Shield Burst

The Shield Burst spell is one of few offensive spells utilizing Shielding Magic. Rather than casting a stationary Shield, or an adaptive Shield around a person or object, the caster sends a moving Shield away from their position to collide with a target.

Effect

Those hit with a Shield Burst are pushed away from the spell caster, as if an invisible wall or large animal ran into them. The effect always originates from the caster, radiating outward. Essentially, Shield Bursts cannot be used to pull people toward the caster, only to push them away. The kinetic energy of the Shield generated by the spell is transferred to the target at the moment of impact and will not continue behind them, although in cases where the spell is cast as a cone the Burst may continue to either side of them until impacting with another target.

Manifestation

The exact nature of a Shield Burst depends upon both the abilities and intent of the caster. At full strength, being hit by a Burst will feel like being hit with an invisible curved wall, forceful and unyielding. A full power Burst against an unshielded and unsuspecting target can cause bruises, broken bones, and even concussions. In rare cases a Shield Burst has even resulted in death, although in most of these instances it is believed the outcome was also influenced by pre-existing health conditions. In these cases the caster was also a highly skilled practicioners of Shielding Magic, casting the spell at its full potential, mainly against unprepared targets. Mages are also able to cast the spell at weaker forms, modulating its strength to suit their needs. Weaker forms are easier to cast, requiring less concentration than their fully-powered counterparts. Shield Bursts have therefore found use safely in a variety of situations, from pushing individuals out of harm's way from a distance, to pranks and hazing of new recruits, and even as a component of parental games teasing young children.

Source

Shield Burst is an Endoarcana spell, drawing its power from the caster. The strength of the spell is therefore limited by the Imperium reserves and skill of the caster.

Related School

Shielding Magic

Effect Casting Time

Immediate

Range

The spell can be single target (precise) or cast to spread in a cone from the caster.

Applied Restriction

The target must be within sight distance of the caster. The spell loses strength with distance, and once it impacts with a person or object the spell itself cannot also impact with anything directly behind them.