Illus. by M. Nelson
MAGIC OF WAR
CHAPTER 6
the illusion of up to four Medium creatures in each of the 10-foot cubes of the spell’s effect. This illusion can make a unit appear more numerous than it actually is, which might in turn have an impact on morale checks. A major image provides enough illusory sensory information that it can seem to be a troop of its own. The troop appears to be four Medium creatures, plus four additional creatures per caster level. While the illusion cannot fight effectively, the perception of a charging foe might trick the enemy into making a tactical blunder.
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TERRAIN ALTERATION
Many spells allow a caster to shape the battlefield itself, changing terrain, creating terrain features, or creating the illusion of such changes. The various wall spells are perfect examples, but many other spells can be used in this way. The move earth spell can be used to create or destroy most earthwork features, such as berms, ramparts, or slopes (see Terrain, beginning on page 28), as well as dig a string of foxholes or a moat or trench up to 10 feet deep with a single casting. A number of spells can be used to make terrain more difficult to cross. A simple grease spell on a drawbridge can make storming a keep a treacherous endeavor. Entangle significantly hampers movement in a large area. In rocky
terrain, transmute rock to mud can create a large mud-filled trench. Web can effectively block narrow valleys or tunnels. The effect of spike stones is even better than light undergrowth, since it not only slows movement but might also damage or even kill oncoming troops. Spike growth can be used to create spikes in the midst of an abatis (see page 34) in addition to the spell’s normal effects. Animate plants or animate objects can also be used on an abatis. In addition to its overgrowth application, plant growth can be used to create light or heavy undergrowth (same area as the overgrowth version; see page 262 of the Player’s Handbook), provided that grasses and bushes are prevalent in the terrain. Terrain that has been burned clean or that does not have significant plant life, such as sandy desert, is unaffected by plant growth. In the same way, diminish plants can eliminate light or heavy undergrowth or can reduce heavy undergrowth to light. It can also breach hedgerows or other barriers made primarily of living plants. Hallucinatory terrain can be used to conceal crevasses and other natural hazards. Creatures failing to disbelieve the illusion receive no Reflex saving throw to avoid falling into a crevasse. If creatures in the front ranks of an advancing force are injured or suddenly disappear as they fall into concealed chasms, any troops following
A halfling wizard uses magic to mold the battlefield more to his liking
