Lessen Gravity

By use of this spell, the caster can reduce gravity to one quarter of its normal pull in a given area. A 3rd level caster can affect a 10 x 10-foot area; an additional 10x10 square can be affected for each two levels of the caster above third (two squares at 5th level, three at 7th level, etc.). A zone of reduced gravity 60 feet high is created. This spell is useful primarily in arcane researches, where a reduction of gravity might enhance certain alchemical processes or reagents.

Birds and other flying creatures may have trouble compensating for the effects of the spell because their wings will push them higher than normal. Those using such spells as fly or levitate cannot move faster in the area, though they can carry more weight. Missiles fired through the area are unaffected; their inertia maintains their normal speed and height. A missile fired or thrown within the area, however, can travel much higher. Lessen gravity does not lend itself to permanency.

Consecutive castings of the spell are cumulative in effect. Beings unused to lower gravity are somewhat disoriented in the spell's area of effect, suffering a penalty of +2 to initiative and -1 to attack rolls in combat. In an area under the cumulative effects of two lessen gravity spells, penalties are +4 to initiative and -1 to attack rolls.

An area affected by three or more such spells is basically a weightless environment (1.5% normal gravity), and penalties are +6 to initiative and -2 to attack rolls for those unused to this effect.

Note: Further optional information on weightlessness can be found on page 14 of the Concordance of Arcane Space, in the Spelljammer® campaign set.

Notes: Very rare spell from the Forgotten Realms setting. Known to be in Darsson's Notes.