Irritation (spell)

Irritation is a spell that inflames the skin of a creature, producing a sudden and overwhelming affliction that resembles a violent disease. Creatures that fail a saving throw against magic are immediately seized by the effect: the skin discolours to a dull grey, mottled with blotches, as an intense and consuming itching sensation spreads across the entire body.

Irritation

Range	10 ft. per level
Duration	1 round per level
Area of Effect	1 creature per level
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	negates
Level	mage (2nd)

The distress is constant and inescapable, drawing all focus inward. While under the spell's effect, the victim suffers 1 hit point of damage each round.

The compulsion to scratch is irresistible, yet doing so causes sharp pain and further agitation. Creatures are forced into a continual struggle between yielding to the urge or resisting it, neither of which grants relief. Movement becomes erratic and unsteady; affected creatures retreat or give ground at stride-2, often dropping shields or weapons without intent. Many will claw at their own armour, attempting to remove it in desperation, as contact with the skin becomes intolerable. Though not rendered helpless, they are effectively unable or unwilling to engage in combat for the duration.

Creatures unable to escape, particularly when cornered, will often abandon resistance entirely, pleading for relief rather than continuing the fight. Morale breaks down quickly, even among otherwise resolute opponents (roll -3 to morale checks).

After Effects

When the spell ends, the immediate torment ceases, but a lingering rash remains for one full day. During this time, the skin is tender and inflamed, reducing the creature’s charisma by 1-4 points. The irritation prevents the wearing of armour, as even light contact causes renewed discomfort. This condition is not magical in nature and cannot be removed by dispel magic, but may be cured through cure disease.