By means of this spell, the priest can turn one or more normal-sized insects into larger forms resembling the giant insects described in the Monster Manual. Only one type of insect can be altered at one time (i.e., a single casting cannot affect both an ant and a fly) and all insects affected must be grown to the same size. The number of insects and the size to which they can be grown depends upon the priest's level:
Priest's Insect Maximum
Rank Level Total Level
7-9 3 9
10-12 4 12
13+ 6 15
For example, a rank 8 priest can grow three insects to level 3, four insects to level 2, or nine insects to level 1. Flying insects of level 3 or more can carry a rider of human size (assume that such can carry 80 pounds per level).
If the casting is interrupted for any reason, or if the insects are currently subject to any other magical effect (including this one), the insects die and the spell is ruined. The DM decides how many normal insects of what type are available; this is often a greater limitation on the spell than the limits above.
If the insect created by this spell matches an existing monster description, use the monster description. Otherwise, unless the DM creates a special description, the giant form has an Protection of between 4 and 6, one attack, and inflicts 1d6 points of damage per Level.
For example, a rank 14 priest uses the giant insect spell to enlarge one beetle (all that is available) to level 6 size. The DM decides the beetle has PROT 6 and bites once for 6d6 points of damage.
Note that the spell works only on actual insects. Arachnids, crustaceans, and other types of small creatures are not affected. Any giant insects created by this spell do not attempt to harm the priest, but the priest's control of such creatures is limited to simple commands ("attack," "defend," "guard," and so forth). Orders to attack a certain creature when it appears or guard against a particular occurrence are too complex. Unless commanded to do otherwise, the giant insects attempt to attack whoever or whatever is near them.
The reverse of the spell, shrink insect, reduces any giant insect to normal insect size. The number of levels affected by the priest is subtracted from the number of levels of the insects, and any insect reduced to 0 level has been shrunk. Partial shrinking is ignored; an insect is either shrunk or unaffected. Thus, a rank 9 priest attacked by giant ants could shrink three warrior ants or four worker ants to normal insect size with no saving throw. This spell has no effect on intelligent insect-like creatures.
The priest must use his holy symbol for either version of the spell. |