Spell Effect. Clap of Thunder is one of the most basic of Wind Magic offensive spells. It is in all practical sense simply a lightning strike. By the clapping of one's hands, simulating thunder, a bolt of lightning shoots down from the sky to strike the target. Which means: The spell in fact produces sudden heavy tension in the air, which is discharged instantly when the guided wind forces collide, resulting in directed energy in the form of the lightning bolt. Pending on the level of the mage, the amount and magnitude of these lightning bolts varies, to up to 8 separate lightning bolts. The spell is instant; as soon as the clap has sounded, the bolt strikes at a speed nearly as fast as light.

Casting Procedure. The mage first must face his target, and try and look directly into their eyes in order to focus. Once this is complete, he rises his hands to the sky, speaks the incantation twice, and then claps his/her hands together with all his/her might. If the spell is successful, the clap will make a sound like thunder, and a lightning bolt will fire down from the sky, even on a clear day. Clouds or open sky are not needed for the casting of this spell. It may even be cast indoors, however, the chances of a miss are far higher indoors than outside, and the bolts are likely to strike the building itself. Which can be quite bad if that building is made of wood... It is recommended in the book "Wind Magic: Spells and Castings" by Kaehlam Umn that one does not cast this spell indoors at its greatest power. The reasons are quite obvious...

Magical Formula. Vásh ór, (Styrásh: vásh ór), translated: "Spark of Wind!"

Target. Single to multiple group of living entities or objects, up to 8 separate targets. Though multiple targets can be attacked at once in the later levels of this spell, however, the damage done to each won't be nearly as much as if all of the bolts had struck a single target. Each lightning bolt is not nearly as powerful as an actual storm bolt, but are still strong enough to deal some damage in nerve shock and burns. The level 3 attacks of this spell are relatively pathetic, and will be only send a person into a mild shock, putting their hair on ends and dulling their senses. It isn't until level 5 and up that the spell begins to deal damaging burns.

Reagents. A quartz crystal is recommended for the casting of this spell.

Magical School. Elemental Magic, Wind School.

Spell Class. Not decided yet.

Range. Half a ped (dangerously close) to 15 peds.

Casting Time. Around the length of 3 to 6 seconds.

Duration. 1 to 3 seconds as the lightning bolt sizzles into the flesh of the victim.

Counter Measures/Enhancing Measures. If you are an Earth mage, you should be able to resist the spell enough to negate much or all of its effects. If anything else, there is hardly any chance of getting off a counter-spell in time. The best tactic is to leap out of the way as the mage is clapping his hands (as the lightning won't follow a moving target), or if you're close enough, hit or slap the caster.

To enhance the spell, clap harder in case you are capable of casting spells of higher levels, and the echo of your clapping intensity will multiply the lightning bolt's destructive power.