Almost Vancian

One of the typical elements of old school games, especially clones or evolutions of the original D&D, are magic rules where wizards memorize spells and when they cast their magic they unmemorize them, the Cast & Forget magic system.

In this article we will present some magic objects that will allow to experiment  with variations of the magic system without changing the rules of the game, in fact as it seems obvious magic objects can always be destroyed or stolen where deemed unsuitable.

If you want to make the changes more structural, the objects can be transformed into objects that every wizard can create with a certain ease, in this case it is suggested to transform each object presented into an object magically "linked" to the wizard and that can be created by learning a specific first level spell (like the Find Familiar spell).

Such 1st level spell will require the expenditure of at least 1000 gold pieces in magical and precious materials, a casting time of at least a week and the sacrifice of at least one attribute point (strength, constitution or dexterity) that cannot be recovered until the object is destroyed, when the bound object is destroyed the wizard must make a saving throw vs. death or lose that point permanently; in any case upon the destruction of the object the wizard loses consciousness for 1d20 turns.

	Hat of Memorization With this magic item, the wizard can attempt to memorize spells without having a spellbook. To do so, follow the normal rules for memorization, but make a saving throw vs. spell (modified by your intelligence bonus and with a penalty equal to the spell's level) to see if memorization occurs or if you lose the memorization slot until your next rest period.  Note: This item is not particularly powerful, and some OSR games, such as the Basic Fantasy Role Playing game, allow memorization without a spellbook as an optional rule. Note: you can make the memorization automatic.
Librarian's Ring This ring allows the wizard to improvise a spell as long as it is a known spell. In order to activate the ring's power, the wizard must consume a memorized spell of a level equal to or higher than the one he wishes to cast; he will then make a saving throw vs. spell (modified by the intelligence bonus and with a penalty equal to the spell's level); if the saving throw succeeds, the wizard can cast the desired spell; if the saving throw fails, the wizard will cast a random spell from those known of the intended level.  Note: the need to use a memorized spell and the risk of not controlling one's magic make this possibility a resource that is not particularly abusive.
	Staff of Concentration This powerful magical staff allows you to make the most of your magic, when the wizard decides to use the power of the staff he can cast a spell without losing its memorization, the wizard must however make a saving throw vs. spell (modified by the intelligence bonus and with a penalty equal to the level of the spell) or faint for 2d6 turns. Once used, the staff becomes unusable until the wizard meditates on it for at least 3 turns.  Note: of the objects presented this is probably the most powerful and in fact it is potentially the riskiest as well as not being usable continuously.

Note: this article was presented in Italian on this blog here: https://d20d12.blogspot.com/2013/03/vanciano-ma-non-troppo.html

Specialization spell for before 1st era games

Art by Luigi Castellani from the "Spears of  the Dawn" free art pack

The rule in brief: with this rule every spell-caster can specialize in a particular type of magic, when they specialize they will learn a "specialization" spell for each spell level they can use, such a spell when cast will let the caster choose a specific effect between a short list of spells (5 for each level usually) at the moment of casting.

This article is a modification of the Instant Spell Recall a spontaneous magic option for Vancian OSR systems rules. By changing a few assumption it catch 2 birds with one stone. In fact it represent specialization and it gives mage spontaneous magic in the framework of Vancian magic (cast and forget). Furthermore such a specialization can be also be seen as pact magic, as the spell can be easily represented as a special kind of magic that can be learned only if the spell-caster makes a pact with supernatural entity (gods, daeva, demons, faeries, dragon, immortal, aliens or whoever is able to give spell knowledge).

The spell for each level are are very similar to the ones presented in the previous article with the presence of a 1st level spell that let the spell-caster chose between 5 cantrips/orison (0th level spells)

Specialist Spontaneous Spell 0 - cantrip (1st level spell) Conjuration/Summoning

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: V, S + spell components

Description: When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 0th level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

Specialist Spontaneous Spell I - 1st level (2nd level spell) Conjuration/Summoning

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: V, S + spell components

When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 1st level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

...

Specialist Spontaneous Spell VIII - 8th level (9th level spell) Conjuration/Summoning

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1+spell casting time
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: V, S + spell components

Description: When the spell-caster cast this spell she is able to cast a single spell from a list of 5 (five) 8th level spells, the list is defined by the mage specialization.

Once a specialization is chosen it's the same for each spell level (the Game Master can opt for multiple specialization but this should be unusual and with some restriction). Furthermore the GM can decide that such a specialization is at the cost of prohibited spells/schools or (for pact magic) at the cost of specific geas/quest.

let's see how two list of common specialization spells would look.

Spell  Level	Black Mage	White Mage
1'	Obscure Poison: Makes poison detectable only if the caster of the detect poison can make an Int roll. Inflict Minor Wounds: Touch attack, 1 point of damage. Un-Light: dispel a Light cantrip Breaking: Makes minor damage on an object. Putrify Food and Drink: Putrifies 1 cu. ft./level of food or water.	Cure Minor Wounds: Cures 1 point of damage. Detect Poison: Detects poison in one creature or object. Guidance: +1 on one skill check. Light: Object shines like a torch. Purify Food and Drink: Purifies 1 cu. ft. of food or water. Resistance: Subject gains +1 on saving throws.
2'	Bane: Enemies take -1 on attack rolls and saves against fear. Cause Fear: One creature of 5 HD or less flees for 1d4 rounds. Command: One subject obeys selected command for 1 round. Curse Water M: Makes unholy water. Hide from Undead: Undead can’t perceive one subject/level.	Bless Water M: Makes holy water. Cure Light Wounds: Cures 1d8 damage +1/level (max +5). Divine Favor: You gain +1 per three levels on attack and damage rolls. Protection from Evil: +2 to AC and saves, counter mind control, hedge out elementals and outsiders. Shield of Faith: Aura grants +2 or higher deflection bonus.
3'	Death Knell: Kills dying creature; you gain 1d8 temporary hp, +2 to Str, and +1 level. Desecrate M: Fills area with negative energy, making undead stronger. Enthrall: Captivates all within 100 ft. + 10 ft./level. Hold Person: Paralyzes one humanoid for 1 round/level. Undetectable Alignment: Conceals alignment for 24 hours.	Delay Poison: Stops poison from harming subject for 1 hour/level. Gentle Repose: Preserves one corpse. Remove Paralysis: Frees one or more creatures from paralysis or slow effect. Restoration, Lesser: Dispels magical ability penalty or repairs 1d4 ability damage. Zone of Truth: Subjects within range cannot lie.
4'	Animate Dead M: Creates undead skeletons and zombies. Bestow Curse: -6 to an ability score; -4 on attack rolls, saves, and checks; or 50% chance of losing each action. Blindness/Deafness: Makes subject blinded or deafened. Contagion: Infects subject with chosen disease. Speak with Dead: Corpse answers one question/two levels.	Cure Serious Wounds: Cures 3d8 damage +1/level (max +15). Daylight: 60-ft. radius of bright light. Remove Blindness/Deafness: Cures normal or magical conditions. Remove Curse: Frees object or person from curse. Remove Disease: Cures all diseases affecting subject.
5'	Death Ward: Grants immunity to death spells and negative energy effects. Giant Vermin: Turns centipedes, scorpions, or spiders into giant vermin. Planar Ally, Lesser X: Exchange services with a 6 HD extraplanar creature. Poison: Touch deals 1d10 Con damage, repeats in 1 min. Repel Vermin: Insects, spiders, and other vermin stay 10 ft. away.	Discern Lies: Reveals deliberate falsehoods. Dismissal: Forces a creature to return to native plane. Divination M: Provides useful advice for specific proposed actions. Neutralize Poison: Immunizes subject against poison, detoxifies venom in or on subject. Restoration M: Restores level and ability score drains.
6'	Command, Greater: As command, but affects one subject/level. Insect Plague: Locust swarms attack creatures. Slay Living: Touch attack kills subject.. Symbol of Pain M: Triggered rune wracks nearby creatures with pain. Unhallow M: Designates location as unholy.	Atonement F X: Removes burden of misdeeds from subject. Break Enchantment: Frees subjects from enchantments, alterations, curses, and petrification. Hallow M: Designates location as holy. Raise Dead M: Restores life to subject who died as long as one day/level ago. True Seeing M: Lets you see all things as they really are.
7'	Create Undead: Create ghouls, ghasts, mummies, or mohrgs. Geas/Quest: As lesser geas, plus it affects any creature. Harm: Deals 10 points/level damage to target. Planar Ally X: As lesser planar ally, but up to 12 HD. Symbol of Fear M: Triggered rune panics nearby creatures.	Banishment: Banishes 2 HD/level of extraplanar creatures. Forbiddance M: Blocks planar travel, damages creatures of different alignment. Heal: Cures 10 points/level of damage, all diseases and mental conditions. Heroes’ Feast: Food for one creature/level cures and grants combat bonuses. Undeath to Death M: Destroys 1d4 HD/level undead (max 20d4).
8'	Blasphemy: Kills, paralyzes, weakens, or dazes nonevil subjects. Destruction F: Kills subject and destroys remains. Symbol of Stunning M: Triggered rune stuns nearby creatures. Symbol of Weakness M: Triggered rune weakens nearby creatures. Word of Chaos: Kills, confuses, stuns, or deafens nonchaotic subjects.	Dictum: Kills, paralyzes, slows, or deafens nonlawful subjects. Holy Word: Kills, paralyzes, blinds, or deafens nongood subjects. Regenerate: Subject’s severed limbs grow back, cures 4d8 damage +1/level (max +35). Restoration, Greater X: As restoration, plus restores all levels and ability scores. Resurrection M: Fully restore dead subject.
9th	Cloak of Chaos F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against lawful spells. Create Greater Undead M: Create shadows, wraiths, spectres, or devourers. Symbol of Death M: Triggered rune slays nearby creatures. Symbol of Insanity M: Triggered rune renders nearby creatures insane. Unholy Aura F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against good spells.	Antimagic Field: Negates magic within 10 ft. Cure Critical Wounds, Mass: Cures 4d8 damage +1/level for many creatures. Dimensional Lock: Teleportation and interplanar travel blocked for one day/level. Holy Aura F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against evil spells. Shield of Law F: +4 to AC, +4 resistance, and SR 25 against chaotic spells.

Inner book a repertoire of spells for old school spell-users

Art by Earl Geier
from Scarlet Heroes free Art Pack

The Inner Book is a small list of spell that the spell-user can memorize even without a physical copy of her spell-books, it is a spell book existing in the spell-user mind, a sort of specialized form of photographic memory.

Use of the Inner Book
The spell impressed in the Inner Book can be memorized as if the mage had a spell book, the time to memorize a spell is double the normal time of memorization.

Max number of spell in the Inner Book
The number of spell that can be impressed in the Inner book is 5 plus Intelligence bonus (Or half Intelligence value rounded down).

Cost of impressing a spell in the Inner Book
The cost to impress a spell in the Inner Book is 100 gp per level of spell and the use of the same spell from memory, the procedure will take 1 day per level of spell.

Cost of erasing a spell in the Inner Book
To free space on the book the cost is much higher, to erase a spell the mage need 1 week per level of spell to be erased plus 1000 gp per level of spell.

Problems from having spells in the Inner Book
To have even a single spell in the Inner Book means that the character is obviously a spell-user, he will have magical markings moving on his skin, an eerie demeanor and a general -2 to reactions from mundane people.

This article give a way to create a repertoire of spell that can be used for the polyspells presented here: Polyspell an option for spontaneous casting, a middle step between classic vancian and sorcery

Furthermore this article works well with the Recharging Spells a Vancian optional system for AD&D and OSR

Recharging Spells a Vancian optional system for AD&D and OSR

Art by Luigi Castellani from the "Spears of  the Dawn" free art pack

This article presents a variant magic system for Old School systems that use fire and forget (or vancian) magic. 

It is a streamlined version of the italian article "Memorizzare, Caricare e Lanciare incantesimi" (which is full of options built on this same rule).

In this system the mage don't lose memory of the spell when cast but only lose the magic energy charged in the spell, memorization works as usual (15'xlevel of spell to be memorized after a night sleep) but we will call it spell locking, casting spells works as usual, the big difference is in charging spells (spell caster have 30 points/day that can be used to charge spells), charging take about 1'xlevel of spell and can be done after a turn or more is gone without spell casting.

The system in a nutshell

1) Spell Locking
2) Spell Charging
3) Spell Casting


1) Spell Locking

In this system memorization is permanent (spell locking) until the spells memorized are changed with a new memorization. Spell locking follows the usual rules for memorization: the mage must be rested, needs his books, needs about 15'xlevel of spell to lock a single spell. 
Optionally it could be wise to enforce the rule of bulky and expensive books, so that the mage has to get back at his tower/library to change spells.
Notice that a spell must be "locked" multiple times to allow multiple casting during a single battle.


2) Spell Charging

After spells have been locked in the spell-caster mind they must be charged. 
Spell casters have 30 "Charge Points" each day (they regain them after a full night of sleep).
To charge a spell the magic user need to concentrate for 1 minute per spell level (so if you want to charge 3 first level spells you need 3 minutes, 3 3rd level spells you need 9 minutes, 2 1st and 2 2nd need 6 minutes). Spell charging can happen only after 1 turn has elapsed from the last spell casting (Optionally the lag can be upped to 1 turn per level of the highest spell used).


3) Spell Casting

Charged spell can be cast as for normal rules (the only difference is that only the charge will be lost, the locked spell will remain ready to be charged again).

Designer Notes

This system introduce a big change in the economy of spells while keeping the system almost identical during combat.
The idea is also to give a little more power to low level spell caster (since they will be able to use more spells during the day), while keeping high level spell caster in check but more "adventurous".

Notice that if a spell caster want to be able to cast 2 times the same spell in the same battle he have to "lock" it 2 times, just as before when a magic user that wanted to be able to cast 2 lightning bolt needed to memorize it 2 times.

I chose 30 "charge points" considering that in 1st edition a magic user could memorize up to 8-12 hours (32-48 spell levels), from this I considered a number that was level independent.

Obviously you can change this number to better suit your campaign and fine tune the level of magic.

Nature of AD&D magic (1st edition love)

This little essay was one of the many post I did on "rec.games.frp.dnd, sometimes I just remember I wrote something and go hunting for it... this one I published in 1996 it was 2nd edition era, but the difference between 1st and 2nd edition magic whre really minimal. here the original article: https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rec.games.frp.dnd/PqqV57ID-NQ/kIME8HZmeAQJ

The article was written in character as something a mage of AD&D would write to explain things to his pupils

From the viewpoint of a mage

-- What is memorization
memorization is the ability to give magical energy a shape and to lock
such energy to our aura arcana

-- What happen when you cast a spell
when you go trought the right ritual of casting (V,S,M) you release
such energy which make the spell happen

-- Why we need spellbooks
unfortunately, the ability to shape energy was not meant for mortal to
fully understand so we must resort to our book which we write after
long hour of study, trough such study we understand how to make
symbols that when reviwed start in our inner self a chain reaction
which shape the magical energy and lock it to our aura arcana.
to make thing worse such symbols are different for each mage, indeed I
must still find the book of another mage which I can read w/out 'read
magic'. I think that this is due to different emotional and
intellectual response to different symbols, so each one of us have a
different way to reach the same result.
(( In brief for each spell each mage write his personal symbolism that
when studied in the morning, activate his uncoscious ability to
understand and shape magical energy and to lock to his arcane aura,
sort of a machine language for the brain ))

-- Why we can memorize more spell when we grow in power
This is because we became more intimate with our aura arcana which
seem to get larger in response to our delving deeper in the secrets of
magic

-- Why we must rest before being able to memorize again
This is because when we cast a spell our aura arcana get disturbed and
till it go back to undisturbed you cannot lock any more spell, as
proved from experience the aura arcana get back to undisturbed state
after 8 hours from your last casting, but only if you sleeped (indeed
it seem you must dream to get rid of the final disturbance created by
casting)

hope this was of some use to you, incidentally all this teory is just
to give a rationale to the rules about magic as are in PHB and DMG.
So what do you think, how you rationalize this, (and if you don't care
ok fine for me)
have fun
fabio

Continually spell slot recharging and sorcery for all

Rule

Spell-casters recharge spell slot as follows:
1) must be awake
2) must not be tired
3) 1 level of spell slot each 2 turns (20 minutes)
4) must be recovered first lower level spell slots then higher level ones 
5) while recovering spell slots spellcasters are more easily surprised (-2 on surprise rolls)
6) if a spell is cast spell recovery is interrupted
7) no more than 30 spell slot level day

Note: in effect all spell caster function as D&D 3.x sorcerer with the added benefit of recharging continually (but this is an hindrance at higher levels), and the possibility to change ready spell (but this take longer than before). The number and levels of spell in a caster Spell Progression no more represent the spell a caster can cast in a single day but the maximum number of charged spell slot that the spell caster can have at any given moment. 

The number of ready spell is equal to the number of spells in the Spell Progression +2 for each level (a 1st level magic user in AD&D 1st edition can have 3 1st level spell ready, and 1 spell charge, at 3rd level it will have ready 4 1st and 3 2nd level spell and it will have 2 1st and 1 2nd level charge).

To change ready spell the spell caster need 1h*spell level with his book or in sacred place (if of divine nature) plus 10gp*spell level in ingredients, without his book it must engage in spell research or study under a mentor (that can also be a monster or extraplanar creature) in this case the time grows steeply:

• book/sacred place: 1h*level + 10gp*level of spell to ready
• mentor: 1day*level+100gp*level of spell to ready + service to be contracted with the mentor
• research/meditation: 1week*level+1000gp*level of spell to ready

Examples

1) Toran a 5th level Spellsword can charge up to 
2 slot of 1st level, 2 of 2nd and 1 of 3rd.

In a tough encounter with a band of ogres Toran cast a Lightning Bolt and a Magic Missile discharging a 3rd level slot and a 1st level one. After 20' the 1st level slot will be fully recharged, after another 60' also the the 3rd level slot will be recharged. But while recharging Toran will be -2 on surprise rolls, and if after the first 40' (he recharged fully the 1st level slot, but the 3rd level one is still recharging) he need to cast Invisibility he will need to start recharging from 0 and after 40' will recharge the 2nd level slot and will need other 60' to recharge the 3rd level slot

2) Eward a 14th level Archmage can charge up to 
4 slot of  1st, 4 of 2nd, 4 of 3rd, 4 of 4th, 3 of 5th and 3 of 6th.

His tower sieged by powerful forces Eward must use all his magical power during the 1st wave of attacks, now he will slowly but continually recharge his spell slot but first he will recharge his lower level slots. After 2h he will have recharged 4 1st level slot and 1 2nd level slot. To fully recharge all his spell slot (since slot will recharge only while the mage is awake and not tired) he will need 146 turns or 24 hours and 20 minutes about 3 days without casting any spell (and he cannot recharge more than 30 level each day, so since the total of spell slot is 73 levels he needs more than 2 days to fully recharge).

Designer's Notes

This simple rule changes a fundamental assumption in the ACKS magical system (but also of the D&D 5th edition system and of the sorcerer spell system of D&D 3.x and Pathfinder) that spell-caster recover all their spell slot in the morning after one night of rest (and about one hour of meditation).

This assumption is derivative from 3rd edition D&D, in fact in 2nd edition spell caster needed to impress spell in their memory taking 10' for each spell level (and in 1st edition the time was 15' for each spell level as it is also in OSRIC and Adventures Dark and Deep). The strange thing is that this assumption makes things harder for lower level spell-caster and give way too much power to high level spell caster.

In ACKS a 1st level arcane spell-caster has 1 level of spell/day and at the 14th level arcane spell-caster 73 level of spell/day (divine spell caster are not so far off and the numbers are not so different also in D&D 5th edition or for sorcerers in D&D/d20 system like 3.x sorcerer or Pathfinder sorcerer) this means that we have a gigantic difference in raw power from 1st to 14th level, no other classes see such a difference in raw power.

Introducing this rule we have that magical capacity of recovery is constant during the day and independent from caster level with, at least, the following beneficial effects:

1. spell caster will never be short of low level spells (a problem that in later edition of the game was resolved giving at will powers to caster and in previous edition with cantrips); 
2. high level spell caster to get fully recharged need more than one day w/out spell casting (as in older edition) as you can see in our 2nd example where the Archmage Eward ned almost 3 day to get fully recharged;

I decided for 20' (or 2 turns) because in ACKS you roll for wandering monsters each 2 turns.

Trance/Meditation (ACKS)
To modify the Trance/Meditation Proficiency is a necessary rule change with the rule presented: While in a meditation spell caster recharge 1 level of spell slot each turn. The mage can use meditation up to a number of hours equal to the maximum level of spell he can use.

Wizard Spell Recovery (D&D 5th)
Wizard can keep this edge since it can be used a limited number of times each day.

NOTE: for the italian version of this one go here: Ricarica Magica Continua

New spells for the OSRic 1st edition game

Ashes Spellbook by fdasuarez

Sometimes a wizard can't go in lenghty rituals, maybe he can just make a short gesture or utter a single word.... it's in this conundrums that this rare "power" spells can save the wizard both life and books.

Power word, Spell (9th level)

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: V

Description: When the wizard cast this powerful spell the effect is to cast another memorized spell of 1st trough 6th level without any other components (up to 100 gp material components or focus) beyond the V components of this spell. The spell cast is not forgotten because the power to cast it come from this power word which is normally forgotten.

Power sign, Spell (9th level)

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: S

Description: When the wizard cast this powerful spell the effect is to cast another memorized spell of 1st trough 6th level without any other components (up to 100 gp material components or focus) beyond the S components of this spell. The spell cast is not forgotten because the power to cast it come from this power sign which is normally forgotten.

Lesser Power word, Spell (6th level)

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: V

Description: When the wizard cast this powerful spell the effect is to cast another memorized spell of 1st trough 3rd level without any other components (up to 100 gp material components or focus) beyond the V components of this spell. The spell cast is not forgotten because the power to cast it come from this power word which is normally forgotten.

Lesser Power sign, Spell (6th level)

Duration: Istantaneous	Casting Time: 1
Saving Throw: none	Area of Effect: self
Range: self	Components: S

Description: When the wizard cast this powerful spell the effect is to can cast another memorized spell of 1st trough 3rd level without any other components (up to 100 gp material components or focus) beyond the S components of this spell. The spell cast is not forgotten because the power to cast it come from this power sign which is normally forgotten.

This spells were my own creation and were published, in a slightly different form, for the first time on rec.games.frp.dnd about 20 years ago.

Teleport Cowards a new OSR instant adventure spell

The "Teleport Cowards" or "CowardPort" spell is considered a chaotic and criminal spell in almost all known kingdoms. This 4th level spell is a powerful yet seldom cast arcane spell. It is a last resort spell since using it means to lose all equipment and treasure because the spell will teleport only the subjects without even their clothes, in fact teleported subjects will switch clothes (or armor) with innocent and unsuspecting people present within 1 mile of the target destination, the spell will switch with people of the same height, weight and general frame of the teleported subjects.

For example Zaran the Wizard and his one eyed accomplice the fighter Yongar found themselves cornered deep in a dungeon. They block the door of the room in which they barely managed to escape and Zaran with tears in his eyes tell Yongar that they must leave all their ill-gotten belonging here to save their lives, Yongar give a sad nod and put his hand on the shoulder of Zaran (not new to this mean of escape) and waits. Zaran take a dried tongue from his component sack and cast the arcane formula targetting the sprawling metropolis of Creontia (where they have several hideouts and contacts).... ZAP .... after a moment Yongar found himself walking a young lady all dressed in white toward a priest and Zaran is the market square with an unknow person yelling in his face.... at the same moment two puzzled persons find themselves dressed in wizard robe and warrior armor in an unknown room.....

This nefarious spell is notorious to have trasported group of happy city dwellers in the most dangerous part of dungeons or other unsafe place sometimes while under siege of powerful or numerous monsters.


Teleport Cowards
Arcane Transmutation/Alteration

Level:  Magic user 4th
Range:  Touch
Duration:  Instantaneous
Area of Effect: Caster + another M sized creature each 3 levels
Components: V, S, M (the tongue of a dead because sentenced to death liar, perjurer or vow-breaker)
Casting Time: 3 segments
Saving Throw: None (see below)

The Teleport Cowards spell instantly transports you to a designated destination, which may be as distant as 100 miles per caster level. Interplanar travel is not possible, and at the same times transports the same number type and size of creatures to your standing location. You cannot bring along objects, in fact you will also switch clothes (the incoming character will be equipped with your clothes, weapons, armor while you will be equipped with their clothes, weapons and whatever). You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as four Medium creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you. You and other willing target don't make a saving throw BUT who is to be transported in your location make a Saving Throw to evade the spell. The spell work only if the exact number of creature of the specified size will fail the ST (if there are more creature of that size the spell has greater chance of success, see table below).

The GameMaster will decide who will switch place with the characters, thus the GameMaster can use this spell to let a new party start an adventure in the middle of nowhere (or in the deep of a dungeon) with some equipment and treasure (if he want, the caster and his party of cut-throats could hide equipment and treasure before teleporting). Notice also that the caster and his companion will appear in the clothes and equipment of the switched creatures.

Population density	All teleported	Mage and half teleported*	Mage only**	Mishap***
Very high (metropolis)	01–97	98–99	100	—
high (city)	01–94	95–97	98–99	100
average (small town)	01–88	89–94	95–98	99–100
sparse (hamlet)	01–76	77–88	89–96	97–100
deserted (wild area)	—	—	81–92	93–100

* The caster and half of the other creature (nearest to caster) are teleported
** Only the caster is teleported
*** each of the intended target take 1d6 damage per caster level