Lightning Rod

(See also: Lightning Rod - Polyhedron (Wizard Spell))

Available to: Guild, Watch

This spell forces magical lightning to a specific spot determined by the caster. When cast, the wizard chooses a metal object to become the lightning rod (a sword, a lamppost, or a gold piece). The focal point of the spell cannot be alive or heavier than 100 pounds. When any ranged electrical attacks occur within 150' of a lightning rod, the energy is redirected and absorbed into it, negating the attack and destroying the object (if someone is in contact with the lightning rod, that person receives the full damage of the attack). Unless the lightning rod is struck by a Lightning Bolt or a Lightning Bug spell (or other magical electricity), its magic lasts for up to 48 hours.

This spell was developed by a watch-wizard to minimize random property damage when the watch (or anyone) battled a mage in the streets.

This spell was refined to limit lightning bolts and similar energies, as they are a standard attack spell. Many watch-wizards cast this spell on metal rods, tossing them clear when anticipating spell battles. One unscrupulous former mage was sentenced to Undermountain for casting this spell on a ring and selling the "magical lightning-enhancer ring" to a fellow guild member (when the wearer cast his lightning bolt, it centered on the ring, killing the mage with his own spell).