Death Candle

Level 2 priest spell · Divination

Lights a candle that burns without wasting while the subject lives, gutters when they are near death, and goes out when they die.

Situation: Know

Niche — marginal: too small an effect for a slot at its level.

Sphere
Divination
Range
Special
Components
V, S, M
Casting time
1 rd.
Duration
Special
Area of effect
1 creature
Saving throw
None

This spell creates a way for the shaman to keep track of the health and life of another. The spell is cast on a single being, which must be holding a previously unused candle. As the spell is cast the candle must be lit, and thereafter cannot be extinguished except by magical means, such as gust of wind or create water spell.

The flame burns without changing the candle, for as long as the subject lives. If the subject is ever extremely unwell (such as suffering from a fatal disease or wounded to the point of near death), or ever leaves the Prime Material Plane, the flame gutters and flickers low, but does not fail. Only if the subject dies does the candle go out.

Thus, the candle's owner can tell whether the creature lives or has died.

The material component is a previously unlit candle.

Notes: Restricted to shamans, uncommon.

Sources

  • Priest's Spell Compendium Vol 1
This spell on the AD&D 2nd Edition Wiki