Oath (Priest Spell)

By means of the oath spell, the shukenja can attempt to force some deed or behavior upon an unwilling creature in return for some consideration from the shukenja (typically sparing its life). The creature must be able to understand the speech of the shukenja for the spell to have effect. The oath must be limited to actions that can be accom­plished by the natural abilities of the creature and cannot directly cause harm to the creature or another. Thus, a shukenja could demand that a highwayman swear never to rob again, that an evil monster return to those deserted lands from which it came, or that a lord never overtax his peasants again. He could not demand that a monster commit suicide or force a samurai to attack an encamp­ment of dangerous monsters. The DM must decide if any given oath is beyond the restrictions given. The subject is allowed a saving throw vs. spell to avoid the effects of the spell. However, if the sub­ject has been subdued in combat, the saving throw is made with a -2 penalty.
Once the spell is in effect, both sides have free will to abide by the conditions of the oath. If the shukenja (or any accompanying him) break the oath, the subject creature is instantly freed of it. (Whoever broke the oath suffers a loss of honor, too.) However, a subject who attempts to break the conditions of the oath is struck by wracking pains, causing the loss of 1 hit point per round until the creature relents or dies. An oath can be removed by the reverse of this spell, unbend, or by use of an atonement. A dispel magic spell cannot remove its effects.
The material component for both forms is the shukenja's holy symbol.
Notes: Common for oriental priests; otherwise, very rare.
Category:Priest Spells
Category:Spells from Priest's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells