Web of Lightning

This 8th-level wizard spell causes the simultaneous discharge of six lightning bolts. Identical in properties to those bolts created by a lightning bolt spell, these bolts inflict 7d6 points of damage each and manifest in one or two ways.

Starburst: This is widely used on battlefields: a starburst of six bolts radiating out from a single point visualized or chosen directly by the caster, who need not see its location. Four bolts spring out in the cardinal directions (forming an equal-armed cross), and two additional bolts leap out in two of the diagonals, in quadrants chosen by the caster.

Web: The other manifestation of the spell is a ricocheting web within a 60-foot-diameter sphere. The sphere can be altered to fill a 30-by 30-foot room or smaller area, but not increased in volume. Compressing it does not affect damage or other spell properties. This effect is often fit into a single doorway, with the bolts leaping from the frame as an intruder steps through.

In either manifestation, target beings must make saving throws individually against all six bolts. They save against fewer bolts if the path of a bolt leaves them out of harm's way, as in most uses of the starburst.

The material components of this spell are four lodestones or a bit of fur, and a small, smooth rod of amber, crystal, or glass.