Circling Winds

Spell — see Magic and Spellcasting for the rules and the Spell Index for the full list.

Arcane 2, Divine 2 Type: elemental (air), protection, wall

Range: self Duration: concentration

This spell raises a sphere of howling winds that surround the caster at a 10’ radius. Any creatures that start their initiative or move within 5’ of the exterior of the circling winds are subject to attack as if from a readied 2 HD monster with one attack dealing 1d8 extraordinary slashing damage. Any creatures that attempt to pass into the circling winds must make a Paralysis saving throw or be forced back 5’ from the nearest edge. (Creatures of Large size or greater gain a +4 bonus to the saving throw per size category above man-sized.) The circling winds do not attack or force back creatures inside the radius of the spell.

The circling winds deflect missile attacks dealing mundane damage which are directed at the caster or other creatures inside the radius of the spell. Missile attacks include, e.g., arrows, boulders, bolts, bullets, and thrown objects. The deflected missile attacks automatically miss their target. If the deflected attack has an area of effect, roll for scatter to determine the direction and distance deflected. Creatures within the circling winds can still be harmed if they ends up in the area of effect after deflection. Attacks made with silver weapons are considered to deal extraordinary damage for purposes of this spell.

The circling winds do not block missile attacks made by creatures inside the winds, nor do they prevent creatures inside the winds from exiting. The circling winds can be evoked so that they appear where creatures already are. Affected creatures must make a Blast saving throw. If the save succeeds, the creature can dive into or out of the circling winds (its choice) without being harmed. If the save fails, the creature is attacked as above and then forced back 5’ from the nearest edge of the circling winds. The circling winds spell lasts as long as the caster maintains stationary concentration or until dispelled.