Depth Perception

This spell allows a caster who does not possess normal depth perception to view his surroundings as if his vision included such a function. (The reasons for such a deficiency may vary, but almost always involves vision in only one eye.) When cast, the spell creates a complex illusion that effectively “doubles” all the caster sees, providing him with three-dimensional vision instead of the depthless surface of his usual vision. As the caster directs his visual interests, the illusion moves to double the scenery, never becoming blurred or wavering enough for the caster to notice. While in effect, the spell negates any penalties the caster usually suffers due to a lack of depth perception (e.g., penalties to attacks, targeting, judging distance, catching thrown objects, etc.).

This spell does not convey peripheral vision to the caster. If the caster has the use of only one eye, the spell does not give sight to the blind or missing eye. Thus, peripheral vision on that side of the caster's head is still absent. Likewise, if the caster is completely blind, the spell will not impart the ability to see; the caster must have some visual capabilities already.

If a caster with functional depth perception uses this spell, he becomes dizzy and his vision is blurred; any attacks are at -4 (the caster's penalty becomes a bonus for the object's saving throw in the case of magical attack) due to the illusory image the spell superimposes over his normal vision.

In any case, only the caster sees the illusory surroundings, for it actually occurs within his visual organs. As such, the spell cannot be disbelieved by others, or even detected without the aid of magic. Otherwise, the spell remains in effect until the duration expires (regardless of the caster's wishes), the caster dies, or a successful dispel magic is cast, after which time the caster's vision returns to normal.

The material components are a pair of intact eyeballs, both from the same creature, which must be of the caster's race. Note that a mixed-race caster (e.g., a half-elf) can select eyeballs from either parent race or from his own “mixed” race.

(It should be noted that this spell's inclusion in the Variorum is a bit of a mystery. At first glance, one can see the logic in its inclusion — after all, history suggests that Vecna lost an eye in his battle with Kas, and thus, the spell would be most useful to the lich. Still, history also states that Vecna perished in that battle, which would preclude his creation of the spell. This point has caused much debate among scholars, and some have questioned whether or not the Variorum is even Vecna's work. Other sages believe the spell was developed by a later owner of the tome, an owner whose magical script was identical to Vecna's. And still other educated individuals suggest that Vecna looked into the future and saw the loss of his eye — thus inspiring him to create the spell — but did not see his own death in the process.)