Vampire Mist
- SchoolConjuration, Alchemy
- ComponentsV, S
- RangeSpecial
- Area6-ft. diameter cloud
- Casting time4
- Duration1 rd. /level.
- SaveSpecial
With this spell, the wizard causes a pale cloud of chilling vapor to form at any desired spot within a 30-foot radius. The vapor billows, shifts, and appears almost sentient, even though it is not truly alive. It moves at a rate of 30 feet per round, seeking out and enveloping the nearest life form within reach of its gaseous tendrils (possibly attacking the spellcaster if he does not take precautions). Once the spell is cast, the wizard does not need to concentrate upon the magic in order for its effects to persist.
The vapor can flow over 10-foot high walls and can seep through even the smallest openings and cracks. It cannot pass through airtight barriers (such as a wall of force or a hermetically sealed door), nor can the mist move across an area of fire. The gas avoids open flames, so a character could conceivably keep the vapor at bay with a torch.
The mist drains blood from any creature caught within its area of effect, inflicting 1d8 points of damage per round. The enveloped creature must make a saving throw vs. death magic during the first round of damage or else fall down incapacitated, unable to leave the gaseous cloud without help. As the vampire mist feeds, it runs dull red and can drain up to 48 points of damage before being completely satiated (i.e., inactive) for the remainder of the spell duration. A creature does not need to breathe the vapors in order for their effects to work.
The mist cannot harm an individual protected by an antimagic shell, and a gust of wind repels the vapor without dispersing it. Violent winds (such as those created by an air elemental) completely obliterate this gaseous horror, as do extremely hot fires (such as those created by a fireball or flame strike). Vampire mist does not harm fire-based creatures, undead, or monsters from a plane other than the Prime Material. When the duration of the spell expires, the cloud simply thins into nothingness.
Notes: Very rare spell. Known to be in the Cryptikronos (the Book of Horror). (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)
Sources: Dragon Magazine · Wizard's Spell Compendium