The Ultimate Guide Around the Stoneskin Spell
I don't know who wrote it
The Ultimate Guide Around The Stoneskin Spell...
Actually, I had to recreate this guide from scratch, as it seems that I've deleted the guide from my harddisk for some reason. However, the points it raises are valid, though this guide will be more lacking in fluff than the other guide that's possibly floating around out there in "cyberspace" somewhere.
This guide was created to help out all those frustrated DMs that have problems with the 4th level spell "Stoneskin" as it is given, and have resorted to tampering with the spell to lessen the effectivity of it, or else have resorted to making the material component so expensive that mages will not cast it because they are lacking in funds.
I don't believe that the solution to handling this spell is through any of these means - they all smack of stop-gap measures rather than authorative methods of handling the wayward spell. Interestingly enough, I have never had problems with the spell, and probably never will. But some of the interesting limitations of this spell are not immediately obvious, and to help out people around the world, I've created this guide.
The previous guide was "The Pen-Ultimate Guide Around The Stoneskin Spell", but this guide is The Ultimate (etc.), since it includes the spells found in the following books:
I know I am lacking the spells from for instance Forgotten Realms Adventures, but the criteria for choosing effective magic against the Stoneskin spell are still in place. This guide will be divided into three parts - first, the spell itself and discussion of not-obvious limitations already built into the spell, and a suggestion on the Material component cost, the second will deal with magic, criteria for spells to circumvent the spell, and spells suitable for circumventing or destroying the spell. Lastly, and third, I will deal with some non-magical ways of circumventing the spell, or neutralizing its effectiveness.
Part 1: The spell itself
First and foremost, let's take a look at the spell such as it appears in a copy (namely, one of mine two) of the Player's Handbook. P. 163 reads:
Stoneskin (Alteration)
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M
Duration: Special
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: None
When this spell is cast, the affected creature gains a virtual immunity to any attack by cut, blow, projectile, or the like. Even a Sword of Sharpness cannot affect a creature protected by Stoneskin, nor can a rock hurled by a giant, a snake's strike, etc. However, magical attacks from such spells as fireball, Magic Missile, Lightning Bolt, and so forth have their normal effects. The spell blocks 1d4 attacks, plus one attack per two levels of experience the caster has achieved. This limit applies regardless of attack rolls and regardless of whether the attack was physical or magical. For example, a Stoneskin spell cast by a 9th-level wizard would protect against from five to eight attacks. An attacking griffon would reduce the protection by three each round; four magic missiles would count as four attacks in addition to inflicting their normal damage.
The material components of the spell are granite and diamond dust sprinkled on the recipient's skin.
All well and good so far. Let me then point out a few things that are rather crucial to understanding the limitations of this spell.
Part 2: Magical circumvention of the spell.
Any spell that have many actual "agents" of damage will be very useful in depleting the Stoneskin spell. In this respect, a 3-arrow Magic Missile will be more effective than a 10HD Fireball, because the three arrows of the Magic Missile will count as three attacks against the Stoneskin. Also, even though physical weapons will not harm the wearer of the Stoneskin spell (even though special abilities, like Sword of Nine Lives Stealing and suchlike, i.e. abilities that need touch, not an actual wound to work would probably work, as would contact poison and so on), weapons conjured _by a spell_ would work, like the Al-Qadim spell Sand Jambiya, and more common spells like Mordekainen's Sword and Flame Blade. The Stoneskin will not protect against damage from these spells, and will also be depleted by them.
Also, any spells that immobilize the target will be very useful in general, (and thus are not on the list) since they will force the target to stay put, not being able to defend itself - which would let attackers deplete the Stoneskin at their leisure.
Here's a list of spells that are particularly useful against the Stoneskin spell, because they have multiple actual agents of damage.
Wizard spells:
1st level:
Blackthorns (SeS) The hedge is a created object.
Fire Burst (ToM) It can be argued that each point of damage consists of one flame, and therefore up to 10 levels of the Stoneskin may be removed by this spell.
Fist of Stone (ToM) Since the fist of stone is a direct result of the spell cast, it would not be hindered by the Stoneskin spell.
Flamespin (SeS) The pinwheel is a created object.
Gauntlet (SeS) The gauntlet is a created object.
Laeral's Dancing Whip (SeS) The dancing whip is a created object.
Magic Missile (PHB) This spell will create multiple arrows at high level
2nd level:
Flaming Sphere (PHB) This spell has a duration, and can therefore be used multiple rounds, reducing the Stoneskin.
Melf's Acid Arrow (PHB) This spell will inflict damage on multiple rounds, and will therefore reduce the Stoneskin.
Summon Swarm (PHB) This spell has a duration, and will therefore reduce the Stoneskin on multiple rounds.
3rd level:
Acid Lash (SeS) The lashes are created objects.
Dispel Magic (PHB) In general, this is one of the most flexible spells ever created, and specifically it will give the caster a chance to outright destroy the Stoneskin.
Flame Arrow (PHB) This spell is able to create multiple arrows, and will therefore count as multiple attacks.
Laeral's Raging Griffon (SeS) The griffon is a magical force.
Manyjaws (SeS) The jaws are magically created.
Melf's Minute Meteors (PHB) This spell will create multiple balls of energy.
Monster Summoning I (PHB) It can be argued that the creatures summoned by this spell is a product of the spell itself, and thus these creatures will harm the Stoneskinned target as per normal conditions. However, I find that a bit cheesy.
Steeldance (SeS) The swords are created.
Watery Double (ToM) As the double is created by this spell, the double would not be hindered by the Stoneskin spell.
4th level:
Evard's Black Tentacles (PHB) This spell is excellent as a counter-measure.
Ice Storm (PHB) This spell in its hailstorm form will probably completely dispel the Stoneskin, as each hailstone is technically a separate attack. The DM may decide how many hp damage a hailstone would construe - a good bet may be 1-3 per hailstone (it is best to decide upon a given number, and merely divide the damage dealt to find how many hailstones hit the target). I usually use 2 hp in my campaigns.
Iron Maiden (SeS) The helmed horror is created by the spell.
Minor Creation (PHB) This spell will create an object, and if this object is a weapon, it will work normally against the Stoneskin, since it is a product of the Minor Creation spell - the Stoneskin will not work at all.
Monster Summoning II (PHB) Much the same argument as MS I.
Phantasmal Killer (PHB) As the spell creates a wholly fictional "beast" that attack the caster, this spell will circumvent the Stoneskin completely in that it isn't any physical component of this spell - it's all in the target's head, so to speak.
Shadow Monsters (PHB) As these creatures are semi-real, but are a product of the spell, they will deplete the Stoneskin, but the Stoneskin will not protect against the damage.
Whisper Blade (SeS) The sword is a magical creation.
5th level:
Cloudkill (PHB) The cloud will persist for several rounds, and is therefore very effective, as it will be considered an "attack" each round the target is within it.
Conjure Elemental (PHB) As the elemental conjured is a product of the spell, it can be argued that the Stoneskin spell doesn't protect against these Elementals. See M.S. I.
Demi-Shadow Monsters (PHB) Same reason as Shadow Monsters.
Major Creation (PHB) See Minor Creation.
Monster Summoning III (PHB) See M.S. I.
Mordekainen's Faithful Hound (PHB) As the dog is able to attack, and it is a product of the spell, this spell is effective.
Phantom Blade (SeS) See Whisper Blade.
Shadow Magic (PHB) As this can simulate any other spell of 3rd level or less, it may be useful for a wizard that just didn't memorize Flame Arrows that day, or doesn't know it.
Summon Shadow (PHB) See M.S. I. However, one may rule that the Strength-draining effect occurs whatever one rules on what effect its conjured state has, since the Strength-drain doesn't need to puncture the skin to be effective.
6th level:
Anti-Magic Shell (PHB) The Stoneskin spell would cease functioning in it.
Chain Lightning (PHB) As this spell is capable of leaping from one target to another, it is quite possible that it would inflict multiple attacks on one target.
Claws of the Umber Hulk (ToM) See Fist of Stone.
Conjure Animals (PHB) See M.S. I.
Death Fog (PHB) Same reason as why Cloudkill would be effective.
Death Spell (PHB) This spell circumvents the Stoneskin entirely.
Demi-Shadow Magic (PHB) See Shadow Magic.
Disintegrate (PHB) See Death Spell.
Double Steel (SeS) The magical double will not be affected by Stoneskin, since it is a product of magic.
Fire Eyes (SeS) The rays certainly count as attacks.
Forest's Fiery Constrictor (ToM) See Shades.
Gauntlet of Teeth (SeS) See Blade Barrier.
Monster Summoning IV (PHB) See M.S. I.
Shades (PHB) As the shades perform as real monsters, they will not be stopped by the Stoneskin spell, and will also deplete the Stoneskin.
The Howling Chain (SeS) See blade Barrier.
7th level:
Acid Storm (ToM) As the Acid Storm consists "of ...droplets", it is arguably so that each hp of damage consists of one droplet, and therefore the spell would reduce the Stoneskin correspondingly. Also, the damage would not be hindered by the Stoneskin, as the acid was magically conjured.
Alustriel's Sword of Stars (SeS) See Mordekainen's Sword.
Conjure Greater Elemental (DrK) See Conjure Elemental.
Delayed Blast Fireball (PHB) There are few situations where this baby is useless...
Finger of Death (PHB) See Death Spell.
Limited Wish (PHB) "I wish the Stoneskin on that man was dispelled."
Malec-Keth's Flame Fist (ToM) The flame is magical, and thus Stoneskin would not protect the target at all.
Monster Summoning V (PHB) See M.S. I.
Mordekainen's Sword (PHB) As the sword is a direct product of the spell, the sword would not be stopped by the Stoneskin, and would even deplete the Stoneskin normally.
Ongeldyn's Fist (SeS) See any Bigby spell on this list.
Prismatic Spray (PHB) Each ray that actually inflicted damage would probably be considered an attack.
Suffocate (ToM) This spell circumvents the Stoneskin completely.
8th level:
Abu-Dhalzim's Horrid Wilting (ToM) See Suffocate.
Bigby's Clenched Fist (PHB) As this spell is capable of attacking multiple rounds, it would be most effective against the Stoneskin.
Incendiary Cloud (PHB) When it starts to burn, the cloud would probably be considered attacks for the purpose of depleting the Stoneskin.
Laeral's Invisible Blade (SeS) See Mordekainen's Sword.
Lightning Ring (SeS) The ring can project multiple lightning bolts.
Monster Summoning VI (PHB) See M.S. I.
Net of Stars (SeS) See Flaming Sphere.
Rising Colossus (SeS) Keyword is "creates".
Serten's Spell Immunity (PHB) "You are immune to ... Stoneskin!"
9th level:
Bigby's Crushing Hand (PHB) I bet that this spell would be useful ...
Juggernaut (SeS) Keyword is "creates".
Maw of Chaos (SeS) Keyword is "calls into being".
Meteor Swarm (PHB) There's no such thing as too much firepower.
Monster Summoning VII (PHB) See M.S. I.
Spellstorm (SeS) Though the Stoneskin spell would protect against the weapons, the spell executes many attacks.
Wildfire (ToM) Weapons created would not be hindered by Stoneskin. Wildfire could also be used to simulate any other spell, for instance Acid Storm.
Wildwind (ToM) The damage sustained would probably count as attacks, similarly to Flame Arrow.
Wish (PHB) I wish that you and all your henchmen will forever more be immune to the Stoneskin spell... Bet that _that_ is a curse designed to impress and hurt.
Priest Spells:
1st level:
Magical Stone (PHB) Interestingly enough, this spell would not be of much use against the Stoneskin spell except as normal attacks, as it enchants some stones. Therefore the _agent_ of the attack wasn't created by the spell, and therefore the Stoneskin spell would protect against it. However, they _do_ count as three attacks, as attack rolls are unnecessary.
Shillelagh (PHB) Same reasoning as Magical Stone.
2nd level:
Dust Devil (PHB) Much the same logic as that applied to the Conjure Elemental spell in the Wizards' section.
Flame Blade (PHB) As the blade is created by the spell, Stoneskin is useless against it.
Heat Metal (PHB) This would probably count as multiple attacks, and would inflict damage as well.
Produce Flame (PHB) This spell can give multiple flames to throw, and is therefore useful against the Stoneskin spell.
Spiritual Hammer (PHB) Just as with the Produce Flame spell, this spell's damaging agent is wholly conjured by the spell itself, and therefore is effective against the Stoneskin spell.
Wyvern Watch (PHB) The strike would count as an attack if it hit.
3rd level:
Caltrops (ToM) The caltrops are magically created.
Conjure Lesser Elemental (DrK) See Conjure Elemental.
Dispel Magic (PHB) Same logic as for the wizard version.
Summon Insects (PHB) The Stoneskin would quickly succumb to this massed attack. Technically, each insect is one attack, but a suggestion would be to let each hp damage be the equivalent of 1-2 attacks (DM discretion).
4th level:
Animal Summoning I (PHB) See M.S. I.
Produce Fire (PHB) If the Stoneskinned target caught fire, the burning fire would probably count as multiple attacks.
Spell Immunity (PHB) "You are immune to ... Stoneskin!"
Sticks to Snakes (PHB) The snakes would quickly deplete the Stoneskin, though the Stoneskin would protect against them, as the sticks are only "changed into" snakes.
5th level:
Animal Summoning II (PHB) See M.S. I.
Insect Plague (PHB) The insects would quickly overcome the Stoneskin. See the spell Summon Insects.
6th level:
Aerial Servant (PHB) See M.S. I.
Animal Summoning III (PHB) See M.S. I.
Blade Barrier (PHB) This spell consists of "circling, razor-sharp blades". Therefore it is reasonable that they be considered multiple attacks for depleting the Stoneskin. As they are created magically, the Stoneskin won't protect the target.
Conjure Animals (PHB) See M.S. I.
Conjure Fire Elemental (PHB) See Conjure Elemental (Wizard spell)
Fire Seeds (PHB) The use of the word "creates", indicates that this spell ought to be effective against the Stoneskin spell.
Wall of Thorn (PHB) As the wall is created, it would be effective against the Stoneskin spell.
7th level:
Chariot of Sustarre (PHB) It is created from a spell, and will therefore be effective against the Stoneskin spell.
Conjure Earth Elemental (PHB) See Conjure Elemental (Wizard spell)
Conjure Greater Elemental (DrK) See Conjure Elemental.
Creeping Doom (PHB) This spell would make short work of Stoneskin.
Silt Cyclone (DrK) See the spell Ice Storm.
Tentacle Walls (ToM) See Evard's Black Tentacles.
Also consider something like "magical weapons" that would cut right through a Stoneskin - for instance a Major Creation object (for instance a longsword), which then receives a Permanency. As the object is the result of a spell, it would cut right through the Stoneskin.
Part 3: Non-Magical Neutralization of the Stoneskin spell.
Lastly, I believe that a good measure of the Material cost is 50 gp per foot of the creature to receive the spell - i.e. that the "typical" 6 ft. character will use 300 gp worth of diamond dust to get a Stoneskin spell cast on him.
I hope this has been instructive and helpful (yeah right). Read it and weep, Stoneskinners ;)