Garinthrall's Hideous Leech
(Conjuration/Summoning)

Range:  150 yards
Components:  V, S, M
Duration:  Special
Casting Time:  2
Area of Effect:  One creature
Saving Throw:  Negates

This is a variant of Melf's acid arrow. Unless otherwise noted, this spell mimics many of the properties of Melf's acid arrow (q.v.).
When this spell is cast, a small black sphere a few inches across appears in the wizard's hand. The wizard then proceeds to hurl this sphere at the target of the spell. If it does not strike the target or is not thrown immediately after its creation the sphere fades into nothingness.
If it hits successfully, on the spot which the sphere struck appears a huge, black, shiny leech-like creature which bites into the target and begins to drink the target's blood. This leech can even bite into creatures hit only by +1 or better magical weapons. The creature cannot be removed by anything short of a dispel magic or the wizard's own hand until it has had its fill of the target's blood and is sated, at which time the creature falls to the ground. The number of rounds this takes and the damage inflicted due to the blood drain are as per Melf's acid arrow.
The creature's bite carries an anaesthesia which makes the target oblivious to its presence if it is struck by surprise. The target will, however, notice that it is growing progressively weaker and may make a Wisdom check every round to spot the creature.
As previously mentioned, when the creature is satiated (or if the wizard removes it before this occurs), it will fall from its target where it may be collected later by the wizard. The creature will survive for up to one hour after being removed from the target during which time it retains its immunity to all attacks save dispel magic and the wizard's hand. After one hour it will dissolve into a small puddle of blood. Before the end of this hour, the wizard may force the leech to dissolve itself at any time or alternately bleed it slowly if he has a dagger or similar weapon on hand (again, only a weapon wielded by the wizard will be effective against this creature). The blood may be collected in whatever receptacle the wizard has available, for later use in poisons, potions, other spells, sympathetic magics, etc.
If the target of the leech is not a creature of flesh and blood that would be harmed by the leech's blood drain, then the bite of the leech will inflict only 1d4 points of damage before the leech falls off the target.
Although it should be obvious, it is worthy of note that this spell does not damage the target's items as it does not shower the target in acid as does Melf's acid arrow. Also, note the shorter range of this spell.
The material component for this spell is a leech which has fed upon the wizard's own blood and has afterwards been lanced with a hot needle and killed.

