Well now that life has gotten back on track after the start of a new school semester, GallowsCon has come and gone, and I'm all moved into my new place we can get back down to business. We left off talking about the different schools for spells. We've gone through four of the seven. So, this month we move on to Illusions. Playing an illusionist can be really fun for all involved. As the player you can keep all the other members of your party guessing as to what's real and what isn't. Illusion spells are also a great chance for in game comedy and pranks. The full potential of the school of Illusion is best brought to bear when a character specializes in it. Before we go any further though lets define Illusions. The Player's Handbook has this to say...

Illusion spells deceive the senses or minds of others. They cause people to see things that are not there, not see things that are there, hear phantom noises, or remember things that never happened. Illusions come in five types: figments, glamers, patterns, phantasms, and shadows.

Few things could be handier when trying to move unseen and unheard through a dungeon than an Illusionist. Illusionist's may not have many combat spells but that doesn't mean the spells are not useful in combat. An enemy won't be able to hit you if he can't see you or discern which image of you is real. Also a creature that believes your a party of giants might just think twice before attacking. Thus helping to prevent combat. Now let us focus on this month's spell.

Net of Shadows
Illusion (Shadow)[Darkness]
Level: Sorcerer/wizard 1
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close(25ft.+5ft./2lvl.)
Targets: One creature/lvl., no two of which are more than 25ft. apart
Duration: 1d6 rounds
Saving Throw: Will Negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

You cast the spell, and the surrounding shadows shift at your command, flying toward your targets and wrapping themselves around them.

This spell gives the subjects concealment, but the shifting magic shadows also inhibit the subjects' ability to ascertain their surroundings. The subjects can see only 5 ft. through the shadows that coat them, and foes within that range have concealment from the subjects. Darkvision does not penetrate Net of Shadows.

Now when you first glance at this spell it doesn't really seem that special. All it really does is hinder the creatures fighting ability. On top of that it gives the creature a concealment bonus. It doesn't grapple or bind them as the name would suggest. Remember though that this is a first level spell. Now take a closer look at the spell. At first level it gives everyone in you party a concealment bonus against one foe. This in itself makes this spell well worth its weight in platinum. This spell really comes in handy with more than one mage in a party. Even when concealed a magic missile still hits it's target. Just so long as the concealment isn't full. Secondly other spells can be cast upon the foe to disorient him so that he cannot attack. This tactic though should probably only be used when fighting a single foe who is much more powerful than your party. It wouldn't be wise to use this tactic when fighting a room full of Kobalds. Where the party's attention is split between several different opponents.

Well that's our spell for this month, but before I go I want to address one more topic. Wizards of the Coast in their infinite wisdom has decided to release a forth addition because their core book sales are in the toilet. Personally I am rather upset about this. I've spent the last few years learning, and collecting (and spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars) 3.5 and now it's all for naught. The day they release 4th Edition every book I have becomes essentially useless. I digress though. I am wanting to know if the two or three of you out there that do read this want me to start focusing on 4th Edition spells when they are released. 'Cause personally I don't plan on buying any of the books. Drop me a line and let me know.

May all your dungeons be filled with gold and free of dragons.