Asteroth's Snare

Conjuration (Summoning)
Level: Sor/Wiz 9
Components: V, S, M, (F); see text
Casting Time: 1 standard action or see text
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature
Duration: Permanent; see text
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: Yes; see text

This spell is a more powerful and versatile version of Trap the Soul.

Asteroth's Snare transports a living creature into a specially prepared magic circle, which can be at any distance from the target, even on another plane. The magic circle holds the trapped entity indefinitely or until the circle is broken or the caster releases the victim. If the trapped creature is a powerful creature from another plane it can be required to perform a service immediately upon being freed. Otherwise, the creature can go free once the circle imprisoning it is broken or it is otherwise freed.

Depending on the version selected, the spell can be triggered in one of two ways.


Spell Completion

First, the spell can be completed by speaking its final word as a standard action as if you were casting a regular spell at the subject. This allows spell resistance (if any) and a Will save to avoid the effect. If the creature’s name is spoken as well, any spell resistance is ignored and the save DC increases by 2. If the save or spell resistance is successful, magic circle is destroyed.


Trigger Object

The second method is far more insidious, for it tricks the subject into accepting a trigger object inscribed with the final spell word, automatically placing the creature’s soul in the trap. To use this method, both the creature’s name and the trigger word must be inscribed on the trigger object when the magic circle is drawn. A sympathy spell can also be placed on the trigger object. As soon as the subject picks up or accepts the trigger object, its is automatically transferred to the magic circle without the benefit of spell resistance or a save.

Material Component

Before the actual casting of Asteroth's Snare, you must prepare a special magic circle, similar to the one used for planar binding, the creation of which costs at least 1,000 gp value for every Hit Die possessed by the creature to be trapped. If the circle is not valuable enough, it blows away when the entrapment is attempted. (While creatures have no concept of level or Hit Dice as such, the value of the gem needed to trap an individual can be researched. Remember that this value can change over time as creatures gain more Hit Dice.)

Focus (Trigger Object Only)

If the trigger object method is used, a special trigger object, prepared as described above, is needed.