Handfire

(See also: Handfire (Orison))

This spell causes one of the caster's hands (or the end of a chosen limb) to be surrounded by tiny winking motes of light that resemble a cluster of constantly renewed sparks. These motes of magic are neither hot nor flammable and do not harm nonliving material. Their light is bright enough to read by if the writing is very near (within the length of the caster's longest finger).

Any living creature struck by the motes (successful attack roll required) takes 1d4+3 points of damage (no saving throw). Undead creatures touched by handfire suffer 2d4+4 points of damage.

The handfire spell lasts for two attacks (regardless of how long after casting they are delivered) or until willed to dissipate by the caster. The handfire can strike twice in the same round if the caster comes into contact with two different creatures (for example, when the foes punch or run into the priest, rather than the caster trying to strike them). The handfire effect cannot be conducted along weapons or tools; direct contact with some part of a creature's body is required. No known Faerunian armor can stop handfire, although certain magical barriers do.

The presence of active handfire does not prevent the casting of other spells or alter their effects. Discharge is automatic on contact with any living or undead being who is not the caster, so handfire can accidentally harm friendly creatures, or harm a thief or an attacker even when the caster is asleep, if the active limb is disturbed. (Some priests clutch a magical item with a handfire-active hand as they fall asleep to prevent theft.)

Handfire that is willed out of existence sputters and fades in seconds, becoming harmless in an instant. If it has struck another being once, the caster can will it into his or her body, healing 1 (14 points of any current damage. A caster can mentally choose the color of the handfire sparks (as a signal, for example), but cannot change this once the spell takes effect.