Similar to
Cantrips, the general population has access to many low-level spells that serve a range of practical purposes beyond their conventional usage in combat and adventuring. Some spells, such as Ant Haul and Comprehend Languages, have practical uses that are readily apparent. However, this article will explore more unconventional applications of magic. This is meant to give examples and is not an exhaustive list.
1st-level Spells
Although not as easy to cast as cantrips, these spells can be cast a few times per day by anyone with a natural talent for magic or basic magical training. Even moderately skilled spellcasters can cast these spells dozens of times, as long as they choose not to cast any higher level spells on that day.
Alter Winds
The Alter Winds spell enables the caster to manipulate wind speed within a designated 10-ft radius area, either increasing or decreasing it by up to 10 mph. The effects of the spell last for a few hours before the winds return to normal. This spell is often used to reduce high winds for aiding high-elevation construction and fire suppression efforts.
Animate Rope
The Animate Rope spell enables the caster to animate a length of rope up to 50 feet long, commanding it to coil, loop, tie, and knot. The spell's effects last for around 15 seconds and only while the rope remains within roughly 120 feet of the caster. During combat, the animated rope can be hurled at an enemy and instructed to trip, entangle, or bind them. In practical settings, Animate Rope can be used to secure objects using the rope when the caster's hands are occupied with either holding the objects or performing a different task.
Burning Hands
The Burning Hands spell creates a 15-ft cone-shaped burst of fire from the caster's fingertips. This spell is typically used in combat situations to burn enemies and ignite any flammable materials they may be carrying. The Burning Hands spell can be used in various scenarios beyond combat. For example, it can be used to melt ice and snow, burn away obstacles blocking the path, and even serve as a signal flare when fired straight into the air. Additionally, it can be cautiously applied for cooking food and heating up beverages.
Color Spray
The Color Spray spell creates a burst of colors in a 15-ft cone from the caster's hand. The affected creatures within the cone may experience temporary disorientation, blindness, or unconsciousness. This spell is commonly used in combat scenarios to incapacitate enemies, but can also be used for entertainment purposes, such as a visual display, or as a short-range signal flare when fired upwards. Color Spray can also be useful in scaring away or incapacitating wild animals.
Corrosive Touch
The Corrosive Touch spell coats the caster's hand in a potent acid. This acid is harmless to the caster and dissipates after about 5 seconds. When wielded by a skilled artisan, Corrosive Touch can be used to etch intricate designs onto metal or glass surfaces, although this demands significant precision and control to avoid undue damage to the material.
Decompose Corpse
The Decompose Corpse spell is a necromantic spell that hastens the decomposition of flesh from a corpse, leaving behind only clean bones. In societies where animal bones are commonly used for crafting, the Decompose Corpse spell is often employed to remove any remaining tissue from the bones after the meat has been harvested. This eliminates the need for time-consuming soaking and scrubbing to clean the bones, making the process more efficient.
Although the spell has a size limit, this limitation can be overcome by dividing a larger carcass into multiple smaller sections and recasting the spell for each section.
Meat Miners often do this as the final step of their clean-up.
Enlarge Person
The Enlarge Person spell causes its target to double in size for a brief period. While enlarged, the target gains increased physical strength, but at the cost of reduced fine motor control. This spell is often used by individuals who engage in heavy manual labor or construction work, allowing them to manipulate large and heavy objects that would normally be too cumbersome for them to handle.
Erase
The Erase spell is a useful tool for removing written content from parchment, paper, and similar surfaces. Its application is often employed in situations where sensitive information needs to be securely removed, providing a more reliable option than burning the document. This spell is also valued by environmentally-conscious races, such as the
Fera, as it allows paper to be more easily recycled.
Expeditious Excavation
The Expeditious Excavation spell enables the caster to excavate a 5-ft cube of fine earth, such as dirt, dust, or sand, from a distance of up to 30-ft. The matter excavated is dispersed evenly over the spell's range beyond the excavated area.
This spell has numerous practical applications such as breaking ground for constructing cellars or laying foundations. It is also useful for quickly digging graves, latrines, and other shallow earth constructions. In addition, scholars utilize this spell to extract delicate artifacts from hardened soil without causing any damage. The Expeditious Excavation spell can also be used for landscaping purposes, such as smoothing out rough terrain or creating terraces.
Gentle Breeze
The Gentle Breeze spell creates a light wind that blows across a target within 30 feet in any direction chosen by the caster. The primary purpose of this spell is to provide cooling in hot environments and protect against dangerous vapors. The breeze lasts for one hour per cast.
The Gentle Breeze spell has a few other practical applications. For example, it can be used to disperse smoke or other unpleasant odors from a room, or to blow away dust and debris from a specific area. It can also be used to provide a gentle push to move lightweight objects, or even to create a slight distraction or disturbance, depending on the situation.
Grease
The Grease spell is designed to apply lubricant to a single object or across a 10-ft solid surface. It is often used in combat to create an oil slick, making it difficult for opponents to maintain their balance, or to make a weapon slippery, making it difficult to hold on to.
In addition to combat applications, the Grease spell has several practical uses. For example, it can be used to lubricate a stuck object, such as a rusty lock or a jammed door. It can also be used to make it easier to slide heavy objects, such as furniture, across the ground.
Obscuring Mist
The Obscuring Mist spell creates a 20-foot radius cloud of mist centered on the caster. While primarily used for providing concealment against attacks, particularly at range, the mist can also serve practical purposes beyond combat. For instance, it can provide cooling in hot environments and moisture to surrounding plants and organisms.
Quintessence
The Quintessence spell creates an illusory mask over a creature or object, projecting an idealized version of it and hiding any flaws or damage to the subject. It is important to note that while this spell can hide any wounds or missing parts of a corpse, it will not make them appear alive. Craftsmen and restorers often use this spell to create a clear image of what their finished product should look like, as it can reveal the subject's potential and the improvements needed to achieve it.
The Quintessence spell can also be utilized for social purposes. For example, a performer or politician may use this spell to enhance their appearance and charisma by projecting a more attractive and idealized version of themselves to their audience. Similarly, a merchant could use this spell to showcase their products in a more favorable light.
Reduce Person
The Reduce Person spell reduces the size of its target by half for a limited time, resulting in decreased physical strength but increased dexterity and precision. It can be beneficial in various scenarios such as cleaning and construction work that requires reaching into tight spaces that are difficult to access. Craftsmen also find it useful for performing intricate work, as it enhances the size of the piece relative to the caster, making small details easier to see and manipulate.
Restore Corpse
The Restore Corpse spell restores flesh to a corpse. However, the restored flesh is typically not considered suitable for consumption, but in dire circumstances, some individuals have utilized the Purify Food and Drink cantrip to make the meat safe to eat.
The Restore Corpse spell also has practical applications in aiding the identification of remains. By restoring just enough flesh to make the deceased recognizable, this spell can help bring closure to families and loved ones.
Windy Escape
The Windy Escape spell is a reaction spell known primarily by Zephyrians. When cast, it causes the caster to become vaporous and insubstantial, allowing objects to pass harmlessly through them for a few seconds. Zephyrians who work in hazardous professions such as construction often keep this spell prepared to prevent injury during accidents and other mishaps. Some casters who are particularly cautious or fearful may choose to prepare the Windy Escape spell in case of everyday accidents, such as runaway wagons or wild animal attacks.
Youthful Appearance
The Youthful Appearance spell alters the appearance of its target to make them look younger than their current age. This spell is commonly used by portrait painters who seek to create accurate representations of their clients in their prime, particularly those who achieved nobility later in life.
2nd-level Spells
These spells are not typically available to novice spellcasters, but can be accessed by those who have had about a decade of experience with casual spellcasting. Those who use magic more frequently and in urgent situations may discover their ability to cast these spells much sooner.
Animal Aspect
When casting Animal Aspect, the caster chooses an animal to gain advantageous traits from and can use them for a limited time afterwards. The Gorilla and Raccoon aspects function similarly to the Enlarge Person and Reduce Person spells, respectively. The Gorilla aspect enhances physical strength, making it useful for manual labor, while the Raccoon aspect improves manual dexterity, making it ideal for tasks requiring fine manipulation. The Tree Lizard aspect is often used for scaling cliffs and buildings when other methods are not readily available.
Animal's Aspect spells
It's important not to confuse the animal's aspect spells with the spell Animal Aspect. The animal's aspect spells consist of Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Eagle's Splendor, Fox's Cunning, and Owl's Wisdom. Each of these spells enhances a specific trait for a few minutes. Although some people cast these spells upon themselves, many prefer to carry them in potion form to use as needed.
Bestow Weapon Proficiency
This spell grants the subject the ability to wield a single type of weapon as if they were proficient with it for a limited time. While the weapon can be of any type, the subject must be holding it to benefit from the spell. Weapon tutors often use this spell to help their students get a sense of a weapon in a trained hand before deciding which weapon to focus on learning.
Calm Emotions
The Calm Emotions spell has the ability to soothe agitated creatures within a 20-foot radius of its target. This spell is commonly used by ranchers to calm their animals and prevent stampedes. Similarly, some worksite managers or foremen may cast it on their workers to defuse tensions and prevent conflicts among colleagues. Notably, this is one of the few legal applications of enchantment spells against another person.
Campfire Wall
The Campfire Wall spell creates a protective barrier that extends 20 feet around a fire of at least campfire size. As long as the fire continues to burn or up to approximately 6 hours, the barrier shelters everyone within it. The barrier appears as a crackling sphere of light and fire that provides illumination equivalent to a torch. However, creatures and objects that attempt to pass through the barrier are burned by the flames, while those exiting are unharmed.
This spell is a versatile tool for travelers, as it provides shelter, illumination, and protection to those resting within the barrier. While it only lasts for a short period, it is sufficient for a brief night's rest.
Cushioning Bands
For those who lack access to Windy Escape, Cushioning Bands can serve as a viable alternative. This spell generates bands of force that envelop the subject's vital areas, shielding them from harm due to crushing or constriction. Each casting of the spell can provide protection for a few hours. Cushioning Bands are frequently employed in construction sites and warehouses to safeguard workers from potential accidents, such as falling debris.
Delay Pain
The Delay Pain spell suspends the subject's ability to feel pain for a few hours. Although this spell can be useful for manual laborers seeking relief from back and muscular discomfort for several hours, it is not advisable as it can potentially result in injury or worsen an existing condition.
Hold Animal
The Hold Animal spell is a temporary paralysis spell that renders an animal motionless for less than 30 seconds. This spell is commonly used by ranchers during tasks such as branding, shearing, shoeing, or any other activity that requires the animal to remain still. This is particularly useful when dealing with particularly unruly animals that might otherwise pose a danger.
Levitate
The Levitate spell grants the caster the ability to manipulate the vertical position of a creature or object weighing up to 300 pounds for a few minutes, with a maximum range of 35 feet. However, the spell does not enable the caster to move the object horizontally without external assistance. It is commonly used in construction settings, substituting for cranes or lifts.
Reduce Animal
The Reduce Animal spell reduces an animal to half its normal size for approximately three hours. This spell is frequently employed to transport more animals in confined spaces, such as carts or boats. Additionally, it can aid in breeding between animals of differing sizes, such as a shire horse and a donkey, that would otherwise be incompatible due to their size disparity.
Silent Table
The Silent Table spell muffles all sounds leaving a designated 5 ft radius area. Some taverns offer tables with a permanent version of this spell as a convenient and discreet location for confidential discussions and sensitive meetings, without the need for secrecy or subterfuge.
Soften Earth and Stone
The Soften Earth and Stone spell has the ability to convert up to 30 square feet of stone into clay or transform soil into mud or sand. This spell is commonly used in areas where clay or sand is scarce, allowing individuals to create it from the available earth. However, it is essential to exercise caution when casting this spell, as it may trigger land- or mudslides if not used carefully.
Spider Climb
The Spider Climb spell is a more potent version of the Tree Lizard aspect, with a longer duration and the ability to climb freely in all directions, including upside-down, on any surface. While it doesn't necessarily replace traditional climbing equipment like ropes and ladders, many people prefer the freedom of movement that Spider Climb provides, making it a popular choice among adventurers and those who work in construction or other industries that require climbing skills.
Tar Ball
The Tar Ball spell produces a fist-sized ball of molten tar that is typically used as a projectile against enemy combatants. However, this spell can also be employed in other situations where the application of tar is required. For example, it can be used to patch holes, repair cracks, bind objects together, or immobilize small vermin. It is essential to use caution when handling the tar ball, as the molten tar can cause severe burns if not handled correctly.
Whispering Wind
The Whispering Wind spell is a useful tool for indirect communication, allowing the caster to send a brief message of up to 25 words to a designated location up to 3 miles away. When the message arrives, it is whispered to anyone within a 10-foot radius of the designated point, even if no one is present.
While this spell is commonly used by the general population for quick or urgent conversations, its limited number of castings at this level makes it impractical for longer correspondence. Instead, it is primarily employed by scouts and patrols to report important information to their commanding officers.
Web Shelter
The Web Shelter spell creates a hemisphere-shaped shelter with walls made of webs that are one inch thick and can span up to 20 feet in diameter. The shelter is equipped with a hinged door and can last for approximately three hours. While it is not suitable for overnight stays, the shelter can provide a quick and temporary solution during sudden bouts of extreme weather or other situations that require a quick temporary shelter.
Wood Shape
The Wood Shape spell allows you to shape a single piece of wood no larger than 12 cubic feet into any desired form. While it is possible to create basic items such as coffers or doors with this spell, it does not allow for intricate detailing. Woodworkers may use this spell to produce a rough form at the beginning of a project and then refine the shape and add intricate details by hand.
3rd-level Spells
For most casual spellcasters, it takes around half of their lifetime to develop the ability to cast spells of this level. Although there are many spells that are far more advanced, most individuals who are not fully dedicated to the magical arts or who do not frequently face danger will never progress beyond this level of spellcasting in their lifetime.
Blessing of the Mole
The Blessing of the Mole spell grants up to five creatures with darkvision and an enhanced ability for stealth for a period of 5 minutes. This spell is particularly useful for search parties that need to continue their work after nightfall. It can also be helpful for workers who need to extend their working hours past sunset, giving them additional time to complete their current tasks before calling it a day.
Communal Resist Energy
This spell grants up to five creatures protection from a specific element for a duration of 10 minutes. This spell is commonly prepared in workplaces with a high risk of accidental fires, as it allows individuals to walk through mundane flames without harm.
Resinous Skin
The Resinous Skin spell covers your body with a protective, slightly sticky resinous substance. This spell is commonly used by individuals who work with sharp tools and objects, as it provides them with a better grip and protects them from accidental punctures.
Shrink Item
The Shrink Item spell can reduce the size of an object of up to 10 cubic feet to one sixteenth of its original size for a duration of up to five days. This spell is often used for shipping larger items in a compact space, but it is most commonly utilized for moving objects that are too large to fit through narrow doorways without disassembling them or temporarily removing a wall to enable passage.
Wind Wall
The Wind Wall spell generates an invisible updraft curtain that can extend up to 50 feet in length, 5 feet in height, and 2 feet in thickness. This barrier lasts for a maximum of 30 seconds. The spell exerts a powerful force that causes small objects or flying creatures caught in or attempting to pass through the wall to be blown upwards.
The primary function of this spell is to serve as a barrier against small projectiles such as arrows, crossbow bolts, and darts. However, it is unable to stop larger projectiles like bolts or boulders launched from siege weapons. Other potential applications of the Wind Wall spell include using it to protect against harmful gases, such as smoke from a fire. Additionally, it can be used as a temporary shield against gusts of wind.
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