Control Weather (spell)
Allows the cleric to change the conditions and wind force of the locality, depending upon the previous conditions. This effect will cover an area equal to seven 2-mile hexes, or one 6-mile hex. At the edge of the adjustment will be a distinct, observable barrier about 20 yards thick, that anyone can pass through.
| Range | self |
| Duration | 4-48 hours |
| Area of Effect | 3⅓ mile radius |
| Casting Time | 3 rounds |
| Saving Throw | none |
| Level | cleric (7th); druid (7th) |
The transformation caused will be striking, particularly as those encountering the barrier will likely have no awareness of the caster's involvement or any understanding of the phenomenon’s origins. Despite its unusual nature, the spell ensures that individuals below 5th level will be unable to give it significant attention, while only those of 10th level or higher will perceive it as something warranting investigation.
To cast this spell effectively, the caster must identify changes to the ambient temperature, wind force, and weather conditions.
Change in Temperature
The Temperature Grades table provides a reference for translating descriptive temperature terms into degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. These descriptions exist because no standardised temperature scale is available within the 17th-century game world. The caster can alter the relative temperature by no more than two grades, either raising or lowering it. For instance, a "baking" temperature could be reduced to "sweltering," or "sweltering" could be lowered further to "balmy."
| Grade | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| polar | -40 or less | -40 or less |
| arctic | -35 to -39 | -30 to -39 |
| bitterly cold | -29 to -34 | -20 to -29 |
| very cold | -24 to -28 | -10 to -19 |
| cold | -18 to -23 | 0 to -9 |
| wintry | -12 to -17 | 1 to 9 |
| icy | -7 to -11 | 10 to 19 |
| frosty | -2 to -6 | 20 to 29 |
| chilly | -1 to 4 | 30 to 39 |
| brisk | 5 to 9 | 40 to 49 |
| cool | 10 to 15 | 50 to 59 |
| pleasant | 16 to 21 | 60 to 69 |
| warm | 22 to 26 | 70 to 79 |
| balmy | 27 to 32 | 80 to 89 |
| sweaty | 33 to 37 | 90 to 99 |
| sweltering | 38 to 43 | 100 to 109 |
| feverish | 44 to 48 | 110 to 119 |
| baking | 49 to 54 | 120 to 129 |
| scorching | 55 or more | 130 or more |
An adjustment of 12 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit can dramatically affect a character's comfort level. The dungeon master can enhance the atmosphere by describing sensory details, such as how characters experience the shift in temperature as the spell takes effect.
The temperature change takes 10 to 40 rounds (10d4), equating to 2 to 8 minutes of game time. As the adjustment occurs, characters wearing inappropriate clothing for the new temperature will need to adapt their CLO progressively, especially if the change happens during combat. For example, a reduction from "sweltering" to "cool" might prompt characters to don cloaks or seek warmth, while a shift upward could require the removal of heavy garments. Additionally, changes in temperature will visibly impact the environment. If the shift moves the surrounding weather from below freezing to above, ice will begin to melt. The surface of free-standing ice will become slick with water within 4 to 10 rounds, softening and altering its texture and hardness as it warms.
After the temperature adjustment is complete, the caster must decide what type of weather conditions are desired, shaping wind patterns, precipitation or other effects in alignment with the new temperature.
Conditions
| Grades | possible conditions |
|---|---|
| polar to icy | blizzard, clear, cloudy, flakes (very light snow), flurries, low clouds (100 ft. ceiling), overcast |
| frosty or chilly | clear, cloudy, flakes, flurries, fog (light to heavy), ice storm, low clouds, mist (freezing or chill), overcast, sleet |
| brisk or cool | clear, cloudy, drizzle, fog (light), low clouds, overcast, showers |
| pleasant to sweltering | clear, cloudy, overcast, showers, sunny, threatening clouds, thunderstorm (and hurricane in special conditions) |
| feverish to scorching | clear, cloudy, overcast, showers, sunny |
Within the parameters on the atmospheric conditions table, the caster may specify the cloud cover, the amount of precipitation and what form that precipitation will take. For example, if the temperature is either "brisk" or "cool," then there are seven forms of weather that might be selected, ranging from "clear" to "showers." Only conditions specific to the temperature grade may be chosen; for example, a hurricane could not take place during polar weather. A blizzard might produce hurricane-force winds, but it would still have the characteristics of a blizzard.
Details regarding these conditions are explained on these links:
"Storms" presume a great deal of wind. If wind is minimal, then precipitation falls as "rain" or "snow." "Ice storms" aren't storms in the traditional sense.
Hurricanes are storms that can occur only under special circumstances. The spell cannot be used to form them adjacent to the land, since meteorologically the conditions near land are not sufficient to produce the pressure needed. Hurricanes form in the ocean. Additionally, it must be done within the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where the ocean water is sufficiently warm. Under those conditions, however, the caster may create a small hurricane that will dissipate at the end of the spell duration.
Wind Force
| Conditions | Wind Force min/max |
|---|---|
| blizzard | 7 to 11 |
| clear | 0 to 6 |
| cloudy | 0 to 5 |
| drizzle | 0 to 3 |
| flakes | 0 to 3 |
| flurries | 3 to 6 |
| fog (light) | 0 to 1 |
| fog (moderate/heavy) | 0 |
| hurricane | 12 |
| ice storm | 0 to 1 |
| low clouds | 0 to 1 |
| mist (chill) | 0 to 2 |
| mist (freezing) | 1 to 2 |
| overcast | 3 to 6 |
| showers | 2 to 7 |
| sleet | 3 to 6 |
| sunny | 0 to 2 |
| threatening clouds | 5 to 10 |
| thunderstorm | 6 to 11 |
Knowing the conditions, the caster can now select the wind force desired. The diagram provides context beyond what the wind speed can provide. The smaller the number chosen, the calmer and more charming the weather will be. Forces 0-2 are considered "nice" weather, being still or airy. Forces 3 to 5 are "breezy," being lovely and enjoyable for a walk or to lay outside. Forces 6 to 7 are blustery, with large branches or whole trees in motion, making it difficult to walk. Damage to property begins with Force 8, a "gale;" Force 10 will uproot trees; Force 11 will tear away roofs; and Force 12 is a hurricane.
Any significant alteration to the wind force of 4 degrees or more will produce either an unnatural calm or sudden appearance in wind. If this is done during a combat, then everyone in the battle must make a panic check immediately.
Those who fail will break and retreat until rallied.
