Spells of the Element of Earth: Iron Will (Level II)

This spell increases the target's resolve to do a task in opposition to the same level spell Weaken Resolve. Iron Will is often used to seal oaths and to help guard secrets.

Spell Effect. This spell manipulates the target's resolve, making them more determined to do a task. Using this spell can cause a large variety of effects. It can be used to prevent a person from telling a secret or making them more determined to accomplish a task like upholding an oath for a certain period of time if a person seems unstable in this respect. However, the target of the spell must be chosen with caution as it can also lead to unpredictable negative effects. For example, if cast upon a depressed person, Iron Will might make them more determined to commit suicide as all the spell does is to enforce already existing intentions in the target's mind. Therefore, mages are cautioned to use the spell sparingly to prevent these negative outcomes.

Casting Procedure. The casting of the spell is accomplished by stimulating the target's cár’áll to bend, using Sphere I methods, to make the Element of Earth have more permanence upon the target. As it is a Sphere I spell, its effects are only temporary, however as it manipulates Earth, the effects take time to dissipate and therefore can last for up to a few days.

The casting of this spell is very simple. First the caster must choose his target. At low levels (2-4) the mage needs to be touching his/her target, but at higher levels (5+) the caster only needs to be within sight of the target. Next the caster must bend the target's spiritual Earth cár’áll, causing the effect.

Magical Formula. Not yet defined.

Focus/Target. The target of this spell might be the caster himself/herself or another sentient being. Usually, the spell is cast upon humanoids. Also, despite the mage's level, he can only target a single person at a given time. Care must be taken that the resolve of the person targeted is focussed towards a goal, for which the mage intends to work on.

Reagents. None are required; however younger magi may require a small piece of metal to complete the casting. This symbolizes the immobility that the caster wishes to impress upon his target's mind.

Spell Class. Elemental School of Earth, spiritual representation of Sphere I.

Range. At lower levels physical contact to the targeted person is required, later the spell can be cast at close distance:

*Level*	*Range*
Level 2	Physical contact with the target's head
Level 4	Physical contact with any part of the target
Level 6	1 ped away

*Level*	*Range*
Level 8	2 peds away
Level 10	3 peds away
Level 12	4 peds away

*Level*	*Casting Time*
Level 2	3 minutes
Level 4	2 minutes
Level 6	1 minute

*Level*	*Casting Time*
Level 8	approx. half a minute
Level 10	a few blinks
Level 12	instantaneously

Duration. The duration of Iron Will can range from a few hours up to days at the highest levels:

*Level*	*Duration*
Level 2	1 hour
Level 4	3 hours
Level 6	6 hours

*Level*	*Duration*
Level 8	12 hours
Level 10	1 day
Level 12	2 days

Counter Measures/Enhancing Measures. As the level of the mage increases, so does the difficulty to counter this spell. At lower levels, the target can be persuaded by almost anyone, reversing the effects of the spell. As the level increases, the number of people able to sway the target becomes less, until eventually at high levels (8+) the target becomes so determined, that he/she is impossible to reason with. Another way to counter the spell would be to interrupt the casting. This can be done by distracting the mage, injuring him, or killing him through both magical and non-magicalmeans. Casting of the spell can also be countered through the target. If injured or killed, the effects of the spell dissipate, snapping the cár’áll back into place. The target can also be physically restrained to prevent him accomplishing a task. Despite all of these methods to counter the spell, the easiest way to do so would be for another mage to cast Weaken Resolve upon the target, negating the effects of the spell, IF the caster of the counter spell is higher level than the mage casting Iron Will.

This spell can be enhanced by having multiple mages casting the spell on the same target. This strengthens their resolve even more, and increases the length of the spell. Also the effects of the spell can be enhanced through positive reinforcement. If the target is told repeatedly to do a task or that he/she is correct, it will strengthen the resolve even more.