Dwarkanath's Limitator
(Alteration, Enchantment)

Range:  0
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  Until dispelled
Casting Time:  1 turn
Area of Effect:  The caster
Saving Throw:  None

Dwarkanath's limitator is a highly atypical spell for magic-users as it causes the spell caster to function as a lower level wizard. All magical abilities are affected by this spell: number of spells usable, effectiveness of spells cast, and so forth. Non-magical skills and abilities such as weapon or non-weapon proficiencies, languages spoken and combat abilities are not affected by Dwarkanath's limitator.
After the spell is cast, the character immediately begins to function as a lower level spellcaster. All spells previously memorised are not lost, but become inaccessible (except as noted below). For example, if a 10th-level wizard casts this spell to effectively become a 4th-level wizard, he does not forget his 4th- and 5th-level spells, nor the extra 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-level spells memorised. At the time of casting, the character must announce which spells he is retaining for use and which are being made inaccessible.
In order for the wizard to regain his former abilities, the material component (a diamond of at least 2,000 gp in worth) must be crushed. The diamond need not be in possession of the caster during the course of the spell, but this is generally recommended.
During the course of the spell, experience points are accumulated normally. But, the wizard has the option of applying them to his effective level instead of his true level (this must be determined at the time of casting the spell - it cannot be changed mid-stream). If the caster's effective level experience points match or exceed the actual level, Dwarkanath's limitator will automatically terminate.
Dwarkanath's limitator has one side effect: If the caster is under the effect of a polymorph self before casting the spell, it will last until the termination of Dwarkanath's limitator. This can be useful when the magic-user is disguising himself as a lower level character.
The true level of the caster cannot be determined via determine prowess (q.v.) or through any divination magic of less than fourth level. Dispel magic will not reverse the effects of Dwarkanath's limitator, but may cancel the effects of any polymorph self in effect. Restoration has a 3% chance per level of the priest of terminating Dwarkanath's limitator. Also, wish can restore the character's actual level, but not a limited wish. A limited wish can be used, however, to cause the caster to accumulate experience points against the current level if such was not the case originally.

