[Spells] Homebrewed Low Levels

[Neek]

These are a collection of low-mid level, generic spells. They generally provide relatively little edge in combat. While some spells listed have multiple applications, they are limited in scope and may not be the best of choices for sorcerers; as such, this list is primarily intended for Wizards.

[edit] March 19: Altered Inkwell to Minor Inkwell; altered Calleen's Running Water Trick to include water; added Cone of Vomit, Bomile's 30 Second Virus, Major Inkwell, and Metal to Nerf.

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0-level spells (cantrips)
Transmutation
- Barnaby's Invisible Barber
- Dictate, Lesser

1st-level spells
Abjuration
- Ilionid's Amazing Barrier
Divination
- Cram
Enchantment
- Calleen's Running Water Trick
Evocation
- Cone of Vomit
Transmutation
- Carve
- Picture, Lesser

2nd-level spells
Necromancy
- Bomile's 30 Second Virus
Transmutation
- Dictate, Greater
- Inkwell, Minor

3rd-level spells
Transmutation
- Picture, Greater

4th-level spells
Transmutation
- Dictate, Mass
- Stream of Conscious

5th-level spells
Transmutation
- Inkwell, Major

6th-level spells
Transmutation
- Metal to Nerf

Barnaby's Invisible Barber
Conjuration [Summoning]
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 0
Component: S, V, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: 25'
Target: 1 person
Effect: Cuts, dyes, and alters hair
Duration: 5 minutes
Save: Will (see text)

This spell summons forth an extra-dimensional being (possibly from the Plane of HAir) whose only appearance is a pair of gloved hands. The hands wield a pair of scissors and a comb, neither of which do any damage to the target. The Invisible Barber will cut, trim, style, or dye the target's hair to the caster's choice; as well, the Barber may shave with a straight razor with close and clean precision. The Invisible Barber cannot cause lost hair to grow back, but can provide a limited amount of noticeably fake hair. There is a 1% chance that this provided hair is actually a Tiny HAir Elemental.

The Invisible Barber will take 5 minutes to complete the styling. During this time, the target may attempt to make a Will save for every minute the spell is in effect; succeeding the save does not negate the spell, however. The Barber will only be stalled for one minute, and may result in an incomplete and shoddy-looking haircut.

Material component: A single hair, plucked from the caster.

Bomile's 30 Second Virus
Necromancy
Level: Clr 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Component: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Touch
Target: 1 creature; see text
Duration: 1d4+1/2 caster level/round (Max 5)
Save: Fortitude negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell afflicts the target with a painful sickness, causing them to retch and double over, vomiting. The character is considered flat-footed for the purpose of determining, and can only take half-actions (the act of vomiting or dry-heaving is considered to be a move-equivalent action). The target of the spell may end up heaving on the caster; if the target is 1 size larger than the caster, the target heaved upon may take 1d4 acid damage, Reflex save for half.

This spell does not affect creatures that do not have a digestive system, such as undead, golems, or constructs.

Material component: A crude artifact; whether it be an image, a (bad) joke, or a lewd act or remark.

Calleen's Running Water Trick
Enchantment
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, M
Casting Time: 1 Full Round
Range: 25 ft + 5 ft/2 caster levels
Target: 1d4 + 1/2 caster levels (max 6) HD targets
Duration: Special
Save: Fortitude (Special)
Spell Resistance: Yes

By making "psssssssss" sound, and casting this spell, the targets immediately have the urge to relieve themselves. If a target fails the Fortitude save, then they immediately wets himself and suffers a -2 to any skill check requiring Charisma (despite whatever the target is wearing, everyone he comes into contact with knows that he has wet himself); this penalty is negated by changing into clean clothes. The target may succeed at the Fortitude save, however it will not negate the spell. The target still must relieve himself, and will be forced to make an embarrassing array of body motions to stop himself from wetting himself; this dance causes a -1 to AC, attack roles, and any Skill requiring concentration or attention. The target may reroll a Fortitude save on the following round, a success means he negates the effects of the pee-pee dance for 1d6 rounds (or until he can easily relieve himself), and a minor failure (the roll was less than ten the DC) means the dance continues, and a gross failure (a roll lesser than 10 from the DC), the character wets himself.

Creatures that do not have to urinate are unaffected by this spell.

Material component: One gallon of water that is poured onto the ground when casting this spell.

Carve
Transmutation
Level: Clr 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Component: S, V, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Touch
Target: 5 sq. ft. of stone + 1 sq. ft./2 caster level
Effect: Sculpts stone
Duration: Instantaneous

By touching a block of clay, mason, rock, or marble, a rough gem, or any other non-living, non-animated material that can be worked, the caster can sculpt it into a shape as she desires. For example, the caster can touch a block of stone and make a bust of herself. The style of the sculpture is similar to that of the caster, however the quality is not readily so. The caster can make a Craft (Art) check to determine the quality of sculpture. A check of at least 15 produces mediocre work, a check of 20 produces medium-quality work, while a masterpiece requires a check of at least 30. A failed check does not the fail the spell, just that the quality of the sculpting is poor.

This spell only effects non-living material, it does not effect animated material. Casting Lesser Carve against a golem will fail.

Material component: A chisel, which breaks when the spell is cast.

Cone of Vomit
Evocation [Acid]
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Component: S, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: 30'
Area: Cone shaped area
Saving throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes

You prepare a potion of an utterly foul substance, using spoiled meats, rotting vegetables, and strong, but cheap, liquor--no component of this spell can cost greater than 2 cp, and the spell cannot cost the caster greater than 1 sp. The potion will remain enchanted with the spell for 24 hours. Anyone can attempt to drink the contents, but must make a Fortitude save (15) or spend 1d4 vomiting, and is considered to be prone. If the Fortitude save is successful, the person who consumed the potion belches forth a 30' long, 10' in diameter and its greatest cone of vomit, doing 1d4 acid damage. For every caster level, this spell adds 1d4 damage (for a max of 8d4 damage).

Cram
Transmutation
Level: Clr 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Component: S, V, M
Casting Time: 1 Minute
Target: Self
Effect: Memorizing of a number of pages equal to 2d4+1/2 caster level
Duration: 12 hours

You can memorize a number of pages equal to 2d4 plus one half your caster level. The pages cannot be from a magical scroll or any similar writing source. You can remember the pages with vivid detail, being able to recall any detail or recite it from any point at will. The pages need not be consecutive.

Material component: A raw egg, the contents of which is consumed by the caster.

Dictate, Greater
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: S, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Target: 1 person, 1 writing instrument, neither of which can be greater than 20' from caster
Effect: Enchants one writing instrument to record what target speaks
Duration: 30 min + 10 min/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will (Negates)
Spell Resistance: Yes

Same as Lesser Dictate. The limitation on hearing the speaker are no longer required. As well, the spell allows the caster to slur the handwriting. A Concentration check (DC 20) adds twice the caster's level to the Forgery check to determine the uniformity and artificialness of the writing. An additional Forgery check (DC 20) is required to mimic another's person's handwriting.

Spell focus: A writing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster.

Dictate, Lesser
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: S, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Target: 1 person, 1 writing instrument, neither of which can be greater than 20' from caster
Effect: Enchants one writing instrument to record what target speaks
Duration: 30 min + 5 min/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will (Negates)
Spell Resistance: Yes

When cast, this spell animates one pen, a piece of chalk, a paint brush, or any other writing instrument so that it will write down whatever the target says. If the writing instrument requires ink or paint, it will do so itself provided that the ink container is within range. Only one writing instrument can have Lesser Dictate cast on it per caster.

The writing instrument will continue to write and turn the page (if necessary); if the ink supply or writing space is used up, the spell fails. The spell will fail if the either the caster or the target moves greater than 20' from the pen. If there is a circumstance that would normally impose a Listen check, the spell will also fail. As well, if the target does not primarily speak a language understood by the caster, the spell will fail then also.

The writing instrument will write in a handwriting consistent of the caster. A Forgery check (DC 25) is necessary to notice the near mechanical uniformity of the writing. A Detect Magic spell will reveal a Transmutation aura about the document, but the text itself is not magical, and so cannot be dispelled once written.

A spell that requires writing or tracing, such as Arcane Mark or Exploding Runes, can be cast through Lesser Dictate, but cannot be made invisible if the spell would normally permit it.

Spell focus: A writing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster. Ink or paint, and a surface area are required.

Dictate, Mass
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 4
Component: S, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Target: Up to 1/2 caster level (max 10) people, 1 writing instrument, none of which can be greater than 20' from caster
Effect: Enchants one writing device to record whatever the targets speak
Duration: 30 min + 5 min/level
Saving Throw: Will (Negates)
Spell resistance: Yes

As per Lesser Dictate, however multiple individuals are recorded talking. The targets must speak primarily language understood by the caster, but the caster does not necessarily have to hear the targets. If the targets talk over each other, the writing instrument will record the loudest.

Arcane focus: A writing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster.

Ilionid's Amazing Barrier
Transmutation/Divination
Level: Brd 1, Clr 1, Drd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: S, V, M
Casting Time: 1 minute
Target: Self
Duration: 12 hours

While this spell is active, the caster cannot transmit nor receive something through a fluid contact, such as coming into contact with a person suffering from a plague (whether it be magical or non-magical). The caster cannot become sick by any disease that can be breathed in, or requires direct contact (such as kissing, or sharing a container with someone who is sick). The caster cannot become pregnant (if female), nor impregnate (if male) another person if the caster engages in sexual intercourse. The caster also receives a +4 circumstantial bonus to Fortitude saves versus poison.

Material component: A square inch of sheepskin and a shot of whiskey, both of which the caster consumes upon casting the spell.

Inkwell, Major
Transmutation
Level: Clr 5, Sor/Wiz 5
Components: S, V, F, M
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Target: One writing instrument
Duration: Instantaneous

As per Minor Inkwell, however the pen's color can change as per the caster's wishes. The pen can be used to scribe magical texts, such as spell books or scrolls.

Spell focus: A fine writing instrument costing at least 500 gp. The material component is a vial of ink or paint appropriate to the writing instrument, the ink of which can cost no less 5000 gp.

Inkwell, Minor
Transmutation
Level: Clr 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: S, V, F, M
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Target: One writing instrument
Duration: Instantaneous

This spell grants a writing instrument an unlimited amount of ink. This ink is of a single color that the caster chooses at casting. The writing instrument is not enchanted any further, and can be broke or destroyed as any writing instrument of its type. If the writing instrument is broke, the spell fails. The item is effected by Mordenkai's Disjunction and any Dispel effect.

The ink produced by this pen is considered to be mundane; it cannot be used to scribe scrolls or any other magic texts; it may, however, be used in conjunction with any Dictate spell provided that the pen has been used by the caster at least once.

Spell focus: A fine writing instrument costing at least 5 gp. The material component is a vial of ink or paint appropriate to the writing instrument, the color of which determines the color of the ink of the pen.

Metal to Nerf
Transmutation
Level: Clr 6, Sor/Wiz 6
Components: S, M, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Short (25 ft. + 5 ft./caster level)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude Negates (object); see text
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell turns any offensive, lethal damage-dealing weapon into an inoffensive, foam weapon with a wooden haft in the middle. Any weapon effected by this spell is considered to be a "foam club," causing 1d6 non-lethal damage (if the weapon is one-handed or two-handed; light weapons cause 1d4 non-lethal damage). If the weapon is struck against a creature that is immune to non-lethal damage, it does 1d3 (1d2 for light weapons) of bludgeon damage. Dispel Magic reverts the weapon to its normal form.

The wooden haft cannot be used as a weapon by itself. If the target removes the foam and strikes with it, the wood breaks and the weapon is considered to be useless on a successful hit and does 1d3 (1d2 for light) lethal damage.

Arcane spell focus: One ball made of foam or sponge.

Picture, Greater
Transmutation/Divination
Level: Brd 3, Clr 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: S, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Touch
Target: 1 person
Effect: 1 visual artifact over 1 sq ft. + 1 sq ft./2 caster level.
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will (Negates)
Spell Resistance: Yes

Same as Lesser Picture, however the moment that is being captured does not need to be witnessed by the caster. The picture so rendered by this spell is from the point of view of the target. If the moment being captured is in the past, the target must make a Concentration (Wis) check as per Lesser Picture.

The caster may add her Caster Level to the Craft (Art) check.

Focus: A drawing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster appropriate for the medium. The material component is dependent on the surface:

• Relief: A pinch of marble (stone-relief), a piece of bark from a tree at least 500 years old (wood-relief).
• Drawing: Three droplets of fine ink, the ink itself costing at least 25 gp.
• Paint: A pinch of pigment per primary color used in the painting, the pigment itself costing at least 25 gp.

Picture, Lesser
Transmutation
Level: Brd 1, Clr 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Touch
Effect: 1 visual artifact over a 1 sq ft. + 1 sq ft./2 caster level.
Duration: Instantaneous

Lesser Picture inscribes, draws, paints, or otherwise records in a visual medium a single moment onto an appropriate surface where an image maybe rendered, such as paper, canvas, or stone. The spell inscribes a single moment as seen from the caster's pint of view, this moment may be something the character has witnessed or is witnessing, but cannot be something the caster has not yet witnessed even with the assistance of divination spells. Obviously, elements such as invisible creatures are not rendered.

If the caster attempts to render a moment from the past, he must make a Concentration (Wis). The DC of the check is base 10, and increases by 1 for every month in the past. If the experience is vivid, the DC is reduced by 5. Failure of the Concentration (Wis) check does not cause the spell to fail, but the elements rendered by the spell will vary from the actual events. If the caster possesses the feat Eidict Memory, he receives a +20 to his Concentration (Wis) check. The picture rendered by this spell will never yield 100% to the moment witnessed, even if it is current. Multiple castings of this spell regarding the same moment will always yield a different and unique picture.

The quality of the art is dependent on the caster's own artistic ability, and the rendering is obviously of the caster's style. To create a fine work of art with this spell, the caster may attempt a Craft (Art) check; the DC is dependent on the quality: Mediocre work mediocre works a DC 15, good quality is DC 20, and a masterpiece requires a DC 30. The Craft check has no bearing on the factual content of the work, it only affects the quality. A failed Craft check does not fail the spell, but the work of art is of poor quality.

Spell focus: A drawing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster. The material component is dependent on the surface:

• Relief: A pinch of stone-dust (stone-relief), a pinch of burnt wood (wood-relief).
• Drawing: Three droplets of ink or a pinch of ash.
• Paint: A droplet per primary color used in the painting.

Stream of Conscious
Transmutation/Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 4
Components: S, F
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Target: 1 person, 1 writing instrument, neither of which can be greater than 20' from caster
Effect: Enchants one writing instrument to record what target thinks
Duration: 15 min + 10 min/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will (Negates)
Spell Resistance: Yes

Same as Lesser Dictate, however the writing instrument will write down the thoughts of the target. If the target realizes that her thoughts are being recorded by such a spell, she can attempt as a move-equivalent action a Concentration check (DC 20) to void her thoughts; if she succeeds, the spell ends immediately.

Spell focus: A writing instrument that has been used at least once by the caster.

[Kyace]

You may wish to say in Inkwell and dictate weither or not wizards can use these spells to write spells into a spell book. Else, a wizard might take their magic pen and a couple spell books and copy a library of magic spells in a rainy afternoon.

You said to post spell ideas here:

Mercy
Abjuration
Level: Clr 1, Pal 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Touch
Target: 1 willing creature per caster level
Duration: 1 min/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

For the duration of the spell, subject(s) may deal nonlethal damage with any attack, spell or other ability without the normal -4 penalty. As a free action, the subject(s) may switch between dealing lethal and nonlethal. Any such nonlethal spell deals no damage to objects, thus casting a nonlethal fireball in a library will not harm the books.

Arcane Spell Focus: Gloves made from the skin of a young goat

[Neek]

I'm not entirely sure if the rules do not permit it so, that a Wizard could use the pen for transcribing spells. I should state that the ink is of a mundane quality, which'll preclude it from being used as part of scroll making... I'll think about that.

As for Mercy, good call. I'm still interested in Metal to Nerf as an offensive spell.

[ajkkjjk52]

I really like these. I've always figured that with all that arcane power floating around, some wizards would be more likely to make their lives a bit easier, rather than just kill people. Not every wizard is an adventurer, and a spell to do chores would make a lot of peoples' lives easier than would, say, burning hands.

[apocalyte]

Awsome spells, and per the wizard thing. Perhaps it could if the pen was especially of great quality ( Perhaps of 500 gp or more ), and the ink was magical, and of great value ( Perhaps of 5000-10000gp )

That is just my oppinion, I'd be happy to have it anyways. Also, does the ink well spell work, with the dictate or stream of concious?

[Fax Celestis]

I love your material components.

[Neek]

I really like these. I've always figured that with all that arcane power floating around, some wizards would be more likely to make their lives a bit easier, rather than just kill people. Not every wizard is an adventurer, and a spell to do chores would make a lot of peoples' lives easier than would, say, burning hands.

Part of my motivation for these spells is a campaign I'm putting together called Mage University. While I think there needs to be a lot more mundane and pedestrian spells available, I can understand why Wizards of the Coast never actually included them in the source books. How often is a player going to cast Calleen's Running Water Trick? (which, I need to revise. I need to include "running water" in there.)

Awsome spells, and per the wizard thing. Perhaps it could if the pen was especially of great quality ( Perhaps of 500 gp or more ), and the ink was magical, and of great value ( Perhaps of 5000-10000gp )

Then perhaps I should call for a Minor Inkwell and Major Inkwell; the former doesn't give you the ability to scribe scrolls and spell books with while, while the latter does.

That is just my oppinion, I'd be happy to have it anyways. Also, does the ink well spell work, with the dictate or stream of concious?

It should, provided that the pen that has Inkwell cast upon it has been used by the caster. Thank you for the good comments, though.

I love your material components.

Thank you. Originally, some of the components seemed to have too epic or too out there to be effective. I was calling for pigment ground from a million tiny blue flowers at one point. I still sort of chuckle at the Ilionid's Amazing Barrier components.

I really like these. I've always figured that with all that arcane power floating around, some wizards would be more likely to make their lives a bit easier, rather than just kill people. Not every wizard is an adventurer, and a spell to do chores would make a lot of peoples' lives easier than would, say, burning hands.

[Kyace]

I'm not entirely sure if the rules do not permit it so, that a Wizard could use the pen for transcribing spells. I should state that the ink is of a mundane quality, which'll preclude it from being used as part of scroll making... I'll think about that.

As for Mercy, good call. I'm still interested in Metal to Nerf as an offensive spell.

I was thinking about that. An offensive version might be a bit broken when warforged, constructs and undead can cast it. That "Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, or energy drain." trait might make fighters cry. It might do to make Metal to Nerf let them attack creatures immune to nonlethal damage with lethal damage.

[Neek]

I was thinking about that. An offensive version might be a bit broken when warforged, constructs and undead can cast it. That "Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, or energy drain." trait might make fighters cry. It might do to make Metal to Nerf let them attack creatures immune to nonlethal damage with lethal damage.

I don't play Eberron, alas, so I'm not sure how that would ultimately provide any unbalancing factors; however, I wouldn't make Metal to Nerf any less than sixth level of a spell (along the lines of Stone to Flesh and Flesh to Stone, which are quite a spells in their own right).

[Neek]

Bump as per [edit] March 19: Altered Inkwell to Minor Inkwell; altered Calleen's Running Water Trick to include water; added Cone of Vomit, Bomile's 30 Second Virus, Major Inkwell, and Metal to Nerf.

[AmberVael]

So for Cone of Vomit, no matter who drinks it, the caster is always the one who emits the cone?

[Neek]

If that was so, that's the best spell. Ever. But I'll fix it.

[AmberVael]

It looks good now, but considering my current lack of intelligence...
You should have seen how many times I had to edit that earlier post before I said the right thing... I'm tired.
Anyways, interesting and funny spells. I especially like Metal to Nerf. I'll have to remember that one. ;)

[Neek]

Thank you. I was tired too when I wrote it. I do have to revise some of the text, but I'll do that on my next throw-in of spells. (I still have Xerxes's Xerox and Transparency to add, the stats for the HAir elementals, and a few other spells to throw in.)

Btw, I dig your gallery there in your sig (I know it's off-topic, but figured I'd say something).

[Fax Celestis]

Here's an idea: Solitaire.

[AmberVael]

Thank you. I was tired too when I wrote it. I do have to revise some of the text, but I'll do that on my next throw-in of spells. (I still have Xerxes's Xerox and Transparency to add, the stats for the HAir elementals, and a few other spells to throw in.)

Actually, there is some kind of copying spell already- I believe it is in Complete Mage, or Complete Arcane. Amuanesis or something like that? Its a cantrip. Pretty handy. It doesn't copy magic though, so maybe you could do something there?

Btw, I dig your gallery there in your sig (I know it's off-topic, but figured I'd say something).

Which one, the portfolio link, or my slew of Town characters?

Edit: Amanuensis is on page 9 of the Spell Compendium, and only copies words, nothing more. Leaves you open with some options.

[Neek]

Vael: Yes. They're both awesome.

As for your comment, Amanuensis? I'll have to check it out; I don't have the Compendium at the moment.

Fax: Solitaire? I'm still working on the magical item version of pong.