Paralysis

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Description

This potent martial magic renders an enemy defenceless for a short period of time - usually more than enough time to either dispatch or capture them. Like the repel spell, it employs magical force; in this case to restrain the target's entire body. This is sometimes described as akin to being held by a massive, invisible hand or being wrapped from head to foot in loose bands of unseen power that tighten instantly to prevent any movement. Some targets however have described the experience more as a metaphorical force - a dominating power that makes it impossible for them to even think about moving their bodies for a short time.

While this spell is very effective at neutralising an opponent, it has limitations. The spell fails to find traction if it strikes heavy armour; it can pass easily thought light leather or mithril chain, but tempered steel plates or rings prevent the magic from taking hold. Magicians who plan to make use of this spell against armoured opponents often feel the need to train as rigorously as any warrior planning to deal crippling blows to their enemies. On the other hand, if the spell does take hold it is a rare enemy who has the ability to survive the follow-up attacks of the magician and their allies.

Any magician who plans to take the battlefield can supplement their magical abilities with a Quiet Word rod, while more dedicated war wizards can appreciate the value of a Shadowbound Donjon staff. The Caress of Arhallogen is a powerful staff that allows multiple additional uses of this spell each day, as well as granting abilities to wield supernatural venom against enemies, although its connection to the eternal Arhallogen has given it something of a dark reputation.

Of particular interest to a magician who masters this devastating spell is the Sceptre of the Necropolis, a powerful rod that gives the wielder a limited ability to use their spell to critically injure their target by stilling processes vital to life rather than immobilising their bodies.

Casting

• Type: Offensive spell
• Cost: 2 Personal mana

Effects

You may call PARALYSE against the target struck by your implement.

Paralysis holds the target in place with magical force for ten seconds. They can talk or drink a potion if they are fed one, but they cannot move or take any other actions.

If you hit the target in the head or neck, or if the blow strikes the actual phys-rep of heavy armour that they are wearing, then the target only loses one hit as if they had been hit by a normal blow.

Sample Spellcasting Vocals

• (Slashing an implement in a swift arc) "Feel the weight of the mountain - PARALYSE!"
• "I command you with Hirmok's control, be still - PARALYSE!"
• "The light of Ophis stun you with its brilliance - PARALYSE!"
• "Be bound as the Chained Man - PARALYSE!"
• "In the Spider-King's name, I bind you with magic - PARALYSE!"

Common Elements

• Rune Magic: The rune Hirmok, which signifies control and domination, is strongly connected with this spell, although some magicians favour Kyrop, the rune of weakness. In both cases, a magician might sketch the rune in the air with their implement just prior to striking with it.
• Astronomancy: An astronomancer might evoke the power of the Mountain with this spell - its resonance can be used to impart immobility to a victim as easily as it can be evoked to grant strength and endurance. The constellation of the Lock can be evoked in a similar way - the paralysis spell binds the target, or "wards" them against movement. The Astronomancy#Tulpas#tulpa of the Chained Man is sometimes referenced with this spell.
• Dramaturgy: A dramaturgist might take on the commanding mien of the Bishop or the Prince and instruct the target to remain where they are. less commonly, the Doctor might be employed to remove the facility of movement from an opponent "for their own good", or by using that role's superior knowledge of anatomy to restrict movement. The throne of the Tomb is also a common reference, especially when drawing a connection between the immobility created by magic and the immobility of the dead body bound within a grave.
• Other traditions: A Dawnish witch might echo the terrifying roar of the chimera when casting this spell. Some magicians also like to call on the power of an eternal such as Arhallogen or Kimus when striking with this spell.
• Realms: The ability to immobilise someone with magical force resonates strongly with the realm of Day. Some magicians point to the powerlessness this spell creates as showing clear sympathy with the realm of Winter. A few magicians shrug and point to Arhallogen and similar poisonous creatures and calmy claim that this spell is a manifestation of the power of Spring.