### Ghostly Garrote (Necromancy, Conjuration/Summoning) **Level:** 3 **Components:** S, M **Range:** 10 yards/level **Casting Time:** 3 segments **Duration:** 3 rounds **Saving Throw:** Negates **Area of Effect:** 1 creature/4 levels This spell conjures a pale, ghost-like garrote that wraps itself around the neck of the target creature as if it were pulled by an invisible being from behind. The garrote inflicts no damage but causes the target to lose the capacity for speech for three rounds. In the first round, the victim is allowed a save vs. death magic; if successful, the victim is rendered incapable of speech for the first three rounds but can still perform actions, with a penalty of -2 to any attacks, and suffer no other ill effects. If the save is failed, the victim spends the next three rounds pulling at the insubstantial garrote in panic; at the end of the three-round period, the victim collapses into unconsciousness. A successful [[Spells/Magic User/3rd Level MU/Dispel Magic|Dispel Magic]] cast during the three round duration terminates the spell's effects immediately; it does not wake a victim who has been rendered unconscious. The material component of this spell is a small silver garrote worth 50 gp. It is destroyed at the spell's conclusion.