Alter Climate (Priest Spell)

The alter climate spell allows a to priest subtly affect the pattern of weather over a large area for a long period of time. During the preparation time, the priest must travel in the 40 square miles to be affected, spending at least four hours each day for a minimum of 30 days studying the local weather and experiencing the land's bounty and hardships. Once cast, the spell's duration is equal to five times the number of days the priest spent study­ing the area.
If the spell is cast to improve the weather, nor­mally scant rainfall is supplemented mildly, and the severity of winds and storms are reduced for the duration of the spell. Existing croplands in the area of effect provide an abundant harvest, and most likely a surplus the locals can sell. Other existing plants are also fruitful, but alter climate does not by itself create new plant life. If cast in conjunction with a prolific vegetation spell, any barren land (stony barrens, sandy wastes, and so on) grows grass and scrubs (much like scrub plain terrain) after 10 days and for the duration of the spell. The accelerated rainfall levels are very gradual and are spread over the duration of the spell – there is no flash flooding or excessive erosion.
If the caster worsens the weather, rainfall is cut to drought levels and the severity of sand and wind storms increases. Crops in the affected area fail, leaving the fields dried and nearly ruined. Other vegetation may also be destroyed, depending on the terrain. Areas of scrub plain become sandy wastes after 30 days, and the land does not naturally recover its scrub covering if the spell lasts more than 300 days. Areas of forest become sandy wastes after 600 days, and the land does not naturally recover its trees or other plant life if the spell lasts more than 1,500 days. Magical vegetation is unaffected.
In either case, the spell's effect on the weather is not immediately apparent. A casual observer may never realize what is happening until half a year or more has passed.
The material components area specimens of every type of weather common to the area – a cup of rainwater, a handful of windblown sand, and a piece of tree or rock split by lightning. The priest must collect these during the time of preparatory study.
Notes: Granted to air and water elementals, common.
Category:Psionic Enchancements
Category:Priest Spells
Category:Psionic Enchancements from Dragon Kings
Category:Spells from Dragon Kings
Category:Spells from Priest's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells