Snake Barrier
- SchoolEvocation
- SphereProtection
- ComponentsV, S, M
- Range120 yds.
- Area20 ft. square/level
- Casting time4
- Duration3 rds./level
- Save2
With this spell, the shukenja creates a painful barrier against snakes, reptiles, and serpent like creatures, including dragons. The spell creates an invisible wall, covering a 20-foot x 20-foot area per level of the caster, which can be shaped as the caster desires. Although the barrier is not visible, serpents of all types are aware of its presence. Those not overtly hostile avoid the area of the spell, leaving it alone. Serpents with hostile intent can try to pass through the wall. However, those with 4 or fewer Hit Dice must first make a successful saving throw vs. paralyzation or they cannot cross the boundary. Any serpent that does cross the boundary must make a saving throw vs. spell or suffer 1d4 points of damage for every level of the caster. A successful saving throw reduces the damage by half.
Using this spell in the presence of intelligent serpent creatures usually enrages them, or at least reduces their chances of befriending and aiding the shukenja.
The material component is a shed snake skin.
Notes: Common for oriental priests; otherwise, very rare.
Sources: Priest's Spell Compendium