Backlash

(See also: Backlash (Athas))

By means of this special curse, a wizard can make another spellcaster's magic backfire. The victim can avoid the backlash effect when it is initially cast by making a successful saving throw vs. spell. If the saving throw is failed, there is no immediate result, except that a faint magical trace of the casting can be detected.

The backlash is triggered by one of three events, regardless of the distance or time from the placement of the backlash spell: * The victim employs an offensive spell that fails because the target creature made its saving throw; * The victim casts an offensive spell that is somehow interrupted or ruined; or * The victim uses an offensive spell against a creature that is immune to it.

The backlash causes the offensive spell to work with full effect upon the caster, disregarding all saving throws or immunities the caster might have. A backlash works only once. If a caster is subject to more than one backlash spell, only one takes effect at a time.

The spell has no effect upon nonspellcasters, on natural spell-like powers, or on magical devices. It can be removed only by a remove curse or stronger spell; the dispel magic spell or its equivalent is ineffective.

Notes: Common for drow; otherwise very rare. Known to be in The Shadowtome.