Forbiddance (spell)

Forbiddance is a spell that enchants a designated area against intrusion. Uninvited creatures attempting to enter will find their way hindered by something pushing back against them. They can force themselves forward, but in order to cross the boundary into the spell's area of effect, they must make a saving throw vs. magic, or else find themselves blocked.

Forbiddance

Range	30 ft.
Duration	1 day
Area of Effect	20 by 30 ft. space per level
Casting Time	3 rounds
Saving Throw	none
Level	cleric (6th)

Further, if they make their saving throw, they will yet suffer 2-12 points of damage — upon receiving this damage, the creature is pushed outside the area of effect. It can attempt to enter again, but no benefit except more damage will accrue from that.

Undesirables who attempt to enter the forbiddance via spells such as teleport or blink must also make a saving throw; if this fails they will appear at a random hex outside the area of effect; if the save succeeds, they will take 2-12 damage and will hurled back to the place from which they attempted the original transference.

Finally, creatures caught in the area of effect when the spell is cast will vacate the forbiddance at their best speed; no damage is suffered in such cases.

The spell has no effect on the passage of missile weapons either into or out of the area of effect. Combat regarding these attacks is resolved normally.

Benefits

The caster is able to choose those persons or creatures that are free to enter or exit the dweomer's area of effect at will. Whole species or peoples may be named — for example, any dog might be allowed, or any elf. Since any specific category might be named, the caster could designate all persons of that faith, all domestic animals, all rodents, even all non-malevolent persons.

Creatures lacking intelligence will never enter a forbiddance, regardless of the caster's stipulation; animals and creatures with an intelligence of less than 5 will not attempt to do so unless they sense that permission exists. Weaker intelligent creatures, such as humanoids with less than 5 hit dice, must make a morale check, with a -2 modifier, before attempting to force themselves past the barrier.

Notes

The area of effect must be laid out in 20 by 30 foot sections or "blocks"; narrower lengths cannot be manifested. Except if the area is actively watched, the caster cannot know from the spell whether or not creatures have entered or passed through during the spell's duration.