Spellbook
By Andy Collins

When compared to the paladin's spell list, the ranger's available spells can seem a bit uninspiring. Though rangers have plenty of useful spells, they have nothing with the punch of bless weapon or holy sword. To close that power gap, we're offering three new ranger spells now through September. Add them to your ranger's repertoire and watch the sparks fly! This month, foebane enhances your favorite weapon against your favorite enemies.

Foebane
Evocation
Level: Rgr 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Target: Weapon touched
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This spell imbues one of the caster's weapons with great killing power against a single favored enemy type. Against creatures of that type, the weapon acts as a +5 magic weapon and deals +2d6 points of bonus damage. Furthermore, while the caster wields the weapon, he or she gains a +4 resistance bonus to saving throws against effects created by creatures of that type.

The spell is automatically canceled 1 round after the weapon leaves the caster's hand for any reason. The caster cannot have more than one foebane weapon at a time.

If this spell is cast on a magic weapon, the powers of the spell supersede any that the weapon normally has, rendering the normal enhancement bonus and powers of the weapon inoperative for the duration of the spell. This spell is not cumulative with exacting shot or any other spell that might modify the weapon in any way. This spell does not work on artifacts.

Note: A masterwork weapon's bonus to attack does not stack with an enhancement bonus to attack.

About the Author

Andy Collins is a designer and editor for Wizards of the Coast's Roleplaying Games R&D department. Recent credits include codesign of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game and editing Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil.