Web of Shadows (Wizard Spell)

This spell fills an area with shadowy gray strands of force, resembling a giant spider web. The strands are not solid, and need not be an­chored to anything. Once created, they are sta­tionary, and can be destroyed or moved only by spells; gusts of wind (even magical ones) and physical attacks do not affect them.
A creature in the area in which a web of shad­ows is forming is allowed a saving throw to get out. If successful, the creature takes only 1d4 points of chill damage, and escapes the web. Failure means the creature suffers full contact ef­fects. The caster is immune to the effects of his own web.
Contact with a web of shadows causes a crea­ture to be slowed (as the 3rd-level wizard spell) while in the web, and for the rest of any round in which it leaves.
In each round in which contact with the web occurs, a creature is chilled, taking 2d4+1 points of damage and losing 1 Strength point (lost Strength points return 2d4 rounds after leaving the web). A creature losing all its strength col­lapses helplessly, losing consciousness: if this occurs before it reaches zero hit points, the web stops draining it at that point.
If a spark, fire spell, or open flame of any sort comes into contact with a web of shadows, it does not harm the web-but does race all over it: The entire web blazes for 1d4 rounds before the fire vanishes. During this time, all creatures in con­tact with the web take 2d4 points of fire damage per round (save throw vs. breath weapon for half). This damage is in addition to the web's usual chilling damage, which is not impaired.
A web of shadows vanishes at the death, un­consciousness, or deliberate will of the caster (who need not concentrate, remain present or re­frain from spellcasting to maintain it). Its mater­ial component is a piece of spider web, collected in shadow or darkness.
Notes: Restricted to drow, common.
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Wizard's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells