Call Woodland Beings (spell)
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Call Woodland Beings is a spell that allows the caster to summon certain woodland creatures to their location. The spell functions best in forested areas, particularly woodlands, though it gives some benefits to other ranges. Those creatures appearing should act as independent agents of nature upon their arrival, not as mindless combatants ready to engage in combat without question. That said, if they were to arrive to find the party faced by their natural enemies, then the woodland beings would certainly engage at once.
| Range | 120 +10 ft./level |
| Duration | 10 rounds per level |
| Area of Effect | variable |
| Casting Time | 2 rounds |
| Saving Throw | none |
| Level | bard (4th); druid (4th) |
Contents
The caster has no power to decide which beings might appear — rather, the spell is framed as a call for aid, summoning specifically those beings that chance to be in the area. This sense predicts, as well, what the being expects upon arrival, that some act or knowledge is desperately needed, else the caster would not make the call. This should be considered in the being's willingness to engage in an ongoing battle, should one be occurring. Assume that they arrive, assess the situation and then engage as they feel best, rather than assuming the understand the caster's mind or intentions.
The time required for the summoned being to arrive is 2–12 rounds (2d6), with most appearing within a short span after casting. This ensures that while there is some variability, excessive delays are rare, and the spell remains practical for both planned and reactive use.
Called Beings
Using a d20, the caster rolls to determine which type of being responds, based on the range where the spell is cast — whether woodland, taiga, savanna or another environment. The "# called" column represents the base number of creatures summoned, while the bonus column indicates additional creatures that may appear, expressed as a fraction per caster level. These additional creatures are only gained when the accumulated fractions produce a whole number.
- For example, if the result calls for a treant, the entry may show "1" in the base column with a bonus of "+1/8 per level." This means that an 8th-level caster would summon two treants, while a 16th-level caster would summon three. A 7th level caster would still only call 1 treant. Two called beings, the dryad and the unicorn, never appear in multiple numbers because of their inherent nature.
| Creature | # Called | Bonus/ level |
Range (roll d20) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland | Taiga | Savanna | Other | |||
| brownie | 1-2 | ⅓ | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1 |
| centaur | 1-2 | ⅓ | 3-8 | 3-5 | 3-4 | – |
| dryad | 1 | – | 9-10 | 6 | – | – |
| pixie | 1-4 | ½ | 11-13 | 7-10 | – | – |
| satyr | 1 | ¼ | 14-15 | 11 | 5 | 2-4 |
| sprite | 1-3 | ½ | 16-18 | 12-13 | – | 5 |
| treant | 1 | ⅛ | 19 | 14 | 6 | – |
| unicorn | 1 | – | 20 | – | 7 | 6 |
| delayed result | – | 15-20 | 8-20 | 7-20 | ||
When a delayed result occurs, the table should be rolled upon repeatedly until a result indicating a specific creature is obtained. Such delays do not occur in woodlands. In taiga, a delayed result means the summoned being requires 3d6 rounds to appear. In savanna, the delay increases to 4d6 rounds, and in all other ranges, it extends to 5d6 rounds.
"Woodland beings" cannot be summoned in urban, ruin or subterranean ranges, nor upon any plane except the Prime Material and Outer Earth.
Being Tendencies
Each possible being called has their own perspective and set of intentions when being called, as described below.
- Brownies, Being industrious and helpful by nature, they'll be curious about the summons and eager to assess the situation. Unlike more independent or self-interested creatures, brownies have an intrinsic sense of duty and a strong inclination toward aiding those in need—especially if they perceive the caster as good-natured or respectful. They would not necessarily wait for instructions but would instead instinctively act in ways that align with their nature. If they find a battle in progress, they are unlikely to engage in direct combat unless absolutely necessary. Instead, they would focus on indirect but highly effective means of assistance, such as sabotaging enemy weapons, untying bootlaces, spilling arrows, creating distractions or using their natural stealth to steal vital items or disable threats unnoticed. If the call was made in a non-combat scenario, brownies might immediately begin tidying, repairing damaged equipment, organizing supplies, or assisting with any apparent tasks that need doing. If the caster is injured, they'll close wounds and tend the individual as best they can.
- Of these results, 1 in 10 will be a single leprecaun instead of the number of brownies indicated. The leprecaun's instinct is to look for a benefit to himself first; in a battle, the leprecaun should tip the scales in the caster's favour, but in an unpredictable way involving illusion, trickery or misdirection. Most likely, if things haven't become a danger for the caster yet, he'll make humourous observations or cryptic remarks rather than directly getting involved.
- Centaurs should take a measured response, surveying the situation; they wouldn't automatically assume they are meant to fight, but if they find honour and necessity in aiding the caster, they'll use their speed, archery or combat skill. If they find the caster's intent to be ill-considered, they may simply refuse to act or even chastise the caster for wasting their time. If the situation isn't dire, centaurs are more than ready to adopt an advisory role, offering guidance or tactical suggestions. They are creatures of deep wisdom and often hold vast knowledge of the land, nature and warfare. They might provide the caster with crucial information, such as hidden escape routes, enemy weaknesses or upcoming dangers.
- Dryads should appear already aware of the situation, since it is happening within their realm and as such has caught her attention; before the call, then, she's already decided what to do and will engage at once. As she isn't combative, she may attempt to charm; she might think to do so to the caster or one of the caster's party, in an effort to save them. She prefers to offer advice, share knowledge, identify things in her realm — such as medinal plants, forage, mushrooms — or offer a warning. If the caster and others have been destructive or disrespectful to the realm, she will chastise.
