Pages From the Mages Version[]
This spell enables the caster to learn something of another creature. A gem or gems of not less than 1,000 gp total value are powdered prior to spellcasting. The caster sprinkles this powder in a circle of at least 10 feet in diameter on any solid surface (even if the surface is temporary), and dances an intricate, weaving pattern within it while concentrating on the target creature and singing a repetitive rhyme (for example, "Reveal to me/For I would see," etc.) that names the individual creature concentrated upon. This naming need not be accurate; it is only a focusing aid to the caster, and nicknames and descriptions can be used. If the spell is successful, at the end of the dance the caster receives mental images and impressions of the target creature's general direction from the caster. If the target is on another plane, that is clear, but which plane and any details of the current surroundings and state of the target, remains entirely a mystery. If the target creature is on the same plane as the caster, a confused impression of how distant the target is and something of the target's current surroundings, mental state (for example, dead, asleep, unconscious, spellcasting, alert, happy, sad, etc.) and physical state may be apparent. The base chance of success for the spell is 4% per level of caster, plus: +25% if the target is fairly well known to the caster, +40% if the target is intimately known to the caster, +10% if the target is upset or excited, +15% if the target is currently using magical items or is spellcasting, and +5% if the target is close to the caster (in other words, within a radius of one mile per level of the caster).
DMs must determine how much a circle dance reveals by the percentile total of the caster; 100% should give a clear mental picture of the target's surroundings and precise distance and direction of such whereabouts. Note that this spell is not an ESP spell, nor does it allow the caster to hear or cast spells at a target. The spell does not allow the caster to see the target for the purposes of casting a magic missile spell, but it may well aid in teleportation.
The reverse of the spell, circle charm, involves the same material components but a reversed dance. It has the effect of hiding the caster (only) and objects on his or her person from all locate object, ESP, know alignment, and other spells that locate and divine the thoughts of other creatures, including circle dance, for 24 hours. Wizard eye, sending, and the like are not affected by a circle charm.
Wizard's Spell Compendium Version[]
This spell enables the caster to learn something of another creature. The caster dances an intricate, weaving pattern within a 10 - foot circular area while concentrating on the target creature and singing a repetitive rhyme ("Reveal to me/For 1 would see." or the like) that names the target creature concentrated upon.
This naming is a focusing aid, and need not be accurate (nicknames and descriptions can be used), if the spell is successful, the dance ends with the caster receiving mental images and impressions of the target creature. If the sought - after creature is on another plane, that much is made clear - but which plane, and any details of the current surroundings and state of the target, remain unknown.
If the target creature is on the same plane as the caster, the caster gains a vague idea of how distant the target is from the circle, and some indication of the target's current surroundings and physical or mental state (for example, dead, asleep, unconscious, alert, happy, sad, casting a spell, and so on).
The base chance of success is 4% per level of the caster, plus cumulative bonuses as follows:
| +25% | if subject is fairly well known to the caster (but +40% if subject is intimately known); |
| +10% | if subject is upset or excited; |
| +15% | if subject is currently spellcasting or actively using a magical item; |
| +5% | if the subject is near (within 1 mile per level of the caster). |
The total percentile score of the caster determines how much the circle dance reveals. A total of 100% yields a clear menial picture of the target's surroundings, and a precise distance and direction to that locale.
The circle dance is not an ESP spell, and does not allowing hearing of, or spellcasting at a target (but may, for example, aid the caster in (exportation).
The material component is a gem or gems of not less than 1,000 gp total. These are powdered before spellcasting. The caster sprinkles the powder in a circle of at least 10 feet in diameter on any solid surface (which may be temporary). The circle dance is performed within the area.
The reverse of the spell, circle charm, involves the same material component and a reversed dance. It has the effect of hiding the caster (only) and objects on his or her person from all circle dance, locate object, ESP, know alignment, and other spells that locate and divine the thoughts or nature of creatures.'[‘his protection lasts for 1 day per level.
Neither form of this spell affects a sending or wizard eve, or functions as any sort of psionic barrier or protective aid.
Notes: Common for drow and Red Wizards of Thay; uncommon for song mages; rare for others. Known to be in Shandaril's Workbook.