Commune with Greater Spirit

This spell is identical to the 5th - Level shukenja spell of the same name, and similar to the commune with lesser spirit spell. The point of difference is that any type of spirit, including divine powers, can be contacted by this spell.

A typical greater spirit is the spirit of a mountain or a river. To contact the spirit, the wu jen must know its identity (which can be obtained through a trance spell) and the caster must be within 10 feet of the area where the spirit is found.

Once the spirit is contacted, the wu jen can ask one question per experience level of the caster. Questions must be specific and clearly worded, and are limited to yes or no answers (although "maybe" and "1 don't know" are also acceptable replies).

The spirit answers questions literally and does not volunteer any information. The answers are always correct If the answer is known. Good spirits attempt to be as helpful as possible within the limits of the question, neutral spirits answer in riddling or roundabout ways, and evil spirits always try to distort the answer based on the wording of the question.

The spirit can answer only those questions concerning the immediate area it affects. Questions beyond the scope of the spirit are wasted. Thus, the spirit of a great tree in the village could not answer questions about events outside the village, and a ghost haunting a temple could not discuss events not related to the temple or its reasons for haunting it. The DM decides if a question is within the realm of the spirit.

The DM can limit the use of this spell to once a week (or even less) for any particular spirit, since they do not care to be disturbed by the trifling affairs of the material world.

The material component for this spell is an offering of appropriate type and value to the spirit contacted.

Notes: Common in oriental settings; otherwise very rare.