DM Post: New Spell: Spell Toughness

Spell Toughness

New Spell.

Abjuration

ARTIFACT SPELL

Level: Arcane 3 and Divine 3

Components: V, DF

Casting Time: 1 swift action

Range: Long (400 ft + 40 ft/level)

Target: One willing creature or unattended object

Duration: 1 day/level; see text

Saving Throw: None

Spell Resistance: No

               You imbue the target with a number of temporary hit points equal to the number of spells you have available to cast, not counting artifact spells, black scroll spells, or epic spells. The target loses 1 temporary hit point per spell level every time you cast a spell, and fully renews these temporary hit points each time you regain your spells for the day. If the number of current temporary hit points bestowed by this spell ever drops to 0, the spell ends.

               Zero-level spells are not powerful enough to fuel this spell, and are not counted in your number of spells available to cast.

Rules for artifact spells (from Secrets of Xen'drik):

Anyone capable of casting a spell of the proper level and type (arcane or divine) can learn to cast an artifact spell. However, though artifact spells must be studied like any other, they are too complex and difficult to fully comprehend, and so they cannot be added to a caster’s normal repertoire. Those who study one of these spells gain the ability to prepare or spontaneously cast the spell only once.

A  spellcaster  must  study  the appropriate runes and formulas for 1d4 hours and succeed on a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + twice the spell’s level) in order to comprehend an artifact spell. A failed check can be repeated in 24 hours. A character cannot take 10 on this check.

Once an artifact spell has been learned, a character can cast the spell once during the next year. If it is not cast within one year, the spell fades and is lost. A character who prepares spells can prepare an artifact spell in an appropriate slot. If the artifact spell is not cast (if its spell slot is used for some other purpose, for example), it can be prepared again at a later date within the year.

A  character  who  casts  spells spontaneously can simply cast the artifact spell using a spell slot of the appropriate level. Because an artifact spell is learned only temporarily, it does not replace one of a spontaneous caster’s known spells.

Artifact spells never have a material component or an arcane focus, though divine artifact spells might have a divine focus. An artifact spell can’t be modified by any metamagic feat or effect. An artifact spell cannot be made into a potion, scroll, or other magic item.

A caster cannot possess the ability to cast a given artifact spell more than once, although once cast (or if lost after a year has passed), the spell can be renewed if the ancient source is studied again. Artifact spells are always scribed on some large, immovable object, such as an immense stone wall, or inscribed on the facets of a towering crystal pillar. As such, they cannot be transported, and are far too complex to translate into written form or copy as rubbings. Those wishing to learn an artifact spell must travel to its ancient site and learn from the source.