Fourth Level Wizard Spells

Backlash (Necromancy)

Range: Touch

Components: V,S, M

Duration: Special

Area of Effect: one target

Save: Neg.

This spell is little-known save the powerful Drow Mage Lords of the Underdark.  The caster of a Backlash spell prepares a mixture of incense and oils (valued at 250gp in the Underdark) and then during the ritual for protection, the spellcaster crushes a gem (500gp value) and sprinkles the powdered crystal over themselves to complete the ritual.  The Backlash spell is a defensive spell that will last 24 hours or until an offensive spell is cast upon the spellcaster of Backlash. The Backlash spell leaves only a faint dweomer, waiting inactive for later triggering.  It cannot be removed by a dispel magic, but it will be ended by a remove curse or more powerful spell.  An emplaced Backlash takes effect only when an offensive spell that then the caster of Backlash saves, resists, or is immune to.  Consequently, Backlash causes the spell to work with full effect on the offensive spellcaster and Backlash negates saving throws, magic resistance, or immunities that would normaly apply.  Basically, when protected by a Backlash spell, the next time an offensive spell would be targeted at the spellcaster and the spellcaster of Backlash saves; then the offensive spell hits the original caster for full effect.  Backlash does not protect against non-targeted attacks (web, fireball, lightning bolt, and so forth).

Stop (Alteration)

Range: 10 feet/level

Components: V, S

Duration: 1 round/level

Casting Time: 4

Area of Effect: One Creature

Saving Throw: Special

This spell instantly confines the movements of any one target creature within range to the spatial location occupied when the spell takes effect.  In other words, the targets motion, airborne or otherwise, is instantly halted, and cannot be moved away from that spot.  The stopped creature has full freedom of movement, but will remain in one spot for the duration of the spell.  Stop affects only one creature so it can therefore serve to separate a chosen rider from an unaffected mount.  Creatures able to plane shift or become astral or ethereal can escape a Stop spell.  Creatures with a Ring of Free Action or affected by a similar spell are unaffected by Stop.