Unseen Servant

Conjuration/Summoning

• • Level Magic-user 1

  • Components V, S

  • Casting Time 1 segment

  • Range 0

  • Area of Effect 30-ft. radius

  • Duration 1 hour plus 10 rounds per caster level

  • Save None

The caster summons an invisible servant able to carryout minor tasks.

• An unseen servant is an automaton (not even technically a creature) made of force and able to manipulate light objects.

• An unseen servant is always invisible.

• An unseen servant cannot make noise on it's own and is considered mindless.

• The automaton is limited such that it will never move beyond 30-ft. from the caster and it can move with a fly speed of 120-ft. (Class A). If the spell caster moves away at a faster rate such that the automaton cannot keep within 30-ft., the unseen servant will be dispelled.

• An unseen servant can carry objects while flying weighing a total of 20-lbs. or it can drag up to 40-lbs. over a smooth surface. If pulling an object with wheels, it can pull up to 80-lbs. across a smooth surface.

• An unseen servant can carry up to two objects at a time (a sack or bag filled with objects is, of course, counted as one).

• An unseen servant can open containers or portals but cannot make Strength checks (these automatically fail).

• An unseen servant cannot make attack rolls of any kind and cannot defend itself in melee.

• An unseen servant cannot charge, flee, parry, or deliver slay the sleeping attacks. 

• An unseen servant has an AC of 10 (not including bonuses for invisibility) and 6 hp. It does not register as creature with regards to any magical effect and cannot be targeted by effects that pertain to hit dice.

• Area effects that cause damage will cause damage to an unseen servant and unseen servants are never granted a saving throw.

• An unseen servant cannot throw objects or catch objects. It can pick up unattended objects and it can drop objects.

• An unseen servant cannot grab an attended object from an unwilling creature but can fetch objects from a willing creature. An unseen servant cannot access a creature's pouch or pack if that creature is not immobile.

• An unseen servant has no form and is made of force so cannot wear items of any sort. It can carry a sheet or tarp (or an object covered by one) but cannot be draped in such. An unseen servant cannot be grabbed or grappled.

• An unseen servant can move through bars, grates, plants, or webs without hindrance.

• Although mindless, an unseen servant (due to the spell's origins) can perform a set routine tasks that are complex in nature but non-adventuring related (and cannot "learn" new tasks). These tasks include cleaning objects or areas (removing dust or dirt), helping the caster (only) dress or bathe, follow and open doors, fetch items (books, quills, inkpot, etc.), and serve meals (on plates or platters) or drink (into a cup), etc. It cannot cook food or, for example, make tea (boiling water and steeping for a set amount of time).

• All commands given to an unseen servant must be verbal and must be within range of normal hearing. Commands are delivered similar to speech and are considered an immediate action on behalf of the caster. The unseen servant's actions occur during the caster's group initiative and in order of the particular action (typically, Other).

• An unseen servant cannot make any item carried invisible. An unseen servant carrying a visible object can be targeted by attacks. Objects held by unseen servants are considered attended (although the unseen servant always fails any saving throws).

Examples of Non-standard (Adventuring) Tasks

1. An unseen servant can be commanded to tap a club along a floor, looking for trip wires or pressure plates. Similarly, if the floor is smooth, the unseen servant can be commanded to roll a cart down a corridor in hopes of triggering a covered pit.

2. An unseen servant can carry a torch and can be commanded to keep within range of a designated creature. It will not move beyond the range of the spell (30-ft. from the spell caster).

3. An unseen servant can be commanded to place a key in a lock, turn the key, and open the container or door.

4. An unseen servant can be commanded to fly to the top of a wall and tie a rope (to an obvious protrusion as discerned by the caster) or hang a grapnel and unfurl the rope.

5. An unseen servant can be commanded to pour the contents of a flask in an area (but not on a creature that is not immobile).

6. An unseen servant can be commanded to light a fire or torch (or, more typically, a fireplace) with flint and tinder, but not if this task is difficult due to wind, rain, or other environmental conditions.

7. An unseen servant can be commanded to hold a shield near the spell caster. While this will not grant cover or AC bonuses, the unseen servant will be considered a "target" as it relates to firing missiles into melee (assuming an opponent is in melee). A held item, even a shield, grants no AC bonus to the unseen servant.

8. An unseen servant can be commanded to perform any number of distracting actions—rattling chains, opening doors, etc.