Ray of Enfeeblement (spell)

Ray of enfeeblement is a spell that projects a weakening force that saps the physical power of any creature it strikes, reducing the target's strength by 2-5 points, plus 1 additional point for every two levels the caster possesses above 3rd. Thus, a 5th level caster reduces strength by 3-6 points, a 7th level caster by 4-7 and a 9th level caster by 5-8.

Ray of Enfeeblement

Range	10 +5 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 spell is especially effective against creatures whose threat depends upon raw strength, such as giants, cyclops and titans, as even a modest reduction can sharply diminish their capacity to inflict harm. Creatures struck are entitled to a saving throw against magic. Success negates the loss of strength entirely, but the shock of resisting the effect leaves the creature momentarily impaired; for one round, it is dazed, equivalent to being stunned.

The spell reduces actual strength score directly and ignores percentile strength. A creature with 18/26 strength reduced by one point becomes 17, regardless of its percentile value. This holds true for any percentile, including 18/00. When strength is restored, the original percentile is likewise restored without loss.

The effect has particular consequence for creatures that rely upon constriction or similar strength-based attacks. For each point of strength lost, the damage inflicted by such attacks is reduced by 1 point. For example, a couatl that normally constricts for 3-12 damage per round would have this damage reduced by 1-4 points when affected by a 3rd level casting of the ray.

Full Strength Loss & Gain

All combat effectiveness tied to strength is immediately adjusted. Attack rolls and damage bonuses are recalculated according to the reduced score, and the creature's capacity for encumbrance and expenditure of action points is likewise diminished. As strength approaches zero, the creature's ability to function collapses. Those reduced to minimal strength may be unable to stand, move or act, and may find themselves trapped beneath the weight of their own equipment, such as a heavy backpack or restrictive armour, requiring assistance to free themselves.

Lost strength returns gradually at a fixed rate of 1 point per 10 minutes, or 50 combat rounds. This recovery cannot be hastened by rest, nor is it affected by healing magic, dispel magic, restoration or similar spells. The strength spell may temporarily add to the creature's effective total, but this does not restore the lost points and expires independently. Only the passage of time restores strength drained by the ray.