Sunwarp

This complex spell multiplies an image selected by the caster until it fills the area of effect, creating an impressive illusion. For example, one camel becomes a herd. Twelve desert riders become an army. The chosen image repeats itself across a blurred, wavering field, which appears to be distorted by natural heat shimmer. The illusion is equally convincing when viewed from the rear or the front.

When casting this spell, the wizard must first view the image he intends to multiply through a small quartz crystal. Next, the wizard designates one object within the image-a bridle, for example, or a warrior's dagger-as the focal point of the illusion. The wizard must have touched that item personally, though it's not part of the actual spellcasting. The focal point anchors the illusion. It is the foremost point, and the area immediately around it is the clearest image within the illusion. (The focal point is not destroyed by the casting.) When the focal point moves, the illusion follows; when the focal point halts, the illusion halts, too.

For example, imagine that 10 warriors are attempting to look like a hundred (with a wizard's help). One warrior's dagger is the focal point; he rides slightly ahead of his companions. If he falls, and they keep riding, suddenly nine warriors will emerge in front of a shimmering image-an image of one man down, repeated to look like nearly a hundred men down. If, however, one of the other warriors picks up the dagger and takes the dead man's place, the illusion moves onward, more or less intact. Like a natural mirage, the sunwarp is derived from wavering heat. The spell draws warmth from the desert and sends it skyward, creating a stiff, hot breeze immediately behind the sheet. The sheet is hot enough to terrify a camel ridden through it, but it does no harm to combustibles or creatures. Moving through the sheet does not destroy it, nor does combat within it. Only dispel magic, dispel mirage, or the destruction of the focal point can bring down the illusion before it expires-unless the caster himself chooses to end it. He does not have to concentrate to maintain it. Even if he dies, the illusion survives him (until is destroyed or its duration has ended).

The material component of this spell, a small quartz crystal, is consumed by the casting.