Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere

Otiluke's Freezing Sphere is a multi-purpose dweomer of considerable power. 

If the caster opts, he or she may create a globe of matter at absolute zero temperature which spreads upon contact with water or liquid which is principally composed of water, so as to freeze it to a depth of 6 inches over an area equal to 100 square feet per level of the magic-user casting the spell. The ice so formed lasts for 1 round per level of the caster. 

The spell can also be used as a thin ray of cold which springs from the caster's hand to a distance of 1" per level of the magic-user; this ray will inflict 4 hit points of damage per level of the caster upon the creature struck, with a saving throw versus magic applicable, and all damage negated if it is successful (as the ray is so narrow a save indicates it missed), but the path of the ray being plotted to its full distance, as anything else in its path must save (if applicable) or take appropriate damage. 

Finally, Otiluke's Freezing Sphere can be cast so as to create a small globe about the size of a sling stone, cool to the touch, but not harmful. This globe can be cast, and it will shatter upon impact, inflicting 4-24 hit points of cold damage upon all creatures within a 10-ft radius (one-half damage if saving throw versus magic is made). Note that if the globe is not thrown or slung within a time period equal to 1 round times the level of the spell caster, it automatically shatters and causes cold damage as stated above. This timed effect can be employed against pursuers, although it can also prove hazardous to the spell caster and/or his or her associates as well. 

The material components of the spell depend upon in which form it is to be cast. A thin sheet of crystal about an inch square is needed for the first application of the spell, a white sapphire of not less than 1,000 g.p. value for the second application of the spell, and a 1,000 g.p. diamond is minimum for the third application of the spell. All components are lost when the spell is cast.

The sling stone-sized application of this spell has a 4" range if hurled by hand, otherwise as a sling bullet. All ranges by hand are short; otherwise treat it as a slung missile. Use the GRENADE-LIKE MISSILES TABLE to find where misses strike.

This spell is extremely dangerous to the caster if invoked in its first manifestation while submerged. The globe of absolute zero matter, when formed underwater, will instantly freeze the water around the caster into a block of ice of a volume equal to 50 cubic feet per level of the caster. This will last a number of rounds equal to the level of the caster. Unless immediate aid is forthcoming, the magic-user will suffocate (the ice-entombed magic-user will immediately float to the surface, of course).