Giant Insect (spell)
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Giant insect is a spell that transforms ordinary-sized insects and arachnids morphing them into giant forms. Monsters such as those detailed in the bestiary are possible, as well as others that aren't cataloged. The DM must judiciously determine the abilities and strength of enlarged creatures for which no specifications are provided.
| Range | 20 ft. |
| Duration | 2 rounds per level |
| Area of Effect | 2 hit dice per level |
| Casting Time | 2 rounds |
| Saving Throw | none |
| Level | cleric (4th) |
The caster must have a clear view of the insect to be transformed. If the insect is trapped inside a glass jar or similar containment, the spell's effect causes the insect to grow and break the container from within. The emerging gigantic insect takes no damage if this is the case.
Hit Dice
The number of hit dice (HD) varies based on its monstrous counterpart. As an illustration, a standard giant wasp possesses 4 HD. This number should be taken as an upward limit on the size of a transformed wasp; conversely, the smallest would have 1 HD. A caster could, therefore, create a select group of multiple wasps with varying hit dice, so long as the limit of 2 HD per level is maintained.
In determining attack damage, for each hit die below the creature's maximum size, reduce it's maximum potential damage by one point. For instance, a conventional 4 HD giant wasp inflicts a damage range of 2-8. A like wasp with 3 HD could deal a maximum of "7" damage, which can be translated to a damage range of 2-7. A 2 HD wasp would therefore cause 1-6 damage, with a 1 HD variant dealing out 2-5.
On average, a swarm of smaller wasps would cumulatively have a potential for causing greater harm, but they would also be more susceptible to destruction by a minor spell such as burning hands. Additionally, their chance to hit a target would also be reduced.
Hostility
Having an absence of intelligence, these insects cannot be controlled by the caster in any manner. Once enlarged, these creatures become aggressive and ravenous, attacking the nearest entity available — which might well include the caster and their comrades. It's therefore advisable for the caster and allies to promptly find shelter or take defensive measures, allowing the enlarged insects to create chaos, potentially serving as a diversion.
When the enlarged insects have served their purpose, the caster can negate the spell at will, restoring any surviving insects to their original dimensions. This dispelling can be applied to any single insect in a swarm, without affecting the others, should one particular monster become especially threatening.
Enhancing Giant Forms
If the spell is cast upon an existing giant insect, the caster is able to increase the original up to 150% of its original hit dice. A normal giant wasp of 4 HD could thus be transformed into one of either 5 or 6 HD. Damage done would then be adjusted as described above.
Importantly, when the spell is employed in this manner on a giant insect, the effect becomes "irreversible" for the spell's duration — the caster CANNOT dispel it at will. If such an enhanced creature turns on the caster perilously, the only recourse is to destroy it or flee until the spell naturally expires.
