Searing Serpent (Wizard Spell)

Use of this spell conjures a serpent composed of writhing flame from the Elemental Plane of Fire. The serpent appears anywhere within the spell's range. It can be moved at a rate of 15 if concentration is maintained and the serpent re­mains within the spell's range. The serpent strikes using the caster's THAC0 causing 1d8 points of fire damage per successful strike. The serpent also sets fire to flammable items that its body contacts (wooden floor, bed, carpets, etc.), requiring a saving throw vs. normal fire for every round of contact. For every additional round after the first that an item is fully exposed to the serpent's flame, a -1 penalty is applied to the save, to a maximum of-3.
Items on a target, such as clothing, are also required to make an item saving throw. This spell cannot be cast underwater. It is easily ex­tinguished by as little as a quart of water (a suc­cessful attack must be made against the serpent, using the wizard's Armor Class, for the water to extinguish the serpent).
Notes: Rare for conjurers and fire mages; otherwise, very rare. (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)
Category:Wizard Spells
Category:Spells from Wizard's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells