Divination

Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V,S,M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Special
Effect / Target: 1 Ship
Duration: 1 Hour / level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
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By means of this spell, a caster aboard a ship can
alert the crew to a sudden change in depth. This is a
reef, shoal, or underwater behemoth that may threaten
the ship. The spell can detect any obstacle at least as
large as the vessel’s own keel.

When casting the spell, the wizard selects the depth
that he wishes to monitor, up to 10 feet per experience
level. The caster next decides whether to center the
spell directly below the ship’s bow, or 40 yards in front
of the bow. (If the ship changes its heading, “in front”
changes accordingly.)

The spell creates an intangible and invisible “pole,”
which probes straight down to the desired depth, at
the location chosen. Whenever it detects a large
obstacle, a small voice magically alerts the caster,
reporting the depth of the water in his ear. Only the
caster can hear this voice, and while it rouses him from
an ordinary slumber, it cannot negate the effects of
magical slumber or unconsciousness, nor does it
interrupt other spellcasting. Ordinary noise, even the
sound of the sea, does not negate this small voice, nor
do magical or natural deafness.

Once it begins, the magical voice continues to
provide “readings” of the obstacle’s depth in 10-foot
increments. Each time the depth changes by 10 feet,
the small voice records the change. If the depth
increases to a level beyond that monitored by the spell,
the small voice notes this fact, and then remains silent
until the ship is again endangered.

This spell does not provide physical protection
against a collision with large objects, only notification
that they exist. A large, live object (such a whale) can
activate the spell, provided the object is larger than
the protected ship. Any nonliving object capable of
damaging the ship is also noted.

The material component of this spell is a clear glass
bead, which is crushed in the process of casting.

Return to the Mage spell list.