Sepia Snake Sigil (Alteration)
Level: Bard 3, Mage 3, Sorcerer 3
Range: 20 feet
Casting Time: 1 round
Duration: permanent until discharged
Area of Effect: 1 sigil
Saving Throw: neg.

When the character casts sepia snake sigil, a small symbol appears on the point of designation. When this symbol is approached within 5 feet, the sepia snake springs into being and strikes at the nearest enemy. The target is entitled to a saving throw to evade the snake's strike ~ but only partially. The target succeeds, the sepia snake dissipates in a flash of brown light accompanied by a puff of dun-colored smoke and a loud noise, only causing 1 point of magic damage. If the target fails its saving throw, it is engulfed in a shimmering amber field of force and immobilized until released, either at the character's command or when 1 day for every level of the caster have elapsed. Also, the target receives 1D2 points of magic damage for every experience level attained by the caster.

While trapped in the amber field of force, the subject does not age, breathe, grow hungry, sleep, or regain spells. He is preserved in a state of suspended animation, unaware of his surroundings. He can be damaged by outside forces (and perhaps even killed), since the field provides him with no protection against physical injury.