Shield of the Akh'Faern--Elf (Wiz 5; Abjuration, Alteration)
(Spell Mantle Component Spell)
Range: 0
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 366 days
Casting Time: 1 day
Area of Effect: The caster
Saving Throw: None
This is the spell that contains the extended offensive and defensive powers of the mantle created by the aura formation spell. It creates a web-work of magical energy laced with the caster's life force, thus allowing him to gain innate magical abilities above and beyond the normal number allowed according to his level. This spellweb-like lacing remains in effect for a full year and a day, unless further steps are taken to make it into a permanent spell mantle. This mantle is nearly identical to those "worn" by the elves of Myth Drannor!
One automatically functioning defensive power (or will-activated utility power) and one offensive power of each level are gained for every 3 levels of experience the caster currently has. Attack and utility powers can be called forth by silent effort of will alone, attacks each once per day, utilities twice (one mantle power can be awakened per round--and this can be accomplished in addition to spellcasting, if casting time doesn't consume the entire round). The spell mantle "drinks" a hit point from the caster (which is permanent until the spell ends) and another hit point for every level augmentation (which is likewise permanent until the spell ends). Another hit point (temporarily) is drained during each day that any mantle power is awakened.
Thus 9th level wizards possess two spells (1 offensive & 1 defensive) of each level from 1st-3rd, 10-12th level wizars bear two spells of each level from 1st-4th, 13-15th level wizards bear two spells of each level from 1st-5th, etc.). The shield also allows these powers to grow along with the caster's experience by further permanently draining 1 hit point every time more powers are added. These hit points are regained when the spell-lacing collapses at the end of this spells duration.
The material components for shield of the Akh'Faern are the components and the casting of aura formation and intangible spells, then the last component of the caster's life energy, which is laced with the magics of the three spells to grant the above magical mantle. This also dampens the life force of the caster slightly in the process (i.e. the hit point loss).
Notes: Restricted to elves; rare to unique.
