Triad Gem
- SchoolAlteration, Metamagic
- ComponentsV, S, M
- RangeTouch
- Area1 specially enchanted ruby
- Casting time1 turn
- DurationSpecial
- SaveNone
This spell is used to store other spells in a specially prepared gemstone spell matrix. The spell-caster casts triad gem on a ruby, and in the turn immediately following, personally casts any three other spells of his or her choosing directly into the gems. Normal casting times, material components, and the like apply; obviously the caster must possess these magics, be able to cast them, and have them already memorized, and their combined casting times cannot exceed one turn.
A triad gem begins to evaporate after three days, silently and without spell effects occurring, losing one (randomly selected) spell on the fourth day and each day thereafter, until it vanishes on the sixth day. Any being can call forth the magics before they fade away, either by breaking the gem (this can occur unintentionally) or by holding it and uttering a secret word (set by the caster during the casting of the triad gem spell). Only the caster can control the spells issuing from the gem; otherwise, they erupt wildly, visiting their effects on random targets and areas.
If controlled by the caster, the spell take place either all at once, or in a succession chosen by the caster, one per round for three rounds. The caster decides the order of release at the time the spells are unleashed. The caster need only designate targets or precise effects by an instant of silent concentration (and thus, can wield the stored spells while bound, fighting, feigning slumber, or otherwise mentally or physically preoccupied).
The material component is a ruby of any size worth at least 500 gp, upon which the caster has cast either an enchant an item or an eternal flame spell. This requirement for the gem cannot by eliminated by any means, including spells or items engineered to allow the casting of other spells with no material component.
Notes: Known to Sammaster of the Forgotten Realms. Uncommon for incanttrixes and members of the Cult of the Dragon; otherwise very rare. (For the curious, the eternal flame spell is detailed in #9535 Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, and missed the Compendium's by a matter of months.)
Sources: Wizard's Spell Compendium