Black Halo — Drow
(Abjuration, Evocation, Necromancy)
(Shadow)
Level: 5
Range: 0
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 2 rds. + 1 rd./level
Casting Time: 5
Area of Effect: Special
Saving Throw: None
This spell creates a halo of the purest, blackest stone; which is laced with a portion of the caster's life essence. This black halo sheds an almost black aura of deep violet darkness that crawls with jet-black tendrils in a radius equal to 1 foot per level of the caster. All creatures in this light dampening area suffer the same penalties as if they were in twilight, as the lighting conditions are noticeably reduces in the spells area of effect.
The necromantic aura produced by this spell protects the caster from all negative energy-based attacks (like the level draining of some undead). Any negative energy attacks are saved against with a +2 bonus (the caster is grained a saving throw against those attacks that normally do not allow a saving throw, but suffers a -4 penalty to his save); either half normal damage/effect or no damage/effect is sustained. There is no bonus against positive energy-based attacks, but if the wizard falls his saving throw (if any) against them, he sustains double normal damage.
In addition, any creature striking the spellcaster with its body or hand-held weapons inflict normal damage upon the wizard, but the attacker suffers the same amount of damage, as the attack is followed with a backlash of shadowy, radiation energy. An attacker's magic resistance, if any, is tested when the creature actually strikes the wizard.
When the spell ends, the halo dissipates and the caster temporarily loses a bit of his life essence, suffering 4d5 points of damage unless he succeeds at a saving throw vs. spell. No damage is sustained if the save is successful. The hit points lost in this way can be regained only through magical healing.
The material component for black halo is a black stone circlet that has been crafted entirely from the caster's magic and stone from at least 1 mile underground.
Notes: Restricted to the drow; very rare.
