Scarlet Tropix
2012-07-05, 10:59 AM
What follows are a selection of spells I developed with my gaming group for a mage who spends most of her time playing a rude, somewhat irresponsible combination of journalist and private eye. Please let me know what you think and I promise to provide more as it comes.
Noelle Vauqueline was what most people would consider a busybody. Uncomfortably observant, no sense of privacy or decency, and all too eager to air someone's dirty laundry. If it weren't for her habits of protecting the weak and helping the downtrodden, she'd have probably been lynched long ago; as it was they learned to merely tolerate her.
Then she took on a cadre of apprentices and no one ever really felt private ever again. Since then, a few of her favorite spells have leaked into the general mage community.
Noelle’s Perfect Pictogram
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S, M
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve a moment of time they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The caster may activate this as an standard action to record an action that is occurring for later study. The material component (a piece of paper) is not consumed, but instead is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an image of the scene as it appeared at the time.
Material Component: A piece of blank paper to be altered.
Noelle’s Aural Analyzer
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: Sphere-shaped emanation
Area: 60 ft.
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve any sounds they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The focus (a conch shell) becomes the receptacle for the audio. Anyone holding the shell to their ear can hear the transcribed audio as it occurred. The direction, volume, and speed of the playback are controlled mentally by the caster. If the volume is increased to the point of audible playback, it can be heard by anyone in range. The volume cannot exceed the initial volume of the recording.
Furthermore, the caster may cast any appropriate Divination spells on relevant aspects of the recording. Such spells provide the answers the caster would have received if they had activated these spells at the time depicted in the recording. As an example, Detect Lies would allow one to discern falsehoods by a speaking creature. If a Divination is used that would ordinarily require a save, the target’s past is entitled to one at the modifiers he would have possessed at the time of the recording’s creation. A successful save bars that Divination from being repeated on the target’s past by the same caster. No spell or effect can be cast through this recording that would in any way affect or change the subjects.
This recording may also be used to aid later Divinations: If you listen to the recording while casting any Divination that requires familiarity with the target, you are treated as having at least firsthand experience with any subject thus recorded. If you have cast any Divinations on the recording itself, you are always treated as familiar with those you have analyzed through the recording.
Focus: An unbroken conch shell.
Noelle’s Informative Illustration
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve a moment of time they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The caster may activate this as an standard action to record an action that is occurring for later study. The focus (a piece of paper) is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an image of the scene as it appeared at the time.
Furthermore, the caster may cast Divination spells on any appropriate creature or object present in the image. Such spells provide the answers the caster would have received if they had activated these spells at the time depicted in the image. As an example, Detect Thoughts would allow one to hear what targeted creatures were thinking at the time. Use of True Seeing on the image, similarly, would reveal illusions and invisible objects within the frame. If a Divination is used that would ordinarily require a save, the target’s past is entitled to one at the modifiers he would have possessed at the time of the image’s creation. A successful save bars that Divination from being repeated on the target’s past by the same caster. No spell or effect can be cast through this image that would in any way affect or change the subjects.
This image may also be used to aid later Divinations: If you hold the image while casting any Divination on a subject contained in the image that requires familiarity with the target, you are treated as having at least firsthand experience with the subject. If you have cast any Divinations on the image itself, you are always treated as familiar with those you have analyzed through the image.
Focus: A blank piece of paper.
Noelle’s Clandestine Capture
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 immediate action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
As Noelle’s Informative Illustration, except that the caster may activate this as an immediate action.
Focus: A blank piece of paper.
Noelle’s Vivid Vision
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 2 rounds/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
As Noelle’s Informative Illustration, except that this spell allows the user to magically record a period of time equal to their concentration. The material component (a piece of paper) is not consumed, but instead is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an recording of the scene as it appeared at the time. The direction and speed of the playback are controlled mentally by the caster.
Subjects so depicted cannot be divined if they leave the range of the record. Divinations cannot thus be used to fill in ‘gaps’ in the record, though a figure who leaves the frame and then reappears can be affected as normal.
Focus: A blank piece of paper, specially treated with oils costing at least 200 GP
Noelle’s Supreme Similitude
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Sphere-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 4 rounds/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
One of Noelle’s most potent informational tools, Noelle’s Supreme Similitude combines the effects of both Noelle’s Aural Analyzer and Noelle’s Vivid Vision. The material component (a crystal ball) is not consumed, but instead is altered to contain an accurate representation of the scene which can be controlled mentally by the caster. The caster chooses what sections of the spell’s area are currently visible within the surface of the crystal ball.
Focus: A palm sized crystal ball, specially treated with oils costing at least 200 GP.
Noelle’s Multitudinal Manifold
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting time: 30 minutes
Range: Anywhere within the area to be warded
Area: Up to 200 sq ft./level
Effect: Two sensors/caster level
Duration: Two hours/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
Noelle’s Multitudinal Manifold allows a caster to set up a multitude of magical sensors throughout the target area. These sensors must keep within the spell’s range and can be individually dispelled. These stationary sensors function as individual castings of Noelle’s Supreme Similitude when placed.
The spell's focus (a crystal ball) is altered to contain an accurate representation of the scene which can be controlled mentally by the caster, both during and after the effect’s duration. The caster chooses what sections of the spell’s area are currently visible within the surface of the crystal ball. If the crystal ball is removed from the area of the spell, the effect ends, but the crystal ball will retain any recordings already made.
As with Noelle’s Supreme Similitude, the recordings captured through the Multitudinal Manifold can be scanned with Divinations, under the same rules as the above. Dispelling or otherwise destroying a sensor does not affect the recordings it has already collected.
Material Component: An assortment of jewels worth 500 GP.
Focus: A crystal ball.
Noelle Vauqueline was what most people would consider a busybody. Uncomfortably observant, no sense of privacy or decency, and all too eager to air someone's dirty laundry. If it weren't for her habits of protecting the weak and helping the downtrodden, she'd have probably been lynched long ago; as it was they learned to merely tolerate her.
Then she took on a cadre of apprentices and no one ever really felt private ever again. Since then, a few of her favorite spells have leaked into the general mage community.
Noelle’s Perfect Pictogram
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S, M
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve a moment of time they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The caster may activate this as an standard action to record an action that is occurring for later study. The material component (a piece of paper) is not consumed, but instead is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an image of the scene as it appeared at the time.
Material Component: A piece of blank paper to be altered.
Noelle’s Aural Analyzer
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: Sphere-shaped emanation
Area: 60 ft.
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve any sounds they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The focus (a conch shell) becomes the receptacle for the audio. Anyone holding the shell to their ear can hear the transcribed audio as it occurred. The direction, volume, and speed of the playback are controlled mentally by the caster. If the volume is increased to the point of audible playback, it can be heard by anyone in range. The volume cannot exceed the initial volume of the recording.
Furthermore, the caster may cast any appropriate Divination spells on relevant aspects of the recording. Such spells provide the answers the caster would have received if they had activated these spells at the time depicted in the recording. As an example, Detect Lies would allow one to discern falsehoods by a speaking creature. If a Divination is used that would ordinarily require a save, the target’s past is entitled to one at the modifiers he would have possessed at the time of the recording’s creation. A successful save bars that Divination from being repeated on the target’s past by the same caster. No spell or effect can be cast through this recording that would in any way affect or change the subjects.
This recording may also be used to aid later Divinations: If you listen to the recording while casting any Divination that requires familiarity with the target, you are treated as having at least firsthand experience with any subject thus recorded. If you have cast any Divinations on the recording itself, you are always treated as familiar with those you have analyzed through the recording.
Focus: An unbroken conch shell.
Noelle’s Informative Illustration
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
This spell allows the user to magically preserve a moment of time they perceive within the spell’s field of effect. The caster may activate this as an standard action to record an action that is occurring for later study. The focus (a piece of paper) is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an image of the scene as it appeared at the time.
Furthermore, the caster may cast Divination spells on any appropriate creature or object present in the image. Such spells provide the answers the caster would have received if they had activated these spells at the time depicted in the image. As an example, Detect Thoughts would allow one to hear what targeted creatures were thinking at the time. Use of True Seeing on the image, similarly, would reveal illusions and invisible objects within the frame. If a Divination is used that would ordinarily require a save, the target’s past is entitled to one at the modifiers he would have possessed at the time of the image’s creation. A successful save bars that Divination from being repeated on the target’s past by the same caster. No spell or effect can be cast through this image that would in any way affect or change the subjects.
This image may also be used to aid later Divinations: If you hold the image while casting any Divination on a subject contained in the image that requires familiarity with the target, you are treated as having at least firsthand experience with the subject. If you have cast any Divinations on the image itself, you are always treated as familiar with those you have analyzed through the image.
Focus: A blank piece of paper.
Noelle’s Clandestine Capture
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 immediate action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
As Noelle’s Informative Illustration, except that the caster may activate this as an immediate action.
Focus: A blank piece of paper.
Noelle’s Vivid Vision
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 2 rounds/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
As Noelle’s Informative Illustration, except that this spell allows the user to magically record a period of time equal to their concentration. The material component (a piece of paper) is not consumed, but instead is altered to reflect the according moment. Anyone looking at the paper sees an recording of the scene as it appeared at the time. The direction and speed of the playback are controlled mentally by the caster.
Subjects so depicted cannot be divined if they leave the range of the record. Divinations cannot thus be used to fill in ‘gaps’ in the record, though a figure who leaves the frame and then reappears can be affected as normal.
Focus: A blank piece of paper, specially treated with oils costing at least 200 GP
Noelle’s Supreme Similitude
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V, S, F
Casting time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Sphere-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 4 rounds/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
One of Noelle’s most potent informational tools, Noelle’s Supreme Similitude combines the effects of both Noelle’s Aural Analyzer and Noelle’s Vivid Vision. The material component (a crystal ball) is not consumed, but instead is altered to contain an accurate representation of the scene which can be controlled mentally by the caster. The caster chooses what sections of the spell’s area are currently visible within the surface of the crystal ball.
Focus: A palm sized crystal ball, specially treated with oils costing at least 200 GP.
Noelle’s Multitudinal Manifold
Divination
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting time: 30 minutes
Range: Anywhere within the area to be warded
Area: Up to 200 sq ft./level
Effect: Two sensors/caster level
Duration: Two hours/level
Saving Throw: Special (see below)
Spell Resistance: No
Noelle’s Multitudinal Manifold allows a caster to set up a multitude of magical sensors throughout the target area. These sensors must keep within the spell’s range and can be individually dispelled. These stationary sensors function as individual castings of Noelle’s Supreme Similitude when placed.
The spell's focus (a crystal ball) is altered to contain an accurate representation of the scene which can be controlled mentally by the caster, both during and after the effect’s duration. The caster chooses what sections of the spell’s area are currently visible within the surface of the crystal ball. If the crystal ball is removed from the area of the spell, the effect ends, but the crystal ball will retain any recordings already made.
As with Noelle’s Supreme Similitude, the recordings captured through the Multitudinal Manifold can be scanned with Divinations, under the same rules as the above. Dispelling or otherwise destroying a sensor does not affect the recordings it has already collected.
Material Component: An assortment of jewels worth 500 GP.
Focus: A crystal ball.