thegurullamen
2008-09-17, 12:44 AM
Inspired by the Library and Chronomancy work by The Demented One as well as the Doctor Whoniverse, I present a piece of brokenness called "The Paradox Machine".
Paradox Machine
Transmutation/Universal
Level: Sor/Wiz 9
Components: V, M, F
Casting Time: 10 days
Range: Any
Target: One item built, Special
Effect: Special
Duration: Permanent (D)
Saving Throw: N/A, Special (see description)
Spell Resistance: N/A
This spell warps the laws of causality to allow an impossibility to happen. After construction of the Machine, the builder may alter reality in any one way, including drastic changes in history, the functionality of the laws of magic and even the lay of the world. (He may not alter the function of his own machine or the laws governing it, however.) So long as the machine remains functional, the warping in reality remains.
As part of its functionality, the machine must be refueled once every year, requiring another casting of this spell and a new heart (see below.) Should the machine ever be destroyed or the maintenance ritual not be performed, the paradox is instantly broken and the world changes back to its original form as if nothing had happened. (In cases where a paradox machine fails after more than a few years, the world reverts to what it would have been at the same time had the machine never been built.*) The only exception to this rule is for those who come into physical contact with the machine; they may make a Will save or fade out of existence as a part of the paradoxical world.
As this spell draws a substantial amount of power to operate, its caster is tied to it in the strongest manner. Should the Machine cease to function for any reason other than a willful dismissal of the spell's effects by the caster, the caster's soul is immediately destroyed (no save.) Even in the event of a dismissal, the caster must make a Will save against the spell or permanently lose all spellcasting ability. For this same reason, no creature may construct more than one Paradox Machine ever.
Arcane Focus: An elaborate machine to channel the immense amounts of magical power needed to preserve the paradox. Must be built as a part of the casting of this spell. Building requires use of a 10,000 gp facility (which usually must be custom built for this task.) Cost: 100,000gp worth of each of the following materials: adamantine, infernal iron, mechanus steel, limbo crystal and celestial copper. Also required is the still ticking heart of a Marut.
*This means no cheesy reset button where everyone is magically transported back in time ala Star Trek: Voyager. If there's a paradox machine in effect somewhere, the world will pass you by.
**DMs, be careful when using this spell. By RAW, it can do literally anything, but feel free to impose some-campaign specific limits on its power to prevent it from being an auto-win button for your villain. Similarly, feel free to make it an auto-win button if you so choose. DM fiat ftw!
Paradox Machine
Transmutation/Universal
Level: Sor/Wiz 9
Components: V, M, F
Casting Time: 10 days
Range: Any
Target: One item built, Special
Effect: Special
Duration: Permanent (D)
Saving Throw: N/A, Special (see description)
Spell Resistance: N/A
This spell warps the laws of causality to allow an impossibility to happen. After construction of the Machine, the builder may alter reality in any one way, including drastic changes in history, the functionality of the laws of magic and even the lay of the world. (He may not alter the function of his own machine or the laws governing it, however.) So long as the machine remains functional, the warping in reality remains.
As part of its functionality, the machine must be refueled once every year, requiring another casting of this spell and a new heart (see below.) Should the machine ever be destroyed or the maintenance ritual not be performed, the paradox is instantly broken and the world changes back to its original form as if nothing had happened. (In cases where a paradox machine fails after more than a few years, the world reverts to what it would have been at the same time had the machine never been built.*) The only exception to this rule is for those who come into physical contact with the machine; they may make a Will save or fade out of existence as a part of the paradoxical world.
As this spell draws a substantial amount of power to operate, its caster is tied to it in the strongest manner. Should the Machine cease to function for any reason other than a willful dismissal of the spell's effects by the caster, the caster's soul is immediately destroyed (no save.) Even in the event of a dismissal, the caster must make a Will save against the spell or permanently lose all spellcasting ability. For this same reason, no creature may construct more than one Paradox Machine ever.
Arcane Focus: An elaborate machine to channel the immense amounts of magical power needed to preserve the paradox. Must be built as a part of the casting of this spell. Building requires use of a 10,000 gp facility (which usually must be custom built for this task.) Cost: 100,000gp worth of each of the following materials: adamantine, infernal iron, mechanus steel, limbo crystal and celestial copper. Also required is the still ticking heart of a Marut.
*This means no cheesy reset button where everyone is magically transported back in time ala Star Trek: Voyager. If there's a paradox machine in effect somewhere, the world will pass you by.
**DMs, be careful when using this spell. By RAW, it can do literally anything, but feel free to impose some-campaign specific limits on its power to prevent it from being an auto-win button for your villain. Similarly, feel free to make it an auto-win button if you so choose. DM fiat ftw!