Transmute Stone to Snow

Alteration Spell, 5th Level Wizard Spell

Developed by Meredoth and used to reshape and solidify Todstein.

Transmute Stone to Snow

Transmutation [Cold]

• Level: Sor/Wiz 5
• Components: V, S, M
• Casting Time: 1 standard action
• Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./ level)
• Target, Effect, or Area: One 10' cube / level (S)
• Duration: Permanent
• Saving Throw: See text
• Spell Resistance: No

This spell is the creation of Meredoth. This spell turns natural, uncut or unworked rock of any sort into an equal volume of loose snow. If the spell is cast upon a boulder, for example, the boulder collapses into a hill of snow. Magical stone is unaffected, unless it is a product of transmute stone to snow. The depth of snow created from normal stone cannot exceed 10 feet; however, the depth which can be created from already-transmuted snow has no limit. The affected area is treated as heavy snow (DMG p. 94) for the purpose of movement.

A creature standing on level stone when it is transmuted sinks in 2 +1d4 feet, halting movement and incurring a –2 penalty to attack rolls and AC. Such a creature may extricate itself from snow in two rounds, or as a full-round action with another creature’s aid. Creatures of Tiny size or less, or creatures able to walk atop snow (e.g. due to magic or snowshoes) are exempt from sinking.

If transmute stone to snow is cast on the ceiling of a cavern or tunnel, the snow falls to the floor and spreads out in a mound to a depth of 5 feet. For example, a 12th-level caster could convert twelve 10-foot cubes into snow. Drifted on the floor, this would cover an area of twenty-four 10-foot squares with snow to a depth of 5 feet. The falling snow and the ensuing cave-in deal 8d6 points of bludgeoning damage to anyone caught directly beneath the area, or half damage to those who succeed on their Reflex saves.

If stone on a steep slope is transmuted into snow, the resulting collapse is treated as a miniature avalanche (DMG p. 90). The total area of the ‘bury zone’ is equal to that of the spell effect, while the ‘slide zone’ extends an additional 10’ around the bury zone’s edges.

Castles and large stone buildings are generally immune to the effect of this spell, since transmute stone to snow can’t affect worked or cut stone and doesn’t reach deep enough to undermine such buildings’ foundations. However, small buildings or structures often rest on foundations shallow enough to be damaged or even partially toppled by this spell. Dispel magic or Transmute Snow to Stone returns the snow to its original state, but not necessarily its original form. Snow created from stone melts normally at temperatures above freezing; exact melting time varies with how warm it is and how loosely the snow is spread out.

Transmute Stone to Snow counters and dispels Transmute Snow to Stone.

Material component: A small lump of salt crystal and a teardrop.