Difference between revisions of "Monster Summoning I (spell)"

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[[File:Monster Summoning I (spell).jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Monster Summoning I (spell).jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
'''Monster Summoning I''' conjures a number of low-level [[Monster|monsters]] that materialise within the spell's area of effect, having be brought to that place from another, unknown [[Outer Planes (sage study)|plane of existence]].  The creatures have no memory of their former lives and are tasked by the spell to behave with absolute fanatical obedience towards the caster.  They arrive clothing and gear appropriate for the weather to which they are called, but without personal objects or coins.  Each is as intelligent as a normal monster of that type.
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'''Monster Summoning I''' is a spell that brings forth a number of low-level [[Monster|creatures]] that materialise within the spell's area of effect, transported from an enigmatic, alternate [[Plane of Existence|plane of existence]].  These beings lack any recollection of their prior lives and are bound by the spell to exhibit unwavering obedience to the caster.  
  
 
{{Spelltable
 
{{Spelltable
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| level = [[Mage 3rd Level Spells|mage (3rd)]]
 
| level = [[Mage 3rd Level Spells|mage (3rd)]]
 
}}
 
}}
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__TOC__
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Upon arrival, their attire and equipment is suitable for the prevailing [[Temperature Grades|weather conditions]], though they lack personal possessions or currency. Each creature possesses intelligence equivalent to a typical entity of its kind.  When the spell ends, the summoned creatures — whether living or dead — revert to their original location, without memory of the events that have transpired.
  
Before taking action, however, they must be commanded firstThis requires the caster's voice, costing 1 action point per four words spoken; while the caster can perform other actions while giving commands, the summoned monsters will remain inactive until the desired orders are complete.  Elaborate instructions can be given over multiple rounds, with the summoned monsters comprehending each word as the caster intends.  Once set in motion, they will continue to act as ordered until another order is completed.
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== Commands ==
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Before the creatures can take an action, they must receive orders from the casterIn giving these, the caster requires 1 [[Action Points|action point]] for every four words spoken.  Elaborate instructions may span multiple rounds, if something complicated needs doing.  Usually, because of the duration, and because the monsters are virtually slaves, direct statements are enough.
  
When the spell's duration expires, the summoned monsters — both living and dead — will return to their place of origin, having no memory of the events nor the place to which they were summoned.
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While speaking, the caster can point or make sweeping hand movements while shouting, "Kill them" or "Clear this road."  The spell is useful for getting work done as well as summoning combatants.  Once set in motion, the creatures continue to function as told until there's nothing left to do or another order is given.
  
== Type & Number ==
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== Type & Number of Monster ==
The caster may choose the monster from the list below, which gives the number appearing per the caster's level.  Fractions, representing partial monsters, are ignored.  Less than the maximum number can be summoned if the caster desires.  This is a partial list, including monsters that have been described in the wiki.  Additional notes for each type of monster follow:
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 25px; text-align: center; background-color:#d4f2f2;"
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; margin-right: 20px; text-align: center; background-color:#d4f2f2;"
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Monster !! No. per level
 
! Monster !! No. per level
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Axe Beak|Axe beak]] || ½
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| [[Axe Beak|axe beak]] || ½
|-
 
| [[Bat (giant)]] || 1¾
 
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Bombadier Beetle (giant)|Bombadier beetle]]<br>(giant) || ¼
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| [[Bombadier Beetle (giant)|bombadier beetle]] || ¼
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Capricorn]] || ½
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| [[Capricorn|capricorn]] || ½
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Centipede (giant)]] ||
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| [[Fire Beetle|fire beetle]] || 1
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Crab (giant)]] || ¼
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| [[Ghoul|ghoul]] or [[Lacedon|lacedon]] || ¾
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Dryad]] || ¼
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| [[Bat (giant)|giant bat]] ||
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Fire Beetle|Fire beetle]] || 1
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| [[Centipede (giant)|giant centipede]] ||
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Frog (huge)]] || ½
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| [[Crab (giant)|giant crab]] || ¼
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Frog (large)]] || 1
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| [[Goblin|goblin]] ||
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Ghoul]] or [[Lacedon|lacedon]] || ¾
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| [[Grey Ooze|grey ooze]] ||
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Goblin]] ||
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| [[Harpy|harpy]] ||
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Grey Ooze|Grey ooze]] ||
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| [[Frog (huge)|huge frog]] || ½
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Harpy]] ||
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| [[Frog (large)|large frog]] || 1
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Violet Fungus|Violet fungus]] || ¼
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| [[Violet Fungus|violet fungus]] || ¼
 
|}
 
|}
  
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The caster may choose which monster is desired from the list shown, which also shows the number appearing per the caster's level.  Resultant fractions are discarded; for example, if a 5th level caster were to summon giant bats, the total 8¾ counts as "8."  Less monsters than the maximum can be summoned if the caster desires.
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Additional notes for each type of monster follow:
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[[File:Monster Summoning I (spell) B.jpg|left|280px|thumb]]
 
'''Axe beaks''' can be ridden by those possessing the knowledge.
 
'''Axe beaks''' can be ridden by those possessing the knowledge.
  
'''Giant bats''' materialise in a state of flight and will remain so unless ordered to roost.
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'''Bombadier beetles''' release a single acid cloud when ordered, taking flight for one round afterwards before stopping and waiting to be commanded.  This round is necessary for the beetle to reorient itself.
  
'''Bombadier beetles''' release a single acid cloud when ordered, taking flight for one round afterwards before stopping and waiting to be commanded.  This round is necessary for the beetle to reorient itself.
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'''Capricorns''' cannot survive in surface environments; they can be ordered to charge opponents.
  
'''Capricorns''' charge with their first attacks, whether or not they're ordered to do so; they won't if ordered against this.  They cannot survive in surface environments.
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'''Giant bats''' materialise in a state of flight and remain flying unless ordered to roost.
  
 
'''Giant centipedes''' can deliver a poisonous bite only once, though all those summoned are able to do so.  Apart from poison, their attacks are largely ineffective.
 
'''Giant centipedes''' can deliver a poisonous bite only once, though all those summoned are able to do so.  Apart from poison, their attacks are largely ineffective.
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'''Giant crabs''' can survive for the spell's duration in both submarine and surface environments.
 
'''Giant crabs''' can survive for the spell's duration in both submarine and surface environments.
  
'''Dryads''' are experts in the study of forestry and can provide the benefits of that knowledge to the caster, though they won't recognise the Earthly forest in which they've been conjured.
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'''Fire beetles''' cannot be harvested for their glands, as these return to their place of origin with the rest of the beetle when the spell duration has ended.  Fire beetles are a source of light for as long as they're present.
 
 
'''Fire beetles''' cannot be harvested for their glands, as these will return to their place of origin with the rest of the beetle when the spell duration has ended.  Fire beetles are a source of light for as long as they're present.
 
  
'''Huge and large frogs''' can survive in surface environments, but must be summoned within a watery pond or river sufficient to support their size.
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'''Huge and large frogs''' can breathe air, but must be summoned within a watery pond or river sufficient to support their size.
  
'''Ghouls and lacedons''' are still able to afflict allies with their disease as well as enemies, so care must be taken by the caster and friends not to inadvertently touch them.
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'''Ghouls and lacedons''' are able to afflict allies with their disease as well as enemies, so care must be taken by the caster and friends not to inadvertently touch them.
  
'''Goblins''' will appear armed with clubs, spears and small shields, and will be proficient in both weapons although all but one is a common goblin; this gives them an [[Armour Class|armour class]] of 5.  One leader accompanies the party that arrives, equipped as the others but also with a suit of leather armour that provides and AC of 3.  The leader will have 1d4 + 1d10 h.p.; he or she will not be accompanied by a dire wolf.
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'''Goblins''' appear armed with clubs, spears and small shields, and are proficient in both weapons; this gives them an [[Armour Class|armour class]] of 5.  No leader accompanies the party.
  
'''Grey ooze''' acidic effects cannot be suspended even though the creature's movements can be directed.  Thus the creature is able to cause damage to caster and allies, or destroy property if it's conjured within a non-stone environment.
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'''Grey ooze''' acidic effects cannot be suspended even though the creature's movements can be directed.  Thus the creature is able to cause damage to both caster and allies, or ruin property if it's conjured within a non-stone environment.
  
'''Harpies''' are able to charm through touch and singing; the caster is protected from the effects of either, but allies of the caster are as easily affected as anyone.  These creatures will materialise upon the ground or wherever they can roost, unless this is impossible.  They are unable to bear more than half their weight, in flight or otherwise.
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'''Harpies''' are able to charm through touch and singing; the caster is protected from the effects of either, but allies of the caster are as easily affected as anyone.  These creatures materialise upon the ground or wherever they can roost, unless this is impossible.
  
'''Violet fungi''' will infect an area with their spores if summoned ... and these spores remain behind when the fungus returns to its place of origin.  New violet fungi plants appear in 4-24 days, unless the area is disinfected with [[Acid (substance)|acid]].
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'''Violet fungi''' infect an area with their spores if summoned ... but these spores don't remain behind when the fungus returns to its place of origin.
  
  
 
See [[Bestiary]]
 
See [[Bestiary]]
  
[[Category: Magical Spells]]
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[[Category: Magical Spells]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 00:30, 13 November 2023

Monster Summoning I (spell).jpg

Monster Summoning I is a spell that brings forth a number of low-level creatures that materialise within the spell's area of effect, transported from an enigmatic, alternate plane of existence. These beings lack any recollection of their prior lives and are bound by the spell to exhibit unwavering obedience to the caster.

Monster Summoning I
Range self
Duration 10 +1 round per level
Area of Effect 30 ft. radius; see text
Casting Time 2 rounds
Saving Throw none
Level mage (3rd)

Upon arrival, their attire and equipment is suitable for the prevailing weather conditions, though they lack personal possessions or currency. Each creature possesses intelligence equivalent to a typical entity of its kind. When the spell ends, the summoned creatures — whether living or dead — revert to their original location, without memory of the events that have transpired.

Commands

Before the creatures can take an action, they must receive orders from the caster. In giving these, the caster requires 1 action point for every four words spoken. Elaborate instructions may span multiple rounds, if something complicated needs doing. Usually, because of the duration, and because the monsters are virtually slaves, direct statements are enough.

While speaking, the caster can point or make sweeping hand movements while shouting, "Kill them" or "Clear this road." The spell is useful for getting work done as well as summoning combatants. Once set in motion, the creatures continue to function as told until there's nothing left to do or another order is given.

Type & Number of Monster

Monster No. per level
axe beak ½
bombadier beetle ¼
capricorn ½
fire beetle 1
ghoul or lacedon ¾
giant bat
giant centipede
giant crab ¼
goblin
grey ooze
harpy
huge frog ½
large frog 1
violet fungus ¼

The caster may choose which monster is desired from the list shown, which also shows the number appearing per the caster's level. Resultant fractions are discarded; for example, if a 5th level caster were to summon giant bats, the total 8¾ counts as "8." Less monsters than the maximum can be summoned if the caster desires.

Additional notes for each type of monster follow:

Monster Summoning I (spell) B.jpg

Axe beaks can be ridden by those possessing the knowledge.

Bombadier beetles release a single acid cloud when ordered, taking flight for one round afterwards before stopping and waiting to be commanded. This round is necessary for the beetle to reorient itself.

Capricorns cannot survive in surface environments; they can be ordered to charge opponents.

Giant bats materialise in a state of flight and remain flying unless ordered to roost.

Giant centipedes can deliver a poisonous bite only once, though all those summoned are able to do so. Apart from poison, their attacks are largely ineffective.

Giant crabs can survive for the spell's duration in both submarine and surface environments.

Fire beetles cannot be harvested for their glands, as these return to their place of origin with the rest of the beetle when the spell duration has ended. Fire beetles are a source of light for as long as they're present.

Huge and large frogs can breathe air, but must be summoned within a watery pond or river sufficient to support their size.

Ghouls and lacedons are able to afflict allies with their disease as well as enemies, so care must be taken by the caster and friends not to inadvertently touch them.

Goblins appear armed with clubs, spears and small shields, and are proficient in both weapons; this gives them an armour class of 5. No leader accompanies the party.

Grey ooze acidic effects cannot be suspended even though the creature's movements can be directed. Thus the creature is able to cause damage to both caster and allies, or ruin property if it's conjured within a non-stone environment.

Harpies are able to charm through touch and singing; the caster is protected from the effects of either, but allies of the caster are as easily affected as anyone. These creatures materialise upon the ground or wherever they can roost, unless this is impossible.

Violet fungi infect an area with their spores if summoned ... but these spores don't remain behind when the fungus returns to its place of origin.


See Bestiary