V, S, M
- Dur
- 1 round/level
- CT
- 3
- AE
- Plane of 25 ft2/level
- ST
- None
Spell description
This spell creates a plane of magical force through which missiles and hurledobjects cannot immediately pass - this includes arrows, bolts, stones, axes,javelins, etc. Any missile entering the area from either side simply stops,remaining motionless where it flew until the spell ends, at which time itresumes its original trajectory. This plane need not be anchored to a wallor floor, nor need it be vertical or horizontal. The caster may align theplane however he sees fit within spell range, although it cannot be curved,and it must be rectangular in shape, not exceeding 25 square feet per casterlevel. Once established the plane cannot be moved. The plane is not visible,but the caster can see it with no difficulty, and spells such as DETECTMAGIC and TRUE SEEING will reveal it easily; DETECT INVISIBILITY will notlocate the plane, as it has no physical form to see.
The HOLD MISSILES spell will only stop projectiles, i.e. objects hurledwith force - it has no effect on dropped or flying objects (such as a SWORDOF DANCING). Likewise, HOLD MISSILES cannot affect living or animated creatures(birds, hovering skulls, etc.), even if the creature were, say, fired froma catapult. Although enchanted missiles such as ARROWS OF SLAYING and JAVELINSOF LIGHTNING are held by this spell, spell-created missiles like MAGIC MISSILEand FLAME ARROW are not, nor are energy discharges (e.g. LIGHTNING BOLT).Although there is no upper limit to the total weight of missiles being held,only individual objects of less than 10 lbs. per caster level will be stoppedby this spell.
While missiles are being held they may be retrieved simply by "plucking"them from the air, thus rendering them harmless (although a JAVELIN OF LIGHTNINGmight prove problematic); however, there is a 5% (non-cumulative) chanceper attempt that the disturbance foils the spell, allowing the missilesto resume their original courses. Unless ruined in this fashion, dispelled,or ended by a single word from the caster, the HOLD MISSILES spell lasts1 round per caster level.
The material component is a feather, which is broken at the time the planecomes into being.
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