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By using this spell, the caster creates a magical ward that has two major effects; first of all, it affects a doorway or item that opens (a chest, for instance) as if it were a hold portal spell, keeping it securely locked and closed. Secondly, if the protected doorway is forced open by any means, magical or physical, the sign is not only destroyed, but also strikes the offending creature for 1d8 points of damage +1 point of damage per level of the caster. The duration of this spell is either one day per level of the caster or until discharged, whichever happens first. The exact form of energy is chosen by the caster when he creates the lesser sign; acid, cold, fire, electricity, or sonic disruption are popular choices.

The sign is not hidden or concealed in any way and is usually quite prominent on the item or portal it protects. The caster cannot specify particular creatures or conditions for the lesser sign's operation; it functions against any creature that attempts to pass it (except for extraplanar creatures of 6 HD or more and wizards of higher level than the caster—they can merely ignore it as if it were not there). The sign cannot be dispelled by spells of lower spell levels such as knock, but the caster can remove it any time he chooses, thus ending the spell, or it can be defeated by an erase spell cast by a wizard of equal or higher level than the original caster.

The material component for a lesser sign can be a pinch of either powdered diamond (cold), ruby (fire), emerald (acid), pearl (sonic disruption, or sapphire (electricity), depending on the type of energy the wizard wishes the sign to employ. The value of the gemstone must be at least 100 gold pieces.

Notes: Uncommon spell (PO:SM).

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