Odeen's Magic Cloud

This spell causes a small cloud to appear within range of the spellcaster. The wizard decides at the time of casting what type of cloud appears. The caster can freely move the cloud at a rate of 15 by concentrating on it. Otherwise, the cloud remains in place so long as the wizard pays it nominal attention. If the caster's full attention is diverted, the cloud drifts with the breeze until the caster brings it back under control. The wizard can dismiss the cloud at will. The types of clouds include:

Misty Cloud. This thick, vaporous cloud can be centered on the face of a creature, so as to move with it. The cloud prevents both normal vision and infravision. The cloud can protect the subject from a gaze attack or hinder an opponent's vision (it has no effect on a beholder's eye-beams).

Storm Cloud. Thick, dark, and billowy, this cloud can produce rain and lightning at the wizard's option. One small lightning bolt can be generated each round if the wizard concentrates. It can strike one creature below or inside the cloud for 1d6 points of damage. A successful saving throw vs. spell negates the damage completely.

Rainbow Cloud. This thin, magical cloud displays a rainbow when light shines through it. Its chief purpose is to impress viewers; using this form doubles the spell duration.

Other types of clouds are rumored to have been developed by other wizards.

The material components vary with cloud type. All require a ball of cotton. The misty cloud requires a ball of wool. The storm cloud requires a black, sulphurous powder. The rain-how cloud requires three hairs from a horse's tail, one dyed in each of the primary colors.

Notes: Very rare spell. Known to be in The Spells of Odeen. (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)