Gallop

Gallop was a useful cantrip that beginning wizards could learn. It caused a creature to gain a burst of speed and travel in a chosen direction for a short time.

Effects
This spell worked on any land-based creature within of the caster, but if the creature had above animal intelligence and was unwilling, it had a chance to resist the effects. If successfully cast, the creature moved at twice its normal rate of travel in the direction pointed by the caster and maintained this speed for one minute. Rate of movement was adjusted for encumbrance. That is, a horse without a rider could move considerably faster than one pulling a heavily laden cart. Travel was in the indicated direction without deviation unless an obstacle was successfully avoided. If the target creature or its rider were aware of any obstacles in the path, there was an improved chance to avoid them, but if not, then the creature and whatever it was carrying suffered the consequences. Likewise, casting gallop on an injured, sick, lame, or exhausted creature could cause a shock to its system and possibly result in death.

Choosing a direction with no path, such as directly into a wall, the ground, or the sky, negated the spell. When cast, this spell gave off a small cloud of harmless blue sparks.

Components
This cantrip required verbal and somatic components. The caster made clicks with their tongue or kissing noises through pursed lips while pointing in the desired direction of travel.

History
The Alcaister, a spellbook with a dangerous reputation, contained this cantrip and two others.