Bigby's Strangulation
(Evocation)

Range:  5 yards per level
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  1 round per level
Casting Time:  6
Area of Effect:  One creature
Saving Throw:  Special

Bigby's strangulation creates a pair of disembodied hands sized for the victim (up to 1 foot tall per level of the wizard). These hands materialise around the victim's throat and commence strangulation. The victim suffers 1 point of damage the first round, and each round thereafter, sustains double the last round's damage.
Saving throws: a saving throw is permitted at the beginning of the attack, and if successful, the spell is ruined. Each round after the first, a saving throw for half damage (for that round) is permitted, as the victim is struggling to keep his windpipe open. Needless to say, the victim may engage in no other activity.
The hands cannot be attacked physically, but a successful Dispel Magic, a wand of negation, a hungry disenchanter, etc. will destroy them. The material component is a pair of gloves made from the skin of a constricting snake, such as a python or boa constrictor. Upon casting, the gloves vanish (and are worn by the strangling hands). Once the spell is cast, the wizard need not maintain concentration for it to work.

