Archveult’s Skybolt

The spellcaster creates a luminescent bolt of energy by hurling a crystal focus at a target creature or location up to 10 feet away per caster level. Beginning 10 feet from the caster, a skybolt 5 feet in diameter will burst into existence, flashing outward along the crystal’s path.

The bolt ends where the crystal stops. A bolt will not form in water and, if the crystal has struck a barrier, the bolt will stop at the point of impact. If the crystal enters an area of magical protection that would not allow formation of the bolt, the bolt will form instantaneously to that point and dissipate immediately. Otherwise, the bolt remains in existence and dangerous through a second round and then fades away.

Any creature struck directly by the crystal (this requires the caster to make a ranged touch attack roll), suffers 1d6 points of electrical damage for each Hit Die it possesses, saving vs. Reflex for half damage (thus, a 5 HD monster would take 5d6 points of damage; a 12th-level fighter takes 12d6).

In any case, the damage has a maximum hit dice equal to the caster’s level.

Such a creature might try to catch and return the crystal (at success chances determined by the DM). It still takes the damage and is allowed a saving throw, but its throw determines the future path of the skybolt. The potential maximum length of the skybolt cannot exceed 10 feet per level of the caster.

Any living creature coming into contact with the bolt but not struck by the crystal will suffer 1d4 points of electrical damage per Hit Dice or level it possesses.

A skybolt lasts for two rounds. Once formed it cannot be deflected, grounded, or insulated against, save by anti-magic effects or magic resistance. Creatures and objects entering the skybolt will not affect it.

*The material component of the spell is a crystal focus that is at least 1 inch long. This may be a faceted gem, a quartz crystal, or cut glass. It is hurled as the caster completes the incantation of the spell.

Notes: Rare or very rare spell from the Forgotten Realms setting. This spell is known to be in The Wizards’ Workbook.