Presper's Moonbow

This spell can be cast only at night when the moon is visible in the sky. Creating the moonbow causes 1-4 small glowing motes of light to collect and spin around the caster, resembling dancing lights in appearance. The number of moon motes appearing is random (1d4).

On each of the following rounds, the caster can direct any or all of the motes to attack a specific creature within range. The motes pursue the creature at a movement rate of 27 and will follow around corners and obstacles. The motes are not confused by illusions or invisibility. They strike as the caster with +3 bonus to hit. Should they hit, they discharge an electrical bolt. Should they miss, they flicker out without inflicting further damage.

The damage inflicted by a moon mote is determined by the number of other motes that were created:

: 1 Mote — 4-24 points damage : 2 Motes — 3-18 points each : 3 Motes — 2-12 points each : 4 Motes — 2-8 points each.

There is no saving throw vs. the electrical damage; a mote must hit in order to inflict damage. No less than one mote and no more than all motes can attack per round. Any remaining motes hang spinning around the spellcaster until they are sent off. The spellcaster can move or cast other spells in addition to firing off a moon mote in the same turn. The casting time of all spells and the weapon speeds of any attacks made by the mage are increased by 2 if any moon motes are sent off that round. It is possible for a caster to summon, through several moonbow spells, a constellation of moon motes orbiting about him.

If a round passes where no moon motes are shot off at targets, all moon motes (in orbit around the caster or in flight) wink out, even if they have been created by different spells. Similarly, if the caster is slain, rendered unconscious, or unable to mentally direct the moon motes, the moon motes wink out of existence.

The moon motes can be physically attacked. They have an Armor Class of -6. If struck they immediately discharge and inflict their damage to all targets within 10 feet. If the moon motes are struck by a lightning bolt they will discharge as well, inflicting their damage to all within 10 feet. A mage with a herd of moon motes around him could meet a quick end in this fashion, as unused moon motes will always be within 10 feet of the caster.

The material components for this spell are a wisp of cobweb, an amber rod, and a scrap of fur.