Feather Fall (spell)
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Feather fall is a spell that arrests a falling creature or object in mid-fall, preserving it from potentially catastrophic damage. Because the casting and discharge time is nearly instantaneous, the caster is able to react in real time, checking the fall even as it occurs. This makes the spell invaluable in sudden or unexpected situations, allowing the caster to protect themselves or others from deadly plummets.
| Range | 30 ft. per level |
| Duration | until reaching solid ground |
| Area of Effect | 1 creature or object; see text |
| Casting Time | blink of an eye |
| Saving Throw | none |
| Level | mage (1st) |
A stunned caster, however, will be disoriented and unable to cast feather fall on another creature or object. Despite this limitation, through training and reflexive practice, the caster will automatically arrest their own fall should they be the one in danger. This instinctive application of the spell ensures that even if the caster is caught off guard, they will not suffer from an unexpected descent.
Once the spell takes effect, the falling speed of the recipient is reduced to that of a feather, slowing their descent to 10 feet per round without acceleration. Unlike a creature under the effects of levitation or flight, a falling recipient cannot float left or right — they simply drift downward in a controlled manner. From a great height, this means it may take more than a minute to reach the ground, providing time for planning or midair adjustments.
While affected by feather fall, the recipient retains full control over their actions. They can cast spells, retrieve items from their person or use missile weapons to attack enemies below. A skilled archer, for instance, might take advantage of the descent to carefully loose arrows at a target on the ground, using the spell as an unexpected tactical advantage. Likewise, a spellcaster could prepare offensive or defensive magic in midair, ensuring that they land with an advantage rather than in a vulnerable state.
In situations where the descent takes longer than anticipated, the recipient may still be at risk of airborne threats — particularly from creatures that can fly or archers prepared for such an eventuality. While feather fall guarantees survival from impact, it does not inherently prevent hostile intervention during the descent.
