Akadi's Vortex (Priest Spell)

## Faiths & Avatars Version

This spell is exactly like the *winds of Akadi* spell in effect except that the lightning that issues forth from the cloud behaves like that produced by the 6th-level wizard spell *chain lightning*. A *chain lightning* stroke inflicts 1d6 points of damage per level of the caster to a maximum of 12d6 points and loses one die of damage each time it arcs to a new target. The cloud issues forth *chain lightning* on the third round after it is created, the sixth round, and the ninth round. On the tenth round, the spell expires abruptly in a normal *lightning bolt* (1d6 points of damage per level of the caster to a maximum of 10d6 points).

## Priest's Spell Compendium

This spell is similar to the winds of Akadi spell, except it emits chain lightning every third round as the 6th level wizard spell. A 30-foot-diameter Akadi's Vortex sphere of whirling air comes into existence at a point indicated by the caster. Creatures in the area of effect, or entering while the spell is in effect, must make a successful saving throw vs. spell or suffer 1d4 points of damage from the winds.

Every third round (3rd, 6th, and 9th). the cloud releases one chain lightning bolt in a manner and at a target selected by the caster. While directing the initial strike of the bolt, the priest loses his or her normal action for the round.

The chain lightning stroke inflicts 1d6 points of damage per level of the caster to a maximum of 12d6 points. The bolt initially inflicts 1d6 points of damage per level of the caster, to a maximum of 12d6 (half damage if the object or creature rolls a successful saving throw vs. spell). After the first strike, the light­ning arcs to the next nearest object or creature. Each jump reduces the strength of the lightning by 1d6. Each creature or magical object hit receives a saving throw vs. spell. Success on this save indicates the creature suffers only half damage from the bolt.

The lightning can strike as many times (includ­ing the First object or creature) as the spellcaster has levels, although each creature or object can be struck only once. Thus, a bolt cast by a 12th level wizard strikes up to 12 times, causing less damage with each strike. The bolt continues to arc until it has struck the appropriate number of objects or creatures, until it strikes an object that grounds it (interconnecting iron bars of a large cell or cage, a large pool of liquid, etc.), or until there are no more objects or creatures to strike.

Direction is not a consideration when plotting chain lightning arcs. Distance is a factor – an arc cannot exceed 40 yards, plus 5 yards per caster level. If the only possible arc is greater than the this, the stroke fades into nothingness. Creatures immune to electrical attack can be struck, though no damage is taken. It is possible for the chain to arc back to the caster!

Affected creatures are allowed a saving throw vs. spell for half damage. Creatures within the cloud in a round when lightning is projected make their saving throws with a -4 penalty.

On the tenth round, the spell expires abruptly in a normal lightning bolt (1d6 points of damage per level of the caster to a maximum of 10d6 points. save vs. spell for half damage).

**Notes:** Granted by the elven air god Akadi.