Vylja's Storm Shape
(Alteration)(Combat, Weather)

Range:  0
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  3 rounds per level
Casting Time:  1 round
Area of Effect:  The caster
Saving Throw:  Special

This spell transforms the caster's body into one that has the height (26 feet) and Strength (24) of a storm giant. The caster's face will also change somewhat, so that only creatures well known to the priest will recognize him in his new shape. Other creatures will likely consider him a true giant, although real giants and Titans are never fooled by the spell. Note however that the priest skin colour will not change in the least: a dark elf in storm shape still appears as black as the night.
The advantages of the spell are solely on the physical level: his skin turns as hard as that of a real Storm Giant, granting him an Armour Class of 0 (Dexterity, defensive spells, and armour of storm giant size can improve this Armour Class further); his Strength becomes 24, granting him a +6 bonus on his to-hit rolls and 12 points of additional damage on each physical attack (open doors checks will succeed on rolls of 19 or less (17 for magical doors); bend bars and lift gates checks have a 95% chance of success). The priest also gains 1d6+1 HP for as long as the spell lasts. Finally, the priest can also understand and speak the tongue of storm giants.
Vylja's storm shape also has some major disadvantages: as long as the priest assumes this shape, he can only cast spells of up to and including fifth level. Exceptions to this rule are granted powers (including spells), innate abilities (like the spells drow can cast), and of course spells that are stored in items. The second disadvantage is that only the caster's non-magic items will partake in the transformation, effectively rendering most of his magic items absolutely useless for the duration of the spell. Magic rings, cloaks, gauntlets, boots, necklaces, bracers, armour (and other pieces of clothing) have to be removed prior to the casting of this spell or they will be utterly destroyed.
The spell normally lasts for 3 rounds per level of the caster. However, the caster can at any time decide to change back to his natural shape (note that this change is definitive - no shape swapping is possible). The caster regains 1d10 points of damage when he does so. If a successful dispel magic forces the caster to transform back to his normal shape, he does not gain these hit points. Should the priest die while in storm shape, he is instantly transformed to his normal form.
The priest needs his holy symbol to cast this spell.

