Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: special
The caster of Serpent Armor uses a polymorph-like ability to
change his skin into scales. These scales provide a ntural armor
bonus equivalent to the natural armor of the creature the scale
used as the material component comes from. However, such a bonus
cannot exceed the casters spellcasting level.
The polymorphing effect is not quite enough to change it perfectly,
however, and any magical bonuses the caster may have before
casting this spell will not affect him for the rest of the spell
duration, due to a covering up of such magic. The magic is not
lost, however, and will continue to help him after the spell
dissipates.
If a magical creatures scale is used (such as a dragon scale),
then the caster must make a Will save (DC 17) or be overcome
with that creatures frame of mind, due to unexpected ambient
magical energy. Such a reaction will be up to the DM because
the reaction can vary. Even if the same type of scale is used,
different energy might come from it, or perhaps the caster will
not be caught quite as unaware and be able to slightly lessen
the reaction.
Let's say the 8th level sorcerer, Garh, decides to use a Red
Dragon scale to cast this spell. He makes his Will save, so
assuming that the dragon the scale came from is (or was) old
enough, Garh would get a +8 natural armor bonus. But, let's
say his friend Hahl, another 8th level sorcerer tries the same
thing, but misses his Will save. The DM might decide that instead
of Hahl getting what he wanted, he is now raged for the rest
of the duration of the spell, or the DM might decide that any
time Hahl gets hurt for the duration of the spell he is raged
for 2-4 rounds, or until his opponent that so hurt him is dead.
This spell lasts 10 mins/caster level or 1 hour/caster level
if the caster is using a scale that would require a Will save.
Material Component: a scale (see above)
by Anthony
