Sorcery: Forgotten Spells

Sorcery: Forgotten Spells

Looking through some GURPS books, I found several spells that I forgot to convert. This batch will cover four spells from GURPS Alphabet Arcane. All of the following spells are typically used as punishments for crimes or general curses.

  

Despoil Seed

Keywords: Resisted (HT).

Full Cost: 27 points.

Casting Roll: Will. Use DX or unarmed combat skills to hit.

Range: Touch.

Duration: Permanent until birth.

This abhorrent spell can only be cast on a woman at least five months pregnant. The caster must touch the victim’s belly to cast this spell. After the usual time, the victim gives birth to the animal chosen when the spell was cast. The creature is born almost mature, but smaller than a natural specimen. Its facial features are subtly distorted to resemble those of the “father.” It comes to its senses an hour after birth and begins acting like a natural animal, with a child’s affection for its mother.

Statistics: Affliction 1 (HT; Accessibility, Only on pregnant women, -80%; Disadvantage, Divine Curse (Animal Progeny), +30%; Extended Duration, Permanent, +150%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Malediction 1, +100%; Melee Attack, Reach C, Cannot Parry, -35%; No Signature, +20%; Sorcery, ‑15%) [27].

Imp Face

Keywords: Resisted (Will).

Full Cost: 41 points.

Casting Roll: Will.

Range: Unlimited.

Duration: 1 day.

This spell causes a small (4” high by 2” wide) imp face to appear on the victim’s body – most often, the neck or cheek. The horrid stigma can talk and it usually does, insulting and mocking anyone it can see, imposing a -2 to reaction rolls. The imp has access to the victim’s memories and thoughts, and will skillfully use this knowledge to sow hatred and dissent. It is possible to bandage or gag the imp.

Statistics: Affliction 1 (Will; Based on Will, +20%; Disadvantage, Odious Personal Habits 2, +20%; Extended Duration, 1,000x, +120%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Malediction 2, +150%; No Signature, +20%; Nuisance Effect, Can be gagged, -5%; Sorcery, ‑15%) [41].

   

Mark of Thieves

Keywords: Resisted (Will).

Full Cost: 37 points.

Casting Roll: Will. Use DX or unarmed combat skills to hit.

Range: Touch.

Duration: 6 days.

The caster must touch the victim face to cast this spell. Dozens of small boils appear on the victim’s palms and the soles of his feet. These burst at the slightest pressure, releasing a disgusting, slippery ichor. The victim gains Bad Grip 1 unless he wears gloves, and reduced Move (-20%, rounded down) unless he wears footwear. Unfortunately, wearing anything but loose bandages is painful (severe pain, p. B428): make a Will roll each hour to keep from removing more substantial coverings. The ooze hardens and ruins gloves and footwear after a day of use.

Statistics: Affliction 1 (Will; Based on Will, +20%; Disadvantage, Bad Grip 1, +5%; Extended Duration, 3,000x, +140%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Malediction 1, +100%; Melee Attack, Reach C, Cannot Parry, -35%; No Signature, +20%; Severe Pain, Only when wearing clothes over the boils, +20%; Slower Move, 0.8x, +10%; Sorcery, ‑15%) [37].

Mouth-Goes-Away

Keywords: Resisted (HT).

Full Cost: 33 points.

Casting Roll: Will. Use DX or unarmed combat skills to hit.

Range: Touch.

Duration: 6 days.

The caster must touch the victim’s face to cast this spell. The victim’s mouth disappears, leaving an expanse of smooth skin between nose and chin. After the first day, the victim must make a Will roll every six hours to keep from cutting a hole in the membrane in order to drink. After the spell has dispersed, the victim’s mouth and lips reappear. Any disfigurement done in the meantime remains; unless carefully healed, the resulting scars may detract from the person’s appearance.

Statistics: Affliction 1 (HT; Disadvantage, Divine Curse (No Mouth), +30%; Extended Duration, 3,000x, +140%; Fixed Duration, +0%; Malediction 1, +100%; Melee Attack, Reach C, Cannot Parry, -35%; No Signature, +20%; Nuisance Effect, Must target face, -15%; Sorcery, ‑15%) [33].