Dweomerflow

This spell can be cast in one of two fashions. In the first version, dweomerflow is cast on a spell-caster. It causes the next spell cast by that individual to flow into a prepared receptacle the caster touches instead of taking its usual effect. No saving throw is required of the spellcaster or the receptacle. Typical receptacles include a focal stone, a crystal ball, or another item that can hold magics within itself, such as magical items in need of recharging, crucibles temporarily empowered by spells to accept enchantments, artifacts, and the like. If the item is destroyed or later affected by spells that force it to disgorge stored magics, the “flowed” spell is released, often taking its full effect.

Dweomerflow creates a resonating field between the subject spellcaster and the receptacle. If no suitable item is in range, the dweomerflow creates a ghostly swirling radiance that lasts one round, then fades away. If no other receptacle becomes available within that time, the spell is wasted.

A holy water font or consecrated altar can accept up to a dozen flowed spells to be released separately, one per round, at any time thereafter by any being of the faith the holy object is consecrated to who touches the altar and wills the magics forth. The subjects, aims, and areas of effect of such magics are under the silent mental control of the being unleashing them, who need not be the caster of the dweomerflow or even of a class or level necessary to normally wield such magics. Any individual who is not aware of what magics are stored in a holy font or altar requires 1 round of contact with the holy object per stored spell to identify and gain control over such magics. One randomly chosen magic at a time is revealed – but only to beings of the same faith as the holy object or to wizards and priests employing dweomer divination or similar powerful magics.

Spells of 5th level or greater must be accompanied by an abeyance spell cast on the altar or spell vessel within 1 turn of their being flowed into it – or they erupt back out at again, visiting their full effects, at a random time and at a random target or area of effect. (Previous abeyance spells cast into the same altar or vessel do not suffice to govern a newly arrived flowed magic.)

Most temple and shrine altars are imbued with powerful offensive spells by high-ranking clergy of the faith for lesser priests to use in defending the holy ground against intruders. Those planning to despoil an altar are warned that breakage of a holy object; its exposure to fire, lightning, or the touch of unholy water; or cold iron used to chisel away holy symbols or inscriptions almost always awakens stored magics – to take effect right where the cause of their activation occurs!

The second version of dweomerflow allows the spellcaster to transfer charges or stored spells from item to item, such as a charge from one wand of lightning to another or a spell from one ring of spell storing to another. When this version of dweomerflow is cast, a saving throw vs. spell must be made by both items involved. If the sending item fails its saving throw, the dweomerflow spell is ruined, but no charges or stored spells are lost. If the receiving spell fails its saving throw, the charge or spell being transferred is lost – sometimes with spectacular effects – along with the dweomerflow. In this version of the spell, the spellcaster must be touching both items involved to provide a bridge for the spell energy involved.