Conjuration/Summoning [conjuring]
Level Magic-user 5
Components V, S, M
Casting Time 5 segments
Range 10-ft.
Area of Effect up to a 30-ft. radius
Duration See description
Save nil
This spell conjures a spirit-like force to protect an area.
The origination point of the spell is the center of the area to be protected. The area of effect is not limited by obstructions of any kind (walls, doors, etc.).
If any creature larger than a cat comes within 10-ft. of the area, disembodied growling noises will be heard. If approaching further, barking noises will emanate from the area. The barking is very loud, easily heard from 100-ft. away.
Any creature entering the area of effect will be attacked from the rear by an invisible force. The attack has an AAC0 of 10 (but is attacking from the rear while invisible, so the target's AC must be modified) and if successful, does 3d6 force damage against the creature "bitten". If the target continues to move, the invisible force is granted a free attack.
If the target stops in the area and faces the way it came, the invisible force is not granted a free attack and will not attack further (although it will continue to bark). Then, if the creature moves back the way it came, the invisible force will not attack further. However, any further movement into the area of effect will cause another attack.
There is only one "hound" per casting of the spell so if there are multiple creatures moving through the area of effect simultaneously, the hound selects one at random to attack.
When the spell is cast, the caster can visualize a set of allies (including creature types) who will not set off the spell and will not be attacked by the hound.
The "hound" is made of invisible force conjured from the Inner Planes and cannot be attacked or seen, even if a creature has the ability to see invisible.
The hound/area of effect is immune to all magic except dispelling effects which work normally.
The invisible force can attack any creature passing through the area even if the creature is ethereal or using the plane of shadow.
The invisible force can detect all creatures within 10-ft. of the area of effect as if it had true seeing (as per the spell).
The invisible force can damage any creature with damage resistance of less than DR/+4. The hound's damage bypasses all other forms of damage resistance (unless a creature is immune to force damage).
The hound can attack only once per round but can attack any creature in the area of effect (does not need to enter melee or move).
The hound can only take a free attack against a single target per round (ie. only against the target selected that round).
The hound is always considered to Go First if combat is taking place.
Duration. When cast, the spell lasts 1 hour per caster level or until triggered. Once the spell is triggered, it lasts 2 rounds per caster level.
Limitations
The caster must remain within 30-ft. per caster level of the point of origin of the spell or the effect is dispelled.
The area of effect cannot overlap with the area of effect of another Wizard's Faithful Hound spell.
Materials Components. A whistle, piece of bone and some thread. The components are consumed in the casting of the spell. Cost/Scarcity. 2 s.p./Common.
Known Substitutions. None.