Spelltouch

(See also: Spelltouch)

This spell, cast on a nonliving item, allows another spell (priestly or wizardly magic of third level or less) cast on it in the following round to remain dormant until the item touches a target creature. The caster of the spelltouch can specify what race and sex, or type (undead, summoned, living, avian, etc.) of creature will trigger or be affected by the second spell. The second spell (which need not be known to or be castable by the caster of the spelltouch) is unleashed by contact between the item and the triggering creature but need not be a spell that affects only that creature.

For example, a gem set into a throne could unleash a fireball spell when triggered by the touch of a guard. ("A living human male" or "female" can be specified, but not "a wizard" or "the king.")

The caster of a spelltouch can (during casting) specify a single type of being as immune to the spell, as well as specifying what sort of being will trigger the spell. An immune being in the unleashed spell's area of effect gains a +4 bonus to any saving throws. If the enchanted item is touched by an immune being, either the second spell is not triggered by that touch, or the being escapes all harm from the spell (whichever is specified by the spell touch-caster).

The material components of this spell are a pinch of powdered gemstone (of any type and value) and a pinch of the ash left by any fire created or augmented by a spell, combined with a drop of water and touched to the item during the casting.