Roleplayer #4, February 1987
New Necromantic Spell
Here is another spell that was omitted from GURPS Fantasy
due to lack of space. This is a powerful spell. It is suggested that GMs
not just add this to the list of available spells. Instead, PCs should hear
rumors of its existence . . . but to actually learn the spell, an arduous
quest should be required. And they will be opposed by foes who know the
spell, and can use it to predict their movements . . .
Summon Shade (VH) . . . . . Information; Resisted by IQ
This spell summons a "shade" of the subject from the future,
to answer the caster's questions. The shade will not lie (except on a critical
failure) but it will be disoriented; therefore, its answers may be unclear
and imprecise. One question may be asked for each minute the spell continues.
Use of this spell will lead to paradoxes, which must be accepted as they
occur. It may be that the shade does not come from a certain future,
but merely the most likely one. Therefore, this spell may be an unsatisfactory
augury.
Example: One might summon the shade of Tobias from three years hence, ask
him what he had for dinner last night. The shade simply came from a different
future. Of course, the shade might also reply, "I have not eaten for
three years, for your hirelings slew me as I slept."
At the time from which the shade is drawn, the subject will have a vivid
dream in which he will see his quesioner(s) and remember all that is said.
Thus, you always know if you have been interrogated by this spell -- if
you live long enough and the event comes true.
If the spell fails, teh caster andhis assistants may not attempt to summon
any shade of that same person for a year.
Skill modifiers: -1 for each year in the future from which the shade is
drawn; -5 if the subject is not present, or -10 if not even tokens (clothing,
hair clippings, etc.) are present; -10 if the subject's full name is not
known.
Duration: 1 minute.
Cost: 50 to cast; 20 to maintain.
Time to cast: 10 minutes before the shade appears. One try per
subject preson per year.
Prerequisite: Summon Spirit.
Item: Staff, wand, or jewelry; does not automatically
let wearer cast spell, but gives a +2 to his skill roll. Energy cost to
create: 800.
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