Obscuring Mist

Alright, my young spellcasters—Obscuring Mist is one of those deceptively useful spells that proves its value again and again. It creates a thick bank of fog, cloud, or vapor that spreads across an area, making it much harder for enemies to see you—whether they’re attacking from a distance or trying to pick you out up close.
In combat, it’s excellent for creating concealment, breaking enemy sightlines, and forcing opponents to move or guess. Outside of battle, it has plenty of everyday uses too. I know several and I mean several Bards and performers who use it to add flair to shows: a little mystery, a dramatic entrance, a hidden reveal, or simply a fog effect to make the crowd lean in and wonder.
So if you’re trying to add spectacle, slip away unseen, or make it harder for others to target you, this is a very practical spell. And I’m sure you clever people can find even more uses.
Just… if any of you dare use it to make it look like someone “gassed” the bathhouse, I will personally introduce you to a spell that actually involves gas and you will not enjoy the lesson.

Effect

A misty vapor arises around you. It is stationary. The vapor obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target).
A moderate wind (11+ mph), such as from a gust of wind spell, disperses the fog in 4 rounds. A strong wind (21+ mph) disperses the fog in 1 round. A fireball, flame strike, or similar spell burns away the fog in the explosive or fiery spell’s area. A wall of fire burns away the fog in the area into which it deals damage.
This spell does not function underwater.

Gestures & Ritual

Most casters simply speak the incantation, and the fog begins to roll outward as if exhaled by the air itself. Many then guide it with their hands spreading and shaping it like paint across a canvas or hold their palms outward and let the mist thicken naturally.
Performers, on the other hand, often cast it with exaggerated motions and flourishes. This can slightly limit the spell’s spread while they pose or dance through the motions, but for stage work that’s rarely a problem. As long as the stage is covered and the effect lands, the audience never complains.

Related School

School of Conjure

Related Element

Water, Air, Dark

Effect Duration

1 min./level (D)

Effect Casting Time

1 standard action

Range

20 ft.

Level

LV1

Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no