Shadow Burst

(See also: Shadow Bolt (Wizard Spell))

This spell creates a burst of gray, shadowy force that leaps from the caster directly toward a target creature. If the creature is within range, visible and in a direct line from the caster as casting is completed, then it hits; if not, then the burst is wasted. (Another creature blundering into the spell's path might suffer the spell's effects instead; the burst vanishes after it strikes a living creature.)

Any living creature struck by a shadow burst must make a successful saving throw vs. spell. Success means the creature takes only 1d4 points of damage. Failure means the creature suffers 1d6 points of damage, plus 1 point per level of the caster; further, until the end of the round after the burst hits, the creature is wracked by pain, suffering a -1 penalty to attack rolls, Armor Class, saving throws, and ability checks.