Maelstrom was a divine magic spell available to priests of Umberlee, the Sea Queen, and to others that followed a deity associated with the ocean. It created a whirlpool in a body of water that sucked in creatures and objects.[2][5]
Effects[]
This spell was only viable when cast upon a body of water that was at least 60 feet (18 meters) deep in a cylinder at least 120 feet (37 meters) in diameter—the size of the maelstrom. It could be cast at a point on the surface up to 420 feet (130 meters) away (even farther for more experienced casters and for the newer version of the spell). The effect only lasted a short time, but was extremely dangerous and deadly as the water swirled rapidly and formed a vortex that pulled everything within 50 feet (15 meters) of the edges of the maelstrom down into a watery grinder. Creatures with enough strength or swimming ability could slow their descent and perhaps avoid the worst of the buffeting. Only the sturdiest sailing vessels and experienced crews could hope to avoid being sucked in and swamped.[2][5]
Once trapped in the raging whirlpool, creatures, vessels, and objects were battered mercilessly until they were ejected from the bottom of the maelstrom far under water[5] although some very large creatures or vessels could emerge at the top.[2] For the earlier version of this spell, the victims were flung to a depth of 100 ft (30 m) in a random direction away from the center of the vortex, possibly impacting the sea bed or other underwater obstacles.[5] Creatures unable to breathe water had to hold their breath until they breached the surface or be drowned.[2][5]
When the spell expired, all creatures and objects still floating within the maelstrom took no further damage and slowly spiraled to the surface with the water as it returned to its natural level.[5]
Components[]
In addition to verbal and somatic components, this spell required the use of the priest's holy symbol or divine focus.[2] The Umberlant version also required a drop of water blessed by the goddess herself or one of her senior clergy.[5]
Appendix[]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Richard Baker, Robert J. Schwalb, Stephen Schubert (April 2015). Elemental Evil Player's Companion , link:[1]. In David Noonan, Stacy Janssen eds. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 12, 20.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 72. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Richard Baker, James Wyatt (March 2004). Player's Guide to Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 89. ISBN 0-7869-3134-5.
- ↑ Sean K. Reynolds (2004). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting Spell List (HTML). General Archive. Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on 2013-08-05. "As the release date of the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting grows near, many gamers have wondered aloud about what spells are included in the new campaign setting. Never say we don't aim to please, because here's the list..."
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 176. ISBN 978-0786903849.