Gravity Variation (Alteration)

Sphere: War

Range: 10 yards/level

Components: V, S, M

Duration: 1 turn/3 levels

Casting Time: 2 turns

Area of Effect: 120-yard x 120-yard square

Saving Throw: None

This spell changes the characteristics of a square region of terrain. The area can be no more than 120 yards on a side. The priest can effectively turn a flat plain into a slope of any direction, or may flatten an existing slope. The spell does not allow the priest to alter the pull of gravity, however.

This spell lets the priest create or negate a height differential of as much as 20 feet (a 2" slope in BATTLE SYSTEM™ rules measurements) within the area of effect. This can have various consequences; the best way to discuss the effects is by example.

Example 1: Two units face each other on a flat plain. The priest can alter the slope of the terrain so that one unit is 2" of elevation higher than the other. The unit that is upslope gains the combat benefits for higher ground, and the unit that is downslope must pay the movement cost for moving uphill if it wishes to approach the other unit.

Example 2: One unit is on flat terrain; another unit, 6" away, is on a hill of 2" elevation. Using this spell, the priest can effectively eliminate this difference in elevation (raising the low ground or lowering the high ground). All combat and movement involving these two units is then conducted as if there were no elevation difference (i.e., no movement penalty, no combat benefit for higher ground, etc.). Alternatively, the priest could increase the height differential by 2". Combat and movement would now be conducted as if the total difference in elevation were 4".

Example 3: A unit faces a hill of 3" elevation. The priest casts gravity variation, decreasing the effective elevation of the hill to 1". The unit pays a lower movement point cost to climb the hill. Alternatively, if the unit facing the hill were an enemy unit, the priest could increase the effective elevation to 5".

The priest must specify the degree and direction of change at the moment of casting. These parameters cannot be changed while the spell remains in effect.

Gravity variation can have dramatic effects on siege engines and towers. Most siege engines can be moved only on the most gentle of slopes. By raising or lowering the effective elevation of siege engines by 2", the priest can totally immobilize them by positioning them on a slope too steep to negotiate. In the case of siege towers, there is a 50% chance that the structures will topple over (totally destroying them).

The material component is a tiny plumb bob; the plumb line must be made of platinum wire while the bob itself must be a gem of at least 1,000 gp value. The device is consumed in the casting.

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