This spell
allows the caster to raise a solid wall of
earth from the ground when the mage is in danger. While the spell provides
already a
good temporary protection if maintained at lower levels it needs its time for preparation.
However, at higher levels Shiled of Stone may
become a defensive reflex for powerful mages, who are capable of casting
this kind of protection almost instantaneously once the mage notices danger.
Spell Effect. Shield
of Stone is a defensive spell in which the mage raises a small chunk of stone
out of the ground and creates a barrier between himself (or any other person
he/she wants to assist) and a projectile. The spell is accomplished by bending
the cár'áll of the ground in front of
the person, which the caster wishes to protect. The caster raises the
earth from the ground, transforming it
into the shape of a defensive stone wall. The wall can - depending on the mage's
level - be up to 2 peds
in height and have a thickness of a
palmspan or two, or at
higher levels even a fore
or two. The width of the generated wall might even reach up to three
peds. Once the mage
ceases exerting his/her influence on the
earth, the wall will crumble again.
If cast on lower levers, Shield of Stone will not work properly unless there is
a considerable amount of solid stone present for the mage to be used to
transform. If the stone is not present, the shield will fall apart the second it
is raised because the loose soil is not substantial enough to maintain the shape
if the mage cannot reinforce it. The story goes by the way that this specific
spell was originally discovered by accident, when an earth mage was attacked by
an archer. Realizing he had no time to protect himself, the mage threw up his
arms in desperation trying to manipulate the surroundings somehow to fend off
the attacker - and was startled to find a useful wall had erected between him
and the arrow. We're lucky that our mage survived the vicious attack, told the
tale to others and made sure that others learned about the spell's usefulness as
well.
When the mage reaches level 6, the spell becomes very easy to perform, as it
then is cast almost like a reflex, as the mage does not need to consciously
focus on the casting itself to occur. Note: The spell can already be cast at
level 3, however it takes quite a while to raise the shield and therefore the
projectile very likely will have damaged the caster before the shield could be
raised.
Casting Procedure.
Casting this spell doesn't take too long which is why it is such an effective
defensive spell. The spell consists of only two main steps, the connection step,
and the creation step. It is during the connection step that the caster focusses
on the cár’áll of the
earth that he will raise into a shield.
Even for new mage this is very simple, and by the time the caster reaches level
6 or 7, he can do it in a
blink or less. The second step is the creation step. During this phase of
casting, the caster erects the wall from the ground. For young magi, this is
done by raising their hands in a swift upward motion. For more experienced magi,
this motion is not necessary and the creation can be done by picturing it in
their mind or even performing a slight gesture.
Magical Formula.
Not yet defined.
Focus/Target. This
spell targets nearby ground, representing to a large degree the
Element of Earth. While younger mages
only have the ability to create small shields, about a ped in width and two
peds in height using
ONLY stone, to protect themselves, more experienced casters can create shields
to protect them and their allies using any type of
earth.
Reagents. Every kind
of stone held by the mage will strengthen the idea the caster has in mind - to
manipulate the earth ounía of the
targeted ground cár'áll.
Spell Class.
Elemental Earth Magic, physical representation of Sphere I.
Range. The range of this
spell varies based on the level of the mage. While a young mage is not as adept
at making very strong shields, they can also only make shields at a maximum
distance of one ped
away. More experienced mages, who are able to manipulate the
cár’áll of the ground much easier
around them can create shields anywhere within sight.
Casting Time. The
casting time for this spell is relatively quick because the mage needs to be
able to use the spell defensively.
|
Level |
Casting Time |
|
Level
3 |
1/4 of a minute |
|
Level 5 |
a few
blinks |
|
|
|
Level |
Casting Time |
|
Level 7 |
not more than a
blink |
|
Level 9+ |
instantaneously
|
|
Duration. The spell
lasts until the mage lowers the shield or it is destroyed.
Counter Measures/Enhancing Measures.
This spell can be countered both magically and non-magically.
The first way to counter the spell would be to interrupt the mage from casting,
causing the spell to fizzle. This can be
accomplished through physical and verbal distractions. Also the casting of the
spell can be interrupted by severe pain or death (caused both
magically and non-magically).
After the shield has been raised, it can be knocked down using a hammer or
another blunt object. The spell can also be countered using a multitude of
spells to destroy the shield or change it to a less substantial substance.
Depending on the thickness of the shield it might also prove ineffective against
exceptionally strong projectile attacks.
There are few ways to enhance this spell. The first is to have multiple
magicians casting the spell, and then having a more experienced mage mend the
shields together. This is often considered useless because the more experienced
mage can create a shield large enough to protect everyone. The only time when
this would be used would be in long, hard fights when the more experienced mage
is attempting to save his energy.
