Copyright © 2001 by Robert J. Hall

These recently discovered spells are additions to the College of Nautical Magic. Some of these spells are novel or known only by a few adepts. Spells that do not require END to maintain have their endurance cost in parentheses.

Bellina's Oil Skin Covering

Upon casting this cantrip, the wizard is instantly wrapped in a heavy oil skin coat and hat that provide good protection against drenching rain and sea spray. The garb also provides some defense during combat, but is not very effective against fire-based attacks. Misuse of this spell will leave the wizard feeling nauseous for the next few hours.

Boarding Ramp

When two ships close for combat, boarding ramps are used to allow the crew to easily cross to the other vessel. This spell will create a hardwood bridge that is longer and more durable than a typical wooden ramp. This spell can also be used to form a ramp to a dock or nearby dry land. If the Wizard fails his skill roll, he temporarily loses his sea legs and has difficulty walking.

Capsize Vessel

The Wizard calls a mountainous wave down upon the ship, capsizing the vessel and dragging it underwater. Only vessels with a completely enclosed hull, or carefully sealed bulkheads, will survive this devastating spell. This spell loses 5 points of Strength for every doubling of the range beyond 4", so only small ships can be sunk at extreme range. Failure to properly cast this spell will cause the Wizard and his companions to be struck by a powerful rush of water.

Captain's Courage

This spell can greatly strengthen the nerve of the individual upon whom it is cast. It is especially useful for officers that show a lack of backbone. However, misuse of this spell will result in a loss of nerve on the part of the caster.

Create Wooden Dock

When a ship needs to board or unload along a natural sea coast, this spell can greatly aid the effort by creating a long, box-shaped wooden pier leading up to the shore. When cast in sufficiently shallow water, the dock will be anchored to the bottom. Otherwise, the wooden structure will drift with the current. Miscasting this spell will cause the caster to be severely stung by a dense hail of wooden splinters.

Fleeting Image

The nautical wizard can manipulate the shape of sea water vapors to create the crude appearance of one or more sailing ships. This illusion is only likely to hold when viewed from a distance. Should the wizard fail his magic skill roll, he will become very dehydrated and will need to drink several liters of fresh water.

Forecast Weather

Weather forecasting is essential knowledge for boating across any large body of water. A sudden storm can be disastrous for a small ship, while a long period of still air is the bane of any sailing vessel. This spell will allow the wizard to peer into the near future and gain a sense of how the weather will behave. As the caster peers further into the future, however, his forecast will grow more inaccurate. If the spell is improperly cast, the wizard gains a completely random forecast.

Ready Raft

Bits of floating wood assemble themselves to form a passable raft. This raft will support up to eight individuals without sinking, and can be maneuvered at a slow rate by the wizard. If the magic skill roll is failed, the caster loses all buoyancy and is unable to swim for a time.

Repel Boarders

This spell will summon a pair of belaying pins that will repeatedly batter a foe. The pins can be used to club any target, but they are especially effective against foes in an unbalanced position. Should the wizard improperly employ this spell, he is whacked across the back of the head by a heavy wooden club.

Salt Spray

A spray of salt strikes the target, temporarily blinding the victim and causing any wounds to suffer a stinging pain. If the target has his eyes close, or protected with a visor, this spell will have no effect on his sight. Likewise, waterproof garb will protect old wounds. If the magic skill roll is failed, the caster suffers from a painful stinging sensation.

Scale Mast

This simple spell will allow the Wizard to quickly run up or down a mast, rather than having to laboriously climb up and down the ropes. The Scale Mast spell can also be used to rapidly board a vessel from the sea surface, or to scale a cliff face over the ocean. In a strong wind, however, the Wizard must be especially cautious or he runs the risk of being blown away from the surface and suffering a fatal fall. Should the spell be improperly cast, the Wizard is struck by a wave of vertigo and is unable to maintain his balance.

Sea Scout

Any birds in the vicinity of the vessel can be used by the Wizard to scout the surrounding waters for dangers. However, the Wizard has no control over where the bird will fly, so he must cast this spell and hope for the best. If the spell casting roll is failed, his eyes fill with salt water and he is momentarily unable to see clearly.

Sense Land

By carefully observing the patterns of wave movement and flow of the winds for a full minute, the Wizard can determine the direction and approximate distance of nearby land masses. Misuse of this spell will inflict temporary sea sickness upon the unfortunate Wizard.

Tantamar's Sailing Banner

The Nautical Wizard can place a large banner upon any sail or cloth surface. This banner can be used to advertise the presence of an important personage aboard a vessel (such as the Wizard) or as a deception for any enemy vessels in the vicinity. If miscast, this spell will cause the fabric to deteriorate and require patching.

Ward Officers

Useful during boarding operations, this spell will ward a handful of key officers and the caster from missiles by means of a whirling spray of sea water. Blows delivered through the spray barrier will scatter the droplets and quickly reduce the effectiveness of this defence. If the spell is miscast, sea spray will temporarily blind the Wizard.

Wave Mountain

The Sea Priest slowly gathers a great mound of waves underneath his vessel, raising the ship high into the air. This ship will have more visibility at this height, and can fire missile weapons greater distances. In addition, it is very difficult to board the ship, except with the greatest exertion. The raised ship will easily sail over all shallow water obstacles, such as reefs and sand bars. With steady concentration, the Wizard can maintain this spell for long periods. If the spell is miscast, however, a powerful wave will sweep across the deck.

Wave Wall

This spell will create a barrier of churning, foaming water that will block swimmers and small vessels. Those caught within the wave will be tossed about by a vortex of currents. The bubbling noise of the crashing water will block the hearing of any victims. However, strong swimmers will easily escape the turmoil and have their hearing restored. If the magic skill roll is failed, the Wizard will be caught in a churning, blinding cloud of sea spray for a full turn.

Spell Determination

To randomly determine the spells known to a typical adept of the College of Nautical Magic, use the tables of scholarly disciplines below. A Nautical Magi will commonly have several spells from a primary school, plus a spell each from the other disciplines.