An Example of Magical Dueling

Calvin and Delsenora decide to conduct a friendly duel. Tarrant, a local wizard, agrees to mediate.

Calvin and Delsenora agree that the first character to run out of spells or hit points is the loser. Calvin has a ring of spell storing, which the two characters agree should count toward Calvin’s total spells. Both characters agree that no other magical items are going to be used in the duel, and Tarrant looks them over to check for any scrolls or other items.

The trio finds a secluded spot, and Calvin and Delsenora begin creating the arena. When they finish the first step, Tarrant encloses the pair in an Otiluke’s resilient sphere; he chooses to remain outside the sphere.

When Tarrant casts his spell, Delsenora and Calvin consider adding their own spells. Both characters decide not to contribute spells, and the arena is completed. There are 10 spaces between the characters (see figure M1). Because neither character cast a spell, both characters roll 1d10 to see who has the advantage—Calvin wins the roll.

During the first round of the duel, there are no spells to move, so both characters cast spells. Calvin decides to try to get a lick in quickly and casts clairvoyance (L, PR 12, MV 5). The spell appears in the space in front of Calvin and does not move. Delsenora decides to cast withdraw (D, PR 11, MV 1) in her own square as a stationary defense.

On the second round, Calvin moves his clairvoyance spell five spaces toward Delsenora. Because Delsenora cast withdraw in her own square, it doesn’t move at all. Now Calvin casts monster summoning II (AD, PR 13, MV 3) from his ring of spell storing. Delsenora casts dispel magic (AD, PR 12, MV 4). Both spells appear in the squares in front of their casters.

On the third round, things really start hopping. Calvin has the advantage, so his spells move first. His clairvoyance spell is closest to Delsenora, so it moves first. The spell has enough movement to reach Delsenora’s space, but her dispel magic spell is in the way. When the spells meet, Delsenora must announce that her spell is an attack/defense because she is disadvantaged. Calvin checks Table 25 and sees that the advantaged caster decides if combat is going to occur. Calvin decides not to fight; he is not required to reveal anything about his spell.

The clairvoyance spell finishes its move and enters Delsenora’s square. The clairvoyance spell is revealed, and it must check for combat with the withdraw spell before it can affect Delsenora. Because he has the advantage, Calvin could normally decide his leech spell would ignore the defense spell. But, withdraw has a special ability that forces leeches and missiles to fight it.

Both characters roll 1d20. Calvin rolls a 20 and curses his luck. Delsenora rolls a 9. The clairvoyance spell is destroyed, and the advantage shifts to Delsenora, but Calvin still finishes moving his spells; he moves his monster summoning III ahead three spaces. Delsenora moves her dispel magic ahead four spaces, and the two characters cast spells again.

Calvin casts magic missile (M, PR 10, MV 5), and Delsenora casts animate object (AD, PR 15, MV 3).

The duel continues, with Calvin trying to breech Delsenora’s defenses and strike a telling blow before she can crush him under the weight of her more plentiful spells. Calvin could be in trouble if the animate object spell reaches his space, which it might very well do with the dispel magic leading the way.

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