Aquatic Magics

Aquatic Magics

Hunter-on-the-Land

Level: 3

Range: touch

Duration: 6 Turns + 1 Turn per level of caster

Effect: protects Velya from air

The Velya of the Sea of Dread - terrible, ravening aquatic Vampires - are much feared by the sea-faring races. However, they represent little threat above the water, as a Velya disintegrates into dust if exposed to air. Consequently, they have been dismissed by land-dwellers as harmless, fit only to frighten children...until now.

Lerenabos, a former Torquera Mage-turned-Velya dwelling just off the coast of Karameikos, recently devised Hunter-on-the-Land to protect himself (and his Velya "children") from the deadly effects of the open air. Using the spell, they have made brief forays onto the shore to feed on unsuspecting fisherfolk; as yet, no-one suspects that the growing number of cases of "white plague" originate just offshore...

When cast, Hunter-on-the-Land creates a protective, skintight barrier about the caster or target which prevents the air from touching the skin; the recipient of this spell looks as if he is soaking wet, although the water does not drip from his body nor leave wet footprints. For the duration of the spell, the recipient can travel freely above the waves.

Those using this spell must take care to keep track of time, however; when the duration ends, the spell fails instantly. If the recipient is caught out of water when that happens, the effects are both immediate and deadly; the Velya crumbles into fine dust, leaving a strong scent of rotting seaweed which wafts away on the breeze. So far, only one of Lerenabos’ vampiric servants has suffered this fate, by lingering too long over a meal. He serves as a good lesson to the others.

Pleased with the effects of this spell, Lerenabos is currently devoting his time to creating a higher-level spell with a much longer duration. It appears that the danger to Karameikos is only just beginning...

Ring of the Kna

This finger-ring is made from delicate pink coral, with intricate decorations (resembling seaweed) carved into its surface. The workmanship is exquisite, and reminiscent of Elven crafting. It radiates strongly if subject to Detect Magic.

Created by Kerian Meditor, an assistant Pearl-Keeper on Trader’s Isle in Minrothad, this is a variant form of Ring of Water-Breathing. Kerian sought to provide the wearer with a full aquatic adaptation, rather than simple underwater survival; to this end, he incorporated shape-shifting magics in the enchantment. When worn by a human, demi-human or humanoid who then submerges herself in water, the ring’s magic activates, instantly transforming the wearer into a Kna (see PC3: The Sea Peoples for details), with all the attendant physical capabilities. The wearer retains her normal hit points, class abilities, and any spells known, but all other details are altered to reflect her new race.

The wearer can remain submerged indefinitely if desired, but removal of the ring will revert the wearer to normal immediately (as will wearing it on the Day of Dread). Those who leave the water remain in Kna form for 6-10 rounds, then change back into their native race. The ring can only perform one change each way in a single 24-hour period; A person who changes to and from Kna form within the hour cannot reassume that form until the next day.

Kerian has made at least a dozen of these rings, and shared the secret with several of his fellows; although most of these rings remain in Minrothad, one or two might be found anywhere amongst the Isles, or perhaps even along the Southern coast.

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