Date: Mon, 4 Mar 1996 15:53:32 -0500 From: Brian PotterTo: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [MAGIC]warding spells
I've meant to post this for some time, just never got around to it. This is another essay from my campaign world on the subject of magic and how it works. This one pertains specifically to warding spells, and what can or cannot be warded.
The storage of spells in fields of static power linked to inanimate objects, for later release upon fulfillment of some simple requirement (often called warding) has been practiced for centuries by several prominene mages. Recently, an ambassador from King Alasdair of the Northwood presented to the Council of Queen Andalys of Shonin an extended account of how one might perform this warding.
I have studied wards for several years now, and have noted certain properties of both academic and practical importance. Specifically, I believe I understand quite well the limitations of wards in the respect of the types of spells that can and cannot be placed in them. Herein I describe my observations and conclusions.
My examination began with a collection of random attempts to ward spells. I noted that some wards would form - indeed, any spell will form a ward - but when triggered, the ward itself appeared without any manifestation of the warded spell. Through induction, I found that
These observations were made while a variety of detection spells were in use. For those instances where the ward failed, a release of magical energy was detected throughout the potential sphere of influence. In other words, if a spell could normally have a range of 100' then when it failed to manifest, there was a sensible release of magical energy throughout a 100' radius sphere.
Consultation with myself and colleagues quickly produced a theory explaining this. The theory has not yet failed to describe accurately the success or failure of a warded spell.
The spell (meaning henceforth the spell stored in the ward) is effectively cast by the ward. The ward, being without any senses except those required to detect the release condition, cannot locate beings, think, etc. It has no mental faculties. Hence, when it is triggered it cannot concentrate, aim, learn, or do anything with the powers granted by a "self" spell. In these instances the ward simply releases the stored magical energy throughout the potential sphere of influence.
Spells with nontouch range must have all of the pertinent targeting information (range, direction, effect orientation, etc.) specified when the ward is cast or else they, too, simply release their power uniformly and without effect.
P.S. - The specification of range, etc for targeting must all be relative to the ward itself. In other words, "100' north" will not work, but "100' farther down the hall" will, for a ward set across a corridor. This becomes particularly important with some spells, and is rather inconsequential for others.