Difference between revisions of "Fool's Gold (spell)"

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[[File:Fool's Gold (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb|]]
 
[[File:Fool's Gold (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb|]]
'''Fool's Gold''' is a spell that appears to transform existing metal into real gold, though the spell has no power to transform the originating metal's shape. Thus, [[Founding (sage ability)|wrought]] iron or lead appears to be wrought gold, powdered metal becomes powdered gold, copper [[Coin (monetary unit)|coins]] become very large gold coins and so on. To those observing the effect, the density of the material feels exactly like gold as well, so that the material seems to increase in weight as well as appearance.
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'''Fool's Gold''' is a spell that appears to transform existing metal into real gold, though it has no power to alter the original shape of the metal. Thus, [[Founding (sage ability)|wrought]] iron or lead appears as wrought gold, powdered metal becomes powdered gold, copper [[Coin (monetary unit)|coins]] become very large gold coins, and so on. To those observing the effect, the material also feels as dense as gold, so that it seems to increase in weight as well as appearance.
  
 
{{Spelltable
 
{{Spelltable
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| level = [[Illusionist 2nd Level Spells|illusionist (2nd)]]; [[Mage 2nd Level Spells|mage (2nd)]]
 
| level = [[Illusionist 2nd Level Spells|illusionist (2nd)]]; [[Mage 2nd Level Spells|mage (2nd)]]
 
}}
 
}}
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The effect is entirely false. The spell cannot produce real gold, and when its duration ends, the "gold" reverts to its original material. Those familiar with either magic or metal are aware of fool's gold in the game world and '''will be on the lookout for it'''. The caster should therefore take steps to conceal the nature of the metal being transformed, such as removing the [[Minting (sage ability)|mint-stamp]] from a copper or silver coin, or eliminating other identifying details that might arouse suspicion. Likewise, the caster would be wise to avoid assayers, who would readily recognise the dweomer. The spell does not alter the properties of the metal; it will not make a harder substance more malleable, as true gold would be. A hard gold sword, for example, would invite doubt.
  
The effect is completely false, however.  The spell is unable to produce real gold ... and after the spell's duration passes, the "gold" regains its former nature.  As such, those who are familiar with either magic or metal are well-aware of the existence of fool's gold in the gaming world, and '''will be on the lookout for it'''.  The caster should therefore take steps to conceal the metal to be transformed, taking steps to remove the [[Minting (sage ability)|mint-stamp]] from an existing copper or silver coin, or other clues that would give the observer reason to doubt.  Likewise, the caster would do well to avoid assayers, who would certainly recognise the dweomer.  Additionally, the dweomer won't make a harder metal more malleable, as pure gold would be.  Therefore, a hard gold sword would be suspicious.
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That said, the purpose of the spell is to enable the caster to "get away with it" when deceiving the common, ordinary rube, whether in a large [[City|city]] or a remote [[Village|village]]. Many people are sufficiently eager for wealth that they will overlook inconsistencies if they believe it will profit them. Accordingly, the caster’s handling of the situation is critical. While the spell has clear limitations as a direct monetary substitute, it offers considerable potential as an enticement. A caster might say, "Am I wealthy? Of course I am; look at this beautiful golden vase. I have more than enough money to pay you when the job's done."
 
 
That said, the purpose of the spell is to allow the caster to "get away with it," with regards to duping the common, ordinary rube, either in a large [[City|city]] or a backwater [[Village|village]]. There are many gullible people in the world who want to believe so hard that they'll overlook details, if they think it'll make them rich. Therefore, how the caster plays the situation matters a great deal. The spell may have limitations with regards to simply using fool's gold as a monetary unit, the effect has tremendous possibilities as an enticement. For example, the mage who asks, "Am I wealthy? Of course I am; look at this beautiful golden vase. I have more than enough money to pay you when the job's done."
 
 
 
  
 
See also,<br>
 
See also,<br>
 
[[Material (spell)]]<br>
 
[[Material (spell)]]<br>
 
[[Minor Creation (spell)]]
 
[[Minor Creation (spell)]]
 
  
 
[[Category: Illusionary Spells]][[Category: Magical Spells]]
 
[[Category: Illusionary Spells]][[Category: Magical Spells]]

Revision as of 18:40, 13 April 2026

Fool's Gold (spell).jpg

Fool's Gold is a spell that appears to transform existing metal into real gold, though it has no power to alter the original shape of the metal. Thus, wrought iron or lead appears as wrought gold, powdered metal becomes powdered gold, copper coins become very large gold coins, and so on. To those observing the effect, the material also feels as dense as gold, so that it seems to increase in weight as well as appearance.

Fool's Gold
Range 10 ft.
Duration 3 hours +1 per level
Area of Effect 1 lb. of original metal per level
Casting Time 1 round
Saving Throw none
Level illusionist (2nd); mage (2nd)

The effect is entirely false. The spell cannot produce real gold, and when its duration ends, the "gold" reverts to its original material. Those familiar with either magic or metal are aware of fool's gold in the game world and will be on the lookout for it. The caster should therefore take steps to conceal the nature of the metal being transformed, such as removing the mint-stamp from a copper or silver coin, or eliminating other identifying details that might arouse suspicion. Likewise, the caster would be wise to avoid assayers, who would readily recognise the dweomer. The spell does not alter the properties of the metal; it will not make a harder substance more malleable, as true gold would be. A hard gold sword, for example, would invite doubt.

That said, the purpose of the spell is to enable the caster to "get away with it" when deceiving the common, ordinary rube, whether in a large city or a remote village. Many people are sufficiently eager for wealth that they will overlook inconsistencies if they believe it will profit them. Accordingly, the caster’s handling of the situation is critical. While the spell has clear limitations as a direct monetary substitute, it offers considerable potential as an enticement. A caster might say, "Am I wealthy? Of course I am; look at this beautiful golden vase. I have more than enough money to pay you when the job's done."

See also,
Material (spell)
Minor Creation (spell)