The most powerful spell I ever concocted, eh? Well, that’d be the “Maelstrom of the Underforge.” Took me years to perfect it. It’s not just some flashy light show; it’s a spell that channels the raw fury and heat of the earth’s core. Imagine a swirling vortex of fire and molten rock, with the power to reshape the very ground you stand on.
Now, the time I used it? Bah, that was a mess. There was this arrogant necromancer, thought he could just waltz into the Duskwood and raise an army of the undead. Dumbass didn’t know what he was messing with. I had to stop him, but his undead horde was vast, and my usual tricks were just a drop in the bucket.
So, I decided it was time to unleash the Maelstrom. I stood there, in the midst of a sea of shambling corpses, and began the incantation. The earth trembled, the air sizzled, and then all hell broke loose. The ground split open, spewing forth a whirlwind of fire and molten rock. It engulfed the undead, turning them to ash and bone. The necromancer? He didn’t stand a chance. Got swallowed up by the earth itself.
The aftermath was… intense. Half the forest was scorched, and the ground was forever scarred. But the undead were gone, and that necromancer’s reign of terror was over. Some called me a hero; others called me a menace. Me? I just did what needed to be done.
Don’t go thinking this spell is something to play with. It’s dangerous, and not something I’m keen on using again. But sometimes, you’ve got to fight fire with a bloody inferno.
Maelstrom of the Underforge
9th-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 150 feet
Components: V, S, M (a fragment of obsidian from the heart of a volcano, consumed by the spell)
Duration: Instantaneous
You call forth the fiery power of the earth’s core, creating a cataclysmic vortex of molten rock and flame. Each creature in a 40-foot-radius, 20-foot-high cylinder centered on a point within range must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 10d10 fire damage and 10d10 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The ground in the area becomes rough terrain and is permanently scorched, emitting heat and light like a bonfire for the next hour.
Additional Effects:
- If any undead are in the area, they have disadvantage on the saving throw.
- Structures in the area take double damage from the spell.
- The spell can melt solid rock or metal in the area, turning it into a molten state.
Maelstrom of the Underforge (SWADE)
Rank: Legendary
Power Points: 10
Range: 24″ (48 squares)
Duration: Instant
Requirements: Arcane Background (Magic), Seasoned Rank, Knowledge (Arcana) d10+
Description: This ancient and powerful spell summons the raw fury of the earth’s core, unleashing a devastating maelstrom of fire and molten rock.
Casting: The caster makes a Spellcasting roll. If successful, the spell creates a massive vortex of fire and molten rock within a Large Burst Template centered on a point within range. The caster must maintain concentration while casting the spell; any interruptions may lead to catastrophic consequences.
Effects:
- Damage: The spell deals 4d10 damage (half fire, half physical) to everything within the burst template. Armor is halved against this damage due to the intense heat and force of the maelstrom.
- Destruction: The spell can destroy structures and significantly alter the landscape within the area of effect. The GM should describe these effects based on the narrative and the level of success on the Spellcasting roll.
- Undead Vulnerability: Undead creatures within the area suffer a -2 penalty to Toughness when resisting the damage from this spell.
- Backlash: On a critical failure, the caster suffers a backlash from the unleashed energies, receiving 2d10 damage and potentially causing a disaster in the area (at GM’s discretion).
Notes: Due to its destructive nature and legendary power, this spell is rare and should be used with caution. It is typically only known by the most powerful and experienced wizards. The GM should consider the implications of allowing such a powerful spell in their campaign.