A Question of Spell Authorship

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

― Margaret Mead

Questions... And a Spot of Research....

Have you ever actually questioned the true authorship of all those eponymous spells? I never did, back when. But then, for whatever reason, I did. I suspect that niggling doubt arose when I first read the spell Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion. To my mind, this spell appeared to be little more than an excuse for lengthy alliteration, because no other spell in Mordenkainen’s repertoire seemed to align with it. Indeed, it appeared to my mind to align with Leomund’s.

So, why wasn’t it one of Len Lakofka’s Leomund’s? I suspect that might be because Len Lekofka did not write it himself. Len appears to have been a bit of a stickler in that regard, only allowing Leomund’s name to grace those spells he, Len, himself wrote. He may have refused the honour, owing to that. I doubt he was given the opportunity, though, noting the above opportunity for that triple alliteration. That said, I can find no evidence that Len wrote Leomund’s Lamentable Belabourment either, so your guess is as good as mine. No matter, that’s another tale.

This discussion, not that one, is in line with that, though. It is an exploration to see how well those eponymously named spells line up in “theme” with their body of work as a whole, and whether they might be collaborations and not individual efforts.

It’s all just a bit of fun, really.

A Vancian Science

In an earlier post, I raised the notion that the Art of Magic might, it its Vancian origin, might require a certain scientific method. It stands to reason, to my reasoning, that logic must apply: Nothing comes into being as if by magic, if you will excuse the pun; but may do so by meticulous, and laborious research. And research is time consuming. Indeed, the AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide tells us just that. Trial and error is an lengthy process. One expects that sulphur might have been originally applied to earlier attempts at creating a Wall of Fire before the far more dangerous phosphorus [PHB 1e – 78]; and that the original creator of Wall of Ice must have puzzled how the caster might keep a shard of ice at hand before finally trying a shard of quartz [PHB 1e – 79] instead. You get the drift.

Thus, a wizard adept in the erudite lore and esoteric comprehension on how to create “spatial” spells could hardly be an expert on “defensive” spells. Could he…? He could not have applied the same lore required to weave wards to warping space. Or so I surmise. That’s how I came to the conclusion that Leomund, the creator of his Tiny Hut and Secure Shelter, to say mothing of his Secret Chest, must have been the actual creator, or at the very least a collaborator, of Mordenkainen’s Private Sanctum and Magnificent Mansion, if you follow my train of thought. Those spells are just too similar to his creations for him not to have had his hand it their creation.

In that vein, I dove into the other spells by the Circle of Eight to see how many others “overlapped” in theme. Need I say that there were a few. It would have been surprising had there not been.

So, whose spells are similar to whose? Let’s see, shall we? (I’ll refer to spells like Bigby’s Interposing Hand merely as Interposing Hand throughout, in hopes of staving off Carpal Tunnel.) Where they do appear to overlap in theme, I’ll add the wizard who I think may have had a hand in its creation in [brackets].

Bigby

Let’s begin, alphabetically, with Bigby:

1^st:

Bookworm Bane (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Feeling Fingers (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

2^nd:

Dextrous Digits (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Silencing Hand (Evocation/Enchantment) – Force Manipulation

3^rd:

Pugnacious Pugilist (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

4^th:

Battering Gauntlet (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Construction Crew (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Force Sculpture (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

5^th:

Fantastic Fencers (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Icy Grip (Evocation/Conjuration) – Force Manipulation/Negative energy [Nystul]

Interposing Hand (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Superior Force Sculpture (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

Strangling Grip (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

6^th:

Besieging Bolt (Evocation) - Force Manipulation/ projectile [Melf]

Forceful Hand (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

7^th:

Grasping Hand (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

8^th:

Most Excellent Force Sculpture (Evocation) – Force Manipulation

9^th:

Crushing Hand (Evocation) - Force Manipulation

Drawmij

Drawmij

1^st:

Beast of Burden (Alteration) – Travel – Lightens loads by Limited Levitation

Light Step (Alteration) – Travel – Limited Levitation

2^nd:

Adventure Luck (Alteration) – Like a luckstone

Breath of Life (Alteration) – Breath

Scent Mask (Illusion/Phantasm) – Breath, Mind [Rary]

3^rd:

Swift Mount (Alteration) – Travel

Marvelous Shield (Evocation) – AC [Mordenkainen, a la his Sword, but defensive and not offensive]

Iron Sack (Evocation) – protects contents [Mordenkainen]

4^th:

Hand Timepiece (Conjuration/Summoning) – Time

Instant Exit (Alteration/Conjuration) – Risky Teleport

Protection from Non-Magic Gas (Abjuration) – Breath

Tool Box (Conjuration/Summoning) – Manipulation [Bigby]

5^th:

Leomund

Flying Feat (Alteration/Enchantment) – Creates flying object – Travel – Levitation

6^th:

Beneficent Polymorph (Alteration) – Alter Other

Merciful Metamorphosis (Alteration) – Alter Other

7^th:

Instant Summons (Conjuration/Summoning) – Teleport object

Leomund:

2^nd:

Trap (Illusion/Phantasm) – Mind [Rary]

3^rd:

Tiny Hut (Alteration) – Space

4^th:

Secure Shelter (Alteration/Enchantment) – Space

5^th:

Melf

Lamentable Belabourment (Enchantment/Evocation) – Mind [Rary]

Secret Chest (Alteration/Conjuration/Summoning) – Space

Melf

2^nd:

Acid Arrow (Evocation) – alter missile

3^rd:

Minute Meteors (Evocation/Alteration) – create globes of fire

Mordenkainen:

1^st:

Buzzing Bee (Evocation) – a “summons” [Bigby]

Protection from Avians (Abjuration) – AC

2^nd:

Encompassing Vision (Alteration) – Sight

3^rd:

Defence Against Lycanthropes (Abjuration) – AC

Defence Against Reptiles (Abjuration) – AC

Defence Against Insects (Abjuration) – AC

4^th:

Celerity (Alteration/Invocation) – Movement

Mordenkainen

Electric Arc (Evocation) – Lightening, Positive Energy [Nystul]

Faithful Shield Maidens (Summoning) – Guardians

Force Missiles (Invocation/Evocation) – Energy Projectiles [Bigby/Melf]

Protection from Slime (Abjuration) – AC

5^th:

Faithful Defenders (Summoning) – Guardians

Faithful Hounds (Conjuration/Summoning) – Guardians

Involuntary Wizardry (Enchantment/Charm) – Mind [Rary]

Private Sanctum (Alteration/Abjuration) – Space [Leomund]

6^th:

Ascent – Levitation [Drawmij]

Joining – Alter matter [Drawmij]

Lucubrution (Alteration) – Mind [Rary]

Faithful Guardian (Summoning) – Guardians

Trusted Bloodhound (Conjuration) – Guardians

7^th:

Penultimate Cogitation (Alteration) – Guardians

Sword (Evocation) – Manipulation [Bigby]

Magnificent Mansion (Alteration/Conjuration) – Space [Leomund]

8^th:

Capable Caravel (Conjuration) – Mobile Space [Leomund]

9^th:

Disjunction (Alteration/Enchantment) – Affect magic

Wizard (Conjuration) – Summons Hound – Guardian

Nystul

Nystul:

1^st:

Magic Aura (Illusion/Phantasm) – Mind [Rary]

Dancing Werelight (Alteration) – Positive energy

Flash (Evocation) – Positive energy

2^nd:

Blackmole (Evocation) – Negative energy

Blazing Beam (Evocation) – Positive energy

Crystal Dagger (Evocation/Conjuration) – Positive energy [Mordenkainen]

3^rd:

Crystal Dirk (Evocation/Conjuration) – Positive energy [Mordenkainen]

Fire Extinguisher (Evocation) – Negative energy (?)

Golden Revelation (Alteration) – reveals magic

Radiant Baton (Evocation) – Positive energy [Mordenkainen]

4^th:

Blacklight Burst (Evocation) – Negative energy

Grue Conjuration (Conjuration/Summoning) – Summons

Light Burst (Evocation) – Positive energy

5^th:

Enveloping Darkness (Evocation/Alteration) – Negative energy

Radiating Arch (Alteration) – Positive energy

Otiluke

Otiluke:

1^st:

Bubbling Buoyancy (Alteration) – Sphere/Gas

Smokey Sphere (Evocation) – Sphere/Gas

2^nd:

Boiling Oil Bath (Evocation/Conjuration) – Sphere/Fluid

3^rd:

Acid Cloud (Evocation) – Gas

Force Umbrella (Evocation) – Half-sphere [Drawmij]

4^th:

Resilient Sphere (Evocation/Alteration) – Sphere

Steaming Sphere (Evocation) – Sphere/Gas

Suppressing Field (Abjuration) – Anti-magic [Nystul]

5^th:

Electric Screen (Evocation/Abjuration) – Plane – Anti-energy [Nystul]

Polar Screen (Evocation) – Plane – Anti-energy [Nystul/Drawmij]

Radiant Screen (Evocation) – Plane – Anti-energy [Nystul]

6^th:

Diamond Screen (Evocation) – Plane – Anti-energy [Nystul]

Excruciating Screen (Evocation) – Negative energy [Nystul]

Freezing Sphere (Evocation/Alteration) – Negative energy [Nystul]

Orb of Containment (Evocation) – Sphere

7^th:

Death Screen (Evocation)Alteration – Plane – Anti-energy [Nystul]

Fire and Ice (Evocation) – Sphere

Siege Sphere (Evocation) – Sphere

Telekinetic Sphere (Evocation/Alteration) – Sphere

Otto

Otto:

1^st:

Chime of Release (Alteration) – Sound

2^nd:

Soothing Vibrations (Enchantment/Charm) – Sound

Tone of Forgetfulness (Enchantment/Charm) – Sound/Mind [Rary]

3^rd:

Crystal Rhythms (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm

Imperative Ambulation (Enchantment/Charm) – Mind [Rary?]

Sure-Footed Shuffle (Alteration/Enchantment/Charm) – Charm

4^th:

Drums of Despair (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm/Mind [Rary]

Silver Tongue (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm/Mind [Rary]

Tin Soldiers (Alteration) – Guardian [Mordenkainen]

Tonal Attack (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm

Warding Tones (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm

5^th:

Gong of Isolation (Enchantment/Alteration) – Charm

8^th:

Irresistible Dance (Enchantment/Charm) – Charm [Otto has never reached high enough level to cast this spell, let alone create it; so one must assume he had help. Indeed, he might not have had a hand in creating it at all. If he had not, then Rary would appear the most likely candidate.]

Rary

Rary:

1^st:

Empathetic Perception (Divination) – Mind

2^nd:

Aptitude Appropriator (Divination/Alteration) – Mind

4^th:

Memory Alteration (Enchantment/Charm) – Mind

Mind Scan (Divination) – Mind

Mnemonic Enhancer (Alteration) – Mind

Spell Enhancer (Alteration) – Mind

5^th:

Hesitation (Enchantment/Charm) – Mind

Mind Shield (Alteration) – Mind

Replay of the Past (Divination) – Mind

Superior Spell Enhancer (Alteration) – Mind

Telepathic Bond (Divination/Alteration) – Mind

6^th:

Urgent Utterance (Alteration) – Mind

Protect from Scrying (Abjuration/Divination) – Mind

7^th:

Plane Truth (Divination) – Mind

8^th:

Vicious Missile (Evocation) – Energy missile [Bigby/Melf/Nystul]

Tenser

Tenser:

1^st:

Eye of Tiger (Alteration) – Enhance self

Floating Disk (Evocation) – Plane [Otiluke]

Steady Aim (Alteration) – Enhance self

Brawl (Alteration) – Enhance self

2^nd:

Deadly Strike (Alteration) – Mind [Rary]

Eye of Eagle (Alteration) – Enhance self

Hunting Hawk (Alteration) – Transforms arrow

4^th:

Flaming Blade (Alteration) – weapon [Mordenkainen]

Giant Strength (Alteration) – Enhance self

Master of Arms (Alteration) – Enhance self

Running Warrior (Alteration) – Enhance self

Staff of Smiting (Alteration) – Energy [Nystul]

5^th:

Destructive Resonance (Invocation/Alteration) – Vibration [Otto]

Primal Fury (Enchantment/Alteration) – Mind [Rary]

6^th:

Fortunes of War (Abjuration) – Enhance self

Transformation (Alteration/Evocation) – Enhance self

8^th:

Lift – Levitation [Drawmij]

9^th (10^th):

Binding – Shere [Otiluke]

Telling Blow – Force damage [Bigby]

This is by no means “scientific.” There are spells that “feel” like Bigby spells, but are not Evocation spells, just as there are spells that effect the mind that evoked Rary, or Otto, depending on their intent: Rary’s appear to command while Ott’s to charm (if there is a distinction between the two, which is entirely arguable). If you disagree with me, you’ve every right to: this is merely idle speculation on my part, perhaps of little or no value in gaming application.

What use might this exploration be? I expect this might be of value depending on when you might place your game. How so? Well, when do we suppose these spells were written? They could only have been created after said characters attained a high enough level to create them. That goes without saying. But when might that be? I suspect, depending on the character, those collaborations noted would be after the creation of the Circle of Eight, when Mordenkainen had gathered them all together, and they had the time, the leisure, the facilities, and the resources, to conduct all that research and experimentation.

A Question of Time....

Speaking of research, how long would it have taken those characters to create all their spells?

Length Of Research: Initial preparations and research will consume a number of weeks equal to the level of the spell being researched. After this initial period, there exists a chance to achieve success, the chance being given weekly. Research therefore will always extend to a number of weeks equal to the level of the spell being researched plus 1, i.e., a 1^st level spell will take a minimum of 2 weeks research. Research expense accrues each and every week. There is no limit to the extension of research, although practically, even minimal expenditure will result in successful research after the basic period plus 6 or so weeks on the average. [DMG 1e – 115]

Long story short, it would have taken them some time. But how long?

1^st level spells: 2 weeks each (1/2 month)

Thus all of Bigby’s 1^st level spells combined would take: 1 month; Drawmij: 1 month; Mordenkainen: 1 month; Nystul: 1.5 months; Otiluke: 1 month; Otto: 0.5 months; Rary: 0.5 months; Tenser: 2 months;

2^nd level spells: 4 weeks each (1 month)

Bigby: 2 months; Drawmij: 3 months; Leomund: 1 month; Melf: 1 month; Mordenkainen: 1 month; Nystul: 3 months; Otiluke: 1 month; Otto: 1 month; Rary: 1 month; Tenser: 2 months

3^rd level spells: 6 weeks each (1.5 months)

Bibgy: 1.5 months; Drawmij: 4.5 months; Leomund: 1.5 months; Melf: 1.5 months; Mordenkainen: 4.5 months; Nystul: 6 months; Otiluke: 2 months; Otto: 4.5 months; Rary: 6 months

4^th level spells: 8 weeks each (2 months)

Bibgy: 6 months; Drawmij: 8 months; Leomund: 2 months; Mordenkainen: 10 months; Nystul: 6 months; Otiluke: 6 months; Otto: 10 months; Rary: 8 months; Tenser: 10 months

5^th level spells: 10 weeks each (2.5 months)

Bibgy: 12.5 months; Drawmij: 2.5 months; Leomund: 5 months; Mordenkainen: 12.5 months; Nystul: 5 months; Otiluke: 7.5 months; Otto: 2.5 months; Rary: 12.5 months; Tenser: 5 months

6^th level spells: 12 weeks each (3 months)

Bibgy: 6 months; Drawmij: 6 months; Mordenkainen: 15 months; Otiluke: 12 months; Rary: 6 months; Tenser: 6 months

7^th level spells: 14 weeks each (3.5 months)

Bibgy: 3.5 months; Drawmij: 3.5 months; Mordenkainen: 10.5 months; Otiluke: 14 months; Rary: 3.5 months

8^th level spells: 16 weeks each (4 months)

Bibgy: 4 months; Mordenkainen: 4 months; Otto: 4 months; Rary: 4 months; Tenser: 4 months

9^th level spells: 18 weeks each (4.5 months)

Bibgy: 4.5 months; Mordenkainen: 9 months; Tenser: 9 months

Total time per character:

Bibgy: 41 months (3.5 years); Drawmij: 28.5 months (2.4 years); Leomund: 9.5 months (0.8 years); Melf: 2.5 months; Mordenkainen: 67.5 months (3 years); Nystul: 21.5 months (1.8 years); Otiluke: 43.5 months (3.6 years); Otto: 22.5 months (1.9 years); Rary: 41.5 months (3.4 years); Tenser: 38 months (3.2 years)

That’s a lot of time! It goes without saying that they could not have created them all in one go. I imagine they were puzzled out in fits and starts.

Of Sound Mind and Body

Conditions Under Which Spell Research Is Possible: It is absolutely mandatory for the researcher to be of sound mind and body and to have privacy and seclusion free from interruption during the course of his or her spell study. This necessity precludes any adventuring or general interaction during the period of research. It requires about 8 hours per day of work, and only an hour or two per day can be spent doing other things - instructing underlings, disbursing funds, etc. Any interruption of research will be a setback. Each day of such hiatus will cause 1 full week of last time. Also, as noted above, a library must be at hand, and this means that either the researcher must have his or her own stronghold or highly private quarters, or obtain them prior to beginning the project. If a personal library is not possessed, the research must be carried on in or within one day's journey of a town or city in which the research materials can be obtained. [DMG 1e – 115]

One imagines that at least a month of rest might follow each creation, perhaps even before, as well, further extending that time.

The Cost....

Of course, research and development costs.

I wonder what all this creation cost them?

Cost Of Research: The basic cost for spell research is only 200 gold pieces per spell level per week. […] To the base cost must be added a weekly variable of 100 to 400 gold pieces per level of the spell, the variable accounting far additional materials needed. If no library of materials is owned by the researcher, the base cost increases by a factor of 10 (2,000 gold pieces per spell level per week), the researcher being assumed to be acquiring arcane texts and scrolls, thus creating a library. [DMG 1e – 115]

Simple math says 400 gp/week/spell level with a library; 2400 gp/week/spell level without, on average. Let’s look at what the total cost of each of Bigby’s, Mordenkainen’s, and Tenser’s spell research would cost, individually.

Bigby:

1^st: 1,600 gp with, 9,600 without

2^nd: 6,400 with; 38,400 without

3^rd: 7,200 with; 43,200 without

4^th: 38,400 with; 240,400 without

5^th: 100,000 with; 600,000 without

6^th: 57,600 with; 345,600 without

7^th: 39,200 with; 235,200 without

8^th: 51,200 with; 307,200 without

9^th: 64,800 with; 388,800 without

Mordenkainen:

1^st: 1,600 gp with, 9,600 without

2^nd: 3,200 with; 19,200 without

3^rd: 21,600 with; 129,600 without

4^th: 64,000 with; 384,000 without

5^th: 27,000 with; 648,000 without

6^th: 144,400 with; 864,400 without

7^th: 117,600 with; 705,600 without

8^th: 51,200 with; 307,200 without

9^th: 129,600 with; 777,600 without

Tenser:

1^st: 3,200 gp with, 19,200 without

2^nd: 6,400 with; 38,400 without

4^th: 64,000 with; 384,000 without

5^th: 40,000 with; 288,000 without

6^th: 48,000 with; 345,600 without

8^th: 51,200 with; 307,200 without

9^th: 129,600 with; 777,600 without

I could add the totals up, but what would be the point? With or without a personal library spell research is a costly endeavour, however pursued. The thing is, their total cost is incalculable, to be truthful. We can be sure that these three (indeed, all the wizards noted above, apart from perhaps Melf) have a vast personal library. But no one can have a complete library. One imagines they must surely have had to consult each another’s from time to time, and they might even have had to pay the presumably exorbitant fees demanded by The Great Library of Greyhawk, or some other, to gain access to their collections. I expect that would not be cheap. And I would expect their fees would not be waved in light of the Circle’s quiet notoriety. I wonder: What might be the cost of gathering such a library, whether purchasing those tomes, or financing the expeditions to steal them or unearth them from long-lost tombs. However these libraries came to be, and whatever the costs they might need incur, to examine rare and secret tomes in private or “public” collections would be staggering, to say the least.

I suppose that’s why the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight spent so much time exploring dungeons. We – I, anyway – were led to believe that they were questing after magic items and fell tomes (I refer to Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure) to add to their personal collections, but I’m beginning to believe that wasn’t the whole reason for such ventures. I’m beginning to believe they risked life and limb because they needed the cash!

A Well Stocked Library

I imagine we must then add yet another month between each bout of research to keep up their pace of “Balancing” the Flanaess, be they networking in far-reaching courts; or chasing down, apprehending, and euthanizing those irritating adversaries that needed such attention. All that must keep an aspiring archmage busy and away from his library and laboratory.

Let’s assume employment of a sage and an apprentice or two might aid in the pursuit of their research; but the DMG was pretty clear that spell research and creation was a time-consuming and lengthy process.

I expect that most of these spells (the higher-level ones, anyway) must have been penned in the 570s, and presumably in either Mordenkainen’s citadel, or in the City of Greyhawk, where innumerable tomes could be had to aid them in their pursuit, and they had access to each others’ input.

(Rary is excluded from these calculations, he not being mentioned all that often in canon, and he may have had quite a few years at his disposal at his tower in Lopollo, prior to joining the Circle; that said, he could only have aided the others after joining the Circle of Eight, to my mind. As to Otiluke, he appears to have been a rather sedentary soul, so his time for research is not in question: he had quite a bit of time on his hands between his joining and passing, between Oligarch sessions.)

So, when exactly could these spells have been created. One might have to ponder their life histories, and when they each might have attained what level to divine when each of their spells might have been created.

One imagines that any wizard can research spells; but one also assumes that the wizard must be able to cast 2^nd level spells to have any hope in creating one.

Shall I pursue such an exploration? I shall.

Was this a useful exploration? Unlikely. Who, after all, would possibly care whether Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion was created by Mordenkainen or Leomund, or whether it was a collaboration of the two. Me, apparently.

But it was fun, all the same. For me, anyway.

"Never memorize anything you can look up."

― Albert Einstein

One must always give credit where credit is due. This piece is made possible primarily by the Imaginings of Gary Gygax and his Old Guard, Lenard Lakofka among them, and the new old guards, Carl Sargant, James Ward, Roger E. Moore. And Erik Mona, Gary Holian, Sean Reynolds, Frederick Weining. The list is interminable.

Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.

The Art:

The-Alchemist by rodg-art

Book by kuteynikovroman

Bigby, by Sam Wood, Living Greyhawk Journal #0, 2000

Drawmij, by Sam Wood, Living Greyhawk Journal #0, 2000

Wizard-in-the-woods by mattforsyth

Elven-Knight-Portrait by vyerran

Mordenkainen, by Thomas Denmark, from Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk, 2007

Nystul, by Sam Wood, Living Greyhawk Journal #0, 2000

Gerard-Ged-Sparrow by pallastyto

Otto, by Sam Wood, Living Greyhawk Journal #0, 2000

Rary, by Andrew Hue, from Dungeon Magazine #103, 2003

Tenser, Greyhawk Trading Card #213, 1992

Hourglass-2 by sostitanic1912

Wizard by thegryph

Treasure-chest by selebriana

Library by angelforme

Sources:

2010 Players Handbook 1e, 1978

2011A Dungeon Masters Guide, 1st Ed., 1979

2011 Unearthed Arcana, 1985

2023 Greyhawk Adventures, 1988

2121 Tome of Magic, 1991

Players Option: Spells and Magic, 1996

Complete Mage, 2006

Miniatures Handbook, 2003

Shipwrack, 2005

Arcane Power, 2009

Mordenkainen’s Spells

“The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.”

John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education

Mordenkainen

What comes to my mind when I think of Mordenkainen is spells, and lots of them.

One wonders how such a busy bee as he could have found the time to create them all, what with all his other endeavours, like fighting foes, preserving the Balance, delving dungeons, exploring far reaches of the Flanaess and beyond, and writing a tome or two. But he did indeed do it; didn’t he?

When one thinks on it, though, it all seems a bit implausible, doesn’t it? One must be superhuman, to have done such a feat. Or perhaps engage in a bit of arcane shenanigans, a la Hermione’s Time-turner, to have done such a deed, one imagines. Me, anyway. I remain unapologetic in this regard. 

That’s neither here nor there here. What’s germane here is their focus. Despite Mordenkainen’s inaugural Sword noted in the Players Guide 1e – to which one would imagine a great many of his subsequent spells would stem from in theme – most of his spells that followed were defensive in nature, perchance presaged in his Faithful Hound. Indeed, protection would appear to trump offensive spells. There are quite a few Protection From… and Defense Against… spells. One imagines – I do anyway (I appear to imagine a lot in my blogposts) – that spell creation might have its root in Scientific method (magic being initially Vancian in nature), in that one discovery leads to another, lesser, and more basic spells, to greater, much like Bigby’s innumerable Hand spells. Thus, I kind-a wonder whether Mordenkainen actually created all those spells not akin to his Sword and Hound. I kind-a wonder if spells invariably get named by others who saw those spells cast by the eponymous wizard in question….

The Greatest Wizard....

Do you call foul to my suggesting such a thing? He’s Mordenkainen, you cry! He’s the greatest wizard the Oerth has ever seen, on par with other such luminaries as Elminster! That’s not in question (canonically, speaking); he is certainly the greatest “living” wizard; and perhaps the most powerful wizard possible in an ever-declining magical world.

During Smedger's time, magic was not a lost art, but, apparently, a fading one. [WoGG – 2]

If magic is fading, then there were magi far greater than Mordenkainen, prior, millennia ago. I quibble. That discussion is not germane here.

What is, is the presumed authorship of Mordenkainen’s stable of spells. I wonder, did he indeed write all the spells attributed to him? I’m not suggesting that he did not; I’m just questioning whether he did. Solely, anyway.  You, Gentle Reader, might say, You did not question the authorship of those other eponymous lists! This is true. I did not; but I did think it, though. Thus, I wonder whether he (and they) might have collaborated with others – sages and other members of the Circle, for instance – in the creation of all those spells, given all the other feats and accomplishments applied to him. (This should come as no surprise to long-time readers of this blog: I’m referring to my exploration of Leomund’s Spells.) This theory, then, can be applied just as stridently to any of the other “named” spells.

As I said: I quibble. I’ll consider this more thoroughly in a later post.

Now that I’ve got your ire stoked, let’s list his spells.

Level One

Mordenkainen’s Buzzing Bee [Miniatures Handbook – 37]

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Avians [GA – 56]

Level Two

Mordenkainen’s Encompassing Vision [GA – 56]

Level Three

Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Lycanthropes [GA – 56]

Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Nonmagical Reptiles and Amphibians [GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Insects and Arachnids [GA – 57]

Level Four

Mordenkainen’s Celebrity [Tome of Magic – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Electric Arc [GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Shield-Maidens [GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Force Missiles [Players Option: Spells and Magic]

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Slime [GA – 57]

Level Five

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Hound [PHB 1e – 81]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Defenders [GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Involuntary Wizardry [Dragon #200 – 24]

Mordenkainen’s Private Sanctum [GA – 58]

Level Six

Mordenkainen’s Ascent [Dragon #366 4e – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Guardian [GA – 58]

Mordenkainen’s Joining [Dragon #366 4e – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Lubrication [Dragon #68 – 54/UA – 61]

Mordenkainen’s Trusted Bloodhound [Complete Mage – 111]

Level Seven

Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion [Dragon #68 – 55/UA – 62]

Mordenkainen’s Penultimate Cogitation [GA – 58]

Mordenkainen’s Sword [PHB 1e – 88]

Level Eight

Mordenkainen’s Capable Caravel [Stormwrack – 119]

Level Nine

Mordenkainen’s Disjunction [Dragon #68 – 59/UA – 65]

Mordenkainen’s Guardian Hound [Arcane Power 4e – 106]

26 spells. That would take a lot of time to research and test, I would imagine.

The most important consideration might be in their names: There are 3 Protection From… spells; 2 Defense Against… spells; and 4 Faithful… servant spells, 7 is we add his Hounds to this list, 8 if his Buzzing Bee can be considered a lesser – if effective – variant of these conjured defensive servants. That’s 13 of the 26 – fully half of them.

What are the remaining spells? A collection of this and that, some martial – as is his Sword – others altogether eclectic in application. Let’s detail the lot, shall we?

Mordenkainen’s Buzzing Bee Conjuration (Creation)

Level: Sor/Wiz 1 (4e)

Components: V, S, M

Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)

Casting Time: 1 standard action

Duration: 1 min./level (D)

Saving Throw: None Spell

Effect: A phantom bee

Resistance: No

Explanation/Description: This spell causes a small but extremely loud bee to appear. It buzzes around the head of a creature you designate. (The creature must be within range, and you must be touching or be able to see the creature. Once you designate a creature, the bee stays with it; you cannot designate another creature.) The bee creates an unnerving noise that disrupts the subject’s concentration. The subject takes a –10 penalty on all Move Silently and Concentration checks. (Creatures that can’t hear don’t take the penalty on Concentration checks.) If the subject attempts to cast or maintain a spell, it must make a DC 10 Concentration check even if there are no other distractions. The bee has a fly speed of 180 feet (perfect). It remains near the subject in spite of darkness, invisibility, polymorphing, cover, concealment, or any other attempt at disguising or hiding. The bee remains until the spell’s duration expires or the subject moves out of range. The bee can’t be attacked, but it can be dispelled. Material Component: A dab of honey.

[MH – 37]

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Avians (Abjuration)

Level: 1

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 1 segment

Duration: 5 rounds/ level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/Description: A creature protected by this spell receives a special benefit when in combat with avians totalling no more than 15 hit dice. If more hit dice attack, the spell is negated. Affected avians have a -2 penalty on rolls to hit the protected creature for the duration of the spell. The material component for the spell is a feather from any bird wrapped with a strip of tough leather.

[GA – 56]

Mordenkainen’s Encompassing Vision (Alteration)

Level: 2

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 1 round

Duration: 1 hr

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/Description: This spell grants a creature a full 360 degrees of vision, so the creature can see sides and rear as well as it sees to the front. The creature cannot be surprised from the rear by any attacker the creature can see normally. The spell will work in combination with any sort of enhanced or magical vision, including infravision, ultravision, or x-ray vision. A creature with both detect invisibility and encompassing vision can see invisible, ethereal, or astral beings from the flank or rear as well. The person affected by this spell also has a -2 penalty on all saving throws vs. gas attacks. The material component is a crystal disc with eight eyes inscribed upon it, spaced at 45 degree intervals around the edge of the disc.

[GA – 56]

Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Lycanthropes (Abjuration)

Wererats

Level: 3

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 3 segments

Duration: 2 rounds/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/Description: This spell will aid a creature in surviving attacks made by lycanthropes. Any attack made upon the creature by a lycanthrope has a - 2 penalty to hit. No matter how much damage is inflicted by a lycanthrope, the creature will not contract lycanthropy as long as the spell is in effect. The spell will not protect the creature from contracting lycanthropy if injuries occurred before the spell was cast or after it expired. The material component is crushed moonstone.

[GA – 56]

Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Nonmagical Reptiles and Amphibians (Abjuration)

Giant Frog

Level: 3

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 3 segments

Duration: 5 rounds/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/description: A creature protected by this spell gains an advantage in combat with nonmagical reptiles or amphibians, including snakes, dinosaurs, frogs, and giant-sized species of such animals. Dragons are excluded from the spell’s effect as well as other creatures with unnatural abilities. All such animals have a - 2 penalty to hit the protected creature, and the creature gains a +4 bonus to saving throws versus reptile or amphibian venom. The material components are a bit of snake skin and a dried frog‘s leg placed in a pouch of hardened leather.

[GA – 57]

Along Came a Spider...

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Insects and Arachnids (Abjuration)

Level: 3

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 3 segments

Duration: 5 rounds/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/Description: This spell provides a measure of protection from insects, spiders, and scorpions, including giant-sized and unnatural species of such animals. All such animals attack the protected creature with a - 2 penalty to hit and all of the protected creature’s saving throws against insect or arachnid venom have a +4 bonus. The spell works on no more than 20 hit dice of bugs of all types. If more than 20 hit dice of insects attack, the spell dissipates. The material component is an insect trapped in amber.

[GA – 57]

Mordenkainen's Celerity (Alteration, Invocation)

Level: 4

Components: V, S, M

Range: 0

Casting Time: 4

Duration: 1 turn

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/Description: Mordenkainen's celerity affects spells of levels 1-3 which alter the movement of the wizard such as feather fall, jump, spider climb, levitate, fly, and haste. Spells to be affected must be cast with- in 1 turn of the casting of the celerity. Spells do not expire when the celerity expires. Spells cast following the celerity receive a 25 % bonus to duration. This effect may not be gained in conjunction with other means of magically extending a spell's duration. In addition, the caster's movement rate is increased by 25 %. Feather fall is an exception; the rate of descent may be reduced by 25% at the caster's option. The area of effect is always the caster, except in the case of the haste spell, for which the effects of the celerity will operate on 1d4 creatures in addition to the wizard. The celerity will not affect the other creatures in any other manner. The celerity gives the wizard a + 2 bonus to his saving throws against spells of levels 1-3 which directly affect his movement. This includes web, hold person, and slow. The wizard also gains a + 2 bonus on all saving throws against magical paralysis attacks. The material component is a small pouch or vessel containing centipede or millipede legs.

[Tome of Magic – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Electric Arc (Evocation)

Level: 4

Components: V, S, M

Range: 5 yds/level

Casting Time: 4 segments

Duration: Instantaneous

Saving Throw: half damage

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/Description: This spell causes one or more small flashes of lightning to erupt from the caster’s fingertips and strike one or more opponents. One arc of lightning will be evoked for every three levels of the caster. Each electric arc will inflict 1d6 damage plus one point per level of the caster. A save versus spell reduces damage by one-half. The spell is most effective when each electric arc is directed at a separate opponent. Only one arc may strike a target per combat round; others striking the same target have no effect. The material components for the spell are a bit of fur and a glass rod.

[GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Shield-Maidens (Summoning)

Level: 4

Components: V, S, M

Range: 50 yds

Casting Time: 4 segments

Duration: 3 rounds/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/description: This spell summons a pair of shimmering violet phantom beings that will stay on either side of the mage and protect him from all attackers. The shield-maidens are AC 4 (phantom chain mail and large shield); Move 12”; HD 3; hp 20; Dmg 1d6 (phantom spear); THACO 16; AL N. The shield-maidens stay close enough to the caster for their shields to help cover the mage. The shield of one maiden will provide the caster with a -1 armor class bonus. If both shield-maidens protect the same side of the caster with their shields, the armor class bonus is -2. While the shield-maidens can protect the caster from attacks from different directions, they will move no farther than 50 feet away from the caster, even if the mage orders them to move away. They follow magically wherever the caster goes. The material components are a pair of small crystal shields tied with string to a miniature wooden figure of the caster.

[GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Force Missiles (Invocation/Evocation, Force)

Mordenkainen’s Force Missiles

Level: 4

Range: 30 yds. + 10 yds./level

Duration: Instantaneous

Area of Effect: 1-7 targets

Components: V, S

Casting Time: 4

Saving Throw: Special

Explanation/description: This spell creates a brilliant globe of magical energy that streaks forth from the caster's hand to unerringly strike its target, much like a magic missile spell. The subject must be seen or otherwise detected in order to be targeted by this spell. The wizard creates one missile at 7th level and an additional missile at every third level after 7th—in other words, two missiles at 10th level, three at 13th, four at 16th, and so on, to a maximum of seven missiles at 25th level. Each missile inflicts 2d4 points of damage to the target and then bursts in a 3-foot radius concussive blast that inflicts 1 point of damage per level of the caster—for example, a 12th-level wizard could conjure two force missiles, each of which strikes for 2d4+12 points of damage. The victim may attempt a saving throw vs. spell to negate the concussion damage, but the impact of the missile itself allows no saving throw. Just like magic missile, the force spheres may be directed at as many or as few targets as the caster likes. The missiles can easily damage or destroy inanimate objects, especially fragile or delicate items.

[Players Option: Spells and Magic]

Grey Ooze

Mordenkainen’s Protection From Slime (Abjuration)

Level: 4

Components: V, S, M

Range: Touch

Casting Time: 4 segments

Duration: 2 rounds/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Creature touched

Explanation/Description: This spell helps protect a creature against attacks by all molds, slimes, puddings, oozes, and other formless, primordial beings. All attacks against the protected creature are made with a -2 penalty and the protected creature’s saving throw has a +2 bonus. In addition, the creature’s flesh is highly resistant to any corrosive attack by such monsters, and is treated as being solid stone for the purpose of withstanding a slime monster’s corrosive attack. The spell negates up to 10d4 points of damage from slime before it collapses. The material components are a bit of food mold pressed between two flat stones, and a pinch of diamond dust.

[GA – 57]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Defenders (Summoning)

Level: 5

Components: V, S, M

Range: 60 yds

Casting Time: 5 segments

Duration: 1 round/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/Description: This spell summons a set of phantom beings seen as shimmering outlines of violet light. The defenders do their best to keep between the mage and his adversaries, providing the caster with enough time and space to defend himself with spells. To most creatures, the phantom defenders are solid, seemingly real entities. To the mage, the defenders are completely transparent and noncorporeal, so any attack spell cast by the mage has no effect on the defenders. The mage’s spells can be cast through the defenders to strike enemy creatures. If the defenders are caught within the area of effect of a caster’s spell, the defenders suffer no harm. One of four different sets of phantom defenders can be summoned by the mage, but the caster must decide which set will be called forth when the spell is memorized. Each set is best suited for a particular environment. The four sets of defenders are described on the following page.

• Three faithful phantom soldiers: AC 4 (phantom chain mail and shield); Move 9”; HD 4; hp 24; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (phantom long sword); THACO 15; AL N; SA able to hit creatures which are hit only by + 1 magical weapons.
• Two faithful phantom centaurs: AC 5; Move 18” ; HD 4; hp 28; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (phantom light lance); THACO 15; AL N; SA able to hit creatures which are hit only by +2 weapons.
• Eight faithful phantom giant bats: AC 8; Move 3”/18”; HD 2 +2; hp 12; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4; THACO 16; AL N; SA able to hit creatures which are hit only by + 3 weapons.
• Five faithful phantom sharks: AC 6; Move 24”; HD 3; hp 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 + 1; THACO 16; AL N; SA able to hit creatures which are hit only by + 1 weapons.

The material component is a small lead crystal figure depicting the type of defender to be summoned and a 1,000 g.p. emerald for each creature summoned. The emeralds vanish when the spell is cast.

[GA – 57,58]

Mordenkainen's Faithful Hound (Con juration/Summoning)

Level: 5

Components: V, S, M

Range: 1"

Casting Time: 5 segments

Duration: 2 rounds/level

Saving Throw; None

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/Description:

Mordenkainen's Faithful Hound

By means of this spell the magic-user summons up a phantom watchdog which only he or she can see. He or she may then command it to perform as guardian of a passage, room, door, or similar space or portal. The phantom watchdog will immediately commence a loud barking if any creature larger than a cat approaches the place it guards. As the Faithful Hound is able to detect invisible, astral, ethereal, out of phase, duo-dimensional, or similarly non-visible creatures, it is an excellent guardian. In addition, if the intruding creature or creatures allow their backs to be exposed to the phantom watchdog, it will deliver a vicious attack as if it were a 10 hit dice monster, striking for 3-18 hit points of damage, and being able to hit opponents of all sorts, even those normally subject only to magical weapons of +3 or greater. The Faithful Hound cannot be attacked, but it can be dispelled. Note, however, that the spell caster can never be more than 3" distant from the area that the phantom watchdog is guarding, or the magic is automatically dispelled. The material components of this spell ore a tiny silver whistle, a piece of bone, and a thread.

[PHB 1e – 81]

Mordenkainen’s Involuntary Wizardry (Enchantment/Charm, Necromancy)

Mordenkainen

Level: 5

Components: V, S

Range: 60 yds. + 10 yds./level

Save: Special

Duration: Instant

Area of Effect: One spell-casting creature

Explanation/Description: This spell forces a single, randomly chosen spell from the mind of a single spell-casting being. Without the target doing any casting (or the use of any material components), the spell takes full normal effect on the target being; if this is impossible due to the nature of the spell, the target being takes one point of damage per spell level (for instance, warp wood, a second-level spell, does two points of damage), and the spell is lost. The target gets a saving throw vs. spell with a -3 penalty to avoid all effects; if this succeeds, the involuntary wizardry has no effect, and is wasted. It is also wasted if cast on a being that can’t cast spells. Mordenkainen’s involuntary wizardry can’t trigger the use of a magical item.

[Dragon #200 – 24]

Mordenkainen’s Private Sanctum (Alteration-Abjuration)

Level: 5

Components: V, S, M

Range: 0

Casting Time: 2 turns

Duration: 1 hour/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: One room

Explanation/Description:

Mordenkainen’s Private Sanctum

This spell is used to insure privacy in a room of up to 1,600 square feet in area, or 40 feet by 40 feet in dimension. All windows in the room become dark and misty as seen from the outside, preventing creatures with normal vision, infravision, or other special vision from looking into the room. Those inside can still look out normally. X-ray vision will not be able to penetrate into the room, as if the room were completely enclosed in a lead shield. No sounds, no matter how loud, can escape the room, so a thief cannot eavesdrop from outside. Scrying attempts, such as ESP, clairaudience, clairvoyance, or crystal balls, cannot penetrate the protected room, and a wizard eye cannot get inside. The mage can freely leave the room without the protection being dispelled. The material components are a thin sheet of lead, a piece of opaque glass, a wad of cotton or cloth, and powdered chrysolite.

[GA – 58]

Mordenkainen’s Ascent (Exploration) [4e]

You create a magic golden ladder or rope, which allows you access to the highest heights.

Level: 6

Time: 10 minutes

Duration: 1 hour

Explanation/Description: You create a ladder that is firmly attached to a wall within 5 squares of you, or a knotted rope tied to something within 20 squares of you. Climbing the ladder is a DC 0 check, and climbing the rope is a DC 10 check; other factors, such as rain, high winds, or slippery oil, never make the task more difficult. The ladder reaches a maximum height of 4 squares, plus 1 for every 5 points on your Arcana check result. The rope has a maximum length of 10 squares, plus 1 for every 5 points on your Arcana check result.

[Dragon #366 – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Joining (Creation) [4e]

You join two blocks of stone as though they had been cut and dragged that way from the mountain. With your help, the wall should have no gaps whatsoever.

Level: 6

Time: 10 minutes

Duration: Instantaneous

Explanation/Description: Two nonliving objects join together permanently. The boundary between them becomes as smooth and unnoticeable as possible—for objects that could fit together naturally, such as two blocks of stone, two planks of wood, or two pieces of a weapon, the ritual makes them completely seamless.

[Dragon #366 – 30]

Mordenkainen’s Lucubration (Alteration)

Level: 6

Components: V, S

Range: 0

Casting Time: 1 segment

Duration: Instantaneous

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: The magic-user

Explanation/Description: By use of this spell, the magic-user is able to instantly recall any spell he or she has used and otherwise forgotten during the past 24 hours. The spell must have been memorized and actually used during the stated time period, and it cannot be of greater power than fifth level. Mordenkainen’s lucubration enables the spell caster to recall any first through fifth level spell precisely as if it had never been cast. Only one such spell can be so recalled by use of the lucubration dweomer. The spell recalled can thereafter be cast normally on the following or successive round. Additional spell components of a material nature must be available if the spell recalled requires such, or else the remembered spell is fruitless until the material components are available.

[Dragon #68 – 54/UA – 61]

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Guardian (Summoning)

Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Guardian

Level: 6

Components: V, S, M

Range: Special

Casting Time: 3 turns

Duration: Special

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Special

Explanation/Description: This spell summons a faithful phantom being to watch over and protect the mage for one day. The guardian will remain an undetectable observer, watching the caster from the ethereal plane. The guardian can see what is happening within 60 feet of the caster, and can spot invisible, out-of-phase, duo-dimensional, ethereal, or astral creatures within the area around the mage. If the guardian spies any creature about to launch a surprise attack on the caster, the guardian will instantly materialize to intercept the attacker and defend the mage. The faithful phantom guardian: AC 2; Move 15”; HD 6; hp 36; #AT 1; Dmg 1d10 (two-handed sword); THACO 13; AL N; SA able to hit creatures which are hit only by +2 magical weapons. The guardian will fight for up to one round per level of the caster or until it is destroyed. The mage also has the option of summoning the guardian to his side at any time. The guardian will appear in one round and fight under the same time limit. Once the guardian has spent its time on the prime material plane, it has completed its mission and will no longer watch over the caster.

The guardian appears as a shimmering outline of violet light. The phantom guardian cannot speak, so it cannot shout a warning to the mage if he or she is attacked. The material component is a 1,000 g.p. diamond, which is sent to the guardian when the spell is cast as a payment for its service.

[GA – 58]

Mordenkainen’s Trusted Bloodhound Conjuration (Creation) [4e]

Level: Assassin 4, sorcerer/wizard 6

Effect: Phantom bloodhound

Explanation/Description: You conjure a phantom hound, that can track and bring down your prey. This spell functions like Mordenkainen's faithful hound, except that the phantom bloodhound created can also track a creature as if it had the Track feat. Its Survival modifier is equal to your caster level for this purpose, but it can't use the Survival skill for any other tasks. A trusted bloodhound has a land speed equal to yours, and can move at full speed without taking a penalty on Survival checks to track. A trusted bloodhound can't attack, provide a flank, or have any other effect on combat. However, as a standard action, you can instruct a trusted bloodhound to serve as a watchdog; in this role it functions identically to Mordenkainen's faithful hound, except that its attack bonus equals your caster level. You can command a trusted bloodhound to resume its tracking again as a standard action.

[Complete Mage – 111]

Mordenkainen’s Penultimate Cogitation (Alteration)

Level: 7

Components: V, S

Range: 0

Duration: Instantaneous

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: Spellcaster

Explanation/Description: This permits the mage to call to mind one spell from one of the caster’s personal spell books, provided the appropriate spell book is within one mile of the mage. The spell must be one that the caster knows, as explained in the Players Handbook. The spell cannot be called from a scroll or another mage’s spell book. The called spell can be any of the 1^st to 6^th level. Only one spell can be called per casting of the penultimate cogitation. The called spell can be cast on any succeeding round. There is always a 10% chance that the called spell will be magically erased from the mage’s spell book.

[GA – 58]

Mordenkainen's Sword (Evocation)

Level: 7

Range: 3"

Duration: 1 round/level

Area of Effect: Special

Components: V, S, M

Casting Time: 7 segments

Saving Throw: None

Explanation/Description:

Mordenkainen's Sword

Upon casting this spell, the magic-user brings into being a shimmering sword-like plane of force. The spell caster is able to mentally wield this weapon (to the exclusion of activities other than movement), causing it to move and strike as if it were being used by a fighter. The basic chance for Mordenkainen's Sword to hit is the same as the chance for a sword wielded by a fighter of one-half the level of the spell caster, i.e. if cast by a 14^th level magic-user, the weapon has the same hit probability as a sword wielded by o 7^th level fighter. The sword has no magical "to hit" bonuses, but it can hit any sort of opponent, even those normally struck only by +3 weapons or astral, ethereal or out of phase; and it will hit any armor class on a roll of 19 or 20. It inflicts 5-20 hit points on opponents of man-size or smaller, and 5-30 on opponents larger than man-sized. It can be used to subdue. It lasts until the spell duration expires, a dispel magic is used successfully upon it, or its caster no longer desires it. The material component is a miniature platinum sword with a grip and pommel of copper and zinc which costs 500 g.p. to construct, and which disappears after the spell's completion.

[PHB 1e – 88]

Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion (Alteration/Conjuration)

Level: 7

Components: V, S, M

Range: 1”

Casting Time: 7 rounds

Duration: 1 hour/level

Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: 300 sq. ft./level

Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion

Explanation/Description: By means of this spell, the magic-user conjures up an extra-dimensional dwelling, entrance to which can be gained only at a single point of space on the plane from which the spell was cast. From the entry point, those creatures observing the area will see only a faint shimmering in the air, an area of some 4’ in width and 8’ in height. Once observers have passed beyond the entrance, they will behold a magnificent foyer and numerous chambers beyond. The place will be furnished and contain sufficient foodstuffs to serve a nine-course banquet to as many dozens of people as the spell caster has levels of experience. There will be a staff of near-transparent servants, liveried and obedient, there to wait upon all who enter. The atmosphere and temperature will be clean, fresh, and warm.

Since the place can be entered only through its special portal, outside conditions do not affect the Mansion, nor do conditions inside it pass to the plane beyond. Rest and relaxation within the place is normal, but the food is not. It will seem excellent and be quite filling as long as one is within the place. Once outside, however, its effects disappear immediately, and ravenous hunger will strike unless the individuals actually ate normal food. For each meal eaten inside the Mansion, the individual leaving must spend 1 hour sitting and eating normal fare. Failure to do so means that he or she has lost as many points of strength as he or she ate meals when in the mansion-like space. Such strength loss is restorable upon eating as noted, but this must be done within 6 hours or the loss of strength will be permanent. The components for this spell are a miniature portal carved from ivory, a small piece of polished marble, and a tiny silver spoon. These are utterly destroyed when the spell is cast.

(It is worth mentioning that this spell has been used in conjunction with a normal portal, as well as with illusion magic. There is evidence that the design and interior of the space created can be altered to suit the caster’s wishes. It is also noteworthy that elves have some version of this spell which is castable at a lower level.

[Dragon #68 – 55/UA – 62]

At the caster’s option, the mansion can be filled with water, or the membrane can prevent the influx of water, leaving the mansion’s interior tidy and dry.

[UA – 82]

Mordenkainen’s Capable Caravel Conjuration (Creation)

Level: Sorcerer/wizard 8

Components: V, S, F

Casting Time: 10 minutes

Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Effect: Ship plus extradimensional space, up to three 10-ft. cubes/level (S)

Duration: 1 day/2 levels (D)

Saving Throw: None

Spell Resistance: No

Mordenkainen’s Capable Caravel

Explanation/Description: You conjure into existence a fine, seaworthy ship to carry you and your companions safely and comfortably. A caravel is a fairly small, double-decked sailing ship [.] It holds a generous amount of cargo and offers cramped quarters for crew and passengers. The ship produced by this spell has even more room for cargo and passengers, contained within an extradimensional space.

The entry point to this space is a hatch on the aft upper deck. Lifting the hatch reveals a set of wooden stairs, which descend about 6 feet to a horizontal shimmering in the air about 4 feet wide. Only those you designate can enter this space, and the extradimensional portal is shut and made invisible behind you when you enter. Those without authorization to enter instead continue descending the steps to an ordinary cargo hold. You can open the portal again from your own side at will.

Those who pass beyond the portal’s entrance find themselves in a magnificent foyer with many staterooms whose doors open from this space. The atmosphere is clean, fresh, and warm.

You can create any deck plan you desire within the limit of the spell’s effect. The cabins are furnished, and the galley contains sufficient foodstuffs and preparation equipment to serve three full meals per day per person per caster level. A staff of near-transparent pursers (up to two per caster level), liveried and obedient, wait upon all who enter. They function as unseen servant spells except that they are visible and can go anywhere within the extra-dimensional space.

Since the place can be entered only through its special portal, outside conditions do not affect the passenger space, nor do conditions inside it pass to the plane beyond. Bad weather or other marine hazards can still threaten the vessel, but even if it sinks, the passenger space remains safe and isolated (though exiting it might prove difficult).

The ship is crewed by a minimum complement of spectral deckhands, which perform the basic tasks of maintenance. These, like the cabin servants, behave as unseen servants but can travel anywhere on board ship and can enter the extradimensional space if you so direct. The spectral deckhands respond to the direction of the helmsman, reducing the number of crew necessary to control the caravel to 1. If you do not provide a real helmsman, the ship will steer itself on the last course a living helmsman provided but will not be able to avoid collisions or hazards or adjust to changing conditions.

Focus: A miniature ship carved from mahogany, rigged with silk sails and gold thread, with a total value of 500 gp.

[Stormwrack – 119]

Mordenkainen’s Disjunction (Alteration-Enchantment)

Mordenkainen

Level: 9

Range: 0

Duration: Permanent

Area of Effect: 3” radius

Components: V

Casting Time: 9 segments

Saving Throw: Special

Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, all magic and/or magic items within the radius of the spell, except those on the person of or being touched by the spell caster, are disjoined. That is, spells being cast are separated into their individual components (and so are spoiled), types of magic are separated (usually spoiling the effect as does a dispel magic), and permanent and magicked items must likewise save (versus spell if actually cast on a creature, or versus a dispel magic otherwise) or be turned into normal items.

Even artifacts and relics are subject to Mordenkainen’s Disjunction, although there is only a 1% chance per level of the spell caster of actually affecting such powerful items. Thus, all potions, scrolls, rings, rods et al, miscellaneous magic items, artifacts and relics, arms and armor, swords, and miscellaneous weapons within 3” of the spell caster can possibly lose all their magical properties when Mordenkainen’s Disjunction is cast.

Note: Destroying artifacts is a dangerous business, and 95% likely to attract the attention of some powerful being who has an interest or connection with the device. Additionally, if an artifact is destroyed, the casting magic-user must save versus spell at -4 or permanently lose all spell casting abilities.

[Dragon #68 – 55/UA – 65]

Mordenkainen’s Wizard (Arcane, Conjuration, Implement) [4e]

Attack 9

Guardian Hound: The ghostly form of a snarling wolfhound appears before you and leaps into the fray. Standard Action

Ranged 10

Effect: You conjure a Medium guardian hound that occupies 1 square within range, and the hound makes the following melee attack. Once per round as a minor action, you can have the hound repeat its attack. As a minor action, you can move the hound 6 squares. The hound lasts until the end of the encounter or until you dismiss it with a free action.

Target: One creature adjacent to the hound

Attack: Intelligence vs. Reflex

Hit: 3d4 + Intelligence modifier damage. The target takes a –2 penalty to its next attack roll that targets you.

[Arcane Power – 106]

So, did Mordenkainen create all those spells? Canon dictates he did. Indeed, his name is on them. Who can possibly argue with that?

As noted, I do wonder how he found the time, given how all-encompassing his pursuit of Balance appears to be in his narrative. He may indeed have – he has been around for decades, after all. But he does not seem the type to sit still for the long hours I imagine would be required to tinker at such things, what with Iuz and Tharizdun and a whole host of other evil-doers impacting his every thought.

But that’s just me.

“What we wish, we readily believe, and what we ourselves think, we imagine others think also.”

― Julius Caesar

One must always give credit where credit is due. This History is made possible primarily by the Imaginings of Gary Gygax and his Old Guard, Lenard Lakofka among them, and the new old guards, Carl Sargant, James Ward, Roger E. Moore. And Erik Mona, Gary Holian, Sean Reynolds, Frederick Weining. The list is interminable.

Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.

The Art:

Mordenkainen, by Vance Kelly, from Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes, 2018

Mordenkainen, by William O'Conner, from Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, 2000

Wererats, by David A. Trampier, from Monster Manual 1e, 1978

Frog, from Monster Manual 1e, 1978

Spider, by David A. Trampier, from Monster Manual 1e, 1978

Mordenkainen, by Greg Staples, from Living Greyhawk Journal #9, 2002

Grey Ooze, from Monster Manual 1e, 1978

Labyrinth-II by noxivaga

Mordenkainen the Wizard by donatoarts

empty-room-with-window-3D-01 by darkmoon-art-de

The-Dark-Wanderer-13 by 0kkelvin

Mordenkainen and Bigby, by James Ryman, from Dungeon #112, 2004

EH-Foyer by owen-c

Ghost-Ship-Collection by skyeithse

Mordenkainen, by Todd Lockwood, from TSR Jam, 1999

Sources:

2010 Players Handbook 1e, 1978

2011A Dungeon Masters Guide, 1st Ed., 1979

2011 Unearthed Arcana, 1985

2023 Greyhawk Adventures, 1988

2121 Tome of Magic, 1991

Players Option: Spells and Magic, 1996

Complete Mage, 2006

Miniatures Handbook, 2003

Shipwrack, 2005

Arcane Power, 2009

Dragon Magazine 68, 200, 366