In a world full of danger and uncertainty, it is vital to have individuals who can defend their area with the power of magic. These magic users possess unique abilities that can be a formidable force against any threats that may arise. Magic users are often misunderstood and feared by those who do not possess such powers. But it is important to recognize the value they bring to society. Their abilities allow them to manipulate the elements, cast powerful spells, and provide protection to themselves and those around them. The **main idea** behind defending your area as a magic user is the ability to offer a level of protection that cannot be replicated by any other means.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. With magic being rare, I m sure these societies would have a vested interest in keeping magic in a positive public light, meaning they d work with police to suss out a criminal.
The **main idea** behind defending your area as a magic user is the ability to offer a level of protection that cannot be replicated by any other means. With their magical abilities, these individuals can create shields to intercept incoming attacks, summon magical creatures to aid in defense, or even manipulate the environment to their advantage. In addition to their offensive and defensive capabilities, magic users also possess powerful healing abilities.
Magical wards of a castle
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
In such a city, several L7-L10 mages and L7-L12 Clerics would be living. And higher leveled ones may be hired for some special occasions.
Some I can think of are,
Permanenced Alarm spells in some important corridors and off-limit areas.
Hallow or Unhallow (depends on the alignment of the power center) with Invisibility Purge on the entire building.
Modenkainen's Private Sanctum on the council-chamber and/or some meeting rooms (Either Permanenced or used for a certain meeting).
Celebrim
Legend
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
You are correct.
Defenses against magical activity will be layered. The exact details depend on what you want to use in your campaign.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
Standard Magical Defenses
Alarms - Windows or other access points not meant for entry will have permanent alarm spells. These are not likely to be put in corridors, as corridors are meant to be traversed.
Magic Mouths - Magic mouths can give audible alarms when certain conditions are meet, such as shouting, "Foes! Foes in the North Corridor!" whenever someone passes an area with a drawn blade.
Glyph of Protection - Important access points can be secured with passwords which must be used, or powerful spells can be triggered.
Permanent Circles of Protection - Beds, thrones, and other places where a ruler is likely to spend a large amount of time defenseless or exposed will have inscribed circles of protection permanently enchanted around them, to prevent possession, enchantment, or attack by summoned or conjured creatures.
Permanent Dimension Locks - Likewise, bedchambers, garderobes, wardrobes, staterooms and so forth are likely to be enchanted so that you can't teleport in or out of them.
Also, the ones you thought of.
Improved Magical Defenses
Sticking to the SRD, doors and rooms can be enchanted as custom magical items with virtually any effect desired. This however is expensive. I prefer that my societies will develop cheaper alternatives in the form of permanent spells with lower costs in GP/XP. Some ideas:
Improved Magic Mouth: Permanent with a cost in line with continual flame or similar spells, and can be enhanced to include one standard sensory spell, such as 'detect undead' or 'detect invisible creatures' or 'detect illusions' or 'detect shapechangers'. These are used at important choke points such as gate houses, entrances to great halls, and entrances to the rulers chambers.
Improved Arcane Lock: As Arcane Lock but can be given a programmable bypass (opens if you say a password, if you wear or carry a certain device, etc.). There are likely to be panic rooms or safe rooms for the family that only open to those carrying a household crest or similar device.
Ward of Strength: Permanent and increases an objects hardness and hit points. Doors, window glass, and even whole walls are likely to be so treated in the ruler's inner sanctum. The exterior gates are also likely to be so treated.
Anti-Magic Screen: Provides a small transparent, insubstantial surface through which spells cannot be successfully targeted. Useful for placing over windows or arrow loops.
Ward Against Magic: Permanent and provides spell resistance to an object.
Ward Against Fire: Permanent and gives an object or area fire resistance and improved saving throws versus fire based attacks. Particularly common in libraries or studies or anywhere valuable inflammable items are kept.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. To say nothing of the brownie that lives in the attic, a really powerful house hold spirit can use spells like bless, protection from evil, sanctuary and heroism to actively protect whomever it sees as the legitimate owner of the house, as well as actively use spells like hold portal or animate object on itself and if necessary even manifest and verbally warn its owners. So even a humble wooden cottage, if it has been continually occupied and maintained and loved by the same family of peasant farmers for 4 centuries, can become something of a fortress.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
They can mend wounds, cure ailments, and restore vitality to the injured. This makes them indispensable in times of crisis or war, as they can effectively save lives and ensure the survival of their community. It is important to address the concerns and fears that arise when dealing with magic users. While there have been instances of misuse of powers, it is essential to understand that magic users are not inherently evil. They can be a force for good if properly trained and guided. The key lies in educating and regulating these individuals to ensure that their powers are used responsibly and in the best interest of all. In conclusion, magic users have a vital role to play in defending their area. With their unique abilities, they bring a level of protection and healing that cannot be replicated by any other means. It is crucial to embrace and support these individuals, while also providing guidelines and regulations to ensure that their powers are used responsibly. Together, we can create a safer and more secure world with the help of our magical defenders..
Reviews for "The Art of Disruption: Countering Offensive Magic in Your Area"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Defend your area magic user". The graphics were outdated and the gameplay felt repetitive and unexciting. The controls were clunky and made it difficult to navigate through the game. I also found the storyline to be lacking depth and originality. Overall, it was a subpar gaming experience and I would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Defend your area magic user" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The game felt unfinished, with numerous bugs and glitches that disrupted the gameplay. The levels were poorly designed and lacked a sense of challenge or strategy. Additionally, the audio effects were annoying and repetitive, making it hard to enjoy the game fully. I believe there are much better options out there for fans of this genre.
3. Alex - 2.5 stars
While "Defend your area magic user" had some redeeming qualities, I found myself quickly losing interest. The game lacked originality and innovation, feeling like a generic clone of other similar titles. The character customization options were limited, and I found the controls to be unresponsive at times. The overall experience felt lackluster, and I would not recommend it to hardcore gamers looking for a truly immersive and engaging gaming experience.