A binding spell creates a magical restraint to hold a
creature. The target only gets an initial saving throw if its HD
is equal to at least half the character's caster level.
The character may have up to six assistants help the character
with the spell. For each assistant who casts suggestion, the
character's caster level for this casting of the spell increases
by +1. For each assistant who casts dominate animal, dominate
person, or dominate monster, the character's effective level
increases by a number equal to one-third that assistant's level
(provided the target is appropriate for the spell). All the
assistants must join in chanting the spell (see the details on
the spell's verbal component, below). The character's caster
level determines whether the target gets an initial Will saving
throw and how long the binding lasts. All binding durations are
dismissible.
The binding spell has six versions. Choose one of the
following versions when the character casts the spell.
Chaining: The subject is confined by restraints that generate
an antipathy spell affecting all creatures who approach the
subject, except the character. Duration is one year per caster
level. The subject of this form of binding is confined to the
spot it occupied when it received the spell.
Slumber: Brings a comatose sleep upon the subject for up to
one year per caster level. The subject does not need to eat or
drink while slumbering, nor does it age. This form of binding is
more difficult to cast than chaining, making it slightly easier
to resist. Reduce the spell's save DC by 1.
Bound Slumber: A combination of chaining and slumber that
lasts for up to one month per caster level. Reduce save DC by 2.
Hedged Prison: The subject is transported to or otherwise
brought within a confined area (such as a labyrinth) from which
it cannot wander by any means. The spell is permanent. Reduce
save DC by 3.
Metamorphosis: The subject assumes gaseous form, except for
its head or face. It is held harmless in a jar or other
container, which may be transparent (the character's choice). The
creature remains aware of its surroundings and can speak, but
cannot leave the container, attack, or use any of its powers or
abilities. The binding is permanent. The subject does not need to
breathe, eat, or drink while metamorphosed, nor does it age.
Reduce save DC by 4.
Minimus Containment: The subject is shrunk to a height of 1
inch or even less and held within some gem or similar object or
jar. The binding is permanent. The subject does not need to
breathe, eat, or drink while contained, nor does it age. Reduce
save DC by 4.
Regardless of the version of binding the character cast, the
character can specify triggering conditions that end the spell
and release the creature whenever they occur. These can be as
simple or elaborate as the character desires (but the DM must
agree that the condition is reasonable and has a likelihood of
coming to pass). The conditions can be based on a creature's
name, identity, or alignment but otherwise must be based on
observable actions or qualities. Intangibles such as level,
class, HD, or hit points don't qualify. For example, a bound
creature can be released when a lawful good creature approaches,
but not when a paladin approaches. Once the spell is cast, its
triggering conditions cannot be changed. Setting a release
condition increases the save DC (assuming a saving throw is
allowed) by +2.
In the case of the first three versions of binding (those with
limited durations), the character may cast additional binding
spells to prolong the effect (the durations overlap). If the
character does so, the target gets a saving throw at the end of
the first spell's duration (even if the character's caster level
was high enough to disallow an initial saving throw). If the
creature succeeds at this save, all the binding spells it has
received are broken.
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