Fire on the Mountain

SFP: 50 + 25/level of caster

This spell draws seismic energy into the atmosphere to create an electrically charged cloud above a mountaintop or tall building. Mimicking one of the early warning signs of a volcanic eruption, the black cloud produces 1-8 lightning bolts (as per the 3rd-level wizard spell). The caster can direct one bolt per round at any target, as per the spell. Bolts cause 3d6 points of damage to one target each, with a saving throw for half damage. Every round that the spell is active, there is a 25% chance that the cloud emits 1d6 lightning balls that roll down to the ground and move randomly at a Movement Rate of 12 for 1d4 rounds each. The lightning balls are eerie blue sizzling masses of light 2-8” in diameter. Creatures touching ball lightning directly must make a successful saving throw vs. death magic at a +2 bonus or suffer 6d8 points of electrical damage and be stunned for 2d6 rounds. The cloud is extremely hazardous to aerial creatures. Any flying creatures in the area of effect (other than elemental-type creatures) must make a successful saving throw vs. paralysis or fall out of the sky. Visibility inside the cloud is practically zero.

There is no rain associated with this spell, but unusually loud thunder may result. Strong winds disperse the cloud, causing the duration of the spell to be reduced by half. Other than altering the winds, weather control does not affect this spell, since the cloud and lightning are produced by seismic energy instead of normal weather patterns.

The material components for this spell are flint and tinder, which are struck against a glass bottle filled with volcanic gas. All of the components are consumed in the casting.