Fissure

Use this spell at your own peril, for the earth doesn't discriminate between whom it swallows. Cast it over too large a range and risk felling your own soldiers. This spell is best used on the front lines of battle. Or, you know, to collapse a fortress wall.

Effect

A crack in the earth springs forth from the caster's position to form a deep fissure. Such a fall may not kill those unfortunate to be caught unaware, but it's sure to split up formations and cause minor injuries to those caught up in the spell. It's a common tactic for primal sages to work together to use this spell to split or trap armies.

Side/Secondary Effects

If failed, the earth will rupture beneath the feet of of the caster and outward - like a fierce earthquake with the caster at the epicenter. None are safe from such a disaster if they're too close. When learning gaia spells in sage academies, young sages undergo intense magical and mental training before they're allowed to even attempt this spell or anything similar. The most important aspect of these spells is control. For primal sages, who mainly rely on emotion and adrenaline to cast their spells, it's often unwise to cast this in the midst of battle without careful planning.
Among the other dangers of this spell, if it's cast in the wrong area at the wrong time, it might cause an actual earthquake. As such, sages are taught to use this spell carefully and sparingly. Even if a sage has in-depth knowledge of the geography in the area they intend to cast fissure, the earth may crack in just the wrong place and cause an inevitable chain reaction. This is one of the many spells that gave primal sages their dangerous and fearsome reputation. Most common folk and even other sages are careful not to anger a primal sage lest they unleash a spell that causes a natural disaster.

Manifestation

The earth quakes as the fissure forms - sometimes for miles. It might throw anyone off-balance if they aren't prepared for it.

Related School

Primal

Effect Duration

The fissure will remain forevermore unless closed by another sage. The fissure itself will take only a few moments to form.

Effect Casting Time

One minute

Range

50 ft long, 10 ft wide (on average)

Level

Expert

Applied Restriction

On soft and/or shifting ground, like mud or sand, this spell won't work. It requires a solid, sturdy foundation to tear apart.
The average sage can only cast a fissure large enough to swallow a few enemies. It takes multiple skilled sages to level a battlefield.