Air Blast

Description

Air Blast is a fundamental yet dangerous manipulation of elemental air, favoured by battle-magi and scholars of atmospheric magic alike. By exerting precise control over the surrounding currents, the caster forcibly compresses a mass of air into an unstable focal point before releasing it in an explosive surge toward a chosen target.

The sudden decompression generates a powerful concussive force capable of bruising flesh, cracking bone, and battering armour without the use of flame or arcane energy. Creatures struck by the blast often experience the sensation of being hit by an invisible wall, accompanied by a sharp crack as the air violently displaces around them. Loose objects may be knocked aside, and lighter materials can be hurled backward by the force of impact.

The spell inflicts 1d4 points of damage plus the caster’s level, representing both the raw elemental force and the caster’s growing mastery over air magic. Air Blast has a Penetration (Pen) of 1, allowing it to partially bypass physical protections, and an Armour Deflection (AD) of 1, reflecting the difficulty of fully resisting a focused pressure wave.

Because it relies solely on compressed air, this spell leaves no scorch marks, residue, or lingering magical effects. As such, it is often employed in confined spaces, libraries, ships, or sacred locations where destructive elemental spells would be unacceptable.

Area of Effect

Single target within line of sight.

The caster draws in and compresses the surrounding air before forcefully releasing it in a controlled, directional burst toward the target.

Notes

Air Blast produces minimal visible effects beyond a brief distortion of the air and a sharp, thunder-like crack. Skilled casters may learn to vary the force or shape of the blast as their understanding of elemental air deepens.