Nightscar

Pages From the Mages Version

This spell allows the caster to place a magical mark upon another object or individual. The mark can be seen only by the caster and up to seven other chosen individuals. It remains for the duration of the spell regardless of the marked individual or object changing its shape, using illusion to mask its presence, or becoming invisible. The caster sees the new form (or does not see the invisible individual, in this case), but still sees the mark.

The mark can be placed from a distance on any visible surface of the flesh or the object. It emits a glow visible to the caster (and his servants) in the dark. The recipient can be unaware that the caster has placed the mark but is allowed a saving throw. A successful saving throw vs. spell indicates that the individual is not marked by the nightscar.

In addition to the caster, up to seven others can see the nightscar on its target. These individuals are usually in contact with the caster at the time of the casting. Alternately, the caster can hold up to seven gems, stones, or seeds in his hand. Each of these seeds, given to an individual, allows that individual to see the nightscar on the target.

Once placed, the scar cannot be detected by magic but it can be seen by a detect invisibility spell. A true seeing or similar magic would miss the scar, as it is not really there. The mark fades upon the duration of the spell elapsing, and a dispel magic or remove curse destroys the nightscar as well.

This spell is often used in cities to keep track of thieves and other individuals for later contact and/or arrest. It is particularly useful in trailing individuals who can change their shape or appearance. Nightscar is believed to have been originally developed to track lycanthropes in their human form.

Wizard's Spell Compendium Version

This spell allows the caster to place a magical mark upon another object or individual. The mark can be seen only by the caster and up to seven other chosen individuals. It remains for the duration of the spell despite the marked individual or object changing its shape, using illusion to mask its presence, or becoming invisible. The caster sees the new form (or does not see the invisible individual, in this case), but still sees the mark.

The mark can be placed from a distance on any visible surface of the flesh or the object. It emits a glow visible to the caster and the chosen individuals in the dark. The recipient can be unaware that the caster has placed the mark but is allowed a saving throw. A successful saving throw vs. spell indicates that the individual is not marked by the nightscar.

Besides the caster, up to seven others can see the nightscar on its target. These individuals are usually in contact with the caster at the time of the casting. Alternately, the caster can hold up to seven gems, stones, or seeds in his hand. Each of these seeds, given to an individual, allows that individual to see the nightscar on the target.

Once placed, the scar cannot be detected by magic but it can be seen by a detect invisibility or true seeing spell. The mark fades when the spell duration ends, and a dispel magic or remove curse destroys the nightscar as well. This spell is often used in cities to keep track of thieves and other individuals for later contact and/or arrest. It is particularly useful in trailing individuals who can change their shape or appearance. Nightscar is believed to have been originally developed to track lycanthropes in their human form.