Melf's Minute Meteors (spell)

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Melf's Minute Meteors (spell).jpg

Melf's Minute Meteors (/my-NOOT/) is a spell that summons a group of small meteoric stones. Each stone deals 1-4 damage to a target creature within the area of effect. The caster can distribute the stones among targets as they wish, with a maximum of three stones hitting a single target. All stones take up to six seconds to fall.

Melf's Minute Meteors
Range 10 ft. per level
Duration 1 round
Area of Effect 25 ft. radius circle; 1 meteor
per level
Casting Time 2 rounds
Saving Throw none
Level mage (3rd)

Due to the short interval between the spell's discharge and the stones striking their targets, the meteors are magically summoned approximately 30 to 60 feet above their intended targets. Consequently, this spell can must be cast in outdoor settings where the possibility of meteoric impact exists.

There's no saving throw against the damage, and the speed of the effect makes it nearly impossible for most creatures to seek shelter or use shields in defense. However, individuals wearing ring mail or superior metal armours reduce the damage by 1 point of damage for each meteor that hits.

Once the meteors strike, they shatter and vanish, leaving no trace.

Origin

Melf Ithilvandil, also known as Moonstaff, was an Elvish archmage who lived during the collapse of Old Ulthua and is believed to have died at the battle of Silver Lake in 501 BCE. The arcane texts containing his spells defied interpretation for a thousand years, until much was resolved by Simon Magus. He is often called the "Father of Magic," as the interpretation and eventual comprehension of Ithilvandil's works is believed to be the basis for modern spellcasting.