Spellshield
(Abjuration)

Range:  0
Components:  S
Duration:  Special
Casting Time:  0
Area of Effect:  Special
Saving Throw:  None

Spellshield is a very special type of spell. It consists of but a single gesture, performed with both hands as if spreading something upon the space before the caster. A curtain of light follows the movement, then remains for a moment. Spellshield does not have to be declared at the end of the round; it can be done at any time. If the caster has not yet performed his action for the round, spellshield takes precedence. If he has, he is given a -5 penalty on initiative for the next round. If he is in the middle of casting another spell at the moment he wishes to use spellshield, the other spell is broken and lost. The effects of spellshield are as follows: it will block any other magic with a directed effect which can be intercepted with the shield. In other words, a spellshield could be used to stop a lightning bolt, a magic missile, or a ray of enfeeblement. It would not stop a fireball (unless the fireball was aimed directly at the caster) or a colour spray, since these are not purely directed attacks (i.e., they don't have a line-effect). Spellshield can be declared even after the spell to be blocked goes off; in other words, the DM says: "the wizard casts a lightning bolt and strikes Syzygy...", and at this point the wizard Syzygy can say: "I'll block it with a spellshield". Waiting until damage is rolled is not allowed, but this is a DM call; if the DM said, "the wizard strikes Syzygy with a lightning bolt for 43 points of damage", Syzygy wouldn't have much choice. The caster must see the enemy spellcaster at the moment of casting; one cannot block a magic missile from behind with a spellshield. The shield may be spread only in front of the caster, and will not intercept spells aimed at anyone besides the caster himself. Both hands must be used, and nothing may be held in either hand. The shield grants a +2 on saving throws versus gaze attacks for the time it is present (roughly 6 seconds) due to the slight haze of light.

