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WizardLv. 4

Sinuous Horrors

This spell transforms each of the wizard's arms into a writhing, hissing serpent that can strike at any opponent within reach. Each snakelike tentacle can attack once per round as a monster with as many Hit Dice as the wizard has levels of experience.

The snakes each inflict 1d3 points of damage with their fangs, and there is a 3% chance per level of the spellcaster that the serpents are poisonous to humanoid creatures. Anyone bitten by a venomous snake must make a saving throw vs. poison at -2 or go into violent convulsions for a number of rounds equal to the caster's level. A convulsing creature suffers 1 point of damage per round and is incapable of any action. The wizard cannot cast this spell while holding any object or while wearing anything on his hands (such as rings or gloves). Similarly, the wizard cannot grasp anything while transformed, nor can he cast spells with somatic components. A snake charm can pacify the tentacles for 1d4+1 rounds if the wizard fails a saving throw vs. spell. Note that the sinuous horrors cannot be compelled to attack their host, and that they remain in effect until the expiration of the spell, regardless of the wizard's desire.

Notes: Very rare spell, known mostly to necromancers. Optionally, may be uncommon for wizards from savage settings. Known to be in the Cryptichronos, aka Book of Horrors (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)

Sources: Dragon Magazine · Wizard's Spell Compendium

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