Seeking Sword

Sidebar Pages From the Mages This spell brings into being a shimmering blade of force that appears as a sword of any description the caster desires, typically a broad sword. The sword forms in midair and is animated by the will of the caster (who need never touch it), flashing about as it attacks. The blade is silent and moves at MV FL 96 (A), although it cannot move beyond spell range from the caster. The blade can strike four times per round, doing 2d4 points of damage with each successful hit.

Although it has no attack bonuses, a seeking sword is considered a +4 magical weapon for determining what sorts of beings it can strike. It can strike nonliving objects and can be wielded dexterously enough to lift latches, slide bolts open or shut, turn pages of books, and so on. The caster may freely move the sword from target to target unless physical or magical barriers (such as a wall of force) are in the way, but the caster must concentrate on the blade to maintain its existence and direct it. Other spellcasting is impossible while maintaining the spell, though the caster may move at half his or her normal movement rate per round while doing so.

A seeking sword moves with Strength enough to parry and hold back another blade wielded by a strong human or humanoid. It can be used to shatter glass objects, spike open doors, puncture sacks, or search for unseen opponents by sweeping through apparently empty spaces or across windowsills and thresholds.

The material components for this spell are a drop of mercury and human hair.