Spider Shape - Drow
- SchoolAlteration
- ComponentsV, S
- RangeTouch
- AreaCreature touched
- Casting time4
- Duration4d4 rds. +2 rds./level
- SaveNeg.
This spell allows the caster to confer a specialized arachnid form (such as any of the spiders found in the Monstrous Compendium Tome). An unwilling subject receives a saving throw vs. spell with a +2 bonus. If the saving throw is successful, the spell is broken, and the victim avoids its effects. Beings newly assuming spider form require 1 to 2 rounds (determine randomly, by odd/even die roll) to become aware of their newly gained abilities, and to learn how to make the arachnid body respond. During this time, they are motionless and vulnerable. The spell recipient commands all the normal abilities of the spider form. This extends (even if a real spider of the same sort doesn't have these powers) to the ability to spider climb (as the 1st-level spell) and the power to move along or through natural or magical webs without being slowed down or becoming stuck. The being in spider shape can also leap if a real spider of the same form usually can, and bite for the same damage. Poison effects are not gained. Web-spinning abilities aren't gained, but even if a real spider of the same form can't spin webs, a being in spider shape can cast one web spell (as the 2nd-level wizard spell, but with no material component required). Unless the form chosen is too small, a being in spider shape can also carry burdens of up to 600 pounds, including riders, without being torn off walls or ceilings by the weight. The change to spider shape neither heals existing damage nor causes harm; any armor worn is hurled away by the spell. The recipient is trapped in spider form until touched by the caster, or until the spell expires; the caster can resume his own form at will, ending the spell. A slain being automatically reverts to his normal form.
No system shock rolls are required for transformation to or from spider shape, and beings in spider shape are highly resistant (+4 to all saving throws) to hostile polymorph spells and magical effects.
Notes: Uncommon for drow; otherwise, very
Sources: Wizard's Spell Compendium