Protection from Cantrips (spell)

Protection from cantrips is a spell that establishes a ward around a chosen recipient or object, preventing any effect produced by a cantrip from taking hold. The protection is absolute within its scope: it does not vary with the level of the opposing caster, nor with the nature of the cantrip employed. Any cantrip directed against the protected subject fails and is expended without effect.

Protection from Cantrips

Range	touch
Duration	1 day
Area of Effect	1 creature or object per level
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	mage (2nd)

The ward produces no visible sign. To ordinary sight, the recipient appears unchanged, and the failure of a cantrip offers no clear indication as to why it has not succeeded. However, the presence of the protection may be detected by means that reveal active magic.

The protection extends to all forms of cantrip influence. Conjurations that would create minor creatures — biting insects, stinging vermin or similar nuisances — fail to manifest upon or around the protected subject. Likewise, cantrips that act upon items carried or worn by the recipient are nullified, preventing interference with possessions, garments or held objects. Effects such as palm are rendered ineffective against anything in the recipient's possession.

The ward is selective in its denial. It prevents hostile or external cantrips from taking hold, but does not impede the recipient's own use of such magic. Beneficial or neutral cantrips, including those that shape or manipulate objects like thingamajig or pottery, function normally when employed by the protected individual.

Limitations

The spell does not grant insight into deception. It offers no defence against misdirection that depends upon perception rather than effect, and does not reveal the true source or nature of haunting sound cantrips. The ward prevents the magic from acting, but does not explain it.