Hard Water

This spell turns a body of water (or part of one) into a rock-hard substance. Magical, enchanted, holy, and unholy waters are not affected by this spell. The hard water retains its color and content; however, it is solid for the duration of the spell. The amount of water affected cannot exceed 10 cubic feet (approximately 75 gallons) per level of the priest.

Creatures embedded or partially embedded in the hard water, such as fish, insects, and humans, are not injured or killed, and they do not suffocate or drown. They are simply held until the spell has run its course, as are water weirds, water elementals, or similar creatures composed of animate water. The spell can be negated before its duration expires by a successful dispel magic spell. The caster can also cancel the spell at will.

The caster can reduce the depth to which the water becomes hard, to a minimum of 6 inches. For example, a priest casting hard water on a river can specify that only the surface of the water become hard, thereby making it possible to walk across.

The material components of this spell are a flask of water and a stone.