Spell Failure

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SPELL FAILURE CHART

Since arcane spells are the harnessing of energies and elements in formulaic manner to achieve predetermined results (how’s that for a definition?), it stands to reason that a slight screw-up in that formula could actually achieve some result, but perhaps not the one that was intended. Consider the common kitchen recipe or chemistry lab experiment. If the flour and sugar aren’t in the proper proportions and at the right temperature, then the cake flops, but it might still be good as a brownie. If the lab chemicals are mixed too fast or in an atmosphere too rich in oxygen, there might be a destructive explosion. So goes it with arcane spellcraft. Divine spells are immune to this kind of accidental result—they rarely undergo failure chances, for that matter—because divine spells are considered gifts from the gods, and not mere formulae to manipulate the components of the universe.

When an arcane spell fails, there are several possible general results, as shown in Table 10 and determined by rolling a d20.

General Result

Table 10
d20 roll	Effect	Explanation
1-2	Reversed	Opposite effect OR desired effect on opposite target…DM adjudicates.
3-8	No Effect	Spell fizzles rather unceremoniously.
9-12	Varied	Intended spell cast at diminished OR augmented caster level…consult Table 11.
13-18	No Effect	Spell fizzles rather unceremoniously.
19-20	Wild	Anything could happen…consult Table 12.

Varied Effects

To determine the level at which an altered arcane spell is cast, roll d20 and match the result on the Table 11 with the arcane spellcaster’s caster level. Add the result to the spellcaster’s level to determine at what caster level the spell actually functions. If the result is zero, the spell goes off as only a shadow or shell of its potential, typically seen as an outline or heard as a soft humming sound. In this case, there is no game effect of the spell.

For example, a 7^th-level wizard casts fireball. He intends it to take effect 150 feet away. Fireball has variables for range and damage, dependent upon caster level. If the wizard’s spell fails and a variable effect is indicated on Table 10, a d20 roll might turn up a 19, for a caster level variation of +4 (19 cross-referenced with 7^th level). The fireball in this case functions as if cast by an 11^th-level wizard (7+4) and lands 190 feet away, if possible, and deals 11d6 HP damage. If the d20 roll had been a 2, for a caster level variation of –4, the spell would have functioned as if cast at 3^rd level (7-4). In this case, the fireball would have fallen only 110 feet away and inflicted only 3d6 HP.

If the varied result equals “0” or less, treat the spell as little more than a shell of its intended form. The fireball in the above example might be harmless light or perhaps just a bunch of smoke.

Caster Level	ß d20 Roll à
Caster Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1
2	-2	-2	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+2	+2
3	-3	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+3
4	-4	-3	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+3	+4
5	-5	-4	-3	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+3	+4	+5
6	-5	-4	-3	-3	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	-1	+1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+3	+3	+4	+5
7	-5	-4	-3	-3	-2	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+2	+3	+3	+4	+5
8	-5	-4	-4	-3	-3	-2	-2	-2	-1	-1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+2	+3	+3	+4	+4	+5
9	-5	-5	-4	-4	-3	-3	-2	-2	-1	-1	+1	+1	+2	+2	+3	+3	+4	+4	+5	+5
10+	-5	-5	-5	-4	-4	-3	-3	-2	-2	-1	+1	+2	+2	+3	+3	+4	+4	+5	+5	+5

Wild Effects

A wild effect briefly opens a doorway through which raw magical energy pours. The energy is completely random and not readily controllable by the actions of the arcane spellcaster. The result, though often spectacular, is seldom anything close to what the caster intended, and can be quite ridiculous and laughable as much as deadly and debilitating.

There are actually two tables containing all the wild effects: Table 12A and Table 12B. Flip a coin, roll a dice, or do something random to select between the two, and then roll percentile for the specific result.

This is a prime opportunity to “roll with the roll” unless the given result means total disaster for the campaign (assuming this is not an acceptable result). Also, it is quite likely that some wild effect result will make no sense or literally be impossible. In these cases, the DM is free to make up something on the spot, or re-roll until a sensible result is found. On other occasions, the result will not be readily visible or even discernable, and the DM should keep these results “secret” until that time when the effect is made known.

All listed spells have variable effects at the caster’s current level, unless stated otherwise. There generally is no save against a wild effect, unless stated otherwise, and then the DC is of the same difficulty as the intended spell. Comments in parentheses are intended for the DM’s aid, and are not generally to be read aloud. For most wild effects, a successful dispel magic is sufficient to remove, unless stated otherwise.

1Table 2A
d%	Result
01	10’ x 10’ pit appears immediately under caster, 5’ deep per caster level.
02	10d10 gold pieces disappear from caster and each of his allies.
03	10d10 gold pieces shower upon caster.
04	3d10 gems fall out of caster’s clothing (sleeves, pantlegs, etc.). Each is worth d6 x 10 gp.
05	A beautiful wench in scant clothing appears beside caster as devoted slave…summoned from somewhere. (She is under a dominate person effect for 1 day/caster level.)
06	A deep sleep falls over caster, lasting 8 hours (as per sleep with no HD limit).
07	A known skill of caster, chosen randomly, is raised 4 ranks permanently.
08	A single, large wart grows on the end of caster’s nose.
09	A solid brick enclosure instantly encapsulates caster. 10 rounds of breathable air exist, then make Fortitude checks for suffocation.
10	A stone statue is all that’s left of the intended target…a perfect likeness (as per flesh to stone).
11	A stream of butterflies pours from caster’s mouth.
12	Additional foot of length is added to caster's hair.
13	All cloth on caster disintegrates (does not affect leather, paper, rope, etc.).
14	All creatures within 30’ of caster begin to hiccup for d3 minutes (Concentration check DC 13, else -2 to hit.)
15	All freestanding water within a 1-mile radius of caster turns to dust (otherwise as per transmute water to dust).
16	All variable qualities of intended spell are enhanced four-fold (quadruples range, area, damage, duration, etc.).
17	All magical items within 60’ of caster dimension door into a pile at caster’s feet (attended magic items receive the normal save).
18	All metal within 60’ of caster is made cold (as per chill metal).
19	All normal doors, secret doors, chests, portcullises, knotted ropes, traps, etc. (incl. those locked or barred) within 25’ of caster swing open, fly apart, and activate (as per greater knock).
20	All plant material within 100’ radius of caster dies instantly.
21	All remaining spells are forgotten until re-memorized (normally requires 8 hours of rest).
22	All things not anchored down are pushed away from caster for 2d10 feet (Reflex save to avoid).
23	Anything not anchored down is pushed toward caster for 2d10 feet (Reflex save to avoid).
24	Appearing in caster’s hand is a +3 vorpal longsword. Disappears in 2d4 rounds. (May be given away, if desired.)
25	Applicable saving throw of intended spell is not allowed. (If not applicable, re-roll d%.)
26	Darkness centered on target (as per spell).
27	Target is charmed (as per charm monster).
28	At random, target polymorphs into another creature (reference the list of creatures given for reincarnate).
29	Black raincloud forms and hovers over target for d4 minutes, raining incessantly.
30	Blindness in caster until remove curse is cast.
31	Blindness in target until remove curse is cast.
32	Caster and target exchange bodies (i.e. swap physical forms and scores for STR, DEX, CON & COM).
33	Caster pivots 180 degrees.
34	Caster and target exchange voices until a remove curse is cast (i.e. sound of target’s voice emits from caster’s throat).
35	Caster becomes invisible until dismissed (as per invisibility).
36	Caster jumps in and out of the Ethereal Plane for 1 minute (as per blink).
37	Caster develops allergy to his magical items. Character cannot control sneezing until all magical items are removed. Allergy lasts d6 minutes after items are removed. (-2 to Initiative and Concentration checks are at DC 15 + spell level until relieved.) After this time has elapsed, the allergy goes away on its own.
38	Caster falls madly in love with target until a remove curse is cast. (Matters not the race, sex, age, etc. of target.)
39	Caster gains additional 20% body weight in fat. (Must lose this weight the old-fashioned way.)
40	Caster grows d4 inches in height.
41	Caster has immediate bowel movement.
42	Caster is mute for d4 minutes (not deaf, but cannot cast spells with verbal components, except via Silent Spell).
43	Caster shrinks in size for d3 minutes (as per reduce person).
44	Caster hovers 20’ off the ground for d4 rounds (as per levitate).
45	Caster polymorphs randomly, lasting d4 minutes (reference the list of creatures given for reincarnate).
46	Caster smells like a skunk for intended spell’s duration (minimum 2 rounds).
47	Caster teleports to random area within 1-mile radius (standard d8 for direction & d10 x 500 ft.).
48	Caster’s hair stands straight up for d4 rounds.
49	Fear effect centered on caster. All but caster must save (DC 15) or be panicked (as per fear).
50	Target’s skin changes to a random color (use a box of crayons).
51	Clothes of caster itch for 4 rounds. (-2 to initiative and Concentration checks are at DC 12 + spell level.)
52	Clothes of target itch for d10 rounds. (-2 to initiative and Concentration checks are at DC 12 + spell level.)
53	Clothing on target turns to dust (does not affect leather, paper, wood, rope, etc.).
54	Color of caster’s skin is changed at random (use a box of crayons).
55	Color spray from caster’s fingertips (as per spell).
56	Colored streamers pour from caster’s fingertips.
57	Colorful bubbles come out of caster’s mouth instead of words. Words are released when bubbles pop. Spells with verbal components cannot be cast for 1 minute.
58	Gourmet meal appears at caster’s feet (as per create food and water).
59	All creatures within 60’ of caster spontaneously break forth into the same happy song and dance (cf. Otto's irresistible dance) for d4 rounds. Save at Will DC 18 for everyone except caster. (Resembles a musical.)
60	Dancing lights appears all around caster (as per spell).
61	Darkness centered on caster (as per spell).
62	Deafening bang affects everyone within 60’. All who can hear must save (Fort DC 15) or be stunned d3 rounds.
63	Deafness in caster until remove curse is cast (as per blindness/deafness).
64	Caster de-ages instantly: lose 2d8 years (whether physical, mental, or both is random).
65	Different language of random origin becomes caster’s own for d4 minutes (i.e. naturally speaks another language).
66	Disease develops in caster, which may be cured by heal, remove disease, or Heal check at DC 30 with 3 day’s rest. (Randomly choose from list in DMG, taking note of incubation period, but with no save.)
67	Dizziness overtakes target (-4 AC and attacks, cannot cast spells) for 2d4 rounds.
68	Effect of intended spell extends to a 60’ radius beyond normal.
69	Eight poisonous snakes shoot from caster’s fingertips. Snakes attack randomly as small vipers (see MM).
70	Epileptic seizure overcomes caster for d6 rounds. Cannot do anything but convulse for this time.
71	Everyone within 10’ of caster receives the benefits of complete healing (as per heal). (Enemies included.)
72	Spell fails, but it is NOT erased from memory.
73	Feet of caster enlarge for d3 minutes, reducing movement to half normal and adding -4 to initiative rolls.
74	Feet of target hovers six inches off the ground until dispel magic is cast. Can be moved horizontally but not vertically. (Not quite levitate, for height cannot be controlled.)
75	Fingernails of caster grow 2 inches.
76	Fireball centers on target (as per spell).
77	Flowers grow from caster's footprints for d4 hours (even on floors, underground, foot of bed, etc.), lasting 24 hrs.
78	For 30 minutes, caster glows (as per light).
79	For d3 minutes, caster becomes insubstantial (as per etherealness).
80	For d6 rounds, caster begins to leap about uncontrollably (as per jump, but with no control).
81	Target momentarily forgets what he was doing (as per forgetfulness).
82	Gate opens to randomly chosen outer plane; 50% chance for extra-planar creature to appear.
83	Hail falls from sky in 100' radius of caster. Inflicts 5d6 HP to all, Reflex save for ½.
84	Hair of caster catches fire.
85	Head of caster enlarges for d3 turns.
86	All metallic items within 60' of caster warm considerably (as per heat metal).
87	Heavy object (boulder, anvil, safe, etc.) appears over target and falls for 4d6 HP damage. No save.
88	Height of caster shrinks d4 inches.
89	Simulacrum of caster appears at caster’s side for d6 rounds (as per spell).
90	Insatiable thirst overcomes caster (will do nothing but seek water until able to drink for 2 rounds).
91-97	Re-roll twice, ignoring any roll above 90.
98-00	Re-roll three times, ignoring any roll above 90.

Table 12B
d%	Result
01	Instant aging occurs: gain 2d8 years (whether physical, mental, or both is random).
02	Instant knowledge gained of previously unknown spell of the same level. If cast, spell will be forgotten, but may be written down and properly learned.
03	Intended spell affects random target within 60’ of caster (not the intended target in any case).
04	Intended spell goes off 180 degrees of intended direction at the intended range. (If touch, it affects caster.)
05	Iron bars appear instantly and form cage around target.
06	It rains small pebbles in a 60’ spread around caster for d4 rounds. (d6 HP damage/round.)
07	Leaves sprout all over target’s body (no damage caused, can be pruned without harm).
08	Caster lies for the next d4 days, being absolutely deceptive with every statement. (Cannot tell the truth!)
09	Lightning bolt shoots toward target (as per spell).
10	Location exchanged between caster and target (physically trade places).
11	Loud belches blast from caster’s mouth. (Can be heard for ¼-mile.)
12	Love is in the air. Target enamored with caster until dispel magic is cast (an “amorous” form of charm person).
13	Magical items within 60’ of caster glow for 2d8 days (as per faerie fire).
14	Magical weapons within 30’ of caster gain an additional +2 enhancement bonus (max +5) for 1 minute.
15	Material components (if any) and memory of intended spell are retained. (Spell is successfully cast.)
16	Minimum duration for intended spell is 1 minute (or +1 minute if minimum is greater than 1 minute).
17	Monster-shaped footprints are left instead of caster’s own until dispel magic is cast.
18	Music fills the air. (Soundtrack appropriate for the moment, Muzak, tavern ditty, orchestral piece, etc.)
19	True Name of caster appears in sky for 1 minute. (Could be dangerous…introduces concept of True Names.)
20	New useless appendage sprouts on caster (wing, arm, ear, etc.) that remains until dispel magic is cast.
21	Next phrase spoken by caster becomes true, lasting for 1 minute (if duration applies). (Listen…be creative.)
22	Caster cannot tell a lie for the next d4 days, being absolutely truthful with every statement.
23	Normal birds (d6 in number) light on caster’s head/shoulders.
24	Normal fires within 60’ of caster are extinguished.
25	Nose of caster bleeds for 1 minute (d2 points of non-lethal damage / rnd…for 10 rnds).
26	Object of substantial weight (boulder, anvil, safe, etc.) appears over target and falls for 4d6 HP damage. No save.
27	One random normal item within 30’ of caster gains permanent +1 enhancement bonus (if weapon or armor), or becomes a Wondrous Item (if anything else) values at <5,000 gp.
28	One random attribute is permanently decreased d4 points in caster.
29	One-mile radius around caster is blanketed with six inches of snow.
30	Permanency is applied to intended spell; spell cannot be canceled at will by caster…if “instantaneous, triggers once per round. (This overrides any restrictions inherent with permanency, and the caster pays no XP cost for the effect.)
31	Personalities (and alignments) switched between caster and target for 2d10 rounds. (Keep physical form, but trade the target’s INT, WIS & CHA scores, alignment, personality & character for your own.)
32	Normal vegetation becomes overgrown like a jungle around target (as per plant growth).
33	The previous spell cast is this spell’s effect (effectively repeats the last spell cast).
34	Puff of smoke, and target is enclosed in vented combination-locked security vault. (Cannot be broken open…Open Lock check DC 35).
35	Caster’s skin becomes translucent. Remove curse will cancel.
36	Random attribute increased permanently by d4 points in caster.
37	Random color change in caster’s hair.
38	Rash develops on caster’s skin (can be removed by heal, a bath in holy water, or 1 week’s bed rest and ointment).
39	Ravenous hunger overcomes caster (will do nothing but seek food until able to eat for 10 minutes straight).
40	Reverse gravity beneath caster’s feet for d4 rounds (as per spell).
41	Rust monster appears in front of target (see MM for details).
42	Intended spell affects both caster and target.
43	Save (Fort DC 10) or caster dies (basically a heart attack…raise dead will restore.
44	Set of armor nearest caster (not caster’s own) gains permanent +1 magical bonus.
45	Sex of caster changes randomly (opposite, neuter or dual). Remove curse will cancel.
46	Shoes of caster become cemented into the ground.
47	Silence centers on caster, moving with him (as per spell…spells with verbal components are impossible while spell lasts).
48	Single magical item within 60’ of caster (randomly chosen) is permanently & completely drained.
49	Skill currently unknown to caster is granted to caster (as a class skill) at 4 ranks.
50	Slow spell centered on target (as per spell).
51	Small earthquake begins with caster at point of origin (as per spell).
52	Small explosion blackens caster’s face. Inflicts d4 damage.
53	Small, black raincloud forms over caster, hovering and moving with caster for d6 minutes (and raining constantly).
54	Smoke trickles from the ears of all creatures within 60’ of caster for 1 minute.
55	Spell appears to fail when cast, but occurs d4 rounds later (exactly as cast, regardless of conditions).
56	Spell effect (intended spell at caster level) has 60’ radius centered on caster.
57	Target gains the ability to cast intended spell once.
58	Spell repeats once per round for 2d4 rounds. Caster may redirect to different targets after WIS check DC 15.
59	Spell takes physical form of free-willed elemental and cannot be controlled by caster. Elemental remains for duration of intended spell. Touch from the elemental causes spell effect (attack bonuses equal to caster’s).
60	Spring of fresh water suddenly begins flowing from ground beneath caster.
61	Squeaky voice in caster for d6 days. Spells with verbal components are +20% to chance of failure.
62	Stinking cloud centers on target (as per spell).
63	Sudden change in weather (temperature rise, snow, rain, etc.) lasting d4 hours.
64	Summon monster II (randomly chosen).
65	Target begins sneezing for d6 rounds. No spells can be cast until fit passes (-2 AC and attacks).
66	Target changes race (reference list given for reincarnate).
67	Target changes sex (whether opposite, neuter or both is random).
68	Target confused (as per confusion).
69	Target’s body grows in size (as per enlarge person).
70	Target hasted (as per haste).
71	Target hovers 20’ above the ground for d3 minutes (as per levitate).
72	Target teleports to random location with 1-mile radius (standard d8 for direction, and 500 x d10 feet).
73	Target turns ethereal for 2d4 rounds (as per etherealness).
74	The answer to the caster’s next question will be announced audibly in the airspace above the caster.
75	The exact thoughts of target are known to caster for d4 rounds. If target is an object, then the thoughts are as “if these walls could speak.”
76	Time stands still for caster; in the blink of an eye the world has gone on without him for d4+1 rounds (as if caster is the only one subjected to a time stop).
77	Time warp surrounds caster. He is free to move, but everyone else is immobile for d4+1 rounds (as per time stop).
78	Touch spell fails, but will cast as intended on next thing touched. (If not touch, spell will go off d4+1 rounds later.)
79	Uncontrollable vomiting in caster for d6 rounds (considered helpless).
80	Unknowingly, caster obtains one wish. Thereafter, first expression of want/need/desire happens instantly. (Listen to player’s in-character conversation—need not begin “I wish for…”—and immediately grant the “wish.”)
81	Caster hovers six inches off the ground for 1 minute. Can be moved horizontally but not vertically (not like levitate for there is no mental control).
82	Caster’s words emit from the target’s mouth, and vice versa (think of it as “borrowing” each other’s voice boxes).
83	Useless additional appendage appears on target’s body (wing, arm, ear, etc.) which remains until dispel magic is cast.
84	Vision of caster grows dim (sees less than 10’) for d4 minutes.
85	Wall of fire encircles caster (as per spell).
86	Wall of fire encircles target (as per spell).
87	Vertical wall of force appears in front of caster (as per spell, exactly mid-way between caster and target…if target is “personal,” wall appears one inch from caster’s nose).
88	Weapons within 60’ of caster glow for d4 rounds (as per faerie fire).
89	Woodland creature (1 HD) becomes caster’s pet, appearing out of nowhere and siding up with caster.
90	Caster gains x-ray vision for d6 rounds (treat as any detect spell, except that caster actually sees through barriers).
91-97	Re-roll twice, ignoring any roll above 90.
98-00	Re-roll three times, ignoring any roll above 90.