Stone Curse (Alteration) Sphere: Elemental Earth Level: 5 Range: Touch Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 rd. Duration: Permanent Area of Effect: 1 cu. yd./level Saving Throw: 1/2 or None The stone curse spell allows the priest to weaken stonework progressively over time by changing it into a spongy, soft material. When the spell is cast, an initial volume of stone is rendered soft, spongy and porous, being altered to a substance so brittle that it can easily be broken off and crushed in the hand. This fact is not obvious in the appearance of the stone, however. Only a creature with some expert ability in evaluating stonework can detect a stone curse. For instance, a dwarf or an individual possessing the Stonemasonry nonweapon proficiency can recognize a stone curse on a d20 roll of 19 upon casual inspection. A [[Detect Magic (p)]] spell reveals Alteration magic at work in the area of effect, as does direct tactile exploration (simply touching the stone is not sufficient). The danger of a stone curse is that it can spread undetected. Each day following its casting, a further adjacent volume of stone equal to the original volume is also transformed by the spell. Eventually, this may have some important structural effect, like the crumbling of a supporting wall or the collapse of a mineshaft or tunnel, as the DM deems fit. A stone curse can be negated by a [[Remove Curse (p)]], a successful [[Dispel Magic (p)]], or by a spell that changes the nature of the stone more dramatically, such as [[Transmute Rock to Mud]]. A stone curse can inflict damage upon creatures from the [[The Elemental Plane of Earth (TIP)]], such as xorn, galeb duhr, and the like. The caster must make a successful attack roll. The spell otherwise inflicts 1d4 points per level of the caster. A succussful saving throw indicates the damage is halved. Likewise, a wizard employing a [[Statue]] spell or a priest employing a [[Meld Into Stone]] spell suffers damage from a successful stone curse attack.. The material component is a small chunk of very soft sandstone Notes: Granted by Iuz the Evil of the GREYHAWK setting.